It's times like this I know that my problems...not so much an issue. We tend to just focus on ourselves and let the world pass us by. As cliche as it sounds, you know it, I know it, we all know it's true (just realizing that I am incapable of putting the weird squiggly marks on the letters...hmmm?).

It goes to show that perhaps my personal relationship issues and paranoia is NOT something I should think about at the moment. Granted I am REALLY GOOD at solving other people's issues and problems, I am really bad with my own. I have the tendency to ruin everything and anything good in my life (much like my relationship with Tim which totally is hanging by a thread because of my psychotic-ness), and I have an issue with trust. Misato reassured me the other day that my paranoia in fact is just PARANOIA and that Tim is probably busy and not ignoring me or planning to totally dump me. After a 5 year relationship with him I should know better right? But then again she told me from her experience that guys just needs space...honestly I could totally tell other people this but to myself I just let my crazy run wild and think the worst.

Alas this is not about me but Misato so getting back to the point. She is one of the strongest person I know not only for her willingness to get out to the world, but mentally she's a lot stronger than most people. Being sick hasn't stopped her from living life (where as I just stop functioning all together). She also finds the time to gather us girls together for drinks between her treatments. She, KY, and D are probably my best girl friends in Japan. Without them I would be drowning in my sorrows and attempting to not socialize living like a hermit and one day just being on the 6pm news like yesterday's trash. But they have kept me going and hanging out with the real world instead of hermitting in the gaming world like I usually do.

Misato has been my Kansai connection and the one of the few people that don't think I am a total whack job. By the way in my life totally rare and REALLY important. Even my own brother thinks I ought to be committed. Granted she thought I was totally Anime with my high pitch voice and really weird hobbies...she took me in like I've been there all the while and we've been friends since. There are friends...and there are "FRIENDS". What's the difference? Friends are those who you associate with, just because. FRIENDS are those who will be with you thick and thin. No matter what happens they are the ones that will stick by your side. Misato has my loyalty and no matter what I will forever be there for her like I will with KY and D. D is busy with a life work bf what not, but we all know she is always there for us in the time of need. KY is probably one of the few people I see most and we are at a mutual understanding to be all that we can be! (not in the army...but hey) Misato should always remember that we are there for her no matter what.

We all tend to take advantage of the things we have. Be it our relationships, friendship, family, and especially our health. When someone close to you gets ill we finally realize the things we take for advantage. KY, D and I can't really share our health with our dear friend...unfortunately so the only thing we can do is send positive vibes, tell her more random stories for her to be amused, and plan out future events we all could do. There's so much more we need to get done...like a trip to Karuizawa (which should be Legend-wait for it-Dary)...playing around in Disney Land/Sea...also I have to par take in the girls trip I keep hearing so much about! And another thing...I finally have enough girl friends to not have my guy buds dress in drag at my wedding as brides maids. You (yes you Misato) better not forget that you have a place on my side of the podium if I get married!! AND ANOTHER THING...you totally promised I get to make a speech at your wedding and perhaps be the MC!

I am keeping you to your word!!

We are all out here missing you and rooting for your return! I have my Cheesecake recipe ready and warm for when you come back! Also of course my Foundant Chocolat Recipe! You are dearly missed and needed in our lives. Just remember...you get to stay in a clean room! MY DREAM!! Make sure to tell me the cleanliness....when you see me again because I would totally want to live in one...aha!

Life is Short, Break the Rules, Forgive Quickly, Kiss Slowly, Love Truly, Laugh Uncontrollably, and NEVER regret anything that made you smile. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we might as well DANCE!

Today is officially the last day for me at this office!!!

No words can describe my happiness...and I doubt that I will be feeling like this...

Coincidentally if they are not going to pay me for my vacation days I might as well use it up, so I stuck in a health check in the morning tomorrow, took the afternoon off, and put in the rest of my vacation days until my official end date.





It feels great to start over and not have to look back. Hopefully my next work place is not as mind numbingly boring, slowly eats away at my intelligence or makes me into a translation monkey...all in all I cannot see myself going anywhere worse than my current situation.

My next job starts in April...and I am loving the prospect of a few days off!

Here's to a new beginning....Cheers!

xoxo

Luci

Sakura Season is here...

Life may throw you a curve ball and you may strike out...

But just remember to wait for that one pitch...

which takes yours over the fence and you can bring it home for the WIN.

When I think of Alice in Wonderland I always imagine the pre-teen blonde girl in the light blue dress with white tights and Mary Jane's created by Disney...

Which looks like this...

But recently Tim Burton with his vision and a little funding from Disney created Alice in Wonderland the new movie which came out in theaters March 2010 (US)...sadly it doesn't come out in Japan until April. Weird how Avatar is still playing in some theaters, yet the Blue-Ray is coming out next month (me contemplating buying the Blue-Ray special edition or just the normal and actually reserving a copy...but anyway moving on!), weird how marketing and movies work in Japan. They sometimes release movies that I never knew existed...and at other times movies are released a year later. G-Force the random Guinea pig movie came out just this month and that movie has been released, put on DVD and locked away in the USA since last year.

Enough of my rantings! Alice in Wonderland is a much anticipated film by Tim Burton. I anticipated another of the claymation like films by Tim Burton, but I guess that was because I have always been a fan of Nightmare Before Christmas and the Corpse Bride. The last movie Sweeney Todd was (in my opinion) a total flop, half due to the fact I was not a huge fan of musicals and...for other reasons I cannot fathom or put my finger on. Tim Burton has put in his movies his friend (Johnny Depp) and his domestic partner (Helena Bonham Carter), 2 eccentric stars who breathed life into the movie supported with an all star cast (including Anne Hathaway) with the strong willed Alice (whom I believe was Australian?).

The story takes place in Wonderland after Alice has gone home the first time. Things have changed in Wonderland...since the Red Queen has taken over. It's up to a true hero to slay the demon and bring freedom back to Wonderland once again. With Tim Burton's normal twists and turns, along with colorful characters bring to life another movie must see in my books. Hey we all have to go down the rabbit hole some day...

xoxo

Luci

P.S. OK, OK, so I am a huge fan of Disney Movies and Tim Burton...and if this movie was terrible (which I am sure is not) I'd still watch it like I watched Sweeney Todd, but I am guessing I'll love it and end up buying the Blue-Ray for it so there!

P.S.2. on a side note...I was always a fan of American McGee's Alice...the twisted game that came out a while ago. You should check it out!

So this dates back a little to last month around my brother's birthday...

Once upon a time there was a boy (as usual there always is). His small dreama was to eat the Cheese Fantasy from Domino's Pizza. Now Domino's likes to put forth specialty pizzas for the season, and this one in particular was only until mid March. So the little boy grabbed his plastic from his wallet, and called Domino's! -but in this day and age we all know phones are obsolete he used the internet to make an order. People in Tokyo spread the word! Domino's offers a 5% discount and many random coupons if you order online and credit cards are accepted!! (Domino's you owe me one!!)

Now waiting patiently with eyes wide open he stood by the door....he waited....and waited...30 minutes later he heard the door ring! There stood the delivery man with a bright smile on his face. The boy signed the receipt, it was his!

Cheese Fantasy in his grasp at last! Alas with tissue paper in tow to wipe his sticky fingers he sat down with a glowing smile. Not wanting to be selfish he called his sister to share the joy.

there was a side of maple syrup for the sweet 1/4 of the pizza

(which by the way was not the most tasty part of the pizza)

The End

Enjoy the Story?!

xoxo

Luci

P.S. I find it funny that my brother claims to have an Italian Mama which he refers to when we talk about eating pizza. Apparently she wants him to eat pizza once a month?! In his imagination she carries a rolling pin and is pretty warm and on the chubby side from eating lots of good Italian foods. I'd one day like to meet this Italian Mama....she sounds like a wonderful person that will feed me well!

I was walking by the Marunouchi Building earlier this month stumbling upon a architecture/art exhibition. It was hosted by one of the art schools here in Japan...I believe it was the モード学院 (aka Mode Academy, slightly lame naming in English but hey...) and some art gallery (?). Don't take my word on who ever was hosting because I didn't pay much attention to who, I was more awed by the architectural miniatures that was on display!

Tokyo Mode Academy's Hachiouji Campus (It looks like it belongs in Dubai, NO?)

Most of the displays were made of wood with some exceptions of plastic and steel. I was particularly disappointed with the Japanese temple displays. WHY? -you ask. Most of the structures were not detailed enough. They just slapped on some wood and forgot the intricate details that make Japanese traditional architectures great.

Exhibit A...slightly disappointing display

There were a few buildings that looked slightly unfinished and haphazardly put together...was the artist out of time?

Not sure what this was...but hey

Interesting how they needed to put a DOME in the middle because it was not taking up enough space. Although I enjoyed the miniature sitting inside the dome.

Mini Dome!

The European architectures were a little more impressive. I think the people who built it showed some respect and decided that they needed to put a little more effort into the explanations of the miniatures. All in all not so impressive, but cute enough to be taken a picture of nonetheless.

The columns of Athens and I think it was an Italian structure?

And of course...Eiffel Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree in the back

It was weird that they didn't put the new Tokyo establishment Tokyo Sky Tree hugely in the middle instead of that weird futuristic Mode Academy building. What happened to the symbol of Tokyo...Tokyo Tower!! After all it was a Tokyo hosted event in the middle of Tokyo right on the side of Tokyo Station. After spending a few minutes in the exhibit I realized that there was more to it on the floor above. Unfortunately I was not as motivated to go up and see the rest of the miniatures...hence my venture ended here.



One thing I will miss from my current path home is passing by these random exhibits and the occasional flower festivals that appear in the spring time. I think the next one is in April when the Cherry Blossoms will be appearing. It's always nice to smell fresh flowers in the morning on the way to a dreary office...although I might miss it this year for I am changing jobs soon enough!

xoxo

Luci

The latest thing I've managed to post wsa my scarf...I unfortunately am not motivated to do anything, and the blog suffers as a result! *bad blogger* (/>.<)/"" So in order to get back in the habit of writing...I decided to write on something that just reminded me of what is simple and good in this world - dinner with good company.

A few weeks back I got together with my girl friends (it's still surreal to me that I have GIRL buds, no idea how that happened but now I might have enough people for a bridesmaid if I ever get married!!) KY and Misapy +1...the reason I don't really acknowledge the other person is because well she is neither a friend nor foe. I am just an acquaintance through association. Much like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon, I am linked to her through a massive spiderweb system of complicated and isolated community of my friends. Therefore +1.

We gathered in Tokyo and sat down for a quiet dinner at 萬鳥 Marunouchi a yakitori place I've always wanted to try. Although we went on a Friday evening without reservation, we were able to squeeze in a bit before last call. They stop serving food before the wine which makes me a bit sad since I am more the type to eat a hearty meal than keep drinking...but again with merry company I am always game for a girls night out! So we hung out, caught up, and ate a delicious meal of yakitori. Unfortunately a lot of the rarities on the menu were gone (like the nankotsu aka cartilage which I love) we got to sample most of the staples on the menu. The good mix of yakitori (aka skewed grilled chicken which sounds weird I know but hey what can you do translating Japanese into English eh?) and some side dishes along with a generous helping of wine made my night. Even with the +1 I got to enjoy a good meal with 2 of my best girl friends. The only thing I would have changed....gotten rid of the +1 and perhaps replaced it with my other best gal D!

You are Missed D! We must go again for Yakitori!

This time to make things easier, we ordered a bottle of wine then continued to order off the set course menu. I would have totally been fine with ordering for the group, but KY knew better as I tend to go crazy and order almost EVERYTHING on the menu...So to save our wallets and to cut our stomachs some slack we ordered from the set menu and added a few selections. Misapy was quite happy with my side orders as she was also eyeing the egg and the onigiri!

Cream Puff! (no it was filled with Chicken)

Dashi maki Tamago (not part of the course but worthy of its own order)

Salad (side ordered to feel "healthy")

Chicken!!

Scallions (D hates it but it was Delicious!)

Was it Duck or Chicken? I can't remember

Chicken Liver for the Soul?

Crispy goodness all around!

and to finish...the side ordered Yaki Onigiri!

So if you are looking for a good hearty place to go with your girl friends I would recommend this place. Although watch out cheap-o's the price tag can get a little hefty if you keep pouring yourself a generous portion of WINE!!

xoxo

Luci

P.S. Make sure to order the 出し巻き卵(dashi maki tamago aka egg omelet) and 〆の焼きおにぎり(yaki onigiri aka grilled rice ball)! It was really good!!

For the past 2 weeks I've been out at the clients (which by the way coincidentally was about 5 minute commute from my apartment), and working diligently racking up some last minute over time. It's weird to think I will NO LONGER be working at this place, but no regrets more over glorious freedom overwhelms me!!






All jokes and snickers aside, I just wanted to post my latest fashion item. A Pink/White scarf I knitted on my free time. I call this my strawberry cream scarf! The unfortunate thing is...well it's no longer winter wear season, but I have something to look forward to for winter of 2010!

I did manage to make one for Samar and Tim. Those two were happily my guinea pigs in my scarf making skills to perfection. My strawberry cream scarf creation will be my staple for next year. Cheers!!

xoxo

Luci

My teddy bear Emile was gracious enough and comfortable with his teddy-bear-sculinity to model it for me!

It looks good!

P.S. I am taking orders for next year...starting.........

WARNING: About 2 weeks overdue!

F/W 10 Paris Fashion Week and the culmination of the the award season, i.e. the Oscars, happen to coincide. And thus a busy time indeed for the style editors/bloggers (pure fashion bloggers are not terribly concerned with the latter) out there.

As for moi, I just sit back and watch the show.

This season, there was a lot of guessing involved with the "what are you wearing?" drama, thanks to Ryan Seacrest of E! failing (or intentionally neglecting) to ask said question for a good portion of the red carpet entrance. It was as entertaining simply monitoring the twitter sphere as (I imagine) seeing the real thing: Is J.Lo wearing Marchesa? (wrong), Nicole Richie in vintage? (wrong, Reem Acra), and so on and so forth.

I had two observations as I vicariously watched the award show unfold. First, why do celebrities wear essentially the same design from the same collection/designer? Naturally the PR folks at Armani Privé knew aforementioned J.Lo and Amanda Seyfried chose the same dress, if not their stylists? Or could it actually be a tactical move on the part of the design house to get on the "who wore it better?" pages of InStyle, etc... With some actresses almost always wearing the same brand (Renée Zelweger + Carolina Herrera, though she seems to be moving on these days), perhaps it is impossible not to clash, but I just find it amusing how these starlets face the same problem as the average high school juniors before their Homecoming dance...

Second is the roles jewelry plays at these events. Naturally the big BLING pieces tend to be spotted near the faces of the celebrities, i.e. earrings and necklaces, which not-so-coincidentally complement the open necklines, but wouldn't it be funny if we can get them to pose gangsta style or peace-ing out to show their extra-bejeweled watches, rings, and bracelets? Just a thought...

Sorry Miley for the blotchy job, but just imagine classic and classy actresses like Helen Mirren representin' for Cartier/Harry Winston/Fred Leighton and the likes...

P.S. An ode to a funny entry at the Oddly Enough Blog about other "less visible" items, i.e. shoes, at award shows...

My 7th post and it has been 48 days since my first entry. Which means I am barely on target for a weekly blog? More than ever, I truly respect those who regularly update their blogs, and while this entry of mine will be a somewhat lackluster one (especially after a bit of a break), but it is an ode of sort to such stoic bloggers?

As I was catching up on Garance and JAK & JIL on separate occasions, I could not help but notice it was the same woman wearing the new Céline jacket by Phoebe Philo (previously of Chloé - any other brand with a C,é, and L that she can revamp/reinvent? - a great read from T Magazine).

The jacket aside for the moment(which does have all the "it" elements - nude color, zippers, leather/wool contrast/contour, etc.), after some online stalking, I learn that this woman is Christine Centenera of Harper's Bazaar Australia. There is no wonder fashion editors/stylits and bloggers cross paths these days, and Ms. Centenera, ‘a self-confessed sucker for anything with studs, metal detailing or patent leather - perferably all three at once," certainly has been on the radar of many a blogs already: Red Carpet Fashion, inspire me please, and the Fashion Spot!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LITTLE BROTHER GATTA!

Thank you for being my roommate.

Thank you for cooking dinner a lot of the times so I won't starve to death.

Thank you for watching out for me so I don't live off gummy bears and salad.

Thank you so much for keeping me entertained with our comedy routines.

And last but not least thanks for being my little brother for the past 25 years.

I couldn't have asked for a better one!

Happy Birthday TO YOU! *cheer cheer*

Also a happy Birthday to everyone else who was born on February 25th!

You all are born on the same date as my little brother, and I hope you guys have a great day!

xoxo

Luci

P.S. Also congrats on getting engaged! Don't worry I am OK with your fiance, so you won't have to worry about me being mean to her! Also now I don't have to go beat her up when she broke up with you *phew* (@_@)v And no I am not jealous that my brother is getting married before me possibly...I am more concerned about losing a roommate...whatever will I do! LFNEWROOMMATE INC!

I am all about food...Eating makes me happy and a good wholesome meal is always a good way to some one's heart. Plus home cooked meals always tastes better imo!

So when I needed some comfort I cooked...recently I can use all the comforting there is. In order to cater to this, I made the ultimate comfort food:

MAC & CHEESE!!

Kind of looks like a cheese cake doesn't it?

I guess it is one of those staple American foods that makes you wholesome and happy? Did I also mention there was a side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes?!


Although I am lactose intolerant and perhaps I made it just because my brother was all excited and it is almost his birthday...I made my little brother happy. Hey that is reward enough!

xoxo

Luci

I think a lot of people have covered this, but I just wanted to put it out there...

As much as I like clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and what nots there is always a price on everything. For the 'normal' people who cannot afford to change your outfit gazillion times a day or have the 'only wear each item once' policy with the wallet to support it, we just stick to wearing something multiple times and changing out the outlook by combining different items to make it look unique. Sometimes if we are in a creative mood, one can 'alter' the item and customize it to their will but alas that takes time and I was not the world's greatest sewer last time I checked.

I personally if given the luxury would totally design my own clothing and have 'my' tailor make it for me. To claim to have "my own tailor" is a luxury in itself that I wish I had. Also wearing clothing that fits me perfectly for a change without it being altered to hell and back is a perk I have yet to experience *shakes fist* "o(@_@)o"

For those of us who buy items off the rack, we tend to wait for Sales in order to buy the expensive items. Unlike necessities (although one may argue that clothing is a necessity, unfortunately in most budgets necessities are more along the lines of food and shelter), we tend to just wait and shop for the best bargains. Again I do shop for cheap groceries whenever I can but the staple items are usually similar in price everywhere. Hence I just go to the closest store to buy my condiments or tissue papers, convenience and shorter distance to travel with items in hand.

Recently we see the trends of online Bargains. The members only sites that grant you access to sales that start at particular times. It is close to the sample sales that we all hunt for in major cities, just in the luxury of our homes. I recently came across several news paper topics covering this and it hit me that perhaps online is no longer the best place for a bargain. One can argue isn't it the same as going to an Outlet or buying off-season items, it is still a cheaper option to the full retails pricing.


Since the depression and the whole cut backs, department stores and specialty stores in general have been slashing prices and catering to the masses. We can hunt for bargains online in various sites, but perhaps it is time we took off to the streets and searched for our own bargains?! Ebay will always be a good spot to hunt for bargains (second hand or not) but we run the risk of fakes and imitations. There are several websites like Gilt and Hautelook that cater to a more bargain experience, but the downside is the bargains begin at a very inconvenient time for those living outside of the time zone (EST). Gilt does have a Japanese site Gilt (Japan) I have the feeling it is probably not the best bargain out there. It is cheaper in comparison to full retail, but at the same time I cannot forget the nagging feeling perhaps there are cheaper options out there. Also add to that these sites do not always carry what you are looking for. They are "timed" sales so they may not be carrying the brand you are looking for or the outfit you've been eyeing in the department stores. Mind you it is probably more like a sale to get rid of the overstocked items. and the kicker is it may not always be the cheapest option out there (FYI).

The Savvy is a site that lets you know the Sample Sales going on in LA or NY, but if you live outside those areas you are SOL. If you are lucky enough to get to the Sample Sale you are not always guaranteed to find something you may like. Although sample sales have gone on in NYC for as long as people remember, it is probably the initial starter for sites like Gilt and Hautelook and others which try to cater to the bargain hunting people online.


For Japanese people BuyMa is probably the site to go for buying designer goods. Although be warned these are not necessarily bargains...they are more like personal shoppers who will deliver the items via mail to your door. Handy - yes, but it may cost you an arm and a leg. They are based off Japanese prices so the mark up value is about 1.5 plus shipping and handling.


Yoox does a good job of letting you see the items and where they are selling, but again this is not a site for bargains. You get to see which website has what in stock. The Stylefeeder is the similar idea, but its a handy site if you are trying to make a wish list of items you find over the webspace or look up items perhaps you saw on some one's list (I am Lucibelle if interested!). Like I said before these sites offer a guidance and just peeks into where one may purchase an item not necessarily click and buy the cheapest price.


The one concept I liked about Best Buy and electronic stores is that THE PRICES ARE ALWAYS CHANGING. Which means they are more likely to have the policy 'if you find a cheaper price we will match it or go lower'. That puts me in a good mood for when I do find something I want to buy but find something cheaper on another site, then in order to get the points I just go back and see if the price can be matched. If clothing stores had that policy I would think it would be make it more competitive market and perhaps we can find luxury for cheap, but until then we are stuck on paying whatever prices they charge us or just simple waiting and praying that the items we want are on sale or available at a sample sale.

For the normal people, bargain hunting is not only a sport but a past time. Perhaps we should go back to the old way and step out into the world to search for bargains on foot! And yes they are out there...

xoxo

Luci

P.S. KY is appalled at times by what I wear on my off time...she has seen me in my baggy XL sweat shirts and wearing over sized skater pants that make me look like I am swimming in my clothing...that is COMFORTABLE yes but I don't think anyone wants to see that unless they want a serious laughter. I will however put here that I would post pictures of me in cute outfits but unfortunately I am camera shy and I rather like taking pictures of other people than myself...perhaps I should go for the Satorialist approach and take snap shots of the PUNKISH culture of Japanese Fashion?!

I am a HUGE fan of Disney...be it Land, Movie, Trinkets, Fashion or whatever...I am a total Disney Girl. Sure I will have an affair with Warner Bros and giggle at Daffy Duck, but I am a total Donald Duck fan at heart. Mickey and Minnie will always have a place in my heart along with the rest of the characters (maybe ot Chip & Dale but that's a personal issue). Even to this day and age I LOVE Disneyland!! And the fact being taken to Disney World in Orlando and I was more hyper actively excited than the ADHD eight year old says a LOT. I was practically bouncing off the walls. I think I scared a few people along the way, but hey, no judging. We all have our quirks and mine just happens to be Disney.

Although, I did have an incident in Tokyo Disneyland one time where I almost got banned from the theme park all together...but that is here nor there. Why you ask? THAT IS NEITHER HERE NOR THERE!! Hey it is not my fault that I accidentally kicked Chip (or was it Dale?) in the groin when he was trying to feel me up. The person totally had it coming and quite frankly deserved a beating for molesting, but apparently security did not see my side of the story. I was chased wonderfully through Tomorrowland and made my way into Westernland, and finally escaping into Pirates of the Carribean where I lost the security people. If I had been caught I think I would have made the BLACK LIST of TDL *phew* (/>.<)/ Dodged that bullet! I would totally be sad face and traumatized if I could never go back to the happiest place in the world! Although I try to block out my memories of well...trauma...and I did get to beat up a guy in TDL which I think is a feat in itself. As for the security...man I think they need to do a better job! I can totally get away still! Ah...ok perhaps not the point. GOING BACK to the point...I am a Disney fan, and no matter the evil they do I will always be a fan of their work. I know the whole concept of corporation/marketing scheme is evil, but you really can't get that to take over the whole of Disney where so much good came out of. With the humble beginnings of Walt and Mickey (although Family Guy mocks it...I still love Disney Movies!), then came the corporation which sucked it up into the whole web of evil.

Family Guy Mockery of Disney

I recently decided to watch Princess and the Frog, the latest addition to the Disney Movie. They went back to their 2-D ways and Pixar for once was not the star who made the movie. Although I am a huge fan of Ratatouille and Monsters Inc. with a side affair of Finding Nemo and the Incredibles, it was nice for once to see a 2-D movie by Disney. The slight irritation and disappointment settled in after I started watching the movie. I was not aware of hte fact IT WAS SET IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. I will admit NOLA has a charm about itself with the old French style mansions on St. Charles avenue where Tiana takes the street car. The mysteries behind the charm of Voodoo. Delicious food cooking away on the stoves be it Gumbo, Etouffe, Red Beans & Rice, Po-Boys, etc...but I'm not sure about that.

I lived in New Orleans for 4 years of my college career. I will admit it was not what I would call great or the best years of my life, enough to survive. I loved the people and the friends I made, but I don't know about watching NOLA years before through the eyes of Disney. I think the charm of Disney for me came in the fact it was always set in a distant land or an undisclosed location letting fantasy take over. Although some of the movies did take place in a REAL LIFE location it was always with a story which was totally new and fresh. That unfortunately cannot be said for Princess and the Frog...they placed a fantasy story made for little kids in a live location where the subtitles are pretty much: BOOZE, DRUNKS, PARTIES, (more) BOOZE, and at times Naked People.

They set it in time for Mardi Gras which as people would know is one of the prime time for weird people to come out. I guess back in the days of prohibition and ladies in long skirts it wasn't as crazy, but the allure of Disney was totally lost in me for this movie. French Quarter and the pictures were nicely drawn and gave the charm of NOLA..but the fact they tried to beautify the swamp area...honestly not working for me. I know the realities of the Mississippi River and people, IT IS NOT THAT GLAMOROUS TO GO ON THE BOAT RIDE. It is something to do I guess if you want to consume large quantities of alcohol and get boat sick along the way looking at the murky dirty waters of the Mississippi River, but it is not as FUN as the movie states it to be. As for the swamp area...in RL I would totally avoid it at all costs. Now if you were trying to throw away a body never to be found perhaps its the plce to go?!

The story line was cute as usual, and I liked the fact they broke the barrier and had a non-white main character for once (although a blonde girl was put in as a side story), an African American attractive girl with a dream. That story I thought was good giving kids the idea that you can be whatever you want to be regardless of your skin color.

HOWEVER, I have to point out the obvious stereotypes that are in place everywhere for Disney movies. Let us explore some stereotypes:

1. Charlotte "Lottie" La Bouff - Blonde Girl....now think of all the terrible things they say about blonde girls..and she pretty much fits the bill
2. Dr. Facilier - probably one of the shadier characters and the failed villain
3. Eli "Big Daddy" La Bouff - the rich aristocratic dad to a spoiled bratty girl, and he pretty much fits the bill for a clueless dad
4. Tiana "Tia" - the working class girl...and she makes Biegnets and Gumbo...
5. Ray - Cajun...REALLY?! Zydeco...yeah OK WhatEver
6. Louie - Jazz trumpet player...... *sigh*

I think I would have been more impressed if they made a story about Tia as an aristocratic rich girl instead of a waitress. If you look closely most of the working class people in New Orleans are all African American in decent. There are a few white butler types, but still they lined up the La Bouff house with plenty of white servants and Tia/her mother were hired hands when in need. This kind of gives you the notion perhaps Disney is still 'stuck' on the white princess factor. One may argue 'what about Mulan?', that ladies and gentleman is not a fairy tale fantasy...it is about a girl who dressed as a boy and joined the army. SHE was not a princess, where as this story as the title says "PRINCESS and the Frog".

I will give Disney props for taking a fairy tale and sticking it into a plausible girl can achieve all she wants with love factor, but I was hoping for more fantasy and little less life lesson. Hard working is good, but one must find love which conquers all. I think I will stick to Ratatouille thanks, because I rather have meals cooked up by a fine French Mouse than risk myself the agony of reality clashing for me in the current Frog film...one movie I will watch, but probably not buy the DVD.

Don't get my wrong..it's a cute movie, but I rather miss the oldies...where it was pure fantasy. I guess after Enchanted...Disney has not been hitting the spot for me.

Disney Definitely did not go back to the Princess Thing...

After 75 years of Magic...They are losing their touch (=_=;) *sigh*

xoxo
Luci

A few posts back, I wrote on a type of footwear. Today marks the stop #2 on the vertical ride of fashion/anatomy: legwear! Will there be a post on the evolution of bras or trends in eyebrows one day...stay tuned?

Refinery 29 today talks about the new trend they are seeing in leg covering/heating, and I noticed the word "spats" for the first time in a long while. In Japan, the legwear known as leggings (or meggings) nowadays used to be called spats. Naturally I am not the only person who has wondered about the difference, and the Google search "leggings, spats, difference (in Japanese)" turns up quite a few hits. According to this online leggings shop, the two are refer to the exact same thing and and the shift took place around 2004. So Japanese spats=leggings, Q.E.D.

So non-Japanese spats≠leggings, paradoxically Q.E.D. According to the ever-faithful Wiki (and yes, it turns out they are footwear, not legwear), spats have quite the military/uniform/Michael Jackson association, so I am going to end this post with a personal picture of the Indian Army at the Wagah (Indian/Pakistani) border and the Indian Thriller video.

is the age of the "wunderkind special guest blogger" over at Racked. Enough said.

Musical/Visual Homage:

Aaliyah's Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1984)

I finally have a respectable reason for a fashion entry! I recently had the opportunity to hang out at the 10th "rooms 20" tradeshow, thanks to the wonderfully talented Asli Filinta. There I had the chance to meet a handful of designers, buyers, tradeshow organizers, fashion journalists, PR folks(or "attache de press" if you want to be fancy), and topic of the day: stylists.


So what does their job entail? In the age of stylists-turned-celebrities (epitomized by the ubiquitous Rachel Zoe) and celebrities arguably better known for their own styling/designing than their "careers" (Chloë Sevigny, Nicole Richie, the Olsen twins, Alexa Chung, to name a few--I will not get into whether I like them or not, BUT I MUST point out the much deserved and belated recognition Chloë is getting for Big Love--it does not take a genius to take note of her screen presence as Jean in American Psycho), what a not-so-celeb stylist actually does on a day-to-day basis is something of a mystery.


According to Wiki, "a wardrobe stylist is the job title of someone who selects the clothing for published editorial features, print or television advertising campaigns, music videos, concert performances, and any public appearances made by celebrities, models or other public figures...The job description varies greatly depending on the assignment."


In a recent reality series Styl'D, MTV followed the "real" lives of five junior assistants competing for a contract with the Margaret Maldonado Agency. The contestants worked with/trained under the Agency's senior stylists on their assignments (Jen Rade is my favorite and rather well-known for her appearances in Project Runway, TV Guide's Fashion Wrap, etc.), pulling clothing and accessories for "A-listers" by MTV's somewhat questionable standards these days. Featured clientele included The Veronicas, Ashley Tisdale, Keri Hilson, Sean Kingston, Nicole Richie, Pete Wentz, Josh Henderson, Kim Kardashian (whom I have at least seen/can recognize visually), and the likes of Alex Meraz, Brenda Song, The Paradiso Girls, Chester French, Soulja Boy, Tyga, Tyler Hilton, Colbie Caillat, and V Factory (whom I already forget what they look like, and should you recognize more than three of them, you should accept the hard cold truth you are a pop culture junkie...).


Based on these two very reliable sources, I am getting a clearer picture..! Stylists basically

borrow a whole bunch of clothing for a few days

↓

bring and show them to the client

↓

if lucky, one or two things work for the client/occasion

if really lucky, CLIENT WANTS TO KEEP (=BUY) IT!

↓

scurry back to the store/designer

↓

return 99-100% of the items on lease

On occasion the client does hang onto the dress or shoes, which means sales revenue for the store/designer. And it goes without saying that whole ordeal is for publicity. But for new designers (at tradeshows) looking to win bulk orders from potential buyers/shops, stylists bring pretty much nothing to the table. Especially with up-and-comers with press coverage already under their belt, you are not going to be the list of "popular persons at the party" if your job is to borrow, not to buy.

Just some mindless musing on different players in the business of fashion, following my previous entry on fashion writers vs. bloggers (which has totally taken off here).

So in order to make use of my infinite time...and to cater to my boredom I have taken up knitting. That is right...I have joined the ranks of the retired. I guess I should start looking into a retired home in Florida coast or something? I did enjoy going to Disney World so Florida does agree with me. The sun...not so much but I guess that is what sunscreen is for.


I am making a scarf for my grand children...OK that's a lie, but I am making a scarf for someone special...

WHO you may ask?

Well that is for you to find out and for me to keep secret!

xoxo

Luci

P.S. Taking orders for my next scarf! Price is..negotiable! And I welcome BRIBES!

We often take advantage of a lot of things, and take a whole bunch more for granted. We never realize what we have until it is gone. I for one am guilty of that, but we will get into that a little later.

Recently we experienced such loss through the death of Alexander McQueen. For those who know him and for those who don't, he is one the the most brilliant designers of our time. From his humble start at Savile Row, his designing days at Givenchy, to his own label Alexander McQueen and McQ...he was a Magician, a Show Stopper, a Head Liner. He knew how to dazzle and entertain the audience.

Although we anticipate his right hand distracting us, we are all thoroughly amused by his left pulling rabbits.Shock us...Captivate us...Mesmerize us with his design and show. We are all thoroughly entertained and dazzled. Never disappointed. Satisfied customers of his Magic we all call fashion.

Life doesn't go according to plan. Shakespeare said it best:

"All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances;And one man in his time plays many parts..."

-William Shakespeare

As You Like It

One can be casually walking on the sidewalks and be stabbed like Jack the Ripper victims. A nice family meal at a neighborhood restaurant can turn into a massive brawl. Another could be resting quietly at home, be invaded and robbed at gun point. Those are extreme situations and cases, but you get my point. We never can tell what will happen. It is not to say that you should lock yourself in a room and stay there for eternity, but we all need to stop worrying about the consequences and start living what we call the game of LIFE.

There is not much I can say about the recent passing of Alexander McQueen. I was just another audience in his show. Trying to see what comes next, but always mesmerized by the rabbits that keep coming out of his top hat. Enough is being said about him to probably fill a book, so this is my little thought in the vast Internet Universe.

His passing although sad, has given us a lot. The British designer who broke the rules, lived life to the fullest, and chased his dream will never be forgotten. He will always be the one and only Alexander McQueen...the Magician. Perhaps death is only the beginning...

If McQueen has taught me anything, we need to seize the day and be true to ourselves. Live life like there is no tomorrow. Don't regret. Who knows what will happen? We just can't take anything for granted. Live largely and never forget to go after your dream.

After all dreams do come true.

Carpe Diem.

Alexander McQueen will always have a place in my heart.

I won't cry...there are plenty of people doing that already.

I'll smile brightly and seize every moment I have.

xoxo

Luci

Life is not a board game.

Life does not follow a list.

Life never goes according to plan.

Life is unexpected.

Life is difficult and finicky.

Life is short...but filled with Serendipity.

Life seems unfair, but it is not stacked against you.

(although at times it seems like it is)

That is the reason why we love it, and we live it.

Yeah that's right guys....THE SAINTS FINALLY WON ONE!!! After all those years of disappointments, faith crushing blows, and the grueling criticisms...THE SAINTS ARE SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS!! The only regret I think will be that my buddies (Tim and Samar) could not be there for the victory "o(>.<)o" *aw shucks* but they finally get to see it happen....SO I GUESS IT IS A GRAND CONSOLATION!!

I can say for all the fans out there...

WHO DAT!!!

SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS XLIV!!

February 7, 2010!!

I guess after all that they'd been through it's a victory well deserved! I'm sure all the game recap can be seen on youtube in a min or two...so I'll leave with THIS...

It was an amazing game! Although unfortunately I was watching it from ESPN.com and not live on TV like most hardcore fans (and again I am not really a hardcore NFL fan so I guess I can safely say that this is the best I will be at it), it was quite a stunner. I sat at my seat nonchalantly just cheering on as the Saints went from 0-10 losing start to a 31-17 finish. As a football rookie, I have no idea what most of the terms are, but I do know what a touchdown is and what an interception is as well. Basically this is what I know...

Saints corner back Tracey Porter intercepted the pass from Manning on the third down for a touchdown after a mad 74 yard dash! A turning point in the game? Not quite...it was a start of the Saints coming back with full force. Drew Brees, the backbone of the Saints who has been on the center stage for the Saints comeback into the NFL, prevailed against Manning. It's really too bad the Manning family being Football royalty gets all the credit. In my theory, one should look a little closer at QBs like Brees who play for the underdogs, yet efficiently make their mark on the map. Saints who have been the suffering seasons of disappointments, now hold the upper hand. They have now become the champions. All that's happened is just icing on the cake to make the victory even sweeter.

First time in the Superbowl, and their first victory. The 43 year long wait for the Superbowl was well deserved, and well met with a Victory. Starting out as the underdogs, Saints came out on top to grab the first Superbowl Victory of the franchise. Sometimes, you don't need to wait around for the fat lady to sing for you...you just need to slap Victory on the ass and make her come sing on your turf.

Like I say time and time again, I am not a football fan and cannot go any further into details of the win or the team. All I know is that Samar and Tim are now 2 of the happiest people I know. Tim, I hope you get that season ticket you've been dying for! Samar, I guess there's your reason to join up Mardi Gras this season!

GEAUX SAINTS!!

Making any plans for Mardi Gras this year? I am guessing ya'll should....

Cuz it's gonna be ONE HELL OF A PARTY!!

See ya'll there!!

First Superbowl in 43 years...

VICTORIOUS!

All those years of waiting are well met.

Through all the pain and suffering the Saints have prevailed against the odds.

Man you really can't get a better story than that can you.

Comments WELCOME from fellow Saints fans!

As for me?

I guess it's time to start collecting.

People did promise me heaps of random stuff as the Saints were nearing Superbowl, and hey I can't say no to free drinks/food can I? Now the only problem is...when and where...?!

xoxo

Luci

P.S. Drew Brees...way hotter than Manning! No I am not just saying that since they won...I would still say it over and over. Brees > Manning! GEAUX SAINTS!! Although my chances of catching a football player at this point is like 1:880,000 against, just about as much as a regular guy would have dating a Supermodel...Just a thought...it's not impossible, it is just improbable. All the good guys are taken these days though *sigh*