Calm and Chic

Style Inspiration: Vintage Givenchy

2012-11-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

The epitome of elegant glamour.

Lord Byron

2012-11-17T01:39:00.000-08:00

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"When we think we lead, we are most led".

The Dark Side of Warhol

2012-11-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

I was having a conversation with my flatmate today about her dissertation on pop art, which inspired me to write this blogpost. And I suppose it's also keeping to the theme I started with the post about Edie Sedgwick.

Let's establish 2 generally accepted notions about pop art: (1) it's fun and (2) Andy Warhol is amazing. While I agree with both of these points, there are some things about this brillant man that I don't think people who don't have a particular interest in him would know - I hope you find it interesting!

Warhol always made it a point to state to the media that there was no emotion behind his silk screening, or that they were supposed to be interpreted just as they are: prints of iconic images. Although I, as do most others, believe that this is not possible in creating art, it's hardly surprising that an - at times - controversial figure like Warhol would want to deter against speculations about his intentions.

When we think of his pop art - Campbell's Soup and Marilyn Monroe come to mind. They embody pop culture, consumerism, and all the other disillusioned goodness of the 1960s. But here are some pieces that reflect some of the darker feelings inside Warhol.

Marilyn Diptych

This print of Monroe was done right after her death. It differs from the one we're all accustomed to because of the monotone contrast on the right. She seems to be fading as the image goes one - many art historians think that Warhol was trying to make a statement about the fleeting nature of fame. But people still haven't forgotten about her.

Blue Liz

This print was done around the time that Elizabeth Taylor almost died. Although she obviously didn't in the end, it's interesting that he would, once again, centre the content of his prints around such a morbid theme. Also, was it intentional that the lowest row is overlapped? It almost makes her face look skull-like in my opinion.

16 Jackies

This one breaks my heart a little, mainly because I love JFK. The image on the top row is of Jackie right before the assassination, then during Johnson's inauguration on Air Force One, at JFK's funeral, and once again her on the tour in Texas. The image on the second row is probably the most well known just because Jackie's Chanel suit in the image was still covered in blood. It's such a dark and sensitive event in American history; the colours of the print make it quite haunting as well. I find it interesting that he placed the two poignant images in the centre rather than have them be in a chronological order. What do you think that's saying?

And these aren't even his most 'disturbing' works. There's a series of prints of car crashes and other violent death scenes. What were the meaning behind these? How can he possibly maintain that his pop art is supposed to taken at face value when they clearly evoke a strong emotion within us?

Distance and Time

2012-11-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

"Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes".

Henry David Thoreau

Factory Girl

2012-11-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

I've always really admired Edie Sedgwick's style and embodiment of the glamourous, underground art scene of the 60s. She always looked effortlessly edgy, which is what I love most about her look. You can easily incorporate elements of her style (or go all out); whether it's her signature eye makeup or oversized earrings.

Heart to Heart: Listening/Learning

2012-11-01T18:52:00.001-07:00

I've been feeling inspired to write a blogpost like this for a while and something happened today that made me feel like I really shouldn't put it off any more. So I'm just going to sit with my tea while the rain is coming down outside, write, and see what happens. Although it is already 1:30 am so some of this might resonate a bit of exhaustion.

I had a conversation with an acquaintance today over a cup of crappy vending-machine coffee. I myself was feeling somewhat crappy; aptly enough sitting outside the library on a bench staring at people going in and out. So I had known this person for about three years. She's one of those people you say 'hi' to at parties, share a short conversation with about a new film, and go on to stand in awkward silence until one of you has to top up your drink.

I didn't know her well and our acquaintanceship was comfortable enough. But since she was a 4th year as well, our conversation took on a slightly more meaningful subject today. She shared with me some of his experiences in his past that led her to make the decisions that she was facing this year. I have been quite stressed about upcoming prospects with furthering education, finding a job, prioritising people in my life, etc.

What she said was unexpected. She has experienced so many things. Which brings me to my point: people are interesting. I know this may sound a bit silly - it's a simple idea but I really don't think we appreciate that enough in other people most of the time. We're often, unjustly, too busy and consumed in our own lives to sit and simply listen to someone talk about what they're thinking. Some people even feel too entitled or prideful to do so. Everyone has something to say. Everyone has a story and all you have to do is listen. If you're lucky, then you easily find yourself applying that to your own situation. Otherwise, you learn more about that person and who they are - which is not a bad outcome to what would have been another meaningless fag break outside the library.

In my case, I feel like I gained a new perspective on some things. At the end of the day, no one sees the world the same way. Everyone has their opinion and when properly communicated, it can really make a difference to someone else's life. This may all sound cheesy melodramatic but I find it to be quite true. Really listen to what people have to say, understand where they're coming from, then you'll make a friend. It doesn't take as much as people think to feel close to someone and learn more about yourself along the way, which is what friendship is about, isn't it? All you have to do is listen and let them speak their mind.

Chucking Everyday

2012-10-26T15:25:00.002-07:00

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:

Source

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

2012-10-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

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?

2012-10-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

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

2012-10-21T06:06:00.002-07:00

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

2012-10-16T02:45:00.000-07:00

"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"

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Film Review: Rent

2012-10-15T03:00:00.001-07:00

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

2012-10-13T06:05:00.002-07:00

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

2012-10-09T03:21:00.001-07:00

Winter Delights by mc667 featuring wool sweaters

All About Highlighting

2012-10-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

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

2012-10-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

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

2012-10-03T07:20:00.002-07:00

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

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Marc Jacobs Dot

2012-10-02T01:32:00.000-07:00

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

2012-10-01T02:32:00.001-07:00

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

John and Yoko

2012-09-30T02:12:00.000-07:00

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"Interviewer: Why can’t you be alone without Yoko?

John Lennon: But I can be alone without Yoko, but I just have no wish to be. There’s no reason on earth why I should be alone without Yoko. There’s nothing more important than our relationship, nothing. And we dig being together all the time. Both of us could survive apart but what for? I'm not going to sacrifice love, real love for any whore or any friend or any business, because in the end you’re alone at night and neither of us want to be. and you can’t fill a bed with groupies. It doesn’t work. I don't want to be a swinger. I’ve been through it all and nothing works better than to have someone you love hold you."

Product Rave: Benefit's 'They're Real' Mascara

2012-09-29T01:49:00.002-07:00

I've been a fan of Benefit products for some time now and it isn't just because they have the most adorably packaging. Before 'They're Real', I was using BADgal, also by Benefit. That was working fine for me, but I felt that I wanted something more dramatic.

'They're Real' boasts length, volume, and lift. I agree that it does give length and volume but I'm not sure about the lift. Then again, no mascara in the world can give my lashes any lift, haha.

What I really like about this mascara that it has a dry consistency, which works well for asian lashes. It does hold the curl for some time, but I'd say that if you want it to last all day, always apply a base beforehand. The synthetic wand gives a really precise and consistent application. The custom-domed tip is supposed to be for applying product onto your corner lashes, but I find that all the product collects on the tip so it applies too thick.

I usually apply 1 coat on a normal day but 2 coats looks great as well. It can get clumpy, but you'd really have to go crazy with the application for that to happen.

Here are some before/after photos (with curled lashes)

£18.50 from Boots or buy from the Benefit site

Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

2012-09-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

What better way to turn an off day into a cupcake-filled one? I made these lovelies for a dinner party a while back. A simple vanilla cake with amazing chocolate buttercream. Mine didn't come out as dark as it should have but all in all, a success! And the pink sugar sprinkles helped a bit too. Let me know if you try this recipe out!

Taken From JoytheBaker.com (my favourite food site, I simply adore her!)

The Cake

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

1 3/4 cup granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out

2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together milk, vanilla extract and vanilla bean seeds. Set aside.

In a stand mixer, fit with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This may take 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well incorporated.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for one minute after each addition. If the batter begins to looks a bit curdled, that’s alright.

with the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and the vanilla milk mixture in three batches, starting and ending with the flour. When the batter is almost combined, stop the mixer and finish mixing the batter with a spatula, making sure that any flour bits at the bottom of the bowl are well incorporated.

Divide into the lined cupcake pan and bake for 25 minutes or until golden and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely before frosting.

The Frosting

1 1/2 cup (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

4 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

2/3 cup Ovaltine

Cream together butter, cocoa powder and salt. Butter mixture will be very thick. Turn off the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl and add powdered sugar. Turn mixer on low and mix in powdered sugar while adding milk and vanilla extract. As the sugar incorporates, raise the speed of the mixer to beat the frosting. Beat until smooth. In a 2 cup measuring glass, stir together heavy cream and Ovaltine. Turn mixer speed to medium and pour cream mixture into frosting in a slow, steady stream, until you’ve reached your desired consistency. You may not need the full amount of Ovaltine and cream.

Flowers Flowers Everywhere

2012-09-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Images via desiretoinspire

Film Review: Anna Karenina

2012-09-25T03:23:00.000-07:00

Directed By: Joe Wright

Starring: Keira Knightly, Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Jude Law, Kelly MacDonald, Matthew Macfadyen, Domhnall Gleeson

Firstly, I would like to admit that I went into the film knowing nothing about Tolstoy's novel. I actually bought the book a few years back and attempted to read it but failed after about 15 pages. Nonetheless, I was still very excited by the film, as Joe Wright has proven himself to be an excellent director of costume dramas - of which I am a devout fan. But he approached this film a little differently from Pride and Prejudice and Atonement because it's partially set in an theatre and the characters are essentially actors in this elaborate play, which satirises the shallowness of 19th century Russian society. This is good and bad - it is beautiful to watch the creative transition from scene to scene but it seems some think that it's too distracting and takes away from the emotional elements of the storyline.

Casting, in my opinion, was superb. Although some might be turned off by watching Keira Knightly in yet another period piece - I can confidently say that she's amazing in this film. Some might experience a bit of deja vu, as her character sometimes experiences, a little too closely, the one that she plays in the The Duchess. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who I've seen in Albert Nobbs is also great as Vronsky but some believe that his boyish charm did not fit his maturity in the book. It was strange seeing Jude Law not play, not only the male lead in a film, but the unattractive male character. But he pulls it off well and almost makes us believe that he can be unattractive.

The plot is, simply put, a love affair gone wrong and the danger of human emotion. Of course there are other themes of alienation, oppression, marriage and religion. Levin, played by Domhnall Gleeson, is the rational, balance to all of this - as his personal discovery allows him to overcome the shallow and often meaningless pursuits of the other characters.

Some scenes are done in a very artistic manner and very Joe Wright. There is a ballroom/dance scene that seems to have been taken right out of Pride and Prejudice. Appropriate that Matthew McFadyen is in this film as well. It was all very fitting in the theatrical style of the filming. Not to say that there was over-acting, but the director was clear in guiding the audience to feel a certain way throughout. I think it's valid to say that it possibly lacks the emotional depth of past adaptations and fails to live up to the complexity of Tolstoy's work - but then again, what film can live up to the written word? It is immensely enjoyable and engaging for what it is - a modern adaption. I personally loved Wright's unique interpretation. Lastly, I must comment on the costumes - which were almost always breathtaking and immaculate.

Here are some stills from the film.

My Rating: 4/5

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Hot or Not? - Headpieces

2012-09-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why but I'm still undecided about headpieces as an everyday fashion accessory. I suppose I shouldn't judge the trend too early, as I haven't given it a go myself but I find that it can either look so right or so wrong.

Chanel's Metiers D'Art show was dripping with opulent headpieces and were, obviously, very beautiful. But they're understandably hard to translate to everyday.

Cheska Hull from Made in Chelsea (left) wore a beautiful headpiece on the show. I believe it's from River Island - a standout yet wearable piece! But it may be too much for everyday (I think she's on holiday in this episode - yes, I'm quite obsessed haha)

I think simple elastic headbands worn in that way can be really elegant on days when you're feeling a little adventurous. I'm doing a pretty poor job demonstrating in the pic below but that's my interpretation :)