Chucking Everyday

I read yesterday that the last episode of Gossip Girl was just filmed. I'm ashamed to say that I used to be an avid fan-girl in the earlier seasons. Then things got a bit too ridiculous and I gave up. I stopped after Season 4 but I think it's time to bring the guilty pleasure back. Mainly because of guy:

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Yep, Chuck Bass, or Ed Westwick - it really doesn't matter. His style is basically everything I look for in a guy. Keeping in mind that for me, men in suits is like porn. There is just nothing wrong with his style - I just love his traditional windsor look, immaculate tailoring, mix of fabrics, colour, etc...Anyways, enough obsessing - in honour of the looming end of Chuck Bass on television, I'm going to give a brief low down on the ways that he has suited up. 

Single Breasted 

Double Breasted

Three Piece 

I couldn't find a photo with the jacket on but you get the point - sexy.

Print/Colour

And please throw suspenders in the mix

You can order more than one desert

I remember I was a senior in high school when I first came across Nora Ephron, which is strange considering You've Got Mail (which she wrote and directed) has always been one of my favourite films. I read her book I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts About Being a Woman in one day. Her writing is always so funny yet enlightening. I've re-read the book a few times since, getting something new from it each time as I get older and change the way I feel about myself and the world. I was really heartbroken when she died earlier this year since she was a huge inspiration to me. So I just wanted to pay a little tribute to her, share some of her wisdom, and hope that you guys take something from her advice as well. xoxo 

The Perfect Wedding?

Vanessa Traina's wedding photos really took my breath away! The dress (custom Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy), the veil, the venue, the flowers, the guests...it looks like a dream.

Photos via Vogue.com

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

I've been listening to a lot of Gil Scott Heron lately. He's an American jazz, blues and soul singer and poet who is known for the political content of his lyrics and his spoken word performances. He was an influential figure in the development of contemporary rap, hip hop and R&B. Some of his more politically and socially charged material is quite intense and probably not good for everyday relaxed listening but it's still quite inspirational on days when you need a little lift. The link below is one of his most famous compositions; "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" came out in 1970 and echoes the emotions and sentiments of many 1960s counterculture movements. I've never been a very big jazz and blues fan but it's difficult to narrowly define his music. Some songs like "The Bottle" has quite a mainstream feel (kind of reminds me of the style of John Legend). So definitely check out the musician who paved the way for a whole generation of artists!

Tracey Emin: Those Who Suffer Love

"Using experiences from her own live, Travey Emin often reveals painful situations with brutal honestly and poetic humour. The person expands to the universal in the way Emin takes a feeling about her life and forms it into a genuine expression of human emotion." - The Saatchi Gallery

I just wanted to take a few minutes to share one of my favourite modern artists - Tracey Emin. She's a part of a group called the Young British Artists (YBAs) and already renowned in the London art scene; her work is quite eclectic, ranging from photography to installations. I first found out about her in an article about how Charles Saatchi bought her 'My Bed' for his gallery (it was originally exhibited in the Tate). Not everything she does is to my taste, maybe it's the shock value behind them, but I am a big fan of her neon installations. Hope some of this inspires you! 

"My Bed"

"Sleep"

"Sad Shower"

"I've Got it All"

"Untitled"

"Untitled"

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Film Review: Rent

Rent is by far my favourite musical of all time. I always listen to the soundtrack when I'm feeling down. The film, directed by Christopher Columbus, was quite good as well. I've always been so intrigued by the topic (it tackled the issue of AIDS sufferers in the 1990/80s) and the culture of Alphabet City during that time. It's based on Puccini's La vie Boheme, so there are themes of social marginalisation and counterculture. But what's emphasised above all of that is friendship, love, and living your life in the moment. I know musicals aren't for everyone but I feel like this one is quite watchable even for those who don't like people spontaneously bursting into song. There are not huge dance numbers and a lot of the songs sound very pop rock as opposed to prancing-over zealous musical numbers. 

Unfortunately, it's no longer running on Broadway but I hope you get the chance to watch the film if you haven't already - here are some stills! 

Alphabet City Chic

From my favourite song

Musings: Thom Browne

In terms of menswear, no one inspires me more than Thom Browne. I'm just infatuated with everything he does. Apparently, his muse was Pee-wee Herman - how can you get more endearing than that? 

Winter Delights

Winter Delights by mc667 featuring wool sweaters

All About Highlighting

I think highlighting is one of the most important steps in makeup. It can make you appear so fresh-faced and contoured without look like you put on too much makeup. I never apply bronzer and rarely apply blush because I feel like it can look really obvious. For me, highlighting is enough on a day to day basis for giving my face more dimension.

I usually dust (or dab) the powder down the bridge of my nose, cupids bow, cheekbones and chin. I sometimes dust some on my forehead as well.

For the eyes, highlighting your brow bone is obviously the most important. I dislike really white highlighters - it shouldn't really be visible, it should just have a sheen. MAC naked lunch is a good one as well. I love applying some on my inner corner as well.

This MAC highlighter actually came with my brow powder and is meant for your brow bone. I find that when applied sparingly on the cheekbones or nose bridge, it can have a really nice effect. I think the main thing is that it's mostly a sheen and is skin coloured, so it looks better than a shimmery power. (Pictured below - I hope you can see the very subtle effect it gives)

The Guerlain meteorites are really good for highlighting on days when I'm going out. It seems quite subtle under normal light but can have the disco-ball effect under the sun. I actually mix it with my regular power (MAC mineralised skinfinish natural) on some days and dust it all over my face for an all over glow.

I used to use liquid highlighters like the Body Shop one. It was good but I found it hard to work with at times. It would mix badly with the foundation and you have to use the smalled amount. I just find powder highlighters to be less high maintenance.

What are some of your favourite highlighters? 

Product Rave: Lush Colour Cosmetics

It's pretty much impossible not to like Lush. I'm no exception, so, understandably, I was super excited to try out some of their new cosmetics products. 

One that stood out to me was their liquid eye colours. The idea isn't very novel and I've tried liquid eyeshadows before and have found them to be quite cakey. But the consistent of this product is amazing! It's so lightweight and and the sheen is so subtle and quite beautiful. I

've been wearing it a lot recently and it makes applying eye makeup so easy! I literally dab some on the back of my hand and tap it on the lid. A little goes a long way and it stays quite well the entire day without creasing, although I don't have very oily lids. Enough ranting - here are some pics! 

It has a doe foot applicator. I got a neutral beige/taupe colour. There are so many available (love the packaging - perfect for the collectors out there)

I'm not sure if the Colour Brilliance collection is out in the UK just yet, I got mine in Hong Kong but its under new products on the Lush site.

Has anyone tried Lush's other cosmetics? Their foundation (Colour Essentials) is next on my list! 

The Sensitive Plant

"For love and beauty and delight, there is no death nor change." 

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Marc Jacobs Dot

I have a confession to make - I bought this fragrance almost without trying it first. It is definitely not something I recommend. The story goes: I was shopping around in duty free at the airport and knew that I had no perfume to use at my new destination. I had heard of Marc Jacobs's new perfume a few months ago and was dying to try it, as I am a long user of Daisy. So I took a leap of faith and bought it after my first test spray. I just started using it a few days ago even though I've had it for a month. I had a tiny supply of Daisy left in my Travalo, so I've been using that - I guess I've been subconsciously nervous that I had made a mistake? 

Here's the description of notes in the fragrance: 

This light and juicy fragrance has top notes of red berries, dragonfruit and sweet honeysuckle. A lush floral heart blooms with jasmine energised by notes of coconut water and orange blossom. Lingering notes of creamy vanilla, driftwood and sensual musk round off this charming and sophisticated scent.

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to disagree with this description. It's supposed to be a fruity scent but the top notes just don't come through as much as they should. When it's first sprayed, you can definitely smell the dragonfruit, red berries, and a bit of honeysuckle. But they don't linger very long and the scent dries down to a mostly floral scent - with the orange blossom standing out more than any other note. I can't really say anything about the vanilla, driftwood and musk - maybe it's because I'm just getting over a cold but it just doesn't seem like a very complex fragrance overall. As for staying power, I have to say it's pretty average, even weak, it lasts about 2 -3 hours on me. 

So Dot, I would say, is perfect for what it is: a fun or "charming" fragrance. Although it's nothing special, I think it's a good non offensive scent for everyday use, which is on par with my general attitude about Daisy. If you're a diehard Marc Jacobs fan, then go for it (or even for the disgustingly cute bottle?) but I would say pass if you're looking for something sophisticated or unique. 

Mulberry AW12

Just wanted to share some photos from the Mulberry AW12 campaign. It's just so whimsical - definitely my favourite one thus far! And I think Lindsey Wixon has the perfect look for it. Photos by Tim Walker. 

Images via the Mulberry Blog