Fashionistas Daily .Com

84th Academy Awards Oscars Red Carpet Fashion Report

2012-02-27T01:53:00.000-08:00

The Oscars are like the Super Bowl of movie stars & couture fashions for fashionistas. Yes we care about the movie and the artistry of cinematography but let’s get real, nothing shines brighter and capture our attentions than the red carpet fashions.

(Photo courtesy by Frazer Harrison Getty Images)

The big trends on colors of this year Oscars rec carpet are gold, white and soft pastel & nude colors with lots of shine! Either it’s pave with glittering sequins & crystals or by metallic fabrics. Ok, I know you can’t wait to see all the fabulous couture gowns! So I will shut up now and let me start with the BEST DRESSED of 2012 Oscars red carpet winner is

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

(Photo courtesy by Michael Buckner Getty Images)

Cameron Diaz in Gucci

(Photo courtesy by Michael Buckner Getty Images)

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

(Kevin Winter Getty Images)

Stacy Keibler in Marchesa & George Clooney

(Kevork Djansezian Getty Images)

Leslie Mann in Roberto Cavalli

(Photo courtesy by Michael Buckner Getty Images)

Meryl Streep in Lanvin

(Photo courtesy by Michael Buckner Getty Images)

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace & Brad Pitt

(Jason Merritt Getty Images)

Rooney Mara in Givenchy

(Photo courtesy by Michael Buckner Getty Images)

Natalie Portman in Christian Dior

(Kevork Djansezian Getty Images)

Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood

(Michael Buckner Getty Images)

Ellie Kemper in Armani Prive

(Kevork Djansezian Getty Images)

Li Bing Bing

(Kevork Djansezian Getty Images)

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli Couture

(Jason Merritt Getty Images)

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

(Jason Merritt Getty Images)

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

(Jason Merritt Getty Images)

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

(Jason Merritt Getty Images)

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa

(Jason Merritt Getty Images)

Glenn Close in Zac Posen

(Jason Merritt Getty Images)

Kelly Ripa in Carolina Herrera

(Frazer Harrison Getty Images)

Penelope Cruz in Giorgio Armani

(Ethan Miller Getty Images)

Kate Mara in Jack Guisso couture

(Alexandra Wyman Getty Images)

And this year’s best actress is….

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

(Jason Merritt Getty Images)

Wasn’t it such a glamorous night in Hollywood? The Oscars red carpet is always the best! We hope you enjoy looking & drooling at all these yummy couture gowns as much as we do!

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Mulberry Plaster Pink Soft Buffalo Mini Alexa Shopping Report

2012-02-26T00:15:00.002-08:00

Well you ask for more of the shopping reports and we listen! So, it is with great pleasure to welcome back our guest editor “Mademoiselle L.” and her most recent shopping report on finding a perfect small size bag for every day uses in the busy city of New York!

I’m a new Mulberry customer and only started eyeing the Mulberry bags when I first saw the article about the Mulberry oversized Alexa on FashionistasDaily.com. I have a number of oversized top handle bags that aren't great for running errands in the city. I've been looking for a small shoulder bag that's good for taking a walk, going to the grocery store, or doing other tasks where I need my hands to be free. The mini size Mulberry Alexa is great for that! I was also looking for a fun color and I was sold on the plaster pink as soon as I saw the rose gold hardware.

Mulberry Boutique at Bleecker Street New York City

Now I finally understand why the editors from FashionistasDaily.com are obsessed about the Mulberry Alexa bag & you can’t just have one bag! Now I love this mini size Alexa so much, I want a regular size Alexa!!

Thanks for your fabulous shopping report Mademoiselle L. ! We can’t wait to see your next report on your regular size Alexa!

If you are also interested in getting one of this super cute mini size Mulberry Alexa bag, you can order it directly form Mulberry’s official website at Mulberry.com

To end this blog posting, let’s enjoy Mulberry Spring Summer 2012 fashion show

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Balenciaga Rose Gold Giant Hardware RGGH Work Bag Obsession

2012-02-05T00:38:00.000-08:00

In the seas of designer handbags, so many beautiful bags in all details & styles, something about the Balenciaga “Work” size bag in rose gold giant hardware (RGGH) just keeps luring me in that I just can’t get enough of! It’s almost like a drug, I need it in new colors every season and I just can’t help myself obsessing over it. Well, it’s not hard to understand why, because the Balenciaga “Work” bag is just a timeless beauty with a modern twist! Here is couple photo of the bag under the sunlight in my backyard.

The Balenciaga “Work” bag measures a generously size of 18” L x 10.5” H x 8” D that is big enough to fit all of your essential items, including your entire life - a Loro Piana Cashmere, iPhone, iPad, laptop computer, make-ups, a bottle of Pellegrino and a big September issue size of Vogue magazine can all fit nicely in there.

Also it’s a perfect size for a male fashionista to carry as a everyday bag! I know many people thinks the weekender bag is a good size for a man to carry but I personally think it’s too big! But “Work” size bag is just perfect!

Something about the darken color in the grooves of the etched in pattern on the hardware mix with the antique rose gold plated shine just speaks to me! And I can’t get enough of it! Here are some more photos of my new Balenciaga “Work” bag in black under the indoor lighting.

And here are couple photos of the “Work” bag in the “Seigle “ color I got back in spring of 2011. This color is just so warm and luscious it's just the perfect color for every season year round!

I’ve also heard rumors about that Balenciaga will phase out the giant hardware to only be sold in their boutiques and be replaced by the new “Mini Giant” hardware name “G12” that’s like the size of a small thimble. Here is a photo to show you guys the size difference between the “Mini Giant Hardware” Part time vs “Giant Hardware” Part time bag.

I hope you guys enjoy these photos of 2 of my Balenciaga “Work” bags, and let us know what you think about the new mini size “Giant G12” hardware? I personally love the new size and think it’s a sign that I need to buy a new one!! I am now eyeing on the Cobalt Blue G12 work bag…

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Atelier Versace Paris Couture Show 2012

2012-01-25T00:07:00.000-08:00

After the cheap & chic and fabulous collection Donnatella Versace has been collaborating with the fast-fashion retailer H&M being a big success, on January 23rd 2012 in Paris; It’s time to splurge our senses with the made-to-measure Atelier Versace couture show.
(All photos courtesy by Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com)

The Atelier Versace couture show has not been seen in Paris couture weeks since 2004 so of course it was a special occations for all the fashionistas and how can there be a Versace show without star-packed audience such as Cameron Diaz, Diane Kruger, Abbie Cornish and Ludivine Sagnier being at the front row.

The whole collection is heavily emphasize on the corseted waist to create the hour glass curves of a woman’s body, mixing the luxurious materials such as lace, leather, silk satins & beadings with sharp contrast of modernizing metallic metal accents. It almost reminds me of the glory days of the late 80s to early 90s Thierry Mugler collections.

Even tho I am all for the over the top style & details, but couple of the looks from this couture collections looks a little “Trying too hard” and something just not “Balance” feel to it. But overall, I love the collection! It’s fresh, sexy, young and as always very Versace!

Here is the video courtesy by Elle TV Fashion

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Celebrate the Chinese New Year of Dragon with Fun DIY Projects & Make Your Own Fortune Cookie Recipe

2012-01-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival and a public holiday in China. The Chinese New Year 2012 starts in January 22 (Chinese New Year' Eve). It is the year of dragon. The festival falls on the first day of the first Chinese month (usually in late January and early February), and ends with Lantern Festival which is on the 15th day.

So in celebration of the Chinese New Year, here are some cool DIY art projects you can do to celebrate! so let's start with this super cute Chinese lantern needlework embroidery.

This super cute motif can be done on handkerchief, t-shirts or on anything to add a little cutesiness Asian style as a gift for someone or for yourself. The designer "Mollie" of this cute embroidery has drawn up 3 more lantern style for us in a PDF file, you can download it and place it on any fabric and stitch away!

Here is the link Download the Chinese Lantern Pattern PDF

Also, if love those yummy fortune cookies, then here is a recipe courtesy by Cindy Hopper.

Fortune Cookie Recipe

2 egg whites
1/2 cup flour (sifted)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Makes about 12 fortune cookies

Instructions

Set oven to 400F degrees.

(1) Place egg whites in a bowl and beat with electric mixer on medium speed until very frothy, almost soft peaks.

(2) Add sifted flour

(3) Add sugar, almond, and vanilla then mix.

(4) Stir in 2 tablespoons of water to thin batter.

(5) Using a Silpat baking mat, parchment paper or un-greased baking pan place 1 tablespoon of batter on pan. (I liked the Silpat mat the best. I did not have a problem removing them from my un-greased pan. When I greased the pan the batter did not stay in a circle. Since the moisture content in the batter is high, it does make the parchment paper wrinkle slightly but it still worked.)

(6) Working from the center in a circular motion, spread the batter into a 5 inch circle.

(7) Start with two cookies. Once comfortable with the process more can be baked at one time. I was only able to ever bake two at a time. I used two pans and staggered the baking time so I had time to form the cookies.

Bake until edges are lightly browned. Mine baked for 6 minutes. Start watching closely at 4 minutes.

(9) Working quickly, remove cookie from pan with a very thin spatula.

(10) Flip the cookie over and place slip of paper on top.

(11) Bring sides up and pinch together.

(12) Next bend cookie over the edge of a cup. The whole process of forming the cookie should take about 10 seconds. Once formed place cookies in a muffin tin to help them keep their shape while cooling.

Then, package in some festive Chinese takeout containers…

Fortune Cookie Box and you have a sweet way to celebrate!

We’ve decided to end this blog posting with a cute idea on how to do your own Chinese paper cutting decoration. It’s very simple

We hope you enjoy blog posting and celebrate the Chinese new year with your friends and family!

Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon! 恭賀新禧 !

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

2012 Golden Globes Red Carpet Fashion

2012-01-16T22:52:00.000-08:00

All the glitz, glamour and the couture gown galore….. one can only handle so much of these fabulousness at the 2012 Golden Globes Awards.

Yes, there are some beautiful bright colors like the golden yellow, teal blues, fuchsia but on the opposite end of the color trend we’ve been notice was the beautiful "Nude" hued gowns! Worn by everyone from Jessical biel, Heidi Klum, to Charlize Theron’s beautiful Dior couture gown, it’s just classic vintage charm all the way!

Ok, let’s start looking at all of these beautiful couture gowns!

All photos courtesy by Getty Images

Charlize Theron in Dior

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace and Brad Pitt in Ferragamo

Madonna in Reem Acra

Dianna Agron in Giles Deacon

Elle MacPherson

Emily Deschanel

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci

Zooey Deschanel in Prada

Jessica Alba in Gucci

Jessica Biel

Julianne Moore in Chanel

Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli

Andie MacDowell

Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham

Lea Michele in Marchesa

Maria Menunos

Michelle Williams in Jason Wu

Natalie Portman in Lanvin

Nicole Kidman in Versace and Keith Urban

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen

Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci

Salma Hayek in Gucci

Sarah Michlle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier

Shailene Woodley in Marchesa

Sofia Vergera in Vera Wang

Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann

Ok! After all these beautiful gowns, we didn’t forget some of those handsome leading men, too!

Ewan McGregor

Gerard Butler in Salvatore Ferragamo

Leonardo DiCaprio in Giorgio Armani

Mark Wahlberg

Matthew Morrison

Micheal Fassbender

I hope you enjoy the red carpet fashions at the Golden Globes Award as much as we did !

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

The Fountain of Youth - Guerlain Abeille Royale Skincare Collection

2012-01-16T01:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, as I am about to turn 39 next month in February, I am on the quest to search for the newest & best skin care product that can help me to hold on my youth! (Haha don’t laugh you young bitches, you’ll know how I feel when you are my age! LOL)

So I’ve found the "Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Serum" and I am very happy with the result! But first, I wanna say, often time we dismiss luxury brands as not having effective skincare that you may just be paying for the "Name"! but this particular "Abeille Royale" skincare collection from Guerlain has impressed me very much!

Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Serum uses bee products (Quessant honey) and French royal jelly to counter the aging process by aiding the skin's ability to heal the tiny tears that cause wrinkles, and Royal Jelly helps to speed up the repair process. By repairing from the inside out, skin gets firmer, smoother, and less prone to those age lines we all detest.

Here is a video of the scientist from Guerlain’s laboratory talks about the science behind the product.

The main ingredient of the product is royal jelly and as the scientists from the laboratory of Guerlain said, that not all bee's royal jelly has the same potent royal jelly also it the purity of the environment where they collect the royal jelly from is also a big factor to the quality of their products.

This serum is liquid gold and just a dab will be enough for your whole face. The gorgeous glass eyedropper bottle has a hexagonal shape just like the one you see from a beehive. You just push the top of the cap to get the product into the dropper and then easily apply the little you need. You feel your skin tighten with just a few applications. They suggest using it for three months to get maximum results, but I tried it for just a week and I have to say I am in love! My skin glows! And felt like it was already doing its magic.

This amazing skincare collection is available at Bergdorf Goodman.com also at Nordstrom.com

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Cartier Love Stories - True Love Has a Color And a Name

2011-10-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time in Paris, three love stores, three short movies. Cartier puts love in the spotlight with three short films inspired by proposals, brought to the screen by the Italian director Luca Guadagnino, 2011 Golden Globes nominee for his movie 'Amore'.

For this international production, Cartier has brought together a wide range of talents with European actors, an American screenwriter, an Italian director, a myriad of personalities that give life to these stories which are both unique and universal - like so many proposals. As if true love had a colour and a name.

Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré

In a townhouse rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, a wealthy industrial family is celebrating the engagement of their only son. His fiancée seems lost in the middle of this splendor she has rarely experienced…. A moment, a doubt… But that’s overlooking the deep love the young man has for her.

Jardins du Palais Royal

A couple of actors is playing roles of seduction and teasing, on and off screen to better love each other. Under a bright spring sun in the Palais Royal Gardens, Luca Guadagnino underlines this unique moment when two free-spirited and ardent lovers decide to unite their destiny together.

Place de L'Opéra

A mature couple is attending the L'Opéra and reminiscing their first time going to see L'Opéra together & the promised they kept to love to each other all these years.

Awww... l'amour... l'amour... after looking at these 3 romantic short film, don't you just want to run to Cartier and buy yourself a big diamond ring? or day dreaming your husband or having a hot boyfriend to buy you a big ring & propose to you at Paris? haha yes, a girl (or a boy) can dream right?! LOL

For more info on Cartier's romantic short film & their fabulous diamond rings & accessories, please visit Cartier's official website at Cartier.com

Until next time, be well & look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

King of Bhutan Royal Wedding

2011-10-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

Forget about William & Kate's wedding! Today there is a beautiful royal wedding at a tiny county between China & India in the Himalayan mountain "Bhutan"! His majesty Kin Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, 31 years old holds his Raven crown as he and the Queen Jetsun Pema, 21 years old commoner today on October 13th, 2011. Just look at all of those colorful & beautiful costumes they wear, I can just study each details of each embroidery for hours! here are some photos courtesy by AP Photo/Kevin Frayer covering this event.

Isn't this a beautiful wedding? and the Queen is gorgeous! We wish them happily ever after!

Until next time, be well & look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Looking Eco Friendly Organically Chic & Earn Good Karma With FEED 2 Kenya Tote Bag by Lauren Bush

2011-10-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

I Love this bag! Not only it looks so Eco friendly & organically chic with the raw linen canvas & beautiful hand beaded multi color beads that spells out the word “Feed”, it is also for a great cause! The FEED Kenya bag will help feed 2 children for one whole year for each bag sold.

You can order directly from FEED's official online store by clicking here FeedProjects.com or Call my favorite sales person Jesse Kopischke (212) 872-2519 @ Bergdorf Goodman in NYC to order one ! Look fabulous earn good Karma & shop for good cause! what could be more fab that this right?

The bag will cost $225 and sold exclusively at the super fabulous Bergdorf Goodman in New York City ( On the 3rd, 5th Floor & The Men’s store, or you can call 212-753-7300 to order one). Each bag sold will be donated to the United Nations World Food Programmed School Feeding operations in Kenya. The FEED Kenya Bag is handcrafted by a coop of women in Kenya featuring colorful beading. The materials may not be worth $225, but think about the profit of this bag is to donate to support the kids in Kenya while also supporting women artisans in Kenya, it’s looking chic and earning good karma at the same time good deal!

We’re having it so good here in USA and it’s so sad that over 350 million children go to bed hungry each night. Hunger and malnutrition kill more people than AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis combined. In fact, every five seconds a child dies because he or she is hungry. For a hungry kid, school is often not even an option.

With your help of buying this bag then there is hope! When boys and girls are given a free, nutritious meal in school, research has shown that attendance increases by 100% and performance improves greatly. For many kids this is the only meal they will receive all day, and it is enough to empower them to survive, learn, and improve their lives. The FEED Kenya bag has been handcrafted in Kenya by a coop of women. Therefore, not only is your purchase feeding children in school, but you are also supporting women artisans in Kenya.

Thank you for supporting FEED Projects and the United Nations World Food Program in the fight to end child hunger! We hope you enjoy your handcrafted FEED Kenya bag which is created in Kenya to benefit Kenyans. You have provided two full bellies, supported education, and brighter futures for two hungry children.

Click on the video player below to see the FEED Project director Lauren Bush talk about this bag

For more information about FEED Projects please visit, Feed Projects.Com

There are many other fabulous FEED bags at their official website, don't forget to check it out and help with the cause! Look fabulous earn good Karma & shop for good cause! what could be more fab that this right?

Untill next time, be well & look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the pug

Look Younger While Earning Good Karma with Celine Cousteau & la Prairie Switzerland Advanced Marine Biology Skin Care

2011-09-04T01:50:00.000-07:00

I love beach & ocean! The salty sea breeze, sounds of the waves, something about it just makes me happy! So when I saw my favorite skincare brand La Prairie came out with a new skincare collection named “The Advanced Marine Biology Collection” I had to do looking into it. I ran to Neiman Marcus and tried the collection, it was fabulous!

La Prairie and Céline Cousteau, granddaughter of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. Celine Cousteau is also a committed spokeswoman for the environment. She works with Ocean Futures Society, a non-profit organization dedicate to exploring the sea, inspiring and educating people to protect it.

In Celine Cousteau, La Prairie has found a kindred spirit who understands the transformative powers of the sea and wishes to create a wider awareness of the need for protecting the sustainability of our ocean resources.

So these La Prairie skin care products is not only making you looking younger & fabulous, but you’re also doing something good& earning good karma to protect the marine ecosystem environments!

Here is the video of Céline Cousteau talking about her collaboration with la Prairie

This Advanced Marine Biology Skin Care Collection It’s a miraculous gift from the sea for your skin!

- Assists natural collagen production.
- Helps maintain & enhance skin’s youthful firmness & elasticity.
- Helps improve cellular energy & increase the ability of the skin to use oxygen.
- Reveals the appearance of redness & inflammation.
- Helps smooth & soften skin texture also helps improve moisture retention.
- Defends against aging & skin damage caused by free radicals

Advanced Marine Biology Tonic

Firming and revitalizing lotion speeds oxygen into the skin via a unique triple-phase delivery system. Formulated with the same exclusive la Prairie aquaculture that activates Advances Marine Biology Cream, this energizing lotion brightens and revitalizes like no other tonic you’re ever experienced.

Advanced Marine Biology Day Cream SPF 20

Deep within the oceans of the world are some of the most powerful anti-aging plants on earth. These oceanic resources contain highly concentrated doses of anti-oxidants and restorative minerals with the power to transform your skin and reverse the signs of aging. A unique proprietary aquaculture has been harvested, extracted and fermented, exclusively for la Prairie. Our sea-born complex protects, firms, and restores your skin’s youthful radiance, like nothing else on earth.

Advanced Marine Biology Night Solution

It carries within its sea-green matrix a wave of repairing, rehydrating, and replenishing nutrients. Powerful undersea anti-oxidants, corralina, sea alga, and sea pearls have been added to la Prairie’s own Advanced Moisture Complex to allow this brilliant mix of scientifically changed extracts to work the overnight magic of a significant sea-change for your skin.

After did all the research about this fabulous skin care collection I had to get the whole set to give my skin a special treat! What could be more fabulous than looking good while earn good karma right? Haha ^__^

You can get these fabulous products at la Prairie’s website ShopLaPrairie.com

Don’t forget to check out Céline Cousteau’s non-profit organization Ocean Futures Society official website at OceanFutures.org

Celine Cousteau official website: CelineCousteau.com

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Behind The Big Hair & Sparkling Dresses of Barbie - The 52 Years of Positive Influence for Young Girls

2011-08-19T22:49:00.000-07:00

I adored Barbie since I was a kid! I loved dressing them in sparkling gowns and big puffy skirts. But behind all that blond hairs, perfect Malibu tan & beautiful couture dresses of Barbie, there is a very powerful message that sends a positive influence to young girls all over the world “We girls can do anything! just like Barbie!", no dream is too big & nothing and no one can stop you to reach for your dream!

My very first Barbie was the "Crystal Fantasy Barbie". My Barbies had boxes brimming with tulle tutus, stylish suits, and pretty-in-pink dresses. Also her shinny blonde hair that I can came up with thousands of ways to style her hair, what a great memories it was!

I know many people complains about "Oh Barbie is too thin, makes little girl have self image issues..." but to me, they were fashionable, strong independent women who can do and be anything she wanted! Which I think it has bring lots of positive influence to young girls to role play on their dreams and knowing that she can be a Doctor, Rock Star or even an Astronaut! Nothing can stop her to be who she wants to be just like Barbie!

Astronaut Barbie

Barbie & The Rockers 1986

When my "Presidential Barbie" ran for President, nobody wondered if the world was ready for a female in the White House (Maybe that's why I wanted Hillary to win the white house in this past presidential election LOL).

My CEO Barbie was never paid less than her male counterparts.

My Artist Barbie is always full of inspirations and artistic ideas

I never wondered how my Doctor Barbie conquered work and still find time to date George Clooney in the ER room haha!!

Doctor Barbie 1987

Nurse Barbie

Barbie is not only just blonde hair & blue eyes! she comes from all over the world, inspires young girls everywhere!

Fantasy Goddess of Asia by Bob Mackie

Lady of the Unicorns Barbie by Bob Mackie

Lady Marmalade Barbie

Fantasy Goddess of Africa by Bob Mackie

Fantasy Goddess of America by Bob Mackie

Oh! and that bitch has everything! from her super hot boyfriend Ken to her fabulous Malibu dream house and Pink Ferrari convertible.... she calls the shot and Ken always rode as a passenger in Barbie's pink convertible & Barbie is the one driving!

1985 Barbie Ultra Vette Corvette

Ken has always looks so dreamy all these years! (drool)

1995 Shaving Fun Ken Doll

She owned her own home; a two-story affair with lovely lattice detail, the fruits of a successful career Barbie has over 100 different careers in her lifetime!

2009 Barbie Pink World 3 Story Dream Townhouse

For Barbie's 50th birthday celebration back in March 2009, an outrageously pink affair she had at her Malibu dream house styled and decorated by famed "Happy Chic" interior designer Jonathan Adler.

This past march of 2011, Barbie turned 52 and she still look fabulous as usual! You know, after all of Barbie's trailblazing and triumphs, she no doubt deserves such a grand jubilee.

Happy Birthday Barbie !!

Here Is the Barbie 50th Anniversary Fashion Show at Bryan Park New York

Share with us which one is your first Barbie? Mine was Crystal Barbie with iridescent foils over-size scrunches as a shawl paired with a mermaid skirt dress!

Xoxo

Alan + Mei-Mei the pug

Celebrates the 600th Anniversary of The Prague Astronomical Clock with The Futuristic Video Light Mapping Show

2011-07-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

One day I was surfing the web and came across this amazing video light mapping presentation by The Macula project. It was the celebrations of the Prague Astronomical Clock 600th Anniversary! The 10 minutes video / Light mapping was projected on the outside wall of the Old Town Hall on which the astronomical clock is installed.

The Prague Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj is a medieval astronomical clock located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third oldest astronomical clock in the world and the only one still working.

(Click on the photo below to see it in full size)

The clock mechanism itself is composed of three main components:

The Astronomical Dial

(click on the photo to see it in full size)

(Click on the photo below to see it in full size)

The astronomical dial is a form of mechanical astrolabe, a device used in medieval astronomy. Alternatively, one may consider the Orloj to be a primitive planetarium, displaying the current state of the universe. The astronomical dial has a background that represents the standing Earth and sky, and surrounding it operate four main moving components: the zodiacal ring, an outer rotating ring, an icon representing the Sun, and an icon representing the Moon.

Animated figures

"The Walk of the Apostles"

A clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures, The four figures flanking the clock are set in motion at the hour, these represent four things that were despised at the time of the clock's making. From left to right in the photographs, the first is Vanity, represented by a figure admiring himself in a mirror. Next, a stereotypical Jew holding a bag of gold represents greed or usury.

Across the clock stands Death, a skeleton that strikes the time upon the hour. Finally, the Turk tells pleasure and entertainment.

There is also a presentation of statues of the Apostles at the doorways above the clock, with all twelve presented every hour.

The Calendar

The Calendar is the bottom part of the Orloj with month symbols painted by Josef Manes in 1805. The newest part of the clock is the Calendar Dial. There is the Prague Old Town symbol in the centre. The rotary outer circle describes every single day of the year, and the current date is indicated at the top. There are also medallions with zodiac signs and with pictures depicting every month.

(Click on the photo below to see it in full size)

On October 9, 2010, the Clock's 600th anniversary was celebrated with a light show on the face of the clock tower. Two 2x Christie 18K HD projectors, each with a 1920x1080 resolution, were used to project several animated videos on the clock. The videos showed it being built, torn down, rebuilt, and peeled away to show its internal mechanisms and the famous animated figures, as well as various events in the clock's history. The video interacted with the tower's architecture, such as rain rolling off the arch, and showing the passage of time with moving shadows. The show was developed over the course of four months by the macula, Duber Studio, and Michel Kotek, and was presented by AV Media.

Remember the feeling when you were 7 years old & watching the fireworks at the Disneyland? be prepare to have your mind blown away! Here is the video of this magical presentation!

We hope you enjoyed this amazing video! I can't wait to visit Prague to see this clock in person!

Until next time, be well & look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

OMG! Who knew?! The Cast of Harry Potter Movie Has All Grown Up To Be Total Hotties! It's Like Magic!

2011-07-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

OMG! Did you guys see the finale of the Harry Potter Deathly Hallow part 2? it was so good! and kinda sad it is the last installment of this fabulous novel that fills with magic spells and friendships from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft And Wizardry that company us for the past 10 years.

Just in case you've been living under the rock for the past 10 years, here is a little info of the saga of Harry Potter. The Harry Potter film series is based on the Harry Potter novels by the British author J. K. Rowling. Distributed by Warner Bros., the series consists of eight fantasy films beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and culminating with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011). The film franchise is produced by David Heyman and the three leading characters, Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger.

Late in 1997, film producer David Heyman's London offices received a copy of the first book in what would become Rowling's series of seven Harry Potter novels. The book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was relegated to a low-priority bookshelf, where it was discovered by a secretary who read it and gave it to Heyman with a positive review. This fateful act influenced Heyman, who had originally disliked "the rubbish title", to read the book himself. Highly impressed by Rowling's work, he began the process that was to lead to one of the most successful franchises in movie history.

J.K Rowling is perhaps equally famous for her "rags to riches" life story, in which she progressed from living on government assistance welfare to multi-millionaire status within five years. As of March 2011, when its latest world billionaires list was published, Forbes estimated Rowling's net worth to be US$1 billion. Adding up all her net worth, she is now more wealthy than Queen of England!

Oh, now to the important part of this blog posting, have you guys notice that the cast of Harry Potter movie has all grown up to be total hotties? OMG! it is like Magic!

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter

Emma Watson as Hermione Granger

Emma Watson at Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Premiere London in Oscar de la Renta

Emma Watson at Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Premiere London in Bottega Veneta

Emma Watson at Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Premiere Party in Rafael Lopez dress

Emma Watson at MTV Awards in Marchesa

Emma Watson for Burberry Ad Campaign 2009

Emma Watson on Vogue Magazine Cover & Editorial in Prada

Emma Watson on Marie Claire July 2011Magazine Cover

Emma Watson on Bazaar Magazine cover

Emma Watson in in Rafael Lopez Dress with Chanel heels

Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley

Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley & Robert Pattinson

Rupert Grint in Attitude Magazine

Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom

Matthew Lewis t Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Premiere

Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy

Robert Pattinson as Cedric

Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen Twilight Saga

Robert Pattinson 2009 People Magazine Sexiest Man Alive

Aren't they all turns out to be a hottie?! yum! LOL ! but on the serious note, I will really miss the feeling of the anticipations each year to wait the new Harry Potter saga to be released in theater! Here are the movie posters of all 8 of the Harry Potter .

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 (2010)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011)

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Lady Dior Moscow & Sand Art Performance by Ukranian Artist Kseniya Simonova at Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow

2011-06-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

The new chapter of the Lady Dior Saga finds a new place. After she travels to Paris, London, New York and Shanghai, the new campaign is set up in Moscow.
The ad campaign featuring the stunning French actress Marion Cotillard. Lensed by Craig McDean with styling by Marie-Amélie Sauvé, Marion poses inside a luxury room with a view on the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. The new model of this legendary bag is the one in red tweed, embroidered with Dior's signature Cannage pattern.

The Lady Dior was brought to life in a live performance at the opening of the "Inspiration Dior" exhibition at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow by the Ukranian artist Kseniya Simonova. The performance was based on an original concept by John Cameron Mitchell.

Kseniya Simonova is a 24 years old Ukranian artist. She got her first taste of fame by her performance on 2009 Ukrain's Got Talent show by uses a giant light box, dramatic music, imagination and "sand painting" skills to interpret Germany's invasion and occupation of Ukraine during WWII. She won the competition& Her amazing art performance was watched by over 13 million people.

This video shows how she use her fingers like magic to create beautiful sand arts that tells the story of Lady Dior Moscow perfectly! and the soundtrack...are absolutely stunning!
Here is this fabulous performance of "Lady Dior Moscow"

I don't know about you, but I just "J'adore Lady Dior" ! I'll follow her whatever she goes! LOL

Until next time, be well & look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Lady Dior Saga Continues - Lady Grey London Featuring Marion Cotillard - Experience the Power of Beauty That Inspires!

2011-06-21T01:01:00.000-07:00

To me, there are some styles & fashion accessories are just a classic beauty, timeless iconic style that will never go out of style; The Lady Dior bag is the perfect example of it.

The house of Dior has cleverly collaborating with big name directors to created a series of mini short film that features different Lady Dior bag in each season, which they call it “The Lady Dior Saga”, and what a beautiful and inspiring journey it has been! So far from the “Lady Noir”, “Lady Blue Shanghai”, “Lady Rouge” to the latest installment of their high quality, enticing short film name “Lady Dior Grey London”.

John Cameron Mitchell, the man behind cult films Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Shortbus, has teamed up with Dior’s creative geniuses to make a short fashion film starring Marion Cotillard.

Lady Grey London shows Cotillard as a popular & glamorous burlesque dancer who enjoys bathing in giant sand-filled hourglass and throwing sultry, mysterious looks at members of the audience. One of whom is played by venerable wheel chaired Brit actor Ian McKellen; and of course, this being a Dior film, Miss Cotillard carries her Lady Dior bag in almost every scene.

Beautifully shot and produced, the film was written and directed by Mitchell and has his flair for making risqué underground scenes seem terribly glamorous and sophisticated. What made this latest Lady Dior film my favorite out of all the previous one is that , John Cameron Mitchell masterfully illustrated the power of beauty that inspires & love !

The physical beauty of Cotillard’s character, a drop-dead gorgeous burlesque dancer with a heart of gold! Who sees the wheel chaired character play by Ian McKellen needs some self-esteem boost by giving him the key to her dressing room. Cotillard shows him the kindness & attention he probably has not been receiving for a long time and in the end it motivates & inspired him to stand up out of his wheelchair.

She also managed to inspire the young artist who works at the burlesque theater to sketch up a Rene Gruau style portrait of Cotillard. This film touches my heart & almost brought me a little teary eye when I finished this film. Of course, the power of “Lady Dior” haha!

The film has also successfully persuaded us that ~ (1) We all need a Lady Dior handbag! & (2) Marion Cotillard is definitely one of the most beautiful women alive.

So now... sit back, grab a glass of champagne & enjoy this 7 minutes of Lady Dior extravaganza!

For more fabulous Lady Dior handbags, please visit their official website Dior.com

Until next time, be well and look fabulous (carrying a Lady Dior! )

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Picasso Exhibition at de Young Museum San Francisco

2011-06-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

On this beautiful summer Saturday, I've decided to go see the Picasso exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco; and I was amazed by all the beautiful paintings & sculptures!

This exhibition of 150 important paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings created by Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) is drawn from the permanent collection of the Musée National Picasso, Paris, the largest and most significant repository of the artist’s work in the world, and comes to the de Young as part of an international tour. The artwork is touring because the Musée is currently closed and undergoing a multi-year renovation expected to last through 2012.

Portrait of Dora Maar 1927

Le Baiser (The kiss) 1969

Analytic Cubism - Man with a Guitar. Paris, autumn 1911

Synthetic Cubism - Violin Sculpture 1915

For the San Francisco exhibit, some 150 works – paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings – have been selected to fill the exhibit's nine galleries. Anne Baldassari, director of the Picasso museum (with the title of president, customary in France), is responsible for the selection. She has done an amazingly thorough job, beginning with the 1901 "Death of Casagemas" by the 20-year-old artist in Gallery 1, and ending the exhibit in the last gallery with "The Musician," the 1972 self-portrait Picasso painted shortly before his death.

Death of Casagemas 1901

The Musician 1972

Picasso Self Portrait Near Death 1972

Throughout his chameleon-like career, Picasso changed course, broke through barriers, and reinvented himself and art repeatedly and incessantly.

A prime example is 1918’s "Portrait of Olga in an Armchair," which pictures Olga Khoklova, Picasso's Ukrainian ballerina wife, grandmother of the present-day Marina Picasso, whose childhood was wrecked by the painter's neglect.

Portrait of Olga in an Armchair 1918

Here are some more of the beautiful artworks by Picasso at the exhibition

Chat saisissant un oiseau 1939

La Célestine (The woman with a cataract) 1904 - The Blue Period

African Inspired Proto-Cubist work ~

Etude pour Les Demoiselles d’Avignon 1907

Three Figures Under a Tree 1907

Deux femmes courant sur la plage - La Course 1922

(Two Women Running on the Beach - The Race)

The weeping woman by Picasso 1937

If you have not seen the BBC Modern Masters Picasso special, you have to watch it! so now go get a cup of coffee, cozy up on your chair and enjoy these 6 episode all about Pablo Picasso!

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

We hope you enjoy this blog posting, check with your local museum to see if the Picasso exhibition will arrive to your area! It's a must-see exhibition!

Until next time, be well & look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the pug

Chanel J-12 Chromatic in Titanium Ceramic

2011-06-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

OMG! When I saw this new watch by CHANEL my jaw almost dropped to the floor! it's beautiful!

The Chanel's J12 Chromatic moves on from black & white with a high-tech ceramic version in a silver grey tone. Titanium ceramic adds a new dimension to this high-tech material and the result is a highly polished steely look with all the benefits of this lightweight, scratch-resistant super-material.

The handsome J12 that first took the fashion world by storm over ten years ago now in 2011 comes in a sleek new guise: Titanium ceramic. The addition of titanium to the ceramic recipe produces a cloudy-sky grey hue that once polished with diamond powder develops an attractive sheen that catches the light. But unlike its more humble cousin steel, ceramic is warm to the touch, light and scratch proof.

Ceramic is increasingly present in the watch industry following Rado’s pioneering use of the material when in 1986 the firm’s scientist discovered a new substance for the watch industry. Previously the material was valuable to the F1 motor racing world and used as heat shields on space shuttles.

For all its user-friendly characteristic, producing high-tech ceramic in colors other than black or white has proved a challenge for the watch industry where aesthetics are paramount. This is why the arrival of the J12 Chromatic in a new variant of high-tech ceramic is so significant. While Panerai, the Italian heritage watch house, has been experimenting with an aluminium composite ceramic that has a pleasant brown hue, its use is limited to just two watch models.

Chanel however is betting on this new material by launching not just one new watch but seven new models for both men and women. From smaller 33 mm quartz versions, some with or without diamonds and larger automatic and chronograph models, the J12 Chromatic take Chanel’s iconic watch into a new era.

Chanel J-12 Chromatic in Titanium Ceramic watch specification

Price: 38mm $5800 USD / 42mm $6600 USD

Movement: Automatic, Swiss Made

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Case, Bezel & Strap material: Titanium Ceramic

material: Titanium Ceramic

Crystal: Sapphire

Available at CHANEL Boutique & at Bergdorf Goodman New York ~ contact Jesse Kopischke Bergdorf Goodman's sales manager at (212) 872-2519

To end this blog posting, here is a video of the interview with the CEO of watches & Fine Jewelry of CHANEL

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the pug

Balenciaga and Spain Exhibition at de Young Museum San Francisco

2011-06-02T01:34:00.000-07:00

I’ve always admires Cristóbal Balenciaga’s visions of style that has set the fashion trends since the 50s and still influence fashion designers all over the world today. This past weekend, I had the great pleasure to visit the de Young Museum in San Francisco for the Balenciaga exhibition, needless to say, it was a magical experience. The exhibition includes top examples of the couturier’s designs, the flamenco-style gowns, the fichu stoles and matador-inspired hats, the evening dresses that seemed to follow the austere sweep of a nun’s wimple - borrowed from archives and private collectors. Let’s first watch a video about the exhibition.

Here are some photos from this beautiful exhibition.

To end this blog posting, here is a video of vintage Balenciaga Fashion Show from the 50's & 60's

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Granny's Attic Chic & Crochet Charm - Dolce & Gabbana Crochet Miss Sicily Satchel Bag

2011-06-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

There is a part of me have always love the look of the antique, homey, comfy look of the handmade crochet clothing, bags, napkins, scarves ... it gives you that forgotten old world charm and the joyful memories of visiting grandma's attic, finding treasures. I think there's just not enough crochet in the world of fashion! it's all handmade, just like Haute Couture!

I am so in love with Dolce & Gabbana's crochet handbag collections! It was designed base on their super popular Miss Sicily satchel ( Each season they comes out a new color combinations with different type of leather, fur & embellishments) and now they updated Miss Sicily bag using crochet details! It is super chic yet classic styling, a must-have handbag for all fashionistas!

Even the celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Dita Von Teese, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kylie Minogue and the star of the movie "Twilight" Kristen Stewart are all crazy about the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily crochet bags!

Kylie Minogue

Victoria Beckham

Dita Von Teese & Sarah Jessica Parker

Kristen Stewart from "Twilight"

Madonna

It's available in 2 sizes, the large one is about 13" L x 11"H x 6" D and the small size is about 12"L x 9" H x 4" D. it is very roomy inside but not chunky looking, and the unique handle on the top adds that lady like looks to this bag.

$2345 Available at Neiman Marcus.com

$1995 Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.com

Also there is a new & even bigger tote bag version "Miss Helen" that I just can't get my eyes off of it! The front and back of the bag is covered with crochet detail panel, gorgeously textured crochet styling with leather panels on the sides, bottoms and the handle. also a leather drawstrings tassels closure at the top and a mixed-metal chain shoulder strap that can either be drape at the front for a little sparkly "Downtown cool" looks or you can use it as shoulder straps to free up your hands from carrying it. it's so fabulous, every fashionistas should have one!

$1895 Available at Nordstrom.com Call designer handbag manager Ryan Deleon 703-761-1121 for more available style. This bag is also available at Neiman Marcus.com

Also here is a sneek peek of Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2011 collection just shown at Italy last week, I am so happy there are new bags that also has crochet details! it's so fresh and chic, perfect for all the light weight flowing spring & summer season !

Miss Sicily bag also comes in many exotic leather & materials! It's just too fabulous for words!

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Leopard Print Satchel

Available at Nordstrom.com - Call designer handbag manager Ryan Deleon for more available styles (703)761-1121 or email him at Ryan.Deleon@Nordstrom.com

ok, after seeing all these fabulous "Miss Sicily" bags, it's time to see what Dolce & Gabbana's new Spring Summer 2011 fashion show, click on the video player below to see the show

We hope you enjoy this posting, now go visit your grandmother and go through her closet to see any fabulous antique crochet clothing & accessories you can find!

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug

Disney's Fallen Princess - A Reality Check on Happily Ever After by Dina Goldstein

2011-05-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

I recently have come across Dina Goldstein’s photography artworks “Disney Fallen Princess” and it makes me both laughing out loud & sad at the same time and wonder what if all these Disney Princess had left their “Fantasy Land” where everything is all happy & filled with flowers & pink glitters and thrown them into our world, what their lives would be like? Dina Goldstein; a skilled photographer who has explored what might have happened to fairy tale characters once the well known part of the story ended.

Snow White & Prince Charming Trapped in a Domestic Nightmare