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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Michael Jackson - The Late King of Pop = FASHION ICON

I have been very sad over the passing of the legendary icon, the one and only, and simply the best entertainer in the history of mankind - Michael Jackson.

His contribution the music industry will never be matched by anyone, and he is simply a musical genius! He was the best songwriter, dancer, composer and a humanitarian with the kindest, loving heart I have ever seen.

What people also don't realize is that he was a fashion icon! He always had nice, military costumes and matching suit that made him look classy and simply the KING!

His sequined glove made history as well as his suits, hair and everything about him!

You should check out his costumes at the Grammy Museum at LA LIVE!!

We will love and cherish you forever, Michael Jackson!

P.S.: I wouldn't be surprised if we see some heavy military looks on the runway this fall! Super hot!

Banana Republic: Mad Men attire

OK. I know it has been FOREVER since I updated my fashion/lifestyle blog... to be honest, I think this is definitely turning out to be more of a lifestyle blog, but my passion for fashion will not stop!

I went to The Grove over the weekend, and noticed that Banana Republic, my favorite store, has a big display of all the fabulous attire from AMC's series, Mad Men.

The clothes are super sophisticated and definitely classy for work!

GO CHECK IT OUT!

They got new fall shipments so almost everything there was new. I am just waiting for them to go on sale :)

Friday, April 10, 2009

Work Attire for Professional Women

WOW, it's been a long time since I logged in and updated my blog.

I've been really busy with other things.

Update on Running in Heels: Does anyone watch this? Seriously... it makes me lost complete respect for Marie Claire. I love the magazine, but these interns and their work are a big joke!

As a young professional, I often find the topic of dress code to be of great interest for many young women.

It astonishes me when I see successful, young women totally underdressed for their careers!
I don't care what people try to say to justfy their lack of grooming. EVERYONE wants to look great! Who doesn't? All it takes is just an extra effort!

Here are my suggestions for young, fabulous professional women:

1) INVEST in pumps of various colors. Pointy, patent heels are power shoes. Buy them in nude, brown and black. As for round pumps, have fun with them! Buy them in unique colors to punch up your work attire!

2) INVEST in a classic black, patent tote! This is a must! You have no idea how many women wearing great suits can often look bad by carrying small and ugly bags.

3) INVEST in few, top-quality pieces rather than buying trendy items. Go to Banana Republic, J-Crew and places like that to buy quality pieces that are always in style and classic!

4) INVEST in blouses and button-down shirts. They are chic with your pencil skirts and slacks.

5) INVEST in neutral bottoms and play with colors with your accessories, shoes and bags!

Here are some No-Nos when it comes to office wear: (If you are a professional, you should already know how much the way you dress affects the way people perceive you as a professional)

1) DO NOT show your cleavage! NEVER, NEVER, NEVER! No excuses!

2) DO NOT wear sandals to work... no matter how pretty and fresh your pedicure may be.

3) DO NOT go to work with wrinkled clothes.

4) DO NOT forgo make up. You should always have clean make-up and hair.

5) DO NOT wear cheap pieces. How are they supposed to trust you with substantial work when you are looking cheap?

What you wear says a lot about how much you take care of yourself and how responsible and serious you are. Follow my tips above and your career will continue to soar! :)

Monday, March 9, 2009

Running in Heels: Reality or Fake?

There is a new series called Running in Heels on the Style Network. Basically, this show follows the work life of three interns who wish to make it into the fashion world at Marie Claire.

Frankly, I LOVE Marie Claire magazine. I think it has great fashion spreads and great articles. However, the show does NOTHING to sure that!

First of all, all three interns are clearly acting. The producers picked three bitchy young girls who want to get to the top without working hard, and they complain about how they have never worked so hard in the life... Are you kidding??

Second of all, why pick these dumb looking interns? Why not pick ambitious, intelligent girls who actually do want to work for a fashion magazine?

Furthermore, the show does not offer too much face time for the fashion editors, who I think would be great examples for the interns.

Lastly, I think it would be great of the show really puts these girls at work rather than giving them fake assignments.

Overall, I think the show is okay but it can do better. Why do we have to watch the show that stereotypes the types of women who work at fashion magazines? Surely, there are some who are true journalists and artists.

I still love Marie Claire magazine! :)

Friday, February 20, 2009

My major step as a recessionista: Shopping my closet

2009 is turning out to be a rather grim year so far. January ended with the highest unemployment rate since 1973 in history, and February is starting out with California state workers losing their jobs and companies cutting back massively.

Now, in the midst of this financial crisis, I still get these fashion magazines that carry the message: Buy, Buy & Buy! Granted, my beloved fashion magazines are featuring more modest items that won't leave a big dent in your wallet. Regardless, there is no question that they still are sending a message of shopping and consuming.

For me, I am vowing not to shop for next few months. I can say I won't shop for the whole year, but I know that would be impossible.

Winter will be over soon, and Spring will be here. Rather than going out and buying new spring items, I am going to shop my closet.

I often find great items in my closet that I completely forgot about. I haven't even worn some of the items.

So here is a suggestion for you: Cut out all the looks you love from the fashion magazines. Then, look into your closet and find similar matches and create Spring 2009 Look Book.

You will be amazed to find out you can create brand new looks without having to buy new items!

GOOD LUCK and Have fun!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Michelle Obama on the March cover of Vogue!!!!!!!!

I just got the news that our stylish First Lady Michelle Obama is on the cover of Vogue's gigantic March spring issue!!!!!!!! How chic is this?!

I can't wait for my copy to arrive in the mail! :)

Monday, February 9, 2009

What a dream...

I know I should be dreaming about something more serious and profound, but I had two very odd dreams last night. One was rather profound while other one was me dreaming about shopping at Banana Republic.

If you have been following my blog, you would know how much I LOVE Banana Republic for classic, work wardrobe. I haven't shopped there in few months, due to the deteriorating economy and my setting a tight personal budget. It has been difficult to resists their ongoing sales, but I guess I didn't realize how much I missed shopping there.

In my dream, everything was 80% off. I was grabbing all the cardigans, pants, suits and you name it, I was piling them up in my arms.

I won't be able to shop there for many more months to come, but a girl can dream of a limitless shopping spree, right?

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Saks gift cards... what to do...

I pride myself in being a bargain shopper. I hate the idea of paying full price for things that I can easily get on sale. Normally, I like to browse Marshalls, Banana Republic, Zara and H&M for trendy, classic items that don't cost a fortune but still help me to stay on top of the latest fashion trends.

Sometimes, though, a girl's gotta treat herself. If you are an occasional luxury shopper like myself, you would LOVE Saks & Barneys (sometimes, Neiman but they are way to expensive)! If you shopped at Saks last year, you should have gotten your gift card by now.

I got mine for my 2008 spending amount. I believe it is 1% of all your total purchases for the previous year, and due to the amazing sale Saks had back in November, I accumulated a hefty amount.

HOWEVER, there lies a problem... During times like this, can I even afford to buy something at Saks? Granted, I have some free money I am obligated to spend by April, but when can a couple of hundred dollars really get me at places like Saks?

Any thoughts?

Rumor has it...

Ok. I am not sure if this is confirmed yet, but according to some insiders, the WSJ Fashion Journal is laying off almost everyone except for two journalists! Are you kidding me?!

In fact, one journalist I was emailing back and forth just last week was one of the journalists who reportedly got laid off. These days, it's not surprising to talk to someone at one company only to have that person disappear the following week...

Monday, February 2, 2009

Need extra cash? Sell your clothes, bags and shoes!

With the current economy, and companies around the nation cutting their employees, it seems like we all can use some extra cash.

Of course, you can dip into your savings and live with unemployment checks for sometime, but how about looking into your own closet?

You would be surprised at how many unused items are just sitting there. You can be making some money off your used goods!

I suggest looking at your bags first. Handbags, especially if they are brand name bags, are the easiest items to sell. Shoes and clothes may be a bit tricky, depending on their quality.

I have heard some mixed reviews on Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads clothing stores that buy your used items. Ebay can be a bit too complicated, if you are not familiar with how their site runs.

My recommendation? Craigslist! It is easy and safe!
Make sure you take pictures of your items and start selling!

GOOD LUCK!

I have actually posted some of my used Coach and Marc Jacobs bags too. Have fun hunting!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Check out this WSJ's article on the future of luxury goods

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123320030509927593.html?mod=article-outset-box

This is a great article on what the future holds for luxury items!
Maybe Saks or Neiman will have crazy sales again?

Stay tuned!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The art of simplicity

I have been thinking a lot about fashion, trends and style.

Style is eternal.
Trends are fleeting and rather temporary.
Fashion is life.

I think people can follow trends but can't digest them. I see quite a few women trying the looks they see in fashion magazines, but something doesn't quite fit and the overall look does not work for them. Why? Because the clothes end of wearing them rather than them wearing the clothes.

Now, some people don't follow trends religious but rather try selective few that work for them. These people truly have style. Style is not something you can buy. You can be on a big budget or a small budget. People with style don't have to compromise but rather know what works for them and do not follow others.

While I was thinking about all this, I realized that simplicity is the key. People can pile on accessories and wear expensive clothes, but a true fashionista knows that sometimes simplicity is the way to look chic and stylish.

Of course, it's always nice to add a pop of color to a simple, elegant outfit.

I like looking fabulous and chic and wear what works best for me.

"A woman carries her clothes, but Shoes carry a woman," - Christian Louboutin -

Friday, January 23, 2009

HAPPY FRIDAY!

It is raining in Southern California, but it doesn't matter because it is FRIDAY!

TGIF, everyone! We had a short week, and I have been so busy to write these days. It's nice to be busy and productive.

Here is what's happening on this damp yet lovely Friday:

* We have a new President and new era! President Barack Obama was sworn in this week. If you missed the historic inauguration, you must be living in a cave.
* Barneys is for sale! Who will buy this luxury retailer?
* Michelle Obama: a new fashion icon? A new fashionista in the White House is catching so much attention with her use of up and coming American designers. How chic!
* Oscar nominations were announced yesterday. Few snubs and surprises, as always. Hugh Jackman will be hosting!
* Hillary Clinton is officially our Secretary of State! Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits!
* Some retailers are on the verge of bankruptcy. Craziness
* Best way to spend weekends these days seems to be watching movies at home and reading.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, January 16, 2009

HAPPY FRIDAY: TGIF indeed!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

It's a beautiful, sunny Friday and a three-day weekend awaiting us.

Here is what's happening:

* "The Miracle on the Hudson River" = Amazing pilot saved his passengers and safely landed the plane yesterday into the Hudson River.
* The Inauguration takes place next Tuesday for Barack Obama.
* Are you a recessionista? Get in the game!
* The nominations for the Oscars are announced next week. Get ready for the competitive race full of surprises!
* Social media: It would be interesting to find out its impact on different professions.

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Did you watch the Golden Globes on Sunday?

What a show it was!

If you missed this past Sunday's 66th Annual Golden Globes, I suggest you visit YouTube!

I am so happy Kate Winslet finally received awards for her amazing talent! She not only received a Supporting Actress award but also Best Actress Award! Double awards in one night! She won that category hands down.

Slumdog Millionaire just swiped four major categories all together. I think this year the competition is rather tough. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a superb film. Yet, it is not receiving awards that it deserves.

Finally, I am so happy the Hollywood Foreign Press recognized Mickey Rourke as a deserving actor. He received the Best Actor award!! WOW! what a comeback! I loved his speech, especially what he said about how when a man is alone, only company he's got is dogs :)

Gotta love a passionate, compassionate dog lover!

I can't wait for the Oscars! I hope that the Benjamin Button movie receives the Best Picture and Mickey Rourke receives Best Actor! That would be amazing!!

Friday, January 9, 2009

TGIF!!

Hi everyone!

It is officially 2009!!! I hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve! It is the year of the Ox!!

Here is what's happening on this gorgeous, sunny Friday:

* A woman in Britan died in her piles of clothes... She is the ultimate shopaholic who died of shopping overdose...

* Neiman Marcus is having additional 50% off sale on already 50% marked price. It is still EXPENSIVE!!! (note: I went and if you have some money to spare, it's worth checking out, but I walked out empty-ended since it was still uber expensive)

* Retailers are struggling despite massive sales.

* Only less than two weeks until the Inauguration!! I heard tickets went on sale today. Did you get yours?

* About 4.5 Earthquake was felt in Southern California yesterday. Ohhh yes, I felt that too.

* Are you a recessionista? Rather than shopping for new items, how about looking into your closet and recycling some old pieces of clothes?

* Finally, I watched Oprah yesterday (since I was sick and bedridden) and Suze Orman was on her show. Go to Oprah.com and you can download Suze Orman's book which is designed to help us straighten our finances for this tough year! I was very inspired.

HAPPY FRIDAY everyone and enjoy your weekend!!