Stylebrity in the Making.

Strangely beautiful - Mattrew Barney's Cremaster Series

2007-12-12T11:03:00.000-08:00

I just learned about the Mattrew Barney's Cremaster Series recently and I am absolutely loving it! Its a strange art performing/musical/visual overflow with unrealistic situations...I could go on and on about the unusual ambiance but definitely it makes me think of Bjork alot (which is interesting because they are married to each other and I guess they are just soulmates for each other as well!)

Visuals are so important to creative people and I really admire artists that could implement their creativities and execute it in such a stunning effect. I will need to get a hold of the video and look closer to this artist work some more.

No more blogging...

2007-10-08T23:23:00.000-07:00

It is really true that when you are doing something you absolutely love, you don't realize time just flies by...when I lifted up my head from my patternmaking process, or finally drop my 2B pencil to go make more coffee, I realize how much I am enjoying the moment and not thinking of the next. Well, in the back of my mind I always wanted to share something on this virtual world where everyone is connected, but I am also struggling with time and rethinking the context that I would actually like to spend time delivering.

So I will be leaving this space for awhile, in hope of finding a new way that is more interesting and focus to express my vision.

LibraStar's Journal: Second week of school

2007-09-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last posted, it has finally became a reality that I am now living, breathing, sharing, learning everyday the thing that I have always loved - Fashion Design. I feel that overwhelming passion and excitement which seems so childish and naive but so right at the same time. I never thought that my homework could be something I actually want to do even without anyone asking me to - do a trend report on NYFW, go shopping in my favorite area in nyc and write up a market report, make sketches of figures and tear off inspirational pictures from fashion magazines.

Also, I have been really enjoying the fashion sighting around me - my classmates, people I pass by everyday around the school area, they all have a distinct look of style that really shows individuality. Like today in class I saw this girl who was wearing a long black double-breasted vest and black leather laced-up ankle boots, she was wearing a thin white tee which was only showing slightly at the armhole. The look was so striking and chic I couldn't help but peeked a few times in class. She told me that she got it from Urban Outfitters - from the picture on the site it really didn't look that impressive, I swear it looked much better on that girl as a one piece with the laced up ankle boots!!

Anyway, I will try harder to post more frequently and share my thoughts and inspirations from time to time.

Great Skirts

2007-06-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Love these two styles (from sartorialist). The first girl is my favorite and I would love to try making this skirt she has on (looks like a stiffer kind of polyester/cotton fabric) but as I study closer it looks like some kind of madness to make the darts and must be some magic on the fabric so it will actually not pleat and hold up like an umbrella.

The second skirt I love as well as it is very elegant and really enhance the hour glass shape of a women's body. Timeless!

Antwerp Fashion Show 2007

2007-06-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

A follow up on the Fashion Show, a video by Diane Pernet, just a glimpse of what's going on in the prestigious student show.

There are also more detailed videos about the show here (too many videos so I am not going to post here)

Maxi Dress

2007-06-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

I am quite surprised as I actually started to take a closer look at this Maxi Dress (very long dress) style that I see Nicole Rickie wearing a lot of times. It struck me that how a petite frame can actually carry this long flowy style - and all the sudden I remember one day when I was in the hair salon a petite girl with some gorgeous tan walks in with this beige maxi dress which look absolutely breathtaking. I wish I had a camera on and was brave enough to take pictures of her at that time. So since then I am slowly convinced that it is a style that I would try in the near future.

I went on looking for one but its not an easy task. Ones from T-bags (which they are almost specilized in making these printed maxi dress) are like $200+ a flock. Then I went to ASOS and saw some really cheap print design version of the maxi dress and I couldn't made myself to buy it just to try the style. But there is this leopard print maxi dress that looks really sensual on the model, I was so tempted to buy it but I am not sure if I could carry it well, or have any place that I could wear it and not get harassed. What do you think of the style?

LibraStar's Journal: Back to School!

2007-06-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

When was the last time I got excited saying this? Excited about getting a step ahead to my dream, I got this new styling idea -

Top - H&M black and metallic stripy t-shirt dress
Trouser - Giorgio Armani (got it from a mad sale in Hong Kong about 10 years ago, never worn it once) light gray see through pants.
Heels - Nine West white patent heels
Belt - (No brand) Thick black leather belt
Bag - (No brand) Orange soft leather bag from Hong Kong

Holy smokes...what a dress, what a woman

2007-06-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Can't put this in word, this is just a stunning look! (from Diane's blog)

Love the color, love the fabric, love stam!

2007-06-06T12:53:00.001-07:00

Spotted some great Dior ads, really love this new stuff from Dior, look so much like Gucci from the Tom Ford era but i can still see the doll like style that Galliano specialized in. Love that clingy second skin like fabric that just glides on the body, the green tube dress with the back skirt detail is so amazing...

LV fantasia ad in Japan

2007-06-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Really cute and amazingly long ad for LV in Japan. Anime style, reminds me of the famous anime "My Neighbor Totoro" by Hayao Miyazaki. Enjoy~

Show me your style : Fashion IV

2007-05-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Still with small audiences and participators and under development but I found a few looks at Fashion IV that are quite daring and captivating. Such beauties and style like lilyofthevalley (first one) and Frankincense (second two) are definitely great inspirations.

Antwerp Royal Acadamy of Fine Arts

2007-05-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

Stay Tuned!

Fab Denim

2007-05-24T07:49:00.001-07:00

Where do they make awesome denim like the one shown here?? I would love to have a pair that is in a darker inkier wash, lighter wash is hard for petite girls to pull off especially if the thigh and calves proportion is just slightly off the perfect slender scale. This jeans would be really cute too if it is tapered.

Makeup Ready for Summer! Part I

2007-05-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

I finally found a blush that is perfect enough to replace my sad little crumbly remainder from the discontinued MAC powder blush ICE.

This is the Cargo BeachBlush Sunset Beach - Just the right amount of shimmery pink that just match my bronzer Guenlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder Blonde perfectly!

Another Great Video from Hyères

2007-05-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

This video is even better than the other ones I have found previously. This has more commenting from the judges and people involved in the Festival, as well as my two favorite designers Sandra and Peter talking a little bit about their design and inspiration - I absolutely adore Sandra! Her sheepish smile with incredibly high cheekbone and cute Swedish accent when she speaks english - probably contribute a lot to the reason why everybody in the Fashion and Photography Festival had a crush on her ;) (as the commenter said). Enjoy the Vid!

Les pieds dans la mode - Hyères 2007
Uploaded by lespiedsdanslamode

Parsons AAS Student Fashion Show

2007-05-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

As a future attendee, I checked out the May Student Fashion Show (papierdoll). I guess it's hard to judge by looking at a few snapshots in the photo gallery, but I have to say the images did very little for me. Maybe I was hoping for a little more originality and sophistication in tailoring that could rival Antwerp Royal Academy, but not much gives me a hint of scholarly attitude in forming a concept, theme, or establishing a signature style. I do recognize some good craftsmanship that is looks very commercial (in a good way, as McQueen said), practical and luxurious, which is a signature strength for New York designers.

All in all I am still really excited and looking forward to my new venture. I believe that the school will provide sufficient knowledge and the outcome really depends on inspirations and hard work.

That's Sneaker Heel - Insane Fashion Turnaround!

2007-05-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Just a few hour after I blogged that Norma Kamali Sneaker Heel that I found on ebay recently, there goes a blog entry introducing this....ARGH!!! freaking gorgeous pair of sneaker heels by Dries Van Noten (post from Kingdom of Style) - How crazy is this? I want a pair seriously, I might just want to put this on the top of my shelf to stare at it everyday or something, its just so damn cute.

Strange, Ugly or Amazingly Stylish?

2007-05-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

While I was looking thru vintage Norma Kamali's stuff on ebay, I came across this famous sneaker heels she designed in the 80s. Its sooo strange but I can't help staring at them for a long long time!

What do you guys think? Strange, Ugly or Fabulous?

Color + Fabric

2007-05-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a leading force which favors design with color blocks in geometrical shapes over Victorian style print, or any other pattern type prints. Like Emilio Pucci's Fall 07 design (bottom 1st), and Marni's classic style (bottom 2nd, Miss Castiglioni looking absolutely adorable) neutral color blocks (left). From the "Oracle" of the fashion industry, Lady Miucia said that "The only thing I could think of was to work on color and materials", giving the idea that fabric and color are the two main elements that defines what's "current". Her Fall 07 line (bottom 3rd and 4th) mixed in the synthetic material, bright with neutral color and some gradient effects. Jonathan Saunder, a london designer who also did quite a similar interpretation with colors and gradient (last two), but I prefer the more subtle and retrained version from Prada.

The Norma Effect

2007-05-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post this but was holding back by my workload recently. Anyways on my kind of recent trip to Vancouver I discovered my new interests in Everlast by Norma Kamali. She is a FIT alum who created a sensational sleeping bag coat in the 70s (wore by Chrissy Turlington here) which does make quite a statement that she is not just creating everyday casual wear, but casual wear made out of real silk parachutes material and gym jersey clothing that can be worn in 30+ ways. Kamali is experimental with her fabric while keeping her design functional and sleek.

She has made a subtle but captivating come back with her new line with Everlast. My first encounter with her design was in this nice boutique store in Vancouver downtown, Jonathan & Olivia, a sleek black turtle neck 3/4 sleeves dress, which looks really demure and reminds me of those sexy wetsuits for surfing, then i found the stunner point - it has a full open back! I quickly tried it on and it looks even more amazing on the body. The polyester material gives the right amount of stretch and weight, which hugs the body perfectly. There was no way I could resist the dress even though I had to go broke and sell my older clothes on ebay. ;)

There are some other design which I found intriguing, such as the green one shoulder dress and the kimono sleeves one shoulder dress below. There are certainly not everyday dresses but they are so unique and stylish.

The Timeless Silhouette

2007-05-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

I have this image in my blog folder for quite sometime. The classic Roland Mouret dress from Fall 2005, has a very 1950s European style to it. It is such surgically body enhancing piece that really sculpt your body the right way. Looking at the voluminous blouses and dresses and all these emperor waisted style that are all concealing the curviness of the body figure, I find myself always going back to the body enhancing pieces, maybe adding the edgier, funkier element with a pair of unique heels, bold accessories, and captivating makeup.

The End of Hyères 07!

2007-05-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

I am happy to say that Two of my favorite designer (that I mentioned from my previous post) Sandra Backlund and Peter Bertsch won the First Price and 123 Price respectively!

check out the video:

The little piece that happened at a bar in Paris...

2007-04-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Music inspires Art, Art inspires music...Fashion is Art to me and this little gem really inspired me on many level.
.Eagle*Seagull - The death could be at the door.

Festival International de Mode et de Photographie in Hyères

2007-04-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

The International competition for the new fashion and photography talents is happening in the South of France! From the look of a few shots on Diane's blog I see some really exciting new designs that is absolutely innovative and refreshing - so far I am liking Peter Bertsch "Bionic" collection from Belgium (first 2 images on the bottom) and of course that "McQueen of kitwear" Sandra Backlund "Ink Blot Test" Sweden (last 3 images on the bottom - I have already blogged her twice, Knit gone wild and When art is fashion).

I am looking forward to see more new shots, and if I can find my way to a good source for the event I will definitely post it here!

Shoe-bangs!

2007-04-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

This season's Aldo collection is pretty impressive. They just got the right splash of quirkiness to the design while still keeping the practicality (easy to match with simple outfits and still stands out), I already own the two black heels and I am currently rocking that peep toes with chunky glass heels at work!

Edit: I swapped the green Avariella to this blue Avariella which is the one I bought! It is slowing and surely coming to my home!!

The New York Bubble - Katy Rodriguez

2007-04-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

Last week I saw a whole rack of super super bubbly dresses in Resurrection in Soho. My first thought was - its a bit costumy... however, the calculated twist of the fabric made this bubble dress look very artsy and extraordinary. At that time I didn't quite know the socialites/celebs new fav designer Katy Rodriguez.

Last night I reread my W mag and quickly spotted that "Bubbly" dress on socialite/model Lydia Hearst. I must say that dress look quite stunning against her porcelain skin tone. Another one is on Stylish Rachel Zoe. I can't say I like her style but that dress she is wearing looks very cute too, that would be a great color for tanned skin tone.

Edit: I just found out (after further research on Katy) that she is the owner of vintage cult fav store Resurrection - this gem to me is like a vintage museum because they only sell really good quality suits and gowns like YSL, Jean Paul Gautier, Pucci, Alaia...etc.

Innovative Pattern Cutting - Romina Karamanea

2007-03-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

Showcasing beautiful designs by London fashion designer Romina Karamanea (originates in Athens). She did Fashion Design and Product Development at Nottingham Trent University, then she went to Central Saint Martin for Innovative Pattern Cutting.

I can clearly see the Innovative Pattern Cutting directly applied in her recent collection (which is my favorite by far). And I have to say first thing that captured my eyes is really the stunning Fashion Photography! The blood red jewel toned satin cut in an architectural shapes, with just the right amount of stiffness which complements with the fluidity and luster of the fabric, on the skin that seem like an immortal (or corpse like). I could really stare at this photo forever...and the longer I stare the image reminds me of the movie "sin city". There is definitely a common feel to the color and mood manipulation between the two.

The Impeccable Tailoring

2007-03-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

I have really been quite disappointed (and uninspired) with the recent stuff that came down on the major runway, by major I mean the stuff that you can look through style.com, or any major fashion mags like Vogue or Harper Bazaar (at least the US ones). Therefore it is absolutely essential to look at some of the most influential blogs like "Diane, A Shaded View on Fashion"(which I have already "advertised" many times), or fashion forums like "The Fashion Spot". These places you will find a lot of insider's information and materials that will only come out in the major mags few months later, or they wouldn't come out at all because some people in the biz think the advertisements pages are more important.

Anyways, one of the thing i would like to achieve in this blog is to archive some of the designers that really inspire me. I feel like my vision and my taste in this fabric manipulation art has been growing along with my blog. If you back track my entries you see stuff that I pick at first are like easy breezy La Rok, Forty's, and Tracy Reese. But what really inspire me now is the more sober, fluid yet feminine design, and more importantly, is the impeccable tailoring that make a piece deserve a timeless status. I found the Fall/Winter 2007 collection by this Argentinian-French designer Gaspard Yurkievich absolutely captivating. The soft flow cling comfortably on the body, the slim dress pants, mini skirt and blazer with big stripes (fabulous detail on the back of the blazer), beautiful sheer contrast with the satin bow on the chest, and its great that he threw in the more whimsical piece like the crochet + feather tube over the sheer grey blue turtle neck, ends with a bubble mini.

New International Forces

2007-03-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am really loving this one piece designed by Gaurav Gupta, a graduate from Central Saint Martins, who returned to India to become the local fashion star in his own country...this is definitely a great inspiration for me. I love the fabric (should be some sort of luster rayon material), the top embellishments (not too heavy but shows a little bit of the ethnic influence), the draping and the layering down the waist. I am wishing him all the best in his early career (I wonder how its like to start out in India as a fashion designer, more so I wonder how its like to start out in China as a fashion designer...).

LibraStar's Journal: Preparations

2007-03-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

Sickness after sickness, it has been draining my energy to blog!
Just want to update on a couple things that I have been doing in my "down time":

1. Attended my first intermediate sewing class! We got our own custom measured skirt pattern which we will be using to make various style skirts (flare, A-line, pencil, bubble, pleats...you name it!) and first we are using Muslin to make the sample pattern. (Muslin is plain-woven cotton fabric that uses to make a trial version of the garment)

2. Fabric shopping craze!! yea well...now I know how people say they use all their lunch money to buy fabric - i think this week i have been using my lunch and dinner money to get fabric! (top pics: the top three I am thinking of making printed canvas bag with brown vinyl trimming; the lower three are some printed cotton stretch fabric, I am thinking of making some asymmetrical dresses using these! see the tibi one)

3. Got lots of beautiful gem stones from M&J trimming! I have been in love with the big gem (since Marni & Marc's inspiration) so now i will be playing with these on my bag designs and clothings!

4. Sew another makeup bag! This is a gift for the person who kindly helped me in the application process! :) There are still more customization to this, which I will be adding later.

5. Realized that I have been needing a lot of trimmings, zippers, buttons, eye & hooks for my sewing projects. It is time to get some kind of organizer for these things! Really love Bit & Bobbins big drawer with those little compartments...

I am so glad that spring is here! We all need to get out of the cold weather soon! Have a sweet weekend!

Sewing 101: Finding True Bias

2007-03-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

Starting my new project. I bought this pattern package which has 2 different tops, a skirt and a flare dress pants pattern. I will be doing one of the top using a red satin fabric...nothing too fancy just want to practice my sewing and study how the construction using a pattern works.

One of the most important lesson is that you really need to layout your pattern on fabric on a "true bias". A true bias makes an angle of 45 degree across the length and width of a fabric, fabric cut on a bias has maximum stretch. Fabric also have something called "selvage" which is the edge of either side of the woven fabric. Lengthwise of the fabric (aka straight grain/warp) runs parallel to the selvages, which has almost no stretch (or "gives") at all; whereas crosswise (aka weft) runs across selvages and has a little gives. These are the fundamental for beginning sewers and as I go on I started to realize how much different fabric influences the "sewability" and out come of the product.

I will be posting my progress :)

Blogger's Delight

2007-03-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

I just found out that Blogger is migrating all the photos in the blog to Picasa Web Album!

Now you can just flip through all the images direct on my blog album! (but you still have to come to read my blog!!) ^^

LibraStar's Journal: Puff Skirt I

2007-03-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

I should have post the skirt that i made from the sewing class a few months back, but it was such a bad skirt so didn't want to show it. Today I made a new one using slightly altered methods and a better fabric (it's a jacquard brocade fabric, the color is silver grey, black with thin gold thread).

It is still a bit too puffy (as you see on the mannequin) so i took the sides in a bit as well as shorten the hem - so the pictures with me wearing the skirt is the final product with the adjustments. I am still not really happy about it, I think mainly this fabric would be much better to do a pencil skirt with or with less pleats - now i learn how pleats would make the skirt look like an umbrella!

My intermediate sewing classes will be starting soon, so I will be posting my new work from time to time. Also I will be doing more designs of tote bags and makeup bags...I know once I start cranking those little bags i won't be able to stop! stay tune~!

Etsy - An Organic Shopping Experience

2007-03-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Have been reading up a bit about consumer trend. It is apparent that consumers are much smarter and being more critical when buying products. They care about where the product is from (i.e. what kind of material they use to make the product? how do they obtain the material?), how it was produce (i.e. are they using child labor? are they giving a living wage to their labors and employees?) and whether they are potentially harmful to the environment (i.e. is the product biodegradable?). In a world that is overwhelmed with choices, a lot us are no longer satisfied with just the brand name goods or just the cheap knock offs or imitation of certain seasonal trends.

Etsy is one of the force that reckon this shifting trend. It is like the "Organic Ebay", except - it is actually much more advanced. There are many different search methods as well as innovative browsing engine, as a web design/developer I am totally impressed by the ease of use and features of this online marketplace! One of the feature is the "Time Machine" - this is a new concept that shows you the items that were sold, 1 min ago, 2 mins ago...etc. You can browse through this in three different visual display, watching items coming at you and passing out of the screen.

Another new way of browsing is through selecting a particular color. Once you selected the color, the items in that color will pops up on the same screen, and then you can keep picking different colors until the whole screen is full of colorful items!

There is also a geographical browsing method, where you click on a map and the seller from that area will pops up.

There are still tons of features there for you to play with. I am definitely considering opening my own store in there soon, so whenever i do, I will definitely let you guys know! :)

LibraStar's Journal: Wardrobe Makeover

2007-03-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

Here is my little experiment with the things that I have which I never use/wear, namely, the size 10 Cynthia Steffe skirt I bought from the premium outlet last thanksgiving, a black flower broach I bought in SF, a velvet trimming I bought for sewing work. Combine them together they make a really gorgeous LBD. ;)

LibraStar's Journal: New Beginnings

2007-03-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

So I will be back to school again! It is really exciting for me and this will lead me to so many different possibilities now. I can't wait. :)

Prada in real life

2007-03-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

Fabulous imitation for the Prada Spring 07 look. I am itching to alter my hot pencil skirt by Rachel Roy and a pale green jewel color shirt that I have...thanks Face Hunter for the great inspiration! :)

LibraStar's Journal: Getting back in action (sewing-wise)

2007-03-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I last blogged. Since I have recovered from some dreadful sickness, there is a little side effect of lingering laziness and lack of motivation. But regardless, my mind is still racing with ideas on some sewing projects, still looking out for new inspirations from the beautiful patch work ideas.

Starting from next week I will be going back to sewing school for the intermediate class. I will be posting regularly on the process, as well as pictures of what i made...etc. :)

Attainable or Unattainable Fashion

2007-02-22T13:56:00.000-08:00

Hi my dear blog readers, today I am posting a bit of a serious thought on Fashion. I think this is what everyone who enjoy fashion, love shopping, and aspiring to be a fashion designer, editor or any other profession in the industry should read.

Yesterday I came across this amazing article - "fashion (versus) style" by Bits and Bobbins, all her thoughts are really well put, extremely reflective of my own thoughts on current phenomenon in the fashion industry.

I agree with her on how "Fashion is bad, Style is good" in the sense of being an individual who dresses to express themselves and makes their own statement; and how fashion keeps on creating false and unattainable "beauty" and tell us what is the most "attractive" at the moment. And I can't help but notice how most fashion business runs: giving away swags to celebrities, spending big bucks on ads, runway shows, trying to hit a perfume deal (according to "Fashion Babylon" this seems to be a major savior in all fashion business), and last but not least - trying to reach the mass market by collaborating with target, H&M, Adidas...etc.

The phenomenon leads me to think that fashion business IS responsible for global warming - the pollution from the factory production process and the disposal of clothing at a rapid rate due to the insane trend changes (which H&M, Mango, Forever 21 will then replicate and mass produce). Also, it has created a major problem in our society - when is enough really enough? Maxing out on credit card(s) isn't all the uncommon among the young working force or even some teenagers who somehow got a hold of it. Even more saddening is that I just read another article from Hong Kong there are a bunch of teenagers who would use their body to trade for money, in order to get the newest and latest brand name goods. This happens in many other cities, because the media gave us the message that fashion is directly associated with glamor, social status, the attractive factor.

I enjoy shopping as well as making my own creation, mixing and matching old and new. I give in too easily sometimes on things that I tried on and looked good on me. But I think it is important to give a second thought on the environmental issue as well as being more responsible with ones own finance when being exposed to all the attractions while shopping.

And in the perspective of a fashion designer, I think it is very important to keep in mind that which fabric are more environmental friendly, what kind of production process will not cause pollution, and how to mix in used elements (like vintage items) into the design. I also think that it is important to educate consumer on what kind of fabric are used on the garment and how to take care of the garment so they would last longer.

Another great lesson for me. :)

Outfit de jour

2007-02-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

Today I found my silver Vivienne Tam sweater from highschool...all the sudden I got an idea for an outfit...so here it is.

Lace headband (not shown in pic) - Behnaz Sarafpour for Target (you can see the headband from my previous post)
Teddy Bear silver necklace - gift from bf (HK)
Skinny black chained belt with small bow in middle - Mango (HK)
Silk victorian style prints pleated skirt - Anna Sui
Silver-grey tights - HK
White Patent Shoes - Nine West (seems to appears alot...)

Love these shoes...

2007-02-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

Eley Kishimoto A/W 06/07

Edie Sedgwick

2007-02-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Going to see the Factory Girl next week...seeing the real Edie I am wondering if Kiera Knightly would be a better fit? She does look like her!

LibraStar's Journal: SF shopping (cont.)

2007-02-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

Just wanna share on stuff I got during the SF shopping trip.
Correction the Tee that I was talking about previously - they are called "Boy*Girl Tees" . I got the neon pink and green stripes at Mingle. The accessories are all from Jest Jewels you can find these items online too. Lastly the shoulder (messenger) bag I got from Eve on Haights st. really great quality and it was only $40!

So Marc is doing it too?!

2007-02-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

Wow...so back to French, back to hats and gloves, back to covering the knee hemline, back to "long, long, long" silhouette...is this all tributes to the early YSL? oh my...
what I have to say to this though => fabulous stage design, beautiful color schemes, very polish which is more to my liking, but not sure if it would look good on a petite person.

LibraStar's Journal: SF shopping

2007-02-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the shops I went to in San Francisco last week, which are a little different from the downtown SF union sq shopping where all the main brands and dept stores are(like 5th ave and soho combined).
The first two pics are taken around an area called "Cow Hollow" (on Union st. around Fillmore to Laguna st.) there are tons of nice brunch places separated by little boutiques. Jest Jewels has tons of cute accessories and fun girlie stuff, Mingle is run by a very friendly owner who picks out alot of local designer stuff (I love the Boys and Girls t-shirts!).
The last two pics taken around an area on Haight st. which is a hippie area full of unique characters, vintage shops, piercing and tattoos parlors. We saw that S&M style 6 inches heels boots with open strips on the calf which we must take a pic of, then in the nice boutique called Eve I managed to find this really really cute shoulder bag! (pics later)

All in all, it was a nice little shopping experience, of course I am not saying it beats nyc shopping but at least the weather was nice!! Thats a big shopping factor - as I always retreat to online shopping in my room when I get back to the freezing cold ny.

LibraStar's Journal: Heart of Gold-fish

2007-02-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

It's a really late "Thank You" for my friend Kerri who gave me this gorgeous goldfish (and also a handmade notebook) for xmas/new year gift. She is one of the most thoughtful and artistic girl I know! :) I saw that little gold fish and immediately attached it to a gold chain to make it a necklace. So very adorable!

Seeing double...the enigmatic legend

2007-02-05T17:06:00.000-08:00

wow...maybe I am getting too engrossed into the book about YSL, but the more I search online about YSL I found this startling resemblance between Bruno Pieters and the Legend himself.
This new fashion star has just been awarded the Swiss Textiles prize in Zurich November of last year...

Here are some Bruno Pieters's 2007 collection, which also captured some essence of the YSL women - extremely sexy, strong, with a dominating pose, dark and defined lips, with hair impeccably held back. Although the muse has some very similar quality, Bruno's work is definitely delicate, modern and sophisticated.

One Shoulder Wonder

2007-02-05T16:37:00.000-08:00

Continue with my selection of one shoulder pieces, its interesting to see how each designer handle a single style of dress.

Balenciaga, Balmain, Carolina Herrera, Christian Lacroix, Costello Tagliapietra, Costello Tagliapietra, Audrey Tautou in Balmain, Derek Lam, Emanuel Ungaro, Emanuel Ungaro, Gile, Gile, Anna Sui, Kenzo, Kenzo, Kenzo, Marchesa, Marchesa, Michael Kors

Gorgeous one shoulder!

2007-02-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

I am really on a quest to find the perfect one shoulder dress for myself. I already jogged down a few items that are "must have for spring":

1. One shoulder dress
2. Clutch with Big Jewels on it
3. T-Straps Shoes
4. Loose Fit Short Sleeves Grey Overall
5. All the Brightest color liquid eyeliners from M.A.C.

I am thinking for my next sewing project I should invest some time on the one shoulder dress...will update u all on that! :)

Fall 2007: Some favorites II

2007-02-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Continuing with the Euro-vibe, these are some Luella stuff I like - the long coats, leather flock, the combination of big bow, velvet jacket, poker dots mini.

Fall 2007: Some favorites I

2007-02-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

Was over on the west coast this past weekend - really happy that I avoided the dreadful cold at least for a few days, as well as not really touching a computer for a change. Will follow up with my little SF boutique shopping and vintage shopping on the next posts, here I will be sharing some of my fav on the runway so far.

Alexander Wang - I think it is also because I am currently reading "The Beautiful Fall - Lagerfeld, Saint Laurent, and Glorious Excess in 1970s Paris", I am really mesmerized by Yves Saint Laurent, the genius, whom was described as "le nouvel enfant trist"(meaing the "new sad child", that peculiarly French perception of 1950s youth), his early reign (at age 21!) in the house of Dior, and his depression and electrical treatment during war, and then the glorious year designing under his own name and being the last French classic couturier closing his couture house, thus ending an era of the history of fashion. Anyways, what I perceived is that Wang is also quite inspired by the sensibility of YSL's work this time, there is an old euro-youth vibes here. Not just have clean lines and a fitted silhouette, there is the gold sparkling trims on the short sleeves, the tight leather pants, the classic "bra and coat" and then the obvious one is the makeup.

Makeup your look

2007-01-31T09:15:00.000-08:00

I haven't stressed enough on how makeup is one of the most important aspect for creating a style. I will be sure to write more about different looks I like when the Fashion Week begins.

In the mean time I can share with you some of my all time favorite products:

Priming: Neutrogena moisturizing mask (if you have a bit of time), if not, then just Neutrogena Soy based cleanser, toner, and Ingrid Millet Extreme Moisture 24H Cream
Foundation: Giorgio Armani luminous silk foundation + matching Fluid Sheer
Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder
Cheek: M.A.C. Blush called Ice (sad, because it has discontinued), I am still using my last bit...but if anyone knows a good one let me know
Lips: M.A.C. Viva Glam V, YSL Golden Gloss, M.A.C. "oh baby" shimmering gloss, Kielh's lip balm
Brows: Shisedo Brows powder kit, M.A.C. wax brow pencil, Bobbi Brown brow gel.
Eyeliner: Mattese N.Y.C. in Starlight, Black and Dark Brown
Mascara: Lancome, Max Factor, Benefit...I mix them. But I like the Bobbi Brown black curler
Extras: Face's green shimmer as eye shadow, sometimes I use Bobbie Brown concealer under my eyes and red spots before applying foundation.

Getting ready for Fashion Week, its tomorrow!!

2007-01-31T07:30:00.000-08:00

For those of you who will be in the Big Apple, heres a great tool for you to track the when, where, who.

Beautiful ensemble

2007-01-30T21:00:00.000-08:00

I think this is the first time I am posting a celebrity style on my blog. I don't particularly like Tyra Banks, I did watch some episode of The Next Top Model but never follow closely (I rarely watch TV). But I found this picture of her on one of the most popular tabloid blog - A Socialite's Life. (This is embarassingly addictive, but it saves your bucks for Star, US, Life & Style, People...etc.) I love this look! This is a great inspiration for me since I bought the Rachel Roy high waist black skirt, it definitely looks so sensual and soft with the sheer short sleeves shirt and matching silk/satin cami. Add great bonus points with cute single piece necklace, clutch and high heels too!! Good Work Tyra!

Shoes Galore!

2007-01-30T18:52:00.000-08:00

Pure Hotness...I am really feeling the T-straps, so solid, so strong, gives the full on sexiness a bit of an edge. They are good to wear with stockings or go bare.

Top to Bottom: Giuseppe Zanotti, Nine West, Nine West, BCBG Girls, Givenchy, Steven.

What is Fashion, What is Style?

2007-01-30T14:54:00.000-08:00

Today, nothing fancy, just would like to share with you one great link that has different quotes about Fashion and Style.

When I first created this site Stylebrity in the Making, I knew that I was starting a never ending journey of defining my own style through writing and interpreting what I see and what I feel - then ultimately, to create it and wear it.

oh by the way (as you see I have a detachment problem with this blog), I am very interested in seeing Diane's project "You Wear It Well". It "is a fashion, beauty and style film festival curated by Diane Pernet and Dino DInco..." Also the fact that she mentioned my favorite Chinese actress Zhou Xun is also interested in submitting a film (for those of you who is not too familiar with her films, maybe you recognize her from the Prada ad?), I will be sure to keep track.

LibraStar's Journal: Easy battleground

2007-01-29T18:56:00.001-08:00

I think shopping at least once per week gradually turned into some sort of a resolution for me this year. As I always say "I am just gonna go do some market research", even my gullible bf did not buy it. But hey, it is a sample sale!

Thanks to one of new york's worst kept secret, topbutton, I received an invitation to Warehouse Department Store 2 days sale (all sale items 60% off retail, plus 50% off on top of that with a printed coupon), and to my convenience, it is actually in Queens, Middle Neck. Which also means that it would be a much more "calm" and "peaceful" raiding experience.

I somehow got there at around 10am, just to be on the safe side. I was pleasantly surprised that there are actually quite a few nice boutique stores around that area. And the Warehouse Department Store, unlike my initial thought of it being some sort of a basement with racks and piles of clothes laying out - it is spacious, nicely decorated, and full of designer clothes, bags and shoes! Also it wasn't crowded at all, quite therapeutic. I spotted some lovely Sass and Bide white jersey top and black lace top with leather trimming on the neckline, many foxy Valentino flocks, chic and cool M Missoni spring clothes, Badgley Mischka tube dress, gorgeous Marchesa gown...etc. It was all candy to my eyes, however they were like ~1K at retail price so you can imagine this is not gonna be a crazy grab and buy event (at least for me).

I finally made it out of the store with two fabulous items - M Missoni light blue off shoulder knit top and Kay Unger long flowy number. The top just look so effortlessly chic and the dress really elongates my petite frame and definitely look cool and more casual with leggings underneath to tone it down a bit. I am all set to flaunt it this summer!

Jeans search continues...new found love

2007-01-28T13:56:00.000-08:00

So finally I got to a boutique today to try on some high waist jeans. I tried on a pair of blue Anlo which I talked about on my previous post and a pair of Grey Ant dark grey jeans braided detail at waist line - final verdict is that Grey Ant is far far farrr better. It really hugs your curves and creates a very flattering streamline shape of your tummy area all the way down to your buttocks. The only thing is that since this is such an unusual cut you need to find out what to wear on top, which should usually be something that you could tuck in. So something hip like a cute puffed long/short sleeve jersey (like Rachel Roy's), or something glam like the gem color satin shirt (like Prada's).

Kenzo S/S 07 show

2007-01-27T20:21:00.000-08:00

Antonio Marras, Artistic Director of Kenzo did an amazing show for the spring 07 - it's such a beautiful setting for runway, which captured the romantic scene of trolling through the desert at sunset wearing beautiful, rainbow-tastic flowy flocks. (not that it happens in reality) Watch it and feel it...

Jeans: high, low, skinny, wide...

2007-01-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

Once you got your first perfect denim, you will inevitably start your journey of denim obsession. It is like a relationship, because with your favorite pair of jeans you went thru so much of your life with, you will remember them better than your grade school best friends.

My preference is always more towards low raise, with a little stretchy, a slimming effect, and making me seem taller. I remember my love for the low-raise, slim thigh, extra flair leg (with chunky platform shoes underneath) blue jeans that I have from Miss Sixty, I also liked Killah (the secondary brand of Miss Sixty) dark gray, stretchy, slightly flair leg jeans as well. In my early college year, I got my Jill Stuart dark denim capri jeans and the straight leg light wash jeans. I thought I was so chic. I wore that straight leg jeans with stilettos to the local bar with colleagues so much that I was beating it till its so out of shape.

When I started my first job I got myself a pair of medium wash juicy jeans, with the cute quilted packets on the back and really nice fit up to my ankles. I wore that all summer and was also wearing it during the winter with boots. But it was slowly loosing the original color and started to look too faded out.

I did a bit of research when I got my first pair of skinny. Online and also spending hours in the fitting room in Barney's. Then I got my Siwy Hannah Jeans with the cute signature quilted pockets, it instantly became my favorite jeans among all. I later on also got a pair of black J Brand, it was a elegant replacement for the legging look but I only like it with long tunic covering my bottom.

This time around I am looking for other fit to try. The two fits that caught my eyes are the one I saw in topshop, the high raise skinny pants and the Anlo low raise wide leg pants.

There is a great possibility that one of them will steal my from skinny siwy.

Edit: Doesn't this all sound like a journey of romance? Notice that I only have one great love at different period of time, although there will be anonymous flings in between but I only take my greatest love to the important events. Though there will probably be no settling down with jeans I don't think - I just don't see myself wearing a pair of jeans chilling in my backyard with grand kids in my 70s.

Rachel Roy's S/S 07

2007-01-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favorites.

Socialite Designer - Rachel Roy

2007-01-25T19:08:00.000-08:00

Nowadays designers are more like celebrities. Before they are alot more low key, if you are only a fashion magazine reader and rarely watch fashion shows, you probably never know what the designer looks like. But now you see designer's face (even on tabloids) more than you see their design. For Rachel Roy, she is already the star among socialites - when I google her I found that she currently ranked no.1 on Socialite Ranking! This is a popular blog about all the socialites in town, and regularly the 12 judges on the blog will rank socialites based on 4 categories:

1. Personal styles and designer relations (1-20 pts)
2. Press coverage in major publications and gossip columns (10 pts)
3. Appearances and commitment to events (10pts)
4. Hot factor- what makes each of the individuals sizzle with personality (10 pts)

Ok, back to fashion. (I just can't help explaining because I found this site pretty fascinating) To start off, I really like her line of design and her sense of style. She design is really classy, sophisticated, and incredibly chic with the playful volume.

I spotted a friend wearing her short black cape jacket this winter (pic below) and was absolutely adorable. Her design always make women look taller and bigger (in a good way) than they are. And another piece that I think she really did a great job with (and I think it will become the classic piece in her design like DVF's wrap dress and Alvin Valley's dress pant) is the pencil skirt. (and I shared my love of the pencil skirt on "Spring Look") She is always rocking it at parties and shows (pics below) with some gorgeous gem color satin/silk skirt.

To my luck I found her black high waist pencil skirt on sale! I was a little worried that the high waist might not look good on a petite frame, but I figure I could always return the item (good thing it was not on final sale). When the product arrived, I tried it on and it was so chic and stylish - the high waist was more subtle than I thought and the tie on the waist really have an amazing slimming effect. And then all the sudden I remember the image in my photo clipping library - the queen of style Paris Vogue Editor-in-Chief Carine Roitfeld was rocking it. (Please correct me if I am wrong but it looks 99% like the RR one) Now I just have to make mine an inch and a half shorter to fit my proportion and I will be rocking mine as well.

Haute couture - necessary definition

2007-01-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

On my previous post about how I think of couture as "all about concept, and showcasing craftsmanship from the designer's atelier and most of all go wild with it," and on how the term "wearable" might not be a flattering word in the couture world. It was a hasty comment and I must refine it through google.

And this is what I found on wikipedia:

"Haute couture (French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking") refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted fashions. It originally referred to French fashion and in France, is a "protected name" that can be used only by firms that meet certain well-defined standards. However, the term is also used loosely to comprise all high-fashion custom-fitted clothing, whether it is produced in Paris or in other fashion capitals such as New York, London, and Milan.

Haute couture is made to order for a specific customer, and it is usually made from high-quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finish, often using time-consuming, hand-executed techniques." from wikipedia.com

Haute couture is a highly technical art form. For pieces that are really conceptual and "unwearable" a lot of times they are for the riches who collects them, like fine arts and jewelries. But of course some of the highly wearable ones like Elie Saab and Armani Prive they are for the exclusives to look absolutely out of this world.

Couture continues...

2007-01-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

Ones that I picked out last night, Ai's Vivienne Tam's ad and the rest are by Elie Saab.

Couture Couture!

2007-01-24T18:25:00.000-08:00

No...not talking about Juicy Couture's "Couture" collection. Its the 2007 Spring Couture that I am raving about. What I found interesting is that as I thought that the real couture stuff are all about concept, and showcasing craftsmanship from the designer's atelier and most of all go wild with it, a lot of the dresses I see are really "wearable" (which might not be a flattering word in the couture world). Like the red carpet ready collection by Elie Saab, elegant and classic silhouettes by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, and even Christian Lacroix's colorful and flowery collection for the stylish socialites. The most unwearable couture collection is of course by John Galliano for Christian Dior, while the romantic and more serious pieces (in terms of mood and use of color) by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy comes in a close second.

Although Tisci designed my favorite piece of all (first pic), I can't say I like his overall collection the best. He also picked Irina Lazareanu to wear that stunning yellow gown which I thought was such a stand out (I do have a record of liking models with an exotic face - Devon Aoki for example).

Maybe because I am Asian and have been exposed to Japanese craze for decades, I am not so stunned by Galliano's Geisha/Rurouni(Wanderer) inspiration. However, I think this collection has such flawless executions with the origami-like foldings, splendorous structures, and refreshing colors...I love the look of Shalom Harlow in the origami wedding gown.

On Elie Saab, have to say his dresses are very pretty and glam as always but just not very Couture-licious so to speak. But then again I have to throw in two pictures of my other all time favorite model Ai Tominaga. I loved her Vivienne Tam ad.

humm...realized how choosing the right model for their key pieces is such an important thing? This notion was also mentioned in "Fashion Babylon" (read it!!) except the designer was forced to pick a "hot" model to wear her key piece, which is rather sad.

Ok, was going to continue on but for some reason the blog image uploader is not working properly...so more pictures later! :)

Shoe dilemma

2007-01-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

Somebody please tell me if these pair of boots worth $200...I am really loving the design, it looks soo soo soo delicious and I can't wait to experiment with them (wearing them with a flowy dress, with color stockings, with minis...). Sigh...I don't know how long I could hold out for but please somebody help!

LibraStar's Journal: Vintage Finds

2007-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

It was one crazy cold winter day when I decided that it might be a good exercise to go to the chelsea flea market to snick and pick thru junk/treasures. Well, I got there and I thought I must be out of my mind to have thought of this activity (felt awfully sorry for my sweet bf).

It wasn't alot of people around, but I was still surprised that there were some seller with truck full of old stuff scattered all over big tables or on the floor. My fingers were numb by the metals of the jeweleries as I scrutinize them carefully, then for $3 a piece I quickly picked out 2 colorful gold metal necklaces, and one multi-color jewel brooches. The seller then gave me a $1 discount...awesome.

After about 20 mins at the flea market we decided to find a place indoor to save our life. We then went to the vintage market place just opposite of the flea market, which is a 3 stories vintage markets full of vintage jewelery/accessories shops, funiture shops, and some clothings. It was definitely alot of fun but at the same time these places are more organized, they usually have a carefully curated collections and prices are much much higher (I fell in love with a set of "hugh red gem" collection- ear rings, bracelet, necklace and a brooch at $800+). I am currently into big gem stones accessories which was very much inspired by Marni and Marc Jacobs accessory collection. Then I found this really great yellow belt with big clear gem in the front for $25, it was probably one of the cheaper thing in the store which I could afford, this nice old lady who owns the store was probably a socialite or debutante. She has such a great collection of accessories, some of them are custom made for her (such as the belt that I have purchased), and alot of them from European designers which are all very daring and unique. As she was packing up the yellow belt for me using this darling turquoise box with a bow she whispers, "you know, I see this as art." I immediately gained great respect for this old lady and my little cute belt because she put such care and passion into every single of the items she owns.

Despite the dreadful weather, this was all in all a great lesson for me, because this time I found new level of vintage shopping experience. I am definitely going to explore more next time around the area. stay tuned! :)

Spring look

2007-01-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

I quite like this look from Prada. Sleek, fresh, and sultry. The classic 50s pencil skirt silhouette with flowery embellishments on the hemline. although it has a vintage silhouette the look is completely modern and fresh...love it!

Golden Globe Dresses

2007-01-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorites, they all have one thing in common, which is the dress they are wearing really fits their character and body frame. Penélope just looks so pleasing and great with the beautiful black tulle dress. I especially love Cate Blanchett's dress, it's got such unique design and tailoring, glamorous and sexy, strong and sophisticated...love it x 3! Beyoncé is so divalicious and definitely "Dreamgirl" like, Elie Saab always got those great glitzy glam form fitting flock for her. Reese is always classy (sometimes gets to a point that is "boring"), but she strikes out with this sharp yellow dress that slims and elongates her body. Chloë is always so quirky, but I think she looks very beautiful and classy here, but I have to say I don't really like her platform strippy heels, too much distraction there, I think something much more simple and not platform in the front would be ideal.

- Penélope Cruz in Chanel Haute Couture
- Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen
- Beyoncé Knowles in Elie Saab
- Reese Witherspoon in Nina Ricci
- Chloë Sevigny in vintage Yves Saint Laurent.

LibraStar's Journal: So what if I am a month late?

2007-01-11T11:44:00.000-08:00

So I have disappeared from the blogging planet for almost a month. In the strictest fashion sense my case is closed and I can stop writing now because I haven't been able to keep up with the rest of the fashion bloggers like Ms Susie Bubble and Ms Diane.

But since this blog is more for my own educational/archival purposes, I will continue to share and ramble on.

Recently I picked up a book which was published in Feb 2006 (this is quite important as to see if the material is updated/out-of-date). I think it is the perfect timing for me to read this book now rather than when it was fresh out, simply because rather than going for the juicy gossip and secrets in the fashion industry, I gain incredible knowledge learning about what it is like to be a fashion designer who wants to at least/at most survive while being somewhat nationally recognized. Now that I have more knowledge about the garment making process, what's involve in production, and some friends in the fashion industry. I have to say after reading this book it almost makes me wonder if I should even bother. I totally sympathize with the designer through her ups and downs, and her constant doubt and insecurity about her career. As to many other design career, when money is sometime not the outcome of all your hard work (but instead, a hinder for success), you really have to believe in your work as a form of art and HAVE A BUSINESS PARTNER...like the gay guy in the book who is always energetic (maybe due to intake of alcohol/drug), love socializing with the editors and buyers, help writing your pitch and business proposals while you are working your behind off on the design? And then always good to add a stylist and a stunning model who will be the muse of your design...and that's just the starters.

Anyway, on the lighter note I do lovvveee the gossips and dirty secrets about the fashion industry including certain fabulous fashion designers, models, celebrities...etc. I feel like I am advertising here but I think everyone should read this book and find enjoyment in some ways. :)

Freaking Gorgeous Flats!!!!

2006-12-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

Please excuse my language...but gosh...these Hinfray Guillaume has converted me to a "flats" person! The patent leather front and trims, golden buckles, and velvety body with graphic prints made these flats so elegant and dressed up.

And in my lovely shopping heaven HK...I managed to get these half priced at Harvey Nichols.

LibraStar's Journal: Back to HK

2006-12-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

So is that the reason why I abandoned the blog for a week? yes and no...I have been cranking out these bags for my love ones in Hong Kong...and now I am in a totally different side of the planet...blogging may be a little slow these days...but I will be sure to snap tons of photos about Hong Kong street style, cutes stores, good finds...

Creative and Elegant Crafts

2006-12-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

I like garments with hand crafted details in them, I am definitely not from the nyc minimalist cult (Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Doo.Ri...etc.), not to say they are not absolutely talented designers, just not the style that I go for.

Being neither too minimalist nor crazily ornamental, Ingwa;Melero caught my eyes for awhile. This design team from small town Germany has definitely brought some handcrafted design over. I never thought crochet could be so chic and sexy. And to pump up the sexiness even more, the cutout leather is used as the accent for the soft, feminine jersey dresses.

I wish there is a good sample sale with some of the following Ingwa;Melero stuff (especially the second pic on the bottom and the one in the big picture on top!)...I am usually super lazy about going to sample sales, but if they could assure me with these beautiful garments in my size I will not hesitate to go all out for it.

Pattern in Fashion

2006-12-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

My recent inspiration has been patterns. Dresses with patterns immediately attract my eyes - as well as money in my wallet...The two big purchases were both silk dress with beautiful graphic patterns on it (one is from Anna Sui which is a skirt version of the picture shown below, and one is the blue dress from Plenty by Tracy Reese)

I think that besides fabric and cutting of the garment, pattern is one thing that can really make the garment and its wearer shine. I absolutely admire interior designer Tricia Guild (owner of Designer Guild London), who uses the combination of colors and patterns extensively to create a modern living environment. Her new book is definitely very inspiring for designer of any type.

There are a few more designer which have created beautiful garments with the use of patterns.
(first two are Anna Sui and Plenty, then: Mara Hoffman, Temperley London, Tibi, Tibi)

Holiday shopping

2006-12-04T12:42:00.000-08:00

Happy holiday! :) It has been such a blessed year for me, and somehow this year's holiday decor in stores seem to look prettier~ I still have a long list of friends and family I need to get/make gift for...going to be two weeks of long sewing hours~~

Plus, I just started to take another class for making "the holiday skirt", it will be done by next weekend so stay tuned! :)

LibraStar's Journal: Makeup Bag 2

2006-11-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

So I have made another makeup bag, this time I have another design in mind which is cutting strips of fabrics (two different color, which actually is just the front and back of the fabric) and sew them back together - I was thinking of the classic "bandage dress" introduced by Hervé Léger in the eighties (Helena Christensen looks especially stunning in this one) , and the great modern work by Proenza Schouler in his Spring 2007 collection.

LibraStar's Journal: Makeup Bag

2006-11-28T20:04:00.000-08:00

My recent project is to make some cute makeup bags. I have a few makeup bags in different sizes, I use one to carry my daily makeup and the rest I would use when I travel around, they are great because I like to pack things in little compartments, like I would stuff one with socks, one with panties, one with some toiletries and a one with pads and tampons.

So the first bag I made was very basic. I used the fabric that I made my tote bag, one long invisible zipper and started sewing away. I wasn't too experience with handling the zipper, so on the right corner you can see the little defect. Also the fabric frays so doesn't look finished on the edge (see I have another reason to get a serger!), and the big problem is that the bag has no body so if I don't put anything inside it will look very saggy. Not the most attractive bag shape although I do like the pattern of the fabric a lot!

Anyway, tonight I made my second attempt to make an improved version of the bag. I figured that I need: fusible fleece interfacing to give the bag body, lining to hide all the edges of the fabric to look more finished. I also improved my skills in dealing with the zippers so this time it's not poking out on one corner like the first time.

This will make a perfect holiday gifts as well! :)

London Street Style

2006-11-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

After my shopping spree at the outlet, Susie Bubble got me into these cool looking pieces from All Saints, a British street wear label which hasn't really been advertising in the States at all (not like TopShop).

The red dress is simply stunning, it will definitely be a magnificant dress for xmas party! And this time I actually like the leggings although I am never too fond of leggings - I am a tights and stockings lover, but these has the tattoo like pattern on the legging which is really chic and toned down the whole outfit instantly. And I also really love the day outfit on the right, the jacket seems soft and comfortable but the big collar, the straps on the cuffs and the waist belt gives the jacket a lot more structure.

Very tempting...but I am still going to stick to my plan and save up some money until I go home!

LibraStar's Journal: Certified Seamstress

2006-11-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

After 10 weeks of stitching and being bitched at, I am finally graduated as a Beginner Seamstress at the Stitch & Bitch University (uh...not sure how cool this sound when I told parsons about my sewing experience).

Anyways, I will be sewing some more for sure. Next steps will be sketching some designs, deconstruct some clothes that I was about to throwaway...etc.

LibraStar's Journal: The weekend after Turkey

2006-11-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

It must have been the longest food coma ever on the blogging planet. It was a very very full, sleepy and satisfying weekend with some crazy shopping at the outlet! ;) yes, of course there has to be some retail therapy involved in the process of holiday celebration. Although I am saving up most of my money for x'mas and new year shopping when I go back to my beloved homeland - Hong Kong, but I can't possibly pass on those devilishly deep discounts in the Woodbury Outlet...can I?

So I spent most of my money at the Off 5th Saks Fifth store and Max Studio.com. They are both great bargins, and not like Dolce & Gabbana, YSL, Celine, Prada and Miu Miu, where prices are still too high for my budget, style are either straight off the funkway or the dullway and size small or petite are rarely in sight. Well I almost gave in to this white trousers from Dolce & Gabbana (they are just the right looseness and make my legs looks like miles long!)but they are quite high maintenance to wear and cost almost 200 bucks...humm ok...I need to just tell myself I don't regret not buying it!

Back to what I got:
-Leopard print v-neck top from Laundry by Shelli Segal (~$45, org. ~$180)
-Green silk top with jewel embellishment on the halter neckline by YA-YA ($46, org. $268)
-Black silk skirt with unique flowery pattern stitch work by Cynthia Steffe ( $31, org. $305)
-Khaki knit tan top from Max Studio.com ($25, org. $78)
-Nylon tunic with velvet trimmings on neckline, sleeves finishing and waistline from Max Studio.com ($35, org. $98)
-Lace tunic from Max Studio.com-my fav. piece! ($35, org. $98)

Even though stores close at 10pm at the outlet, I was unable to finish going through all the stores. I quickly went in Diane Von Furstenburg, Juicy, Miss Sixty, Barney's, Theory, but maybe I just didn't have enough time to flip through everything and try on anything, I came out empty handed in those places. But then again, I am really saving for the big and crazy shopping time in HK which is 2 and a half weeks away!

P.S. Can someone guess where I was in the picture? This very very very delicious chocolate place...heehee...if you have heard of this place then you should know by now. :p

Knit goes wild

2006-11-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

The talented Ms Backlund strikes again (see my earlier coverage on Sandra Backlund, When art is fashion...)

She has once again used knit to create art forms on the body, this time they are bloodly red. This picture is from a famous blog "Diane, a shaded view on fashion" - Sandra Backlund and her Don't Walk Collectio n (you can view more pictures from this collection through her blog). I don't like stealing posts from people, but I exceptionally love this designer and I would like to introduce you to this fashion forward blog as well.

Grey Inspiration

2006-11-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

The reason I love grey might have something to do with the fact that I am a libra, and I love a median, something in between black and white, something that is moderate and gentle but yet beautiful. Grey also reminds me of the school days, when I was in boarding school in Hong Kong. Back then, I used to wear uniforms to school, and now I realized that a lot of girls were using their sweater to make their own fashion statement. It was interesting that I remember how I used to think how come the same old uniform sweater look so much cooler on one girl than the other? And I also remember seeing some über skinny girl wearing this XL sweater to school - which I didn't realize it actually is cool.

Anyways, I suspect this might be one of the inspiration for Stella McCartney's 2006 fall collection. I love the navy grey she is using to match with different shades of grey - or simply different shades of grey together.

I recently found this grey sweater at Charlotte Russe (yes, I do shop at budget girlie store like this!) I was attracted by the puffed bat shaped sleeves on the upper arm and fitted on the lower arm, and the big v neck and loose fit on the body. I couldn't find a small or even a medium, but to my surprise I loved the fit in a size large! And on top of that it was half priced and cost a lovely 11 bucks...11 bucks!!! I couldn't even take the train to get home for $11! So there it is, I was wearing this with a demin mini skirt, black tights and boots from Target by Isaac Mizrahi. (see Shoes Shoes Shoes...)

LibraStar's Journal: Basic White T I made

2006-11-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

Hola!! I am proud to present my first white t! It is made by a stretchy rippled polyester fabric, $3 a yard (it should cost more but he gave me a yard that is kind of dirty on some parts and yellowy on the edge), which was the first purchase I made from the friendly Indian (who later on told me I was actually his first customer since he opened the store that day - read My Sewing Saga) It worked, people loves this fabric and the fit somehow worked magically. It was a good size small pattern for me...I will sure be making some more of these and definitely...I am seriously considering getting myself a serger this winter...

My new little black dress...

2006-11-19T12:48:00.000-08:00

This is a dress by Future Paradise, which I actually have never heard of. When I searched online hardly anything came up. Its work seems to have alot of vintage influence, and lace, flower details are often involved. I absolutely adore this dress, it did made a huge huge hugeeee dent on my wallet but at the same time I got tons of compliments from a fashion event that I have recently attended (more on that later). I am really happy I got this dress and I will sure be wearing this little black dress some more during holiday parties!

LibraStar's Journal: My Sewing Saga

2006-11-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

So, I started taking sewing class in Sept. How I found this place is simply by searching "sewing class nyc" and this Sew Fast Sew Easy place came up. It is amazing how much online marketing they have been doing (or how little the other sewing business have been advertising online, since I haven't found any other ones). I even found some ads they have on Craigslist. Anyways, so I went to the fashion district one day to check it out. It was much smaller and hidden than I have expected, and when I went in there was a sewing class going on. I looked around and saw a friendly looking guy who was most likely a gay man (who later became one of my instructor). He came to the counter and I asked him about the sewing classes - I told him that I am planning to apply for fashion school and would like to start learning sewing to prepare for my portfolio. He recommended the beginner comprehensive course (10 sessions, 2.5 hrs each) and told me that I would learn everything I needed to prepare for the portfolio plus more, because fashion school don't teach much sewing techniques to their students. So 5 mins later, I made a $590 dent on my credit card and walked out with a registration receipt and a list of things I needed to buy for the class (sewing notions like big scissors for cutting fabrics, long ruler, needles, pins, tracing wheel, measuring tapes, fuse tape, magnetic seam guide, tailor's chalk...etc.).

It would be better if I had started writing about my lessons when I first started, as there are tons of interesting, funny, and hideous experiences I have encountered. But I guess I could also summarize it and talk about some of the memorable things.

I remember I went to the first class with excitement, also kind of curious as to what kind of people would be in the class with me. I remember when I first went there to register for class, the students that I saw were quite young (in their 20s or 30s). About a few mins later I got to meet them all: they were mostly very young, 9 girls and 1 guy, and that guy also had the same goal as me, to apply to fashion school. There were 2 plus size ladies, and actually I got pretty friendly with one of them whom I think was incredibly funny (especially in stressful situations, i.e. trying the 10th time to wind the bobbins or simply to get the machine to sew correctly). Everyone tends to be at different levels during the class, and because it was such an intense group learning environment, I got to see many different personalities. The instructor (who I think is gay) is humorous and friendly.

In terms of the learning experiences, I am proud to say that I have gone from "what is a bobbin and how to a thread the machine?" to altering a dress that I bought (hemming, and turning a flare dress into a bubble dress - see pic) The class location is also great and I am fortunate enough to be learning in the fashion district, where I can find fabrics, trims and other sewing notions that I needed just a walk away. Another interesting experience was bargaining with the fabric stores. I did have some bad experience when I was sort of harassed by some shopkeepers (I guess not many young asian girls shop around there) and then I made friend with this Indian fabric store owner who gives me a good discount and has a friendly attitude. He later told me that I was actually his first customer.

So this has all been great fun, and I am determined to learn more and start defining my own design concepts. So - since you have scrolled this far down - Here are the "rewards" - I will share with you my humble sewing station in the basement of my home, a little tote bag that I have made and the dress that I have altered (I regret that I haven't taken a "before" pic, but I am going to try to go back to the store and take a picture of the dress later).

Thanks for reading! :)

LibraStar's Journal: Intro

2006-11-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

I think it will be a good idea to start writing about my experiences while I am striving to become a fashion designer and have a cute little boutique in Hong Kong and Japan. I love little boutiques in Tokyo on the mysterious street, and the door is dark/black wood with antique carving, I am not sure if I want to have mannequins, I guess if they are as cute as the ones that Anna Sui has. Yes, you can see I am very inspired by Anna Sui. Okay. Enough dreaming.

A little bit more details about me: currently in New York, originally from Hong Kong, working as a web designer.

When art is fashion...

2006-11-15T07:08:00.000-08:00

Since the last post I was raving on RTW designs, this time I would like to show some fashion design that are on a different level.

Sometimes fashion is considered a piece of art, which is a concept of the designer that would never became pret-a-porter. Like the stunning show S/S 2007 by Hussein Chalayan, a designer who has a mind of an architect and always put art and concept before wearability.

"Chalayan is the designer who pushes clothes to the point where they become sculpture, furniture or even architecture. While most fashion design seems to be obsessed with glamour, Chalayan's work is conceptual and political." - except from Icon Magazine, UK.

I think it is true that a lot of time fashion is considered as "that piece that Kate Moss/Mischa Barton/Rachel Bilson wore", especially in the states, fashion is lead by celebrities (now even fashion magazine covers are celebrities), designers would give away 10-100K worth of clothings to celebrities just so their designs can appear on the media. It definitely pumps up the brand's image and induce sales, and the phenomenon shows that people are really focus on the business side of fashion, what is sell-able and wearable. Even on Project Runway, Nina "Gaga" and Heidi always have comment on the design by whether they can imagine themselves wearing the garment or not. I mean, there is nothing wrong with fashion being wearable, glamorous or practical, but it should not be settled in as "just that".

Another designer that I recently spotted is Sandra Backlund, to me, this Swedish designer has a perfect sense of art, beauty and fashion. Her design is kind of in between wearable and concept art pieces, I found this intro on her site tells a lot about the designer's concept and work:

"Collage is my passion. In the same way that I like collage in picture form, it is also the way I prefer to work with fashion. I never make a sketch for a garment and then implement the sketch, but improvise from the ideas in my head. I work with a lot of small parts which I turn, twist and attach in different ways to build the shape that I want. The handicraft process and the handmade feeling is very significant. I do experiment a lot with different kinds of material and handicraft methods, but knitting is one technique which I keep returning to. I think it is important that we take responsibility and preserve ancient handicraft techniques which will die out if we do not carry them forward to a new level. Consciously I don´t think much about trends, it is more the feeling of timelessness that fascinates me. For me, fashion will always be the perfect combination of tradition and renewal." - From sandrabacklund.com

while I wouldn't wear anything that is made out of human hair (on far right), I have to say that is an amazingly beautiful top. Her work on volume and proportion with wool (first) and origami (third) are phenomenon. And then there is this knit crochet baby doll dress (second) that I would absolutely love to wear to parties.

New and Hot New York Designers I

2006-11-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

The girlie hamptoners:
Tibi, designed by Amy Smilovic, who moved to Hong Kong in 1997 after leaving her job and hometown, new york. She then started designing clothes, and finally moved back to home base new york to continue launching her successful brand. As the designer said: "Naiveté and an absolute love of pretty things has been my best asset so far", it is not a surprise to see a beautiful line of clothing that has such consistency in exquisite details, luxurious fabrics, girlie but chic design.

Crazy beautiful:
Tracy Reese, Parson Graduates in 1984, her designs are ultra-feminine and delicate. If comparing to also girlie design like Tibi, Tracy Reese is a little less high street but more romantic and glamorous. It certainly gives you a "billion dollar baby" look.

Super vintage:
Jovovich-Hawk: Co-designed by ex-models Carmen Hawk and Milla Jovovich, is selected for CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund nomination. Plenty of long flowy dress with vintage prints. Not really my personal favorite and I have yet to see more of her designs other than all these long vintage print dresses.

Vena Cava: Co-designed by recent Parson Graduates Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai, just having their second season of design. I feel like while their clothes are heavily vintage inspired, they have much more of a unique design factor that is more modern. I especially love some of the beautiful neckline that they have made.

The sophisticated and clean:
3.1 Philip Lim - There is always something different about young man designing clothes for women. His use of light fabric (tissue weight cashmeres, laundered cottons, washed silks and brushed wools), feminine and sophisticated night wear and the boyish cool day wear (the luxurious and flowy fabric makes it very inviting even to the ultra feminine type of girlie girl). Although only two seasons into his new fabulous line, this sure will become a staple of many fashionastas' wardrobe.

The perfect fit?

2006-11-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

The hot new jeans brands come and go - seven, earnest, j brand, paper denim, hudson, siwy, sass and bide...whatever it is, they have their moment for awhile but still there are always the next hot thing coming up. The more brands there are, that just means we have to spend on time at the Barney's jeans section to try them on. So anyways, aren't we all just looking for the one that is the most flattering to our body?

There is currently a company called Bodymetrics, which pioneers the use of body-scanning and virtual reality technologies in fashion. At Selfridges, in Oxford Street, and in Harrods, Knightsbridge (yes they are all in europe!), customers can get their body-scanned and order perfect-fitting designer jeans and women’s luxury suits. Customers would have to be naked (or in nude color underwear) when inside the bodymetrics "pod"(see pic), which make it easy when light scan through the body to gather accurate data. In 5 secs the computer will have about 200 measurements which creates a virtual replica of your body.

Sounds cool, isn't it? Imagine the whole fashion market will be adapted to this technology where they can customize your clothes with the data from Bodymetrics. Or, another cool idea would be a super tailor store that would make alteration to your clothes base on that data. That would be so sweet.

Updates: Apparently Vivienne Westwood has joined force with Bodymetrics to make custom fit VW signature hour glass "Amphora suit" (figure-hugging jacket cinched in at the waist, with oversize lapels and a single button, and a gloriously curvy pencil skirt). The whole process takes about 6 weeks and the starting prices is a handsome fee of £1,500. So basically this is just something that's "cool to know about".

Pringle of Scottland...not Pringles

2006-11-08T09:42:00.000-08:00

I know that was a cheesy title...hehee, I tried. I like the Pringles logo by the way, so I just want to throw that in here for the fun factor. :)

Well, what I really want to talk about, is this equally saliva inducing grey baby doll cable sweater made by Pringle of Scottland. This is a prestigious luxury brand that just got revamped and heavily advertised on fashion magazines. It was the royal, romantic, and cozy prints that got me interested a few months back. I think this is a successful campaign.

Recently I found that H&M has came up with an imitation of this beautiful knitwear in light turquoise. I hope they have other colors to choose from as well, and altho I wouldn't prefer a turtle neck, I will be sure to try this one on. I like that white cable knitted scarf as well...

Right on Target

2006-11-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Ever since the Issac Mizrahi ankle boot (see my other post "Shoes Shoes Shoes..."), I have been eagerly waiting for the new target + designer collaboration goodies to come out. This November on the Go International is Behnaz Sarafpour, which is not a surprise when I read further on this Parson alumna who has Issac as her mentor. She was praised and raved by fashion authorities like Anna Wintour and Barney's VP, putting her on the same place as hot fresh new york designers like Zac Posen, Derek Lam, and Proenza Schouler.

I think I did go a little crazy on buying the stuff. I initially planned to only get the duffel bag that was shown on Instyle, style.com...etc. But when I went on the Target site on Nov 1st (the date when Behnaz stuff is launched), I found myself clicking on "add to cart" like I was being hypnotized. How could one possibly resist $40 brocade bubble skirt in silver, $30 stretch velvet berm pant, $17 brocade clutch and mere $8 lace headband (well I never wear headband but that one was just so cute...). And, to my surprise, the duffel bag was on back order (I will get it in Jan 2007) even on the first day and it's gone within a week. I got the rest of the stuff two days ago and I am really satisfied with the quality - especially the silver brocade bubble skirt and the clutch which is the same fabric, it is sooo high street and expensive looking.

See, I think Target is right on target (no pun intended) with this mass targeting strategy. Once you tried - you are hooked.

Dress [Coat]

2006-11-07T19:55:00.000-08:00

Finding a good winter coat is hard. A winter coat has always been something like a big bulky outerwear that I reluctantly wear in the cold. I remember I used to refuse wearing a coat out when I was younger but now I am too old and weak to resist. Good thing is, now I have a new view to wearing a winter coat - outerwear that looks like a dress!

I especially love the Jean Paul Gaultier ones, so chic, so beautiful and flattering to the body. It's like wearing a couture dress strolling down the street against the cold breeze. I have yet to find an affortable version. Any suggestions?

Edit: I recently spotted this cute looking coat by Lux on urbanoutfitters.com. It is less femme, more cutesy and more street. Maybe not exactly what I am looking for, but something that I would recommend and if I happened to go shopping some time soon in an urban outfitter store, I would try it on.

Billion Dollar Babes!!

2006-11-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

I found sample sales...annoying. I rarely RSVP to one, but sometimes I came across some, and there I found myself surrounding by an overwhelming amount of clothes in the most disorganized fashion possible. But then again, I feel like the only kid on the block that doesn't attend the annual toy fair where i can pick up nice cute goodies at a much cheaper price.

So as the trick to this, you gotta find the good ones to devote all your energy to - because you will really need alot of will power and energy to struggle on the line to get in, try on items, pay for items, fight with strangers on the same size...and many many more horrendous scenarios.

So here I found one that I must try out - Billion Dollar Babes. This is quite a nice looking sample sales organization, they have a very comprehensive brands selection (40+ designers). Some of the ones I look forward to see (Bold ones are most desired): alice + olivia, catherine malandrino, dior, costume national, cynthia rowley, diane von furstenberg, dkn, fendi, gucci, ingwa;melero, jill stuart, jimmy choo, miu miu, miss sixty, plenty, prada, sass & bide, Tracy Reese, Temperley london, trina turk, trovota, twelfth street by cynthia vincent, vivienne westwood. The event is just one day, so I know that its going to be CRAZY there. Who wants to join me to get a platinum membership? ;)

Marchesa & Marchesa Casati

2006-10-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

It is a sad reality that our generation socialite icon, Ms. Paris Hilton, has diminished the meaning of "being socialite" from high social status, glamorous, artistically liberated and fashionably expressive to trashy, tacky, untastefully liberated (pls, the tapes!) and unfashionably expressive (her love of matching colors from head to toe and the smug smile...).

It is great that the new socialite quality designers Georgina and Keren brought to us Marchesa - again. The british born designers were inspired by vintage and Asian influences (like the beautiful Japanese kimono printed tube dress Misha Barton worn), and the legendary European socialite in the late 19th century Marchesa Luisa Casati, became the company's namesake and muse.

Marchesa Casati was "possibly the most artistically represented woman in history after the Virgin Mary and Cleopatra, the portraits, sculptures and photographs of her would fill a gallery." She spent a fortune hosting the most elaborate parties where the servants and maids are all dressed in just gold leaves. Marchesa has also created many inspiration for designers - "She wore live snakes as jewellery (which has became great inspiration for jewellery design nowadays) and was infamous for her evening strolls, naked beneath her furs whilst parading cheetahs on diamond-studded leashes (again, a very fashionable imagery)". (Information was from Marchesa Casati official site , if you would like to read some more about her)

I am glad we have designers like Georgina and Keren in our generation. They are bringing back the more dreamy and romantic quality of a socialite that leaves room for little girls to imagine. Though I think they do have beautiful collections of satin, sheer, lacey, flowy evening gown, I personally love their more artistically eccentric and asian inspired designs. I would definitely love to see them do more of that and go crazy with it. Here are some of my favorites: first 4 pieces (and Mischa worn the first one beautifully) are from Autumn/Winter 07 collection, last 3 pieces are Spring/Summer 07 collection and the last one are the beautiful designers themselves):

Bringing Sassy back

2006-10-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

Back in the school days, there are always a few individuals who are so "effortlessly cool". They are the ones that people secretly stared at and wished that they know her secret recipes for fashion. Stella McCartney must be one of those cool girl back in school. And now she has graduated to design some of the most fabulous "effortlessly cool" outfits for the rich and lucky ones.

And then the fashion world presented us the new IT-Girl. Alice McCall. The fresh face british stylist turned designer who spent 2 years working at MTV London styling the Stylissimo series and the presenters then styled Natalie Imbruglia for Torn and worked with her for another 2 years. She has worked as a freelance stylist and made some 50s' customized dresses to sell at boutiques. Until 2 years ago, she finally started her own label and showed at Australian Fashion Week 04. Her design is Oh-So-Sweet and Oh-So-Artsy-Babe-Too-Cool-For-School. She can turn that geeky girl sitting in the corner of the classroom to the IT-Girl-Now.

That fussy feeling you get when you wear cashmere...

2006-10-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

Yes...winter is coming. I always have mixed feelings with winter. I dread the sharp wind on my face as I walk on the street (which makes a minute feels like forever), the nights out that require lining up for coat check, the pale skin, no more tennis and slowly retreating to the gym completely. But on the bright side, winter is joy, it's full of celebrations and festive dinners with family and friends, it's when you start appreciating little things like holding a cup of coffee to warm your hands, and how about the warm and fussy feeling you get when you wrap yourself with your favorite cashmere?

I have invested in some lengthy off shoulder cashmere sweater in black, grey and pink from Club Monaco last year. I remember they were almost all I wore thru the winter... This season tho, they could probably pass for a one piece with skinny jeans or tights with boots.

This season I spotted the chocolate brown and navy blue striped V neck cashmere tunic from C&C California. It is gorgeous! I love the way the model is wearing it, and the whole outfit is just so effortless and versatile...altho it is on the pricey side ($245) but I am sure I will be wearing it again and again and again...^^

New York Designers (Part I)

2006-10-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is already my second year working in nyc...can't believe it! Time goes by so fast, but a lot of times I still feel like a fresh grad. After my 3rd birthday in the city I finally realized one thing different - this year I am wearing an absolutely fabulous dress of a New York comtemportary designer Mara Hoffman, whose line of clothes were also feathered in some episodes of Sex and the City (I later found out this fact). So, this has proof that, at least my wardrobe, have slowly moved away from the college/fresh-grad fashion to more of a twenty something new yorker trend.

I must admit, exploring the New York fashion scene has done a complete makeover for me. I used to shop in the "general area" like Soho, East Village, 5th Ave... but since I started working in the upper west side I began to look at alot of pricey but mysterious brands at boutiques like Montmartre, Intermix, and New York Look.

These are what I found:

Mara Hoffman - She is my favourite designer now and I actually owned 4 dresses and a black coat from her already (that can almost buy two roundtrip tix to HK...) I have to say what made me fell in love with her instantly and stay in love with her everytime I see her pieces, is that she produces such great quality clothes with very adorable details. She is definitely one New York designer that can keep up to the hype - the feathered Sex and the City designer has vision of her own. She is not the one who just does some bubble dress or feather prints for a sure sell, the way the dress fits the body, the lovely hidden pockets on every dress and coat to create the kind of sexy but cozy effect, the use of luxurious fabric that is soft and gentle to the body. Yes... it's the work of love.

Some items I got:

Shoes Shoes Shoes...

2006-10-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Fashionistas are always in a quest of finding the perfect shoes for...well, every single outfits and every single circumstances. Which will vaguely includes: walkable work shoes, walkable and cool work shoes, shopping shoes (that could mean 10+ different kinds), running shoes, tennis shoes, beach flops, red carpet ready high heels, showoffy fashion shoes (diff from season to season, tho could be reused), that classic black shoes (and thats also a whole different category).

Actually referring back to the "walkable work shoes and walkable + cool work shoes" I realized that actually wearing walkable shoes to work is not really all that important. Especially for OLs. The time they spend walking on the street when shopping during a nice satuaday would definitely exceed the time they spend walking on the street from monday to friday on work days.

Well, for this season I was mostly deciding on: walkable and cool work shoes, classic boots, and shoes.

Brian Atwood $620, what a beautiful patent shoes! It was worn by quite a few celebrities already such as Mischa Barton, totally adorable with little demure mini-dress. Since my savings is close to non-existance...this is a no deal for me...

And then there is this suede (not as hot as patent) ankle boots by Isaac Mizrahi for Taget (yes there is this designer + lower-end brand cross over thing) that cost $43 (plus shipping). I like the look of it but was doubting the quality, but when it shipped to me finally I was surprised to experience that all around padding and softness of the boots. It is definitely one of my great find at a great price! :) now I am considering getting the brown one as well...

Speaking of the Designer + lower-end brand cross over thing...I have been seeing alot of that recently, it is definitely a very good boost for both the designer and the lower end company, the famous ones like H&M with Stella McCartney and Karl Largerfeld; for shoes there are Imitation of Christ designer Tara Subkoff for Easy Spirit, Vivienne Westwood and Thakoon for Nine West, and Isaac Mizrahi for Target...etc.

I especially loved Tara Subkoff super high heels for Easy Spirit, which has soothed the high heels lovers' feets with those Easy Spirit's signature cushioned insoles. I was seriously debating whether to get one or not every time I shop on shopbop.com and intermix... But they are $430 and that would really put a huge huge cut on my fashion spending allowance on the season which I have just started. So I would just have to adore them...wonder if I would bump into some on the street and be terribly jealous...

Here is another one of my earlier conquest, the cream color patent high heels from Nine West for $89. I actually got this a few months ago, and everytime I wore it I got quite alot of compliments...I even have someone who mistaken this as a pair of Christian Louboutin ;) However, I have to say it would slowly damage your feet if you insist on wearing it to go shopping...this is definitely very well made and versatile shoes that could match tons of my outfits, and hey, they are actually on sale on for $59.99...sigh...

I was just randomly shopping at Betsy Johnson on upper west one day, and found this beautiful peep-toe highheels...they are also on sale! It was $224 originally and I got it for about $150 ^^ I love the details of the shoes, the little tassels on each side of the heel with crytals decoration, the metallic leather, the Christian Louboutin like red bottom...so sexy, sassy and fashionably delicious! oh, check out the fuchsia pairs, this one is just mesmerizing...

Maybe a little too much for me but I am just a little more conservative about shoes...I am those who doesn't want the shoes to be too over powering the whole outfits...but these really...they can definitely make a statement. ;)

Pedro Garcia, one of my favorite shoes designer from spain who make breathtakingly gorgeous heels. Tho as of now I haven't own a pair...(but very high on my shopping list) They are all beautifully crafted, very elegant and classy, I especially love this beige satin platform pumps. They are $327, which is about right for high end designer shoes.

The Invincible Kate

2006-08-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

When you talk about fashion icon, hate it or love it, Kate Moss will always be one of the top one on the list. I have never really love Kate Moss for the fact that her image is just not something I admire - her sickly thin figure which looks like she has been on a drug/alcohol/cigarette diet, not a bit of warmth radiate from her body(persona) except her supposedly cool, unique and stylish way to dress in every occasion. So I never understood why she was on covers and covers of vogue magazines, loved by all the most prestigious designers, always on the pedestal in the fashion world.

And then of cause, like many highly successful supermodels or celebrities, there comes the downfall. The picture of her using drugs came out. Tabloids immediately went crazy and many questions arised - is this going to be the end of her career, is her personal life completely shattered? Is she going to be abandoned by sponsors, brands, designers...will she be forever kicked out of the fashion world??

I thought maybe, if this "Tragedy of Kate Moss" really happened, it will somedays be on E! The True Hollywood Story, showing the fashion icon's successes and downfalls. Or maybe something like the story of Gia Carangi - the supermodel who rosed to stardom in the early eighties, struggling with drug addicition which burned her career, then vanished in the ultimate tragic of dying from AIDS in her mid 20s.

But then, against the popular predictions and against the tragic path of supermodels' downfall, as Heidi Klum loves to say on her project runway show "...one day you're in, and next day, you're out." Right now, the cruelty of the fashion business seems to be giving not only a second chance to Kate, but they are going all out to boose her career to the highest point. When you see Alexandra McQueen came out of his runway show wearing the "We love you Kate" t-shirt, you know this is something different. All the sudden she is back with even more ads, magazine covers, and still on the top of Best-Dressed list on Vanity Fair... is this just a simple act of supporting a troubled friend, or has this became a notable cause of saving the image of fashion world?

Maybe, they are not saving Kate Moss, as SHE, is not just a person. SHE is a symbol, SHE is the best marketing tool for fashion that walks on the street. SHE is bigger than life. If there is no more Kate Moss, just who, could be her successor? Please don't tell me it's Sienna Miller. So that, might be the epipthany of "the welcome back for K Moss".

High Style, Highly Affordable

2006-08-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

After watching couple episodes of "Project Runway", a (Bravo) Reality Series host by Heidi Klum, similar concept to America's Next Top Model (UPN), and the Apprentice (NBC). It is about competition, challenges, drama, and striving to be the best so he/she would have the golden opportunity to jump start their career in the industry (in this case it is the Fashion Industry).