Graduation Dresses II

Of course my thoughts on graduation dresses could not all be expressed in just one post. I do love to overanalyze things and this is a topic that has occupied my thoughts for quite some time now (in between, 'Why oh why, is paper writing so hard? It should've gotten easier after four years...'). So here are some more of my thoughts:
Usually the saying goes, 'when all else fails, turn to the LBD.' I think graduation is the exception, because it would just be so...black! But if you must, I think these black dresses with some prints and patterns would be a great option to offset the blackness (left: Donna Ricco, right: Cynthia Steffe). I actually quite like the Cynthia Steffe. The cutting is simple and the pattern is subtle but interesting.
In the case for graduation, I think the saying should be, 'when all else fails, turn to the white dress.' Here we have a very classic white dress from Theory (left). Maybe you can add personality to it with some accessories? The other day, I saw graduation pictures of people with pearl necklaces and matching earrings, and it looked very elegant. For a bit more fun, this dress from Carmen Marc Valvo (right) is cute.
Of course, all else has not failed yet. You might want to go to the other extreme and go for bright florals. That would definitely brighten up the gown. The thing about graduation dresses, is that they should be daytime, but not too casual, maintaining a bit of modesty and decorum. That is a hard line to balance. You'd notice that I haven't picked anything too revealing nor too casual so far. The trick for floral dresses is to choose one with a clean cutting so it won't look too much.
You can also take a book from my page (I think I've decided on wearing my purple Marc by MJ dress from the last post) and go for a dress with a simple cutting but a bold color. I LOVE the simple yet elegant cutting of the blue Burberry dress (left), even though this blue is not my best color. My best color is of course, purple, like this purple on the Rory Beca dress (right).
I know I said nothing too low cut, but if you can carry it off, I LOVE this purple Nanette Lepore dress (left). The details are just so feminine and PRETTY. On the opposite end, there is this bolder block dress (right), from Theory. Whichever one suits your personality better.
Another great summer color (especially for SS08 as it is THE color) to think about is yellow. It is summery, refreshing, not too girly nor too dark and just super fun. There is this simple one from Vince (left). But personally I ADORE this yellow block dress from T Tahari (right). My friend got this (and I hope she keeps it!). The cutting is simple and elegant, and the block colors highlight the cutting of the dress, making it even more flattering for the wearer. Come to think of it, I want a yellow dress like this too!

Image Source: Saks, Nordstrom, Shopbop and Bloomingdales

Nike Dri-FIT Technology

When I was an early teen, I used to think sporty graphic t-shirts were the best. They were comfortable, matched with all my jeans and pants, and just seemed so cool. This was when I still had to wear school uniform to school and all before fashion made any sense to me. Thankfully I have grown up since then, learnt more about fashion and have realised that I am simply not the type of girl to wear sporty clothes in a cool way. The Nike tees I favoured weren't even the fashionable styles like the images above -they were the 'performance' types.

I am not saying that sporty tees are not cool. I'm just saying that I don't pull the style off. Actually, if I see someone in magazines wearing a sporty tee in a casual style and pulling it off, I automatically think she's either really pretty (thus manages to pull off all sort of style,) or that she's one of those cool, boyfriend-jeans-type-of girls. Although now that I think about it, those have usually been Adidas shirts.

In the past, I've always chosen white or light-coloured graphic tees by Nike. I've tried a Filas tee, but that didn't fit as well or look as pretty. Usually, the Nike tees are made of Nike's Dri-FIT material, which like the label above says, helps absorb sweat and helps cool you down. While I wouldn't say the shirts feel 100% 'breathable', they did feel air-ier than the tees by other brands. But for the past five years I've slowed down buying these tees until last month, I realised that my old ones either have holes in them or the colour has faded, so I visited sports shops and bought two. The strange thing is, after trying the two new tees for a month, I actually think the tees have improved a lot!

The shirt is really what the description says it is -the fabric is seriously 'breathable'. It absorbs sweat and allows air to get through to cool your body down. And very importantly, for such a 'breathable' shirt, it is not see-though, which you should not take for granted when it comes to light-coloured, airy, sporty tees.

I'm not sure what has changed. The label on the shirt looks slightly different -it now says FIT DRY instead of Dri-FIT, and there's the little label (image above) printed on the tees, but aren't they the same thing? The new tees also feel smoother and more slippery, like satin, than the old tees. OK, this is not worth over-analysing -Nike has probably just improved its material technology. But seriously, I love the material.

Nike has also used the technology for its other products. I bought a pair of sporty pants last December on sale (like this pair except mine is longer,) and they are so comfortable. I was walking in them on the streets and I could actually feel the cool London wind. So if you're the athletic type of girl who enjoys running outdoors, a pair of these breezy Nike pants would be perfect, (or at least I imagine it would be, since I don't actually run outdoors.)

On top of the two Nike tees, I also ignored my brand loyalty for Nike for 10 minutes and bought a tee by Adidas. While I love the design by Adidas a lot more (-I love the three gold stripes on the sleeves,) the fabric just felt like normal, sporty, cotton material. It definitely didn't feel as breezy as Nike's.

Which brand do you prefer your sports tee from? And if you've bought a Nike Dri-FIT tee recently, do you think they're actually more breathable, or am I just imagining it?

Image Credits: www.nike.com, www.urbanoutfitters.com

Cannes Festival Fashion 2008

Now that Cannes is over, it is time to admire the dresses! Its not quite as fun to look at as the ones from the Costume Institute, but we got to take our joy where we can find them.
Best dress definitely goes to Natalie Portman. I love how all her outfits are so cute, funny, girly and yet she still looks elegant.
I love the flirty red tiered dress! Not so hot on this black/white number though. It doesn't look very well made. Nor particularly flattering.
Something more sophisticated. Cate Blanchett looks great in Armani. Mischa looks stunning too in that rich royal blue gown. Though I think she looks a little too sophisticated for her age.
Aishwarya Rai looks classic in that silver dress. And I absolutely adore the back and the long train of Penelope Cruz's cream Marchesa dress.
Now onto the disasters. How did Chanel come up with these two hideous creations to adorn Madonna and Gweneth Paltrow with? Though Madonna's dress actually makes Gweneth's dress look not so bad! Dita von Teese looks pale and ghostly in this green Christian Lacroix creation. Ugh. She looks much better in the simple white wrap dress.
Linsday Lohan looks like she's wearing an expensive green Persian rug. Angelina Jolie actually looks quite pretty here . The cutting of this Max Azria dress quite her current figure perfectly. I also love how she chose to wear minimal make-up. She already naturally glows from her condition. The only thing though is that I don't like this color. It just looks so.... earthy and dirty. She'd look much better in a more vibrant color.
Milla Jovovich needs to fire or hire (if she hasn't already got one) a stylist. And go eat something. Are those rib bones I see (right in green)?

Image Source: NY Mag and Style Dash

Happy Memorial Day

Finally, the Thanksgiving of the Spring/Summer season! I already took advantage of the opportunity on Thursday (when Bloomies had their Girls Night Out) and snatched this cardigan I've been eying for a long time at more than half price off. But in case you still haven't been out and about, here are a few of my favourite sales picks from online boutiques: I am loving the vibrant colors and the flirty ruffles on these dresses from Catherina Malandrino (left) and Julie Haus (right). They are the perfect summery party dresses!
Something more classic, there are these two party picks from Cynthia Rowley (left) and Velvet (right). The thing about the Velvet dress though is that it might be more perfect for fall/winter, since they're long sleeved and black- even though black is perfect year round.
Something more glam, I like this sequins top from Vanessa Bruno (left). It is simple, matte but still glam. And these gold heels from Kors is also great. The peep toe makes it summery and the heels are just right and not too thin for a night of dancing.
In the daytime, we have this looks from Marc by Marc Jacobs (left). I love the retro preppiness of that block patterned polo. And I like how the shorts are tailored. Then there is this colorful top from Catherine Malandrino (right), which just looks super fun!
I love this pink top from Foley + Corinnna. I have something similar in black, but this shade just looks so much more fun! And this Karen Zambos dress (right) is simply adorable. I can imagine someone walking along a beach/resort-like area wearing it. Oh and its patriotic too!
Speaking of patriotic, so are these strappy sandals from Marc by Marc Jacobs (left). I've actually been eying these for some time too. I love the bright colors, the solid heels and the platform, which makes me think that they will be comfortable to walk in while still giving me height. They'd be perfect as my casual summer sandals for daily use. My concern is that the straps will hurt (they are thin after all) and since I've not seen it in real life, I fear it would not measure up to my expectations. And what if I get tired of them after a few weeks? They're not exactly the most "classic" style. Though it is 50% off now and the deal is actually quite good........

Another fun platform to look at are these Chloe's (right). They actually look more comfortable, considering the thick straps and all.
More casual shoes (both by Marc by MJ)! I have these red heels in white from last last season and thats why I'm loving the elegant peep toe style. They even seem to have improved the sole too! The material they used for the sole of the white heels last season was just not a good choice for summer shoes. Very absorbing and suffocating. Meh. (Though to solve that problem, you can always just add a pair of fragrant insoles in from Summer Soles ). Then there are these flip flops. Not sure if its worth getting Marc by MJ flip flops, but I saw a girl wear it in the elevator the other week, and the color is just great!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Image Source: Intermix Online and Shopbop

Skull on Fist

Another Skull done on the fist !!

Design Credited to Bob Tyrell. The Legend !!

Check his works here - http://www.bobtyrrell.com/

Lanvin Flats

When the Lanvin flats became a hit back a year or so back, with people like Nicole Richie, wearing it everywhere in different colors, I did not see the attraction. They honestly did not look any different from standard flats and I did not see where the $500USD price tag came from. They don't even have heels!
Out of curiosity though, I tried on a pair of red patent Lanvin flats (similar to the one above) the other day at Barneys- and I think I'm finally understanding where the price tag comes from. Even though it is about as thin as any other flats, they are REALLY comfortable. Like amazingly so. Seriously. I noticed the difference right after I tried it on. The sole was cushiony- like sneakers! I don't know how they do it. Even in patent leather, the scrunchy thing is super soft. Now I know what all the rave was about.

Still though, the price is a bit steep for flats. Maybe if they were $300.

Image Source: Barneys

Skull Over Scars

I had my friend Naren come in today, wanting to get something to cover up the scars he had on his inner forearm region. What better thing to do over the scars? A skull of course !!

The skull image is used in several religious cultures. The Indian god Kali is pictured with skulls in her wrathful form. Within the Kabbalistic tree of life, the skull symbolizes not death but rebirth, and is a celebration, not mournful time.

In Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, the skull is a reminder of death, but it reminds people that while death is a misfortune, it can also be seen as “the ultimate liberation.”

Gamblers enjoy using the skull as a “reverse bad luck” charm, hoping it will bring them good fortune. When used by gamblers, it is often accompanied by black cats and dice rolling seven.

Not all meanings are positive, however. The Nazi SS used the death’s head as a symbol, and many neo-Nazis still use the symbol in tattoos to this day.

For more : http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Skull_Tattoos

Forever 21 Summer Dresses

Now that SS08 is upon us (or at least it SHOULD be- I don't understand why it is still so cold!), I really want a very bright and colorful summer dress. Nothing too fancy. Just a simple, colorful jersey dress that I can wear casually to class or whatnot. Preferably a cheap one. What better place to look for one then Forever 21? And so, the other day, I went into the new store on Mag Mile (the one that replaced Virgin Records) to look for one.
At first, I was thrilled. They had lots of simple jersey dresses in a range of super bright colors at really cheap prices (i.e. $10-20)- exactly what I was looking for! So I grabbed as many as my arms can support and went to try them on in the changing room.

NONE of the dresses I tried fit me. I am not by all means, looking for something that fits me perfectly- just something that fits me decently. But still, NOTHING did. I tried on the two dresses above. I know that its a bit low cut, but I figured I can adjust it and maybe wear a lacey spaghetti strap underneath. Unfortunately the chest bit was too loose.
Ok, I can accept that maybe those dresses won't fit me because I have no chest and it will probably fit others better. But then I tried these two above, which really shouldn't require too much of a chest, and they STILL didn't fit. For the yellow one (left), I think the back was too loose. And for the red one (right), it was the chest again. Is it too much to ask for a simple (spaghetti strapped perhaps?), bright, cheap jersey dress that fits ok? How hard can it be?

Maybe, I am just deformed.

Image Source: Forever 21

In Vogue Book Giveaway - the Winners

Congratulations to the winners (-you know who you are). Winners will all receive a copy of In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine!

A few of our favourite quotes:

"I love Vogue because it's continuously given me new ideas, new inspiration, new fashion fantasies. Vogue is a constant resource for new ideas for me."

"whenever I need ideas I pick up an old Vogue from my shelf....the interesting colors and shapes and mish-mashes that Vogue puts together get me fired up and excited"

"Vogue is also reflective of our times and world issues. It was in Vogue years ago that I read about the French Muslim girl who shaved her head because she was not allowed to wear her hijab."

"One of my favorite fashion photos was in the September 2004 Vogue issue where two models, clad in fur, cupcakes in tow are shot waking out of Magnolia Bakery. What I particularly liked about this photo is Vogue’s ability to capture glamour yet present some ironies; models eating cupcakes? wearing fur in environmentally conscious times? "

"The sheer allure and fantastical world of fashion that Vogue brings to me is unparalleled by many standards. Vogue is to me, a window into fantasies of beauty; a reason to be snobbishly proud of my love for fashion and the arts."

"bold FASHION yet veiled statements all the while visually encapsulating"

Too Much Skin

Now that the weather is finally warmer, everyone has been taking their summer dresses out for a stroll in the sun. And its nice. Adds a lot more color and shape to the monotonous winter hues in the streets.
Unfortunately for me though, I've also been seeing a lot of skin. Too much skin. Maybe I am just conservative, but it really is not a pretty sight. A girl in class the other day was wearing a thin cotton summer dress with a very low v, very similar to the one shown above from UO. And for the three hour duration of the class, I could NOT stop staring at her chest! I am not being perverted here, its more like how people are drawn to look at a car wreck even though they know its going to be gruesome. The dress was just so LOW, it looked like her chest was going to spill out any minute with one of her wild gestures- and I don't think she was wearing a bra!

Personally I don't really have this problem because a) my chest is non existent b) I don't have a dress like that because I think it is too low cut, it doesn't fit me well and there is not a bra I can think of that will work (and going bra-less feels weird) c) even if I DO have such a dress, I'd probably wear something like a laced spaghetti strap underneath. Not that I am saying there is anything wrong with a dress of this cut. It can be very flattering on the right body shape. What I AM trying to say is that should you be wearing one PLEASE be aware not to expose too much skin. I don't mean to be a prude, but it is just not sexy or in any way aesthetically pleasing. Take in the straps. Wear something underneath. Anything.

And while we are on the subject of over exposure, if your summer dress happens to be super sheer like the one above, please remember to wear a slip or under-skirt underneath. We don't need to know what underwear you are wearing or the shape of your legs under the dress.

Image Source: Urban Outfitters

4th Event @ Chillies

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls of all ages who have helped in contributing to the counter hits by clicking on my site for the past year or so. I thank you all !!

The 4th Event - The Final Event. Immortal Nite @ Chillies !!

Before I start off, I just want to let you guys know, we were all wasted even before the whole tattoo event began for that night. How did we pull it off? Well, what can I say? Feast your eyes on the visuals!!

(*For those who don't know what the term "wasted" is, I don't wish to explain anyway.) Hehe !!

Dave - The Man - The Canvas - Al Pacino's Body Double !!

Yes !! We are the Golden Girls...

Naren - Ma' Boy !! ( The one who got the Dotted Chucky in my very first event )

Feeding Time for Ms.Kim - Oh No !!

No idea what they looking at, but ya...

Area is Reserved? Where did that come from?

Rock on !! Lets get the engine started !!

I have no memory of posing for this picture...Trust me!!

So here we go. Rain or shine or being wasted - Show must go on!

So this is what we have in the end..But, the Party doesn't stop here for us !!

I swear its just Lime Juice !! Ask Dave, he will tell you...

Too Much of Magic in the System !!

Rockin On with Kim !!

Dave - Partyin on !!

What can I say? Emo Moments? EMO SUCK !!

Without a doubt, Dave stole the night, going home wasted, getting tattooed and what more can you get?

Hereby, I am signing off again !! See ya'all again real soon !! Thanks for the support and Love ya'all !!