Anything Barbie and Hello Kitty touch turn into gold

Barbie may as well be the longest and highest selling face in endorsement history. Girl knows how to sell!  and she is working it with all the collabs this year.

Barbie x Lady Gaga (sizzling)

Barbie x LeSportsac

     

Barbie x Samsung X-series

Barbie by David Dixon (s/s 10)

Barbie by Nicki Minaj

Meanwhile, Kitty over here is gettin' her  grind on...as per usual.

hello kitty x Olympics 2014

hello kitty x New Era (FREH!)

hello kitty x Che Che

hello kitty x capcom's Monster Hunter

hello kitty x Wu Tang Clan

hello kitty x wine

Hot girls at Shibuya 109

The majority of the girls we saw at Shibuya fall into the generic category of "brown hair, big eyes, fake lashes" look.  Having said that, I have to admit that many of them are pretty hot and props to their makeup skills to being able to stand out of thousands that are rocking the exact same look.  The trend this spring became obvious to us after almost all stores at Shibuya 109 are selling almost exact same items.  In almost every shop, sales and patrons are dressed in floral print tops with light colour denim, an oversized bow or do-rag headband, and caramel colour leather accessories. At the time, I felt a huge urge to conform and jump on the floral, big bow bandwagon. I ended up buying an outfit that looked like a school girl uniform out of spur of the moment.  Maybe because I was in Japan and I wanted to get down with the fashion culture (Kogal?) and turn back the hands of time back to my youth.  I will post the picture of the outfit later.   The store I bought the outfit/costume from is called Scandals (....), a himegyaru store.  I've always been intrigued with hime dolly looks, so it was sort of a part of the list.  In the meantime, here are some info. on Japan gyaru fashion.

How to do gyaru eye makeup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcmVUftrM50&feature=related

Cheap sunglasses damage your eyes

As I am walking through the street markets in Thailand, I am bombarded with temptations to buy cheap fashion sunglasses at 50 bath ($1.50). Though they are super cute, I can probably only wear them indoor. Recent studies have shown that, wearing sunglasses without UV protection could cause more damage to your eyes than not wearing sunglasses at all!

Putting on sunglasses causes your eyes to dilate, letting more light in and in the case of sunglasses not offering UV protection, more UV rays as well.

UV radiation from the sun can damage not only the skin of your eyelids but also the clear outer parts of the eye — the cornea and conjunctiva. UV exposure also contributes to the development of certain types of cataracts, leading to burns, blindness, and increases the risk of cancer (Environmental Graffiti).

When you’re choosing sunglasses, look for UV protection details on product labels. Choose sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UVB rays and at least 95 percent of UVA rays. This level of UV protection is in accordance with guidelines established by the American National Standards Institute (mayoclinic).

So spend a little more on the sunglasses and don’t risk your health for a good bargain!

My latest crush

I am absolutely digging this violet colour nail polish I discovered at my aunt's salon. It has just the right shade, hue, and gloss. It's not too flashy and not too light. I haven't stumbled upon this unique shade before. Unfortunately, it is from a no name brand which is leading me to a quest to find where exactly I can get more for myself! And another journey begins...

Bryanboy in Zara coat at Anna Sui fashion show

Bryanboy rocked the house wearing faux leather jacket from Zara at Anna Sui Fashion show. I thought it was pretty rad in many ways: 1. He wasn't ashamed to admit that he got it on sale and from last season 2. He didn't have to always wear labels and high end brands to impress the top dogs and other fashionistas 3. People on the streets were in awe 4. People at the fashion house also loved it!

Way to go BB!

Check out the photo of the coat and the rest of the story here.

spring/summer 2010 trends I dig

Here is a summarization of a few of my favourite trends emerging this season. A little delayed but I guess better late than never.

True Romance

Victor & Rolf via Style.com

via Style.com

Back to the Future (Oversized ruffles and draping)

Victor & Rolf, Lanvin

I love Victor & Rolf's over-the-top collections of massive ruffles, tulle skirt dress, and draping. The contrasting style and silouhette are reminiscent of the fierceness from the 80's. The look is revitalized by creating a harmony of geometric shapes and soft feminine curves. When I look at this collection, I find it so dynamic since I interpret it in so many different ways. At first glance, a cute girly ballerina, but if you look closely the details show that she is fierce and means business, the embellishments give a hint of futuristic glamour at the same time. Lanvin's collection shows to be more subtle using thicker, solid colour fabric and stiffer folds in ruffles. Nonetheless, the playfulness and sophistication are coupled impeccably. This summer, a one shoulder or strapless, solid colour, cocktail dresses with oversized ruffles become a basic staple for the hot mamas out there. This piece is going to turn heads on its own, so be sure to go easy with choosing accessories. Avoid big chunky necklaces and over accessorizing as they will take the attention away from the dress and make you look cluttered.

Jean Paul Gautier via style.com Roberto Cavalli via Style.com

The Bare Essential

Marc Jacobs, Dior, Roberto Cavalli, Isaac Mizrahi, Jean Paul Gautier

Apparently, this summer's temperature is going to skyrocket off the chart. Luckily, the designers already got this under control for us and no longer do we have to drench in sweats. This season, the sexiness leaves the bedroom. When underwear becomes outerwear, I automatically think of Britney Spear's "Slave for You" MV. However, the lingerie look gives much more elegance without being overtly sexual. The style, inspired by the romantic look of the 40's, offers a more nostalgic sensuality. Bras and corsets are worn over dresses, or under a sheer top or blazer. Sheer fabric such as silk and chiffon are light and breathable, perfect to wear as shirts and dresses. Light neutral and pastel colours such and nude, ivory, and light pink give out the subtle flirty vibe. Fitted corset accentuates the sensuality of the feminine curve that would intrigue and entice every straight guy. Don't forget full lips, and voluminous wavy hair to complete the look.

RIP Alexander the Great

Los Angeles Times reports, Alexander McQueen, the fashion world's reigning provocateur who helped elevate British fashion to the international stage with his unconventional and sometimes macabre designs, was found dead Thursday at his home in London. He was 40.

The police have not released an official report on the cause of death, but his press representatives at KCD Worldwide said it appeared to be a suicide.

As a designer, McQueen was not only a technical genius but a creative genius as well. His theatrical runway productions were often controversial, casting models as witches, rape victims and mental patients, challenging the notions of what is beautiful and what is grotesque.

He was known for rigorously tailored jackets, second-skin repeating-pattern leggings and dresses, gravity-defying lobster-claw shoes -- which Lady Gaga daringly donned in her "Bad Romance" video -- and a fascination with the macabre that lent itself to suitcases with rib-cage motifs and sweaters with cable-knit skulls and crossbones.

"A gifted iconoclast, who could just as easily be creating art as fashion," was how former Times fashion editor Mimi Avins described McQueen upon seeing his clothes for the first time in 1996.

Eric Jennings, vice president and men's fashion director of Saks Fifth Avenue who was among the buyers and media members attending McQueen's Milan menswear show last month, described the designer Thursday as an icon.

"It's a tragedy; Alexander McQueen has been a tremendous resource for us," Jennings said.

Death seemed never to be far from McQueen's mind both on the runway and off. In a 2008 interview with The Times the day before his 39th birthday, he said the suicide of his longtime friend and mentor, the eccentric stylist Isabella Blow, had a profound effect on him.

And at what turned out to be his final runway show, the presentation of his fall menswear collection last month in Milan, the macabre was manifested as a repeating photo-realistic print pattern that evoked the neatly stacked piles of bones found in catacombs.

McQueen's death comes days after his mother Joyce's death Feb. 2, and weeks before he was due to present his fall women's collection in Paris. He is survived by his father, Ron, and five siblings, Janet McQueen, Tracey Chapman, Jacqui McQueen, Tony McQueen and Michael McQueen.

Platinum Fashion mall pt.2: the replicas

So I stumbled upon what appeared to be the exact replica of the Zara TRF military dress from the winter 09 collection. The only difference in is the fabric which was used; a thin version of cool wool or something along the line that is used for men's trousers.

The knockoff is being sold at least at 2 stores in the mall for 350 bath ($11 CDN). The tag on the dress is from another brand completely.

T__T cry

Of course I wasn't able to take pictures of the knockoffs without risking getting beat down by vendors. But trust that the resemblance is uncanning.

Another item I found is the faux leather belt which I had also purchased same winter collection.

I didn't ask how much exactly the knockoff belt was but I am guessing it's around 200 bath at most ($7 CDN). Some other common knockoffs were 5718 knits (sans labels, I was told they came from factories in Cambodia), not only Zara replica, but also H&M and others alike are being sold wholesale at 100 bath ($4.50 CDN).

BKK shopping spree: Enough is never enough

My favourite spot to shop in Thailand is at Platinum Fashion mall, the ultimate wholesale mall which sells every category in fashion from clothes, shoes, accessories, makeup, the list goes on. With over 2000 shops in one mall, it's almost impossible not to be overwhelmed by the never ending amount of styles offered at whole sale prices. So if you are ever in Thailand and want to survive Platinum Fashion mall (it will take the whole entire day), you may be interested to read some of the tips I have to offer.

First, always start from the first floor and work your way up. I find that the shops on the first floor have more fashionable shops (a lot of the styles are super korean/japanese influenced, but made in china). I also found that they have better deals and prices for a descent thin knit starts at 140 - 150 bath (around $5 CDN). Most shops will have price signs displaying their most competitive price. I can usually get several cute tunics, dresses, or skirts starting at 150 bath each ($5 CDN). Because this is a wholesale mall, most shops offer you lower prices when you buy wholesale amount which is 2-3 items, depending with the store. If you are a foreigner and don't speak Thai, always observe the price signs first and then try to bargain more once you get the wholesale price. Some places will give you a deal, some places won't.

2 purses I copped for 660 bath ($22) for both.

Before you purchase anything, always make sure that the sizes fit. Most places won't let you try on the clothes so you'll have to guesstimate. The quality of the construction isn't always up to standards either (you get what you pay for), so be mentality ready if your clothes or shoes don't last more than one season. There's no refund or exchanges even if the size doesn't fit. So you can take my mistake here as a lesson learned for all!

So I've been to this mall several times, and today I bought 2 cute mini skirts at 150 bath each. I looked at both skirts and they seemingly appear to be the same size. Blinded by the low price and the sheer amount of cuteness hanging on the rack, I was careless enough not to double check if both will actually fit (buy now think later!) However when I took them home to try them on, one of them only fit ONE of my legs! see pictures.

As you can see, the sizes are not up to standards and they usually come pretty small (size 0 is extra small, size 2 is small, size 4 is medium, size 6 is large to extra large). Since I'm not in this category myself, I don't recommend buying bottoms here unless you are size 0 to 4.

Despite mishap, I still got 2 purses, 2 cardigans, a laced bolero (all of which fit), eye makeup tools, 2 belts, lingerie for less than 2000 bath (around $65 CDN). Shopping at Platinum Fashion mall is still my favourite excursion in Thailand and I can't wait to go back there again.

Platinum Fashion mall is located at 542/21 Petchaburi Road, Bangkok, Thailand.

Barbie by Christian Louboutin

In what appears to be the most exciting Barbie collaboration so far, the latest Barbie collection designed by Christian Louboutin has hit Net-A-Porter earlier this week. I was drooling once I saw the golden studded sandals worn by Cat Burglar Barbie.

The project includes the Barbie-pink, red-soled Louboutin shoes that premiered in Barbie’s birthday runway show during New York Fashion Week in February, a Barbie doll and accessories collection customized by the designer and a diary filled with images of Louboutin and Barbie as they explore the cobbler’s favorite things.

The three dolls, packaged in Louboutin shoe boxes, each come with four pairs of Barbie-size Louboutin heels. In December, Mattel will unveil Louboutin’s jewel thief-themed Barbie; in February, it will add a safari-themed Barbie, and for May, Louboutin designed a Barbie that goes to the Cannes Film Festival. The $150 dolls will be sold through BarbieCollector.com and at Net-a-porter.com, which is Mattel’s exclusive partner for this project and will be selling dolls for the first time. In September, both sites also will offer a Christian Louboutin Barbie shoe collection of 12 pairs for $40 a set (WWD).

The set comes with 4 gorgeous pairs for Barbie to switch around in. Being sold (ONLY) at $150, this limited edition Cat Burglar Barbie doll is already sold out online. The duo's book "My Year in Paris with Christian LeBoutin" reveals a super feminine and classic look designed for Miss Barbie by the Great Christian LeBoutin.