Maybe I Have Been Watching Too Much Law & Order And CSI

I was reading in WWD today that Prada has separated Jil and Helmut's financial results from the rest of the Prada group. The statement states that Prada is isolating "nonstrategic brands (Jil Sander and Helmut Lang) from the core group with a view to their subsequent disposal."
Wouldn't a Conspiracy Theorist postulate that Prada bought Jil and Helmut (at the time Prada's main competitors) just to run them into the ground? Think about it, with Tom Ford gone from Gucci and Prada now predicting $1.83 billion in sales by 2010, didn't Bertelli come out the big winner? Can't you imagine a "Ripped from the Headlines" L&O with Glen Close as a Fatal Attractionish Jil Sander going murderess on a Dennis Hopper's Patrizio Bertelli.

Maybe I Have Been Watching Too Much Law & Order And CSI

I was reading in WWD today that Prada has separated Jil and Helmut's financial results from the rest of the Prada group. The statement states that Prada is isolating "nonstrategic brands (Jil Sander and Helmut Lang) from the core group with a view to their subsequent disposal."
Wouldn't a Conspiracy Theorist postulate that Prada bought Jil and Helmut (at the time Prada's main competitors) just to run them into the ground? Think about it, with Tom Ford gone from Gucci and Prada now predicting $1.83 billion in sales by 2010, didn't Bertelli come out the big winner? Can't you imagine a "Ripped from the Headlines" L&O with Glen Close as a Fatal Attractionish Jil Sander going murderess on a Dennis Hopper's Patrizio Bertelli.

Play It Up on Halloween

To most of us who are already past the trick-or-treating age, Halloween really doesn't mean much. It's not even a public holiday! And what is the point of Halloween anyways? This was what I thought of Halloween -that was until I watched One Tree Hill last week.

I instantly fell in love with Peyton's whole look, esp her makeup. Here, she was supposed to be 'angel of death', and she had a pretty pair of black wings to go with her theme. What really struck me was how well her makeup was done -it was certainly more creative than your usual gothic-style makeup!

This picture doesn't look as good as when it was on TV, but you can see what I mean by creative makeup. The redish eye shadow is not only applied to the eyelid but also around the eyes, making her more playful than scary. And those dark streaks in her hair and gothic lips make the 'angel of death' look so much more interesting.

It hit me that Halloween is THE perfect time to play around with 'looks' that we usually wouldn't wear. The catwalks always offer many beautiful, fun, yet totally unwearable looks. Today is THE day we can experiment and live up to the Halloween spirit without looking tacky!

Chanel FW05 -The Chanel mod look is one of the most talked about looks in style magazines this season, but have you noticed that nobody is wearing it on the streets? It's a really bold look which few can pull off nowadays. For those mod-loving gals, tonight is a chance to dress and get made-up completely mod and feel like you're in the 60s again!

Dolce & Gabbana FW05 -We all know the Russian look is 'in' this year, but unless you're Kate Moss, you really can't walk around the streets wearing a Russian hat. So why not play with the Russian look tongiht and dress fashionably at the same time!

Speaking of dressing creatively and out-of-this-world, how could we forget the recent SS06 John Galliano show? Whereas usually we can only think the Galliano show as a theatrical show, you can take inspiration and make it your Halloween look.

Another example of the gothic look, only this one is more lady-like. Large shimmers around the eyes make it so much more eye-catching and glamourous.

Or you can have a traditional ethnic look with an artistic twist. If you're too lazy to think of a Halloween look, then simply play up your (or other) nationality's traditions. Remember to fix up your hair too!

If you're feeling very playful in a non-slutty way, get this very fashionable girly alien look. Compliment this look with a light dress or ballerina outfit. Who says you can't look pretty on Halloween?

So don't be afraid to play up your makeup tonight!

Chess King....Greenwich Village, New York

The Village Chess Shop is one of those only in New York places. Opened in 1972, its history is written on the faces of its long-time members and on the yellowing newspaper articles that decorate its walls. The Village Chess Shop is one of those places that is a world unto itself. When a regular enters, they are greeted like Norm at Cheers. Pick-up games are played day and night (until midnight!), every day of the week. I mean really, where but New York would you to able to support an all-night chess den, let alone two. The Chess Forum opened six years ago across the street and runs a similar schedule, if only slightly less steeped in history.

Chess King....Greenwich Village, New York

The Village Chess Shop is one of those only in New York places. Opened in 1972, its history is written on the faces of its long-time members and on the yellowing newspaper articles that decorate its walls. The Village Chess Shop is one of those places that is a world unto itself. When a regular enters, they are greeted like Norm at Cheers. Pick-up games are played day and night (until midnight!), every day of the week. I mean really, where but New York would you to able to support an all-night chess den, let alone two. The Chess Forum opened six years ago across the street and runs a similar schedule, if only slightly less steeped in history.

Trusting Your Facialist

Obviously we all put a lot of trust in our facialist. I mean, this is not our legs, arms, feet or anything else that can be easily hidden under clothing if the operation goes awry. This is our FACE, we can't avoid showing that to people unless we plan to hibernate in our room forever. So my question is, how do we know who to trust?

The other day, taking advantage of the discounts offered by chicagobeauty.com in honor of the National Breast Cancer Awareness month, I took a leap of fate and randomly booked an facial appointment at one of the places listed. Fine it wasn't that random, we did make sure it was located in a respectable area so it couldn't possibly go that wrong. But who would've thought that such a small, rather cluttered and old facial place could exist there? Naturally when we got a glimpse of the place, we were hesistant and very concerned about the quality of the facial. We stucked it out in the end though. But I was so worried that I just couldn't relax properly.

I don't want to judge the quality of the facial just yet, because I'm still giving it a day or two of grace period to recover from all the redness before deciding. But this experience brings up the question of how one should pick their facialist. In my previous experiences, I usually go by the word of mouth (my mom) or pick one that is trustworthy by brand and reputation like Georgette Klinger or spa's located within 5 star hotels. I know that expensive doesn't always mean good, it does buy you a sense of security.

So when trying out new facial places you know little about, what inspires more trust and confident in you- a posh place with an ambience of professionalism, or a no frills place with a more home-made natural approach?

The Coolest Cat in Williamsburg

The Coolest Cat in Williamsburg

Savile Row Tailor Thomas Mahon in New York

Thomas Mahon ,Savile Row Tailor and author of the blog English Cut, was in New York recently taking orders from his growing American clientele. The Sartorialist asked Thomas a few questions before the beer started flowing.

How is your American customer different from your English or French customer?
The Americans appreciate that I travel to see them. Because London and Paris are closer, there it's taken more for granted. My traveling is especially appreciated on the US West Coast.

Has your blog had an effect on your business? if so more in the UK or the US?
The blog has helped my business considerably, especially in America. Where it has proved particuarly helpful is bringing new people into the Savile Row experience, which has always been a problem for us tailors..
How has the aura of "Savile Row" shaped the expectations of your
American customers. Do they insist on a very traditional "English Cut".
Very much so. My customers are particualarly looking for something to differentiate themselves from the far more common Italian style, which I'm happy to do for them.

What would you like to see more American men wearing?
More bespoke, from anyone- Italian, English, Hong Kong, it doesn't matter.

What is the most satisfying element of your work?
A delighted customer, and maybe a shared drink afterwards.

Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp which would you most like to dress?
I have no preference. However, if I could choose an actor, it would have to be Daniel Craig, the new James Bond. He's got a bit of an edge to him.

Savile Row Tailor Thomas Mahon in New York

Thomas Mahon ,Savile Row Tailor and author of the blog English Cut, was in New York recently taking orders from his growing American clientele. The Sartorialist asked Thomas a few questions before the beer started flowing.

How is your American customer different from your English or French customer?
The Americans appreciate that I travel to see them. Because London and Paris are closer, there it's taken more for granted. My traveling is especially appreciated on the US West Coast.

Has your blog had an effect on your business? if so more in the UK or the US?
The blog has helped my business considerably, especially in America. Where it has proved particuarly helpful is bringing new people into the Savile Row experience, which has always been a problem for us tailors..
How has the aura of "Savile Row" shaped the expectations of your
American customers. Do they insist on a very traditional "English Cut".
Very much so. My customers are particualarly looking for something to differentiate themselves from the far more common Italian style, which I'm happy to do for them.

What would you like to see more American men wearing?
More bespoke, from anyone- Italian, English, Hong Kong, it doesn't matter.

What is the most satisfying element of your work?
A delighted customer, and maybe a shared drink afterwards.

Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp which would you most like to dress?
I have no preference. However, if I could choose an actor, it would have to be Daniel Craig, the new James Bond. He's got a bit of an edge to him.

Cute Chunky Cardigans

LOL an alliteration. And yes I know. Cardigans are usually a tad old for us. But looking around and seeing girls looking so cozy, cute and effortlessly casual in their chunky cardigans, has made me think that maybe with the right combination, its not so bad after all! So here are some of my inspirations on how to wear a cardigan in a more fashionable and young way.

A sure way to avoid looking old is to get a cardigan that is way off the norm that it can barely be called a cardigan. Like this one from Free People, with the random patch work, short length and floral trimming. Definitely not something you'd see grandma wearing. I also love how they matched it with a bright colorful but plain spaghetti strap here.

Taking this the other way around, you can match a plain chunky cardigan, like this one from Top Shop. . .

. . and match it with an interesting, printed/patterned/striped colorful spaghetti strap.

Same idea here with this short sleeved cardigan over a printed long sleeved tee from Urban Outfitters by Lux. The layering of a chunky cardigan over a thin tee is just right and not too messy. Although I must say, I'm not very fond of this xmas color scheme at all.

But my favourite cardigan look is this one from Free People. Actually I'm not even sure if it can be termed as a cardigan, but it IS chunky, cute and cozy right? I just LOVE how they matched this outfit. I saw a designer do it this summer at work, and I thought, "wow, who would've thought a dress shirt and a cardigan would go so well?"

Then there are the more conventional long cardigans, like this one from Anthropoligie. Worn simply like this in a contrast with the simple tee inside, it just soo effortlessly casual. But again, maybe not red and green unless its xmas. Black and magenta? Dark purple and forrest green?

Grey and gold? Grey and red? (this one is from Abercrombie)

Then there is the traditional cream cable cardigan. This look, over a denim blazer and shirt, is so country American, that it can only be from Ralph Lauren, Polo Sport.

Of course, a splash of funky, dangly accessories (this one from UO) always helps to give a touch of style to an outfit!

So go out and have fun with cardigans! Fall is the perfect weather to wear it, don't wait until its too cold!

On The Street.... Midtown, Manhattan

On The Street.... Midtown, Manhattan

Hairstyle Trend Fall/Winter 2005 I

This season, 60s hairstyles are big -and I mean that literally. Here, I don't mean the super straight hair, mod hairstlye, I'm talking about the big and glamourous hairstyle. Think Jean Shrimpton. Here are some wonderful inspirations:

Dolce & Gabanna FW05
Dolce & Gabbana FW05
Alexander Mc Queen FW05

I LOVE the Dolce & Gabanna hairstyle -so gorgeous! The Alexander Mc Queen hairstyle is a bit too frizzy, but still a great example of this hairstyle. So let's break this hairstyle into two simple things we need to focus on: volume and tamed hair.

So how do you achieve this gorgeous hairstyle? Well, for the Dolce & Gabbana catwalk show, the hairstylists had to do this:

Obviously, we don't all have the luxury of having professional hairstylists do all that for us. So here's a simple way which we can all do at home:

Firstly, you need styling products to add major volume! I recommend Kerastase Volumactive and Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray. I've personally tried both, and both are great! I mean, you obviously can't expect the products to create the catwalk hair, but they def make your hair more alive, more bouncy!
Tip: Put these volumising products only at the roots. Putting them at the ends would just weigh down the hair.

Kerastase Volumactive

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray

Secondly, you need a round brush.

Tip: While blow-drying your hair, use the brush to brush each layer to the opposite direction your hair usually goes to create volume.

Thirdly, you need some sort of styling creme to tame your hair. I can't stress how important defrizzing your hair is. If you like, you could opt for a straightening product. Right now, I'm using Bumble & Bumble Grooming Creme. It gives your hair more texture and a soft hold. It also moisturizes color-treated hair and defrizzes. And it's not oily, so it won't leave your hair greasy.

Tip: Apply such cremes from the middle to end of your hair. Use your fingers to comb products into hair.

Bumble & Bumble Grooming Creme

If you're out for a big night and want some serious volume, spray some super-hold hairspray at the crown of your head and backcomb your hair to give it an extra lift. But don't do this everyday because it could damage the hair cuticle.

A final tip: It's optional whether you use volumising shampoos and conditioners, but do put more conditioner at the hair ends and less at the roots as conditioners tend to make hair softer, thus making your whole hairstyle flatter.

Now you all should know how to get this season's striking 60s hairstyle!

Wear Blouses Stylishly

Now that we're in mid-autumn, it's the perfect time to wear blouses. When you see someone wearing blouses, it usually leaves you one of these two impressions: old fashioned or/ and tacky, OR stylish and proper. You obviously don't want to look old-fashioned or tacky, so how do you achieve the latter?

Once again, we take inspiration from the well-dressed Rory (Gilmore Girls.) Here, she wears a multi-coloured Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse with a simple black sweater over it. The simple black sweater is essential because without it, the blouse would be seriously bright and border the kind-of-tacky-line.

Here are some blouses I liked:

Cacharel Floral Print Gypsy Blouse -This is my favourite blouse from my selection. Go check out other choices from Cacharel -they're sooo pretty!

Diesel Acchi Shirt -A touch of Indian influence.

Gap Ruffled Button Shirt -Excellent choice for people who like simple, subtle prints. Not to mention that it's affordable!

L.A.M.B. Secretary Blouse Gothic Print -Another seriously stylish blouse. Even though it's supposedly has gothic prints, I think it's 'feel' depends on what you match it with.

Paul & Joe Lily Western Detail Shirt -Another v pretty shirt. This is one of those shirts that you should wear a sweater over. Otherwise, you'll be seriously pink
!
Wearing blouses are great for daywear, whether to go to work/ school or out for a nice lunch. Just don't wear them to super casual events or clubs!