2011 Fashion

Power Dressing

This season go the power dressing way - immaculate cuts, figure hugging fits that accentuate the contours of the body, structured jackets, tailored dresses, cinched waistlines, killer heels, statement jewellery and simple, structured bags, it's all about like you mean business. Fierce but feminine, like Sandra Bullock's style in the movie The Proposal or Victoria Beckham' style. It has a modern aesthetic that’s more feminine and even sexy this time around. A look that will work for the office as well as parties.

Why power dressing?
Well-fitted cuts gives a feeling of formality and structured clothes are associated with confidence. It exudes elegance with comfort and ease. Figure grazing clothes accentuate the female body form while hiding the problem areas. This modern chic classic charm can be carried off with confidence by every woman..

Victoria Beckham at an ad shoot in London

Victoria Beckham at an ad shoot in London's Notting Hill area in her own creation. The grey dress spells of power yet the flair with cut and ruffles adds feminine touch to it.
You like? Click here to buy (Victoria Beckham Carmontelle cashmere-blend dress for £2,258.57).
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Victoria Beckham at an ad shoot in London
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Victoria Beckham - power dressing in casual avatar
Skinny jeans, high heels, tailored jacket and simple Hermes bag, the look is simple, clean and casual and yet a power-dressing style.
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Victoria Beckham catching flight at Heathrow
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Working the look

Here's how you can work the look, also glance at some celebs who have worked this look well.
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- Pick jackets and blazers that are nipped in at the waist to create flattering curves and choose bold colours to wear underneath to add som interet to your look – not the boring pastel shades or beige but a bold red or empowering orange.
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Moschino Cheap and Chic

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- Pick straight, tailored, smart, high-waisted pencil skirts or trousers, sheath dress in thick fabric and find a style that you feel most confident and comfortable in. Remember to keep accessories to a minimum choosing one statement piece. Scarves, brooches, not-so-overpowering necklace are some good options. Choose subtle structured, clean tote or handbag to finish your confident, empowering and fashionably fierce look. You can colour co-ordinate your shoes and bag.

- Invest in quality pieces like a fantastic blouse, tailored dress and a razor sharp blazer (loved the grey dress Sandra wore in the movie The Proposal) that will not only confirm your fashion credentials, but will look great for a few seasons to come.

- In the make-up department remember to keep it subtle. To carry off this look with a feminine touch, focus on just one feature such as the eyes, cheeks or lips. Red lips would work well, it spell of power yet looks sexy at the same time (may not be great at everyone's workplace though, but perfect for parties).
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And this style is not just for the workplace. You can wear it to parties, lunches or dinner, wherever you choose.

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Related Posts:
Sandra Bullock - The Proposal Wardrobe
Handbags for Spring/Summer 2009
RED ALERT
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postcard: vehicular madness 3 "look (sharapova)"

look (sharapova).
from the car. quezon city, manila. july 15, 2009.

postcard: vehicular madness 2

delivery. quezon city, philippines. july 17, 2009.

Celebrity Watch - OTT Stylish

Victoria Beckham

Although Posh has adopted a very classy and sophisticated impeccable style, which can be predictable at times, but sometimes her edgy look creates a new fashion statement. She was seen at the Heathrow wearing an Loewe ensemble which I am sure very few women can carry that well.
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She looks every inch stylish in the high-waisted white pants teamed with polka dot shirt (both Loewe). In the accessorise department, she wore her trademark black shades. Her Loewe bag (thank God not Hermes for a change) goes well with the outfit, but I don't like the suede Yves Saint Laurent Tribute heels she was wearing, though you can barely see them as they are hidden by her long pants.
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Victoria Beckham coming out of Heathrow

Loewe Spring 2009 Collection as seen on Victoria Beckham

Kim Kardashian - Shopping in West Hollywood

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Kim was spotted shopping in West Hollywood looking chic in a casual black ensemble. She is wearing a black jumpsuit (I love jumpsuits for their simple minimilistic chic, comfort and versatility), a smart black bag (does anyone know which Bag is Kim carrying? pls post your comment), delectable silver and black gladiators and a black necklace that adds punk to he outfit. I love black, and surely love her all black ensemble.
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Kim Kardshian shopping
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Sienna Miller at "G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra" Japan Premiere
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To make a style statement is certainly a hardwork. And then in an endevour to make one and falling off so badly does take some efforts too. Some things are best left on the runway, but apparently Sienna Miller did not realise it when she wore bold Gucci leopard sequin suit at the G.I. Joe premiere in Japan. The model wore it on Gucci's runway the same way - midnight blue lurex shirt, shiny suit, peep-toe booties. But like I said, some looks are best left for the runway.
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The jacket or the shirt by itself are quite stylish. But putting all the sparkle together just did not work for us.
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You like it?
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Sienna Miller in Gucci at G.I. Joe Premiere in Japan

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Sandra Bullock at The Proposal Premiere in California

Sandra wore a satin asymmetrical Alexander McQueen dress with layered necklaces and Bally Ilya black suede and lizard ankle strap platform shoes at the premiere of her movie 'The Proposal' in California. She looks quirky and chic. Her necklaces add the glam factor to the dress, giving her LBD an edge.

Sandra Bullock at The Proposal Premiere

UPDATES ON PREVIOUS POSTS

The Encyclopedia of Lip Balms - La Mer Lip Balm Review added
La Mer Lip Balm (one of the world's most expensive lip balm; $45 for just 0.32 oz) moisturises and soothes even the most dry and chappy lips and lasts on lips for hours keeping them softer. See the post for full review.

Beautify - Shop List - added French Connection Structured Black Shoulder Bag
One of the most useful accessories that is simple, stylish, chic and clasic piece, this French Connection shoulder bag is on my shop list, at £60 itsa great buy and a great brand too. Click here to see the Affordable Lust List (updated).

Waist Cinching Belt - Sandra Bullock images and waist cinching belt style added
Sandra Bullock attends The Proposal Photo Call andPress Conference in Madrid to promote her movie 'The Proposal'. She wears a Micheal Kors wrap dress, for pictures and more details click here.

Celebs LOOK FOR LESS - added Reese Witherspoon's cute and casual look
Reese Witherspoon was spotted strolling in sun in LA in a blue tank with printed matching skirt with gladiator sandals in a casual yet stylish avatar. Get her look for less, images and shopping links added.

pretty city: capo in the square...

was milling around in union square, before going to see 500 days of summer. my friend and i weaved our way through the madness (shoppers, skaters, strollers) and were drawn to the deep and tight circle of enthusiastic on-lookers who were mesmerized by the capoeira performers. (are they properly called fighters, or dancers?)

anyway, among the performers, i spied a familiar face: a former co-worker, who also happens to be one of the coolest (and nicest) people i've met:

the amazing ryan! (the gorgeous filipino brother, with the shaved head.)

i tried to snap photos of some of the others, but it was a situation where it pays to be tall, or have crazy long arms.

this is all i got...

this woman is beautiful. and "hard core," says nicholas.

one guy can't believe his eyes...

my friend took this, hence, the better aerial view.

Sandra Bullock - The Proposal Wardrobe

I recently saw Sandra Bullock's romantic comedy 'The Proposal' and totally loved her wardrobe in the movie. Structured dresses and suits, delectable bags and amazing killer heels.

In the movie she is playing a high powered book editor and a dominating boss in New York, dressed in cinch-waisted suits and Louboutin shoes. She's successful and powerful and her wardrobe totally reflects the personality. Cat Thomas, her stylist in the movie, worked a look that spell of power but was feminine at the same time - structured silhouettes, classy bags, black high heels, plunging necklines.

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Images from the Movie - 'The Proposal'
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Sandra Bullock is wearing cinched-waist black suit that is paired with black Christian Louboutin peep-toed pumps and Prada bag. Her hair-do is completely going with the look, poker straight hair tied in a high-pony.
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Her shoes remind me of what Reese Witherspoon was wearing in the movie Four Christmases.

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She wears a grey dress with plunging neckline at a small get-together that is arranged to welcome her so-called fiance, where they are going to announce thier wedding plan. The dress is simple, classy and very sophiticated. The detailing at the neckline gives an edge to this simple grey dress. You maybe thinking why would someone be clad so blandly for wedding announcement, but see the movie to get your answer. Anyway, the dress totally gets my vote (not for the occassion though)
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Sandra Bullock wearing Face a Face Ylang 1 Sunglasses in The Proposal

The Face to Face Sunglasses Sandra Bullock is wearing in the movie also looks very classy and sophisticated. The model she is wearing is Face a Face Ylang 1 with a smoky gray fram and beveled turtoise front. Face a Face is an exclusive French eyewear brand.
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Her style in the movie reminds me of Victoria Beckham. High heels, classy bags (Hermes, the one Bullock is carrying in yellow, is also Ms Beckham's one of the favourite styles), blacks and greys, simple sharply tailored silhouettes. What's your verdict?

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Sandra Bullock at the "Late Show with David Letterman" in NYC
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Sandra Bullock at the "Late Show with David Letterman" in New York City

Sandra Bullock looks simple and stylish arriving at a studio in NYC to record for the 'Late Show With David Letterman' to promote her movie ''The Proposal''.
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Like her simple grey pinstriped dress which she paired with a black cardigan and black Azzedine Alaia shoes. To accessorize she wore a gold pendant with 'om' engraved on it.

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Related Posts:
Celebrities and their Watches
CRUELTY FREE FASHION
Celebrity Watch - The Chic Looks
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Loving the Little White Dress

We have talked about the Little Black Dress earlier, its hot, its so of the moment and looks absolutely awesome. In fact it has never been more trendy than now. It has become a new classic.

The best thing about the Little White Dress is that while it's completely chic alone, you can also jazz it up with just about anything - chunky accesories or pop of (any) colour for an instant update.

From crisp cotton to flowy fabrics to lacy inserts, the profusion of white on the spring runways proves that the season would not be the same without the little white dress. The LBD is definitely classic, but LWD is extremely popular right now and has kind of become an obsession with the celebs too.
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Cameron Diaz in Oscar De La Renta Little White Dress at Hall of Fame

Eva Mendes in Italy in a gorgeous Dolce and Gabbana LWD

Eva Mendes looks chic in her sun-kissed look in a little white dress, paired with nude espadrilles, a smart canvas bag and a stack of bangles.
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How to wear the Little White Dress?
You can pair your LWD with any accessories you like. Every colour would go well with white - reds, blacks, pinks, brights, pastels just about anything. Love the way Cameron has worked the red accessories with her LWD. For more tips on wearing your LWD, click here.

Our Pick
Little White Shirt Dress from Armani Exchange
available for $89 (Was $130) in sale, click here to buy.
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Related Posts:
Snow White in Summer
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Best Perfumes For Spring/Summer

When the temperature soars, it is best to keep the intense, loud fragrances for cold days. Your summer perfume must keep you calm and refreshing despite the heat. Light aromas like citron, ozone, aqua based, floral and sea aromas work best for summers.

Given below is a list of some of the best perfumes for spring summer that you'll love wearing.

Read on at the bottom for smart tip on how to make your fragrance last longer.

1. Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue - This fresh, floral-fruity refreshing fragrance reflects the sexiness of Mediterranean style that you can wear at any time of the day. Its one of my personal favourites.

2. Gucci Flora - Flora has a light, subtle, sophisticated floral fragrance with fruity top-notes. It’s floral but not too floral it’s vaguely peach-y but not too fruity, it’s sweetish but not too sweet. Love the smell.
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3. Miss Dior Chérie L'eau - This floral scent with aromas of white musk, bitter orange and gardenia leaves a long lasting feeling of cleanliness and freshness. You'll smell fantastic with this wonderful fragrance.
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4. Escada Into the Blue - An evocative blue aquatic floral scent, perfect for hot summer days. The fragrance opens on fresh, green notes of leaves and herbs, enlivened with a pop of star fruit. Peony helps form the floral heart, while the base includes woods and amber. Its sexy and refreshing at the same time.
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5. Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf - A wonderful fragrance, with its floral notes and distinctive sophisticated smell is great for summers (and winters too). It has notes of bergamot, sambac jasmine, tea, orange tree, catleya orchid, freesia, rose, and amber, musk, and patchouli.
They say 'the fragrance's evocative notes will immediately awaken your deepest senses, giving you the impression of living life in your own secret garden away from hard reality', and rightly so. It smells heaven and distinctive. Its sensuous and refreshing, and would instantly brighten your mood. Totally love this perfume.

Light blue and flowerbomb were featured in the Top Ten Perfumes for Winter List too.

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Perfume Tip:
- Keep your fragrance out of direct sunlight as the sun rays cause it to fade and the chemicals react differently, changing the smell.

- Spray perfume behind your knees, it will waft upwards and last the whole day.

- Never rub the area where you have sprayed the perfume, because rubbing crushes the molecules of the fragrance & ruins the scent.

P.S. Share your favourite summer fragrance!!!!!

Related Posts:
Ten Best Perfumes For Winter
Summer Must Haves
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postcard: vehicular madness 1

jeepney: the passenger. batangas, philippines. july 12, 2009.

a jeepney, in batangas...july 12, 2009.

a "tricycle" i.e. a motorcycle with a sidecar...batangas, philippines. july 12, 2009.

a tricycle...packed with produce. quezon city, philippines. july 15, 2009.

postcard: seasonal fruit

buko (young coconut)

the sweetest pineapples i've had...would that i could have these every day...

giant jackfruit.

i don't know what this fruit tastes like raw--or if it's even eaten that way. it's commonly canned or bottled (in heavy syrup) and then added to various desserts --chopped finely, and added to some sweet rice cakes (bibingka)...or goopy, soupy desserts (ginataan) which is made with coconut milk and glutinous rice flour (how good did i make that sound?)...or icy treats like halo-halo (a dessert made with shaved ice, evaporated milk, with a hodgepodge of sweet beans and sweet corn and purple yam jam and young coconut balls)...all are, shall we say, acquired tastes. and to be truthful, i only acquired it in late adulthood. really, it just requires a little bit of daring, and a palate that is open to various textures and intense bursts of SUGAR.

yes, they have some bananas. no different than what we have here, except in terms of freshness, and thus, sweetness.

longan and lychees. I did not try these during this trip, but loved how they look.

i wish i could call this "nice melons" but obviously, these are voluptuous grapefruit.

santol (in the foreground).

we were lucky to travel at this time of year (despite the "monsoon" season) as it is peak (or near peak) season for many fruits that are unavailable here. like santol. i used a knife to cut through the thick fuzzy rind that protects the whitish, opaque, and mushy fruit. the fruit is sectioned, like any common citrus fruit and it does taste vaguely like grapefruit, but without any bitterness. it's mild and sweet, but not pretty. and it's also not terribly satisfying, since the fruit pulp seems to only serve as protection for the 4 or 5 brown, inedible pits that are roughly the size of a brazil nut. you can't chew or really swallow the fruit. you just gnaw the flavor out of it until you get tired of lolling the pit around in your mouth. i was told that you could use a knife to carefully separate some real fruit from the pit, but i had already gone native with the thing and tried to eat it the way i would an orange. apparently a method exists where the meat can be extracted and reproduced commercially into dried fruit and jam.

i think this is the dreaded durian (on the left), and so i steered clear. have you ever tried it? i bought a durian popsicle once and it was the foulest thing ever. i imagine if i were to eat a dirty sweatsock, that had been steeping in its own wet funk for about a week, that would be on par with what durian tastes and smells like.

red pitaya dragonfruit!

i tried one variety of dragonfruit that has white flesh and black seeds...wonderful! reminiscent of kiwi. at market! market! they were selling a variety that has pink flesh and purply-black seeds, which i have read is costa rican...

clockwise, top left: lanzones, santol, and chico...

and to lanzones: i tried this for the first time when i was 5. it was one of the few fruits that i ate that age that wasn't in soaked in a bath of heavy corn syrup...but i only had a few times during one visit to the philippines that our family made. i don't know if i really remembered its taste, but i never forgot that i liked it. after this trip, i am fascinated all over again.

they grown in tight bunches, on a branch. pull one off, and squeeze it very gently, and the very thin skin will break to reveal an opaque, whitish fruit (a theme in tropical fruit?) that is encased in a nearly translucent rind. if you're patient, you can separate the sections...otherwise you can probably pop it whole into your mouth. i prefer the former method, if only to marvel for as long as i can at its delicateness. the flesh is light and juicy, rather like a grape but without that crispness or intensity. it's mellow and sweet and a touch citrusy. if only i could have smuggled some in...

and chico: it is a handsomely shaped fruit and it looks great on the tree (as you'll see in future photos). small enough to hide in your palm, skin, thin and smooth like a stone. sweet or sour, depending on ripeness, it tastes very much like kiwi, but flatter. a couple of people in my family cited this fruit as their favorite. it's good, but not mine.

clockwise, top left: limes, mangosteen, atis, and rambutan.

and finally, two more fascinating tropical adventures: mangosteen and atis.

atis (AH-tees) looks like a cross between an artichoke and a grenade. i thought i would need a knife to power through the rind, but that tough-looking exterior is all for show! squeeze it a little, and the little "plates" will give way. you can pull it apart into two or more pieces, and suck out the flesh. but being the "civilized girl" that i am, i took a teaspoon to it, and shoveled the pulp into my mouth. again, this fruit does not have pretty insides. remember alien? all that white goo? that's what atis looks like. but wow, the flavor! delicately sweet and grainy, like pear puree. the only downside, aside from the visual, is the many seeds inside. you can't get too carried away eating this, you need to concentrate on spitting the seeds.

and...mangosteen. i've been fiending to try mangosteen for years now, since the rw apple and david karp wrote dreamy articles about it. i nearly left the country without trying some! fortunately, our last minute trip to market! market! meant that i could finally satisfy my curiosity. this rich, eggplant colored little fruit has tough skin and like other fruits i've tried on this trip, there is a thick rind. the mangosteen fruit is nestled like a rare jewel in a maroon velvet cushion...

and curious it is, because each person that tried it had a different take on it.
i said it reminded me of banana, with a hint of lychee and the deep, heartiness of mango. my sister said, "grape!" my aunt said lanzones, but then agreed with my mom in that it's also like santol. i couldn't, at the time, remember what karp and apple said about it. but i loved that it didn't remind all of us of any one fruit. we loved it. but it seemed appropriate that something that is still so elusive to us stateside is just as mysterious to the palate.