Wall of Fashion: Audrey Hepburn

28 June 2012

Status: Admiring Dior
Time: 1PM

Let me be really frank here. If you don't know the name of Audrey Hepburn, you must have led a very sad life. Who wouldn't know the elegant lady who paraded and popularised the little black dress (which, may I add, is still very much copied to this day)? You have to know this. I'll give you a hint.

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You cannot not know this. 

In fact, this particular pose is so iconic, it's been imitated by countless of people. Celebs, models, ordinary Janes (and Joes, if you swing that way)... But it's not just the pose itself that made it all so iconic. It's the dress too. You know, the little black dress?

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But then again, I'm not here to talk solely about the little black dress. 

Born Audrey Kathleen Ruston, she has been a highly influential style icon, even to this day. Interestingly, she's been descended from a long line of aristocrats. That could be one of the reasons of how she got her amazing style. Hepburn was an imaginative and playful child. She also had a huge love for ballet. Among her greatest works are Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady. Despite being highly praised for her acting prowess, Audrey remained humble, and a humanitarian. She died in 1993 of appendiceal cancer at age 63.

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Very much different from the curvy sex sirens like Marilyn Monroe who came before her, Audrey was tall, had a gamine waif-like figure with "elfin" features. She was extremely beautiful. She favoured clothes with simple and clean cut lines, which showed off her tall, slim figure beautifully (Tip for girls who have a similar frame of figure). Audrey was a designer's delight. All of them loved dressing her doll-like body with gorgeous creations. The most prominent, I believe, is Givenchy. Which she established a long-term partnership with.


But of course, none surpassed the little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Something that she became widely synonymous with - her signature piece.

Unless I'm mistaken, it was that very black dress that made the little black dress a wardrobe essential.

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While her style isn't... For lack of a better description, something I wear very often, neither am I a fan, but I admire her. I love everything she throws on, literally. It's not sexy per se (or rather, not your conventional sexy) nothing over the top. And I wouldn't call it something you'd spot on the streets right away... Scratch that. It's Audrey Hepburn. You totally would. She's pure sophistication, elegance, and glamour, all rolled into one. 

Sometimes, when I run out of ideas on what to wear, I look to her, and all is solved. 

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Regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the twentieth century,  she is remembered as one of the greatest film and fashion icons, ever. You can't know fashion or film if you haven't known Audrey Hepburn. Oh, and if you're one of those girls who love the prim, proper, sophisticated and elegant thing, look to Audrey. 

You know they say true style never goes out of fashion, and it's true. Has Audrey's style ever gone out of fashion? I dare you to prove me wrong. 

However, what I find most attractive about her, isn't  her beauty, her talent, or even her style. It's her active humanitarian work that inspires me. Someone this beautiful and talented to have such a heart of gold, that's amazing. Her works with UNICEF is certainly nothing to be sneezed at. 

I'd like to end this entry with Audrey Hepburn's favourite poem, also a personal favourite of mine.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. 

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, 

renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,

you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;

one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, 

the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. 

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,

because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, 

but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. 

It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows,

and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

-Sam Levenson

Till next time. Au revoir, beautiful ones. I truly believe that you are all beautiful. xoxo

Fashion Review: Galaxy Prints

14 June 2012

Status: Taking a break from constructing new room
Time 5PM

I'm probably blogging about this a little bit late in season, but I feel that I must. 'Cos it's been such a huge hype, though I rarely see people wear them in Malaysia.

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From the 2011 Christopher Kane Collection.

I don't know about you, but from the moment I laid eyes on those prints, it was love at first sight. The only reason why I haven't gotten anything in this particular print is because it's so difficult to find one at an affordable price, and I have a thin wallet.

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I will admit though, I doubt these prints are for everyone. Because wearing galaxy prints and strutting around the streets of KL would definitely make you stick out like a sore thumb. Some people might prefer something a wee bit understated. But hey, why blend in when you can stand out?

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Isn't it beautiful? 

I don't know about you, but I find that nebula prints lend a more fantasy-like aura for any article of clothing, and a more futuristic appearance. Some people might find it hard to accept, because the print itself is loud and imposing. But to me, I think it's absolutely lovely. 

The downside is, I'm not too sure if this is a trend that will last. I just can't seem to see it as an evergreen thing. But then again, I could be wrong. 

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Here's a tip. If you planning on wearing anything galaxy printed, make sure you pair it with understated colours. The print itself is attention-grabbing. And there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.You wouldn't want to look like an overly dressed clown. 

The verdict:

It's cool. And if you're a hipster or into indie, you'd probably love it to bits. I would definitely wear it. But I'm not too sure if it might get a bit overrated. Cos to me, when anything hipster gets overrated, it ultimately becomes boring. 

Till next time. Au revoir, beautiful ones. xoxo

Fashion Face-off: Kirsten Stewart vs. Charlize Theron

10 June 2012

Status: Looking for the Rain God (it is hot as hell over here)
Time: 2PM

www.todayentertainment.today.msnbc.msn.com

About a few weeks ago was the premiere of Snow White and the Huntsman in London. Evidently, Charlize Theron and Kirsten Stewart decided to dress up as Queen Ravenna.

While I hear that the both of them are... "Buddies" now, I do believe that the dress up thing has opened grounds for them to receive a windfall of comparisons among the paparazzi and fashion critics. So I thought, why not?

In my honest opinion, I think it's pretty obvious. Charlize beat Kirsten flat. Let me put it simply, she nailed it. 

The Beautiful

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Rocking a Christian Dior Haute Couture gown with Solange Azagury-Partridge jewellery, Ms. Theron captured the bad-assery of the evil Queen Ravenna with elegance and grace. Simply perfect. I love her ensemble. It's no wonder they picked her to play the part. 

The What-Were-You-Thinking

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Okay, I've been struggling with myself on being nice to Kirsten. Probably because despite what a horrible actress everyone says she is, I saw her in Speak and I thought she actually had a small hint of unrecognised talent. But I can't. The dress is too ugly for words.

First off, it looks like patches of cloth stuck to her skin, made to look sexy but failing miserably. I looked at her hips and I'm still trying to decide if she was moulting or attempting to grow feathers.... With ruffles... And are those scales behind her? I'm sorry, Kirsten, but the person you were supposed to dress up as, is QUEEN RAVENNA (you know.. Hot as hell evil queen who tries to kill Snow White? Yeah). Not The Girl Who Is Turning Into a Scaly-Crow-Monster-Thing. 

One small consolation, or rather the only thing I liked about her, was her hair. 

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Love what she did with the gold chains. Very nice.

But other than that... The dress should be burned in hell.

So what say you? Which do you think worked the look best? Leave your answers in the comment section. I'd love to hear your opinions.

Till next time. Au revoir, lovelies. XOXO

Disclaimer: This post was inspired by information given to me by Samuel Chew, who blogs at www.seraphsam.com. Drop by his blog and check it out. It's pretty cool.  

Fashion Review: The Asymmetrical Skirt

7 June 2012

Status: Satisfying popcorn cravings
Time: 5PM

Asymmetricallity. It's all over the place. Almost any one who's been in-tune with the fashion scene would know that the trend has officially taken the fashion world by storm. If you don't, well... May the ghost of Coco Chanel haunt you for all your days.

Of course, there have been a variety of asymmetrical clothes. But the one I'm gonna talk about today, is the asymmetrical skirt.

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While some may deem it weird, I actually find it beautiful. Sure, it's unusual. But it's interesting. It makes your ensemble interesting. And lord knows how much we need this on the fashion scene. A girl who rocks the asymmetrical skirt right, will have tons of admiring glances where ever she goes. 

I mean, look at it. There's just something about that piece of flowy, floaty, dream-like skirt that makes the entire outfit look altogether lovelier. The way it flows along with your body as you move, makes you almost queen-like.

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See what I mean?

However, this is a downside to this beauty. Because it's so unusual, it's a bit difficult to find the right type. You see, not all of us are born with perfect bodies. So the same skirt can look different on different girls. The asymmetrical skirt pretty much draws attention to the legs. So if you're leggy, great. You can pretty much carry off any asymmetrical skirt.

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If you're a bit skinny, get a skirt with ruffles. It'll give you a fuller look. But if you're a little on the chubby side, try to avoid asymmetrical skirts with long hems. Get the ones with shorter hems, preferably up to the knee. And if you're petite, don't even consider wearing the skirt with flats. Go with the highest heels you have. Stumpy is not and never will be the new sexy. Period. Neither is dumpy. 

The only exception to this rule, is if you have the body of a supermodel, or the asymmetrical skirt you have is short-hemmed. But then again, the asymmetrical skirt is typically worn with heels. Go with simple heels, by the way. No neon coloured or out of this world shoes, sister. You do not want to draw attention away from the skirt. You can, however, pair the skirt with boots, which looks super cool. Note: Only do this if you possess va-va-voom legs, or slim legs at least. You'll want admiring glances, not gawking haters.

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Now, despite how difficult the skirt can be, you'd be surprised at how versatile it is. It depends on what look you're going for, really. A simple tank top, heels, a nice belt, and good bag is perfect for a casual day out. Pairing a bustier top, a sash, heels and a clutch with the skirt spells romantic dinner date. It's easy to go from day to night with this skirt.

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Or, you could turn it into beachwear. 

The verdict:

Hot. But with many, many, MANY conditions. It's a beautiful piece to add to your closet, but for the love of Anna Wintour, choose wisely. 

Till next time. Au revoir, beautiful ones. XOXO

Blogshop Review: Bluey Joyce Online Boutique

5 June 2012

Status: Groggy from sleep
Time: 7AM

Blogshop: Bluey Joyce Online Boutique

A quick look:
Although this is the first time I've shopped at Bluey Joyce Boutique, this blogshop has been around for quite a while. I loved the design of their site. Simple, neat, with a bit of a vintage vibe. It goes with the name for their boutique.

After skimming through a few of their outfits, I've noticed that most of the stuff that they sell are along the lines of smart casual and formal wear. If you're looking towards jazzing up your workwear, this is the place to go.

Ordering method:
1. Simply click the "Order Form" tab at the very top of the site.

2. Fill up the order form.

Or, you could contact the blogshop owners via the email address you see on the right.

Service:

Quick and efficient - pretty much sums up how their service has been like to me. My order was finalised and on its way to my doorstep within two hours. Correspondence has been very pleasant. So I'm very happy. What I liked most, however, is the systematic way they used in finalising orders from customers.

All order details were put into charts. Which made everything so much easier for me to read, as compared with certain blogshops that type all the orders out in sentences and paragraphs. I'm not saying that it's bad, it's just that I find this method much easier on the eyes.

Overview:

I've been on a strict "no online shopping" diet for over two months now. But I have to say that when I saw this top, I couldn't resist. 

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The Savannah Toga Cape Top. 

I was lucky enough to have gotten the very last piece. 

I really couldn't help myself. I had vivid fantasies of myself looking gorgeous in this. I had to buy it immediately. You could wear it for either a day at the office, or a casual day out. Depending on how you wear it. Slacks or a pencil skirt for work, shorts or skinnies for play. This is a top that adds a touch of subtle elegance to your ensemble.

Made from about two layers of chiffon, the top is soft and fluid to the touch. I especially loved how the material moves and flows along with my body when I put it on. 

The stitching of the top is done pretty well. It's safe to say that the top definitely wouldn't fall apart after a few washes. I actually believe it's quite durable. 

The verdict:

I enjoyed my shopping experience, and I got a great top that's well worth my money. I love Bluey Joyce Online Boutique. It's one of those blogshops that sell clothes that are appropriate for both work and play. I especially recommend it for girls who are looking to spicing up their workwear. You'll find loads of chic, versatile and affordable formal wear here.

Till next time!

Au revoir, beautiful ones. XOXO