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*

Like I said numerous times over and over...I AM NOT A FOOTBALL FAN...but when one's friends are HUGE fans of the New Orleans Saints it is hard to get by without actually making a mention....it is after all Superbowl Sunday (still in the US of A) and all the beer drinking, pizza eating population is glued to the TV with their families cheering on.

Superbowl VLIV
New Orleans Saints
vs.
Indianapolis Colts
February 7, 2010

The Saint's first Superbowl...which to my friends is a HUGE DEAL. The only thing I kind of regret is not being able to be there and party on with them, but again I know nothing of football so I would be the one munching on food and trying to get wtf is going on...But just imagine how great Mardi Gras will be if the Saints won *knock on wood* Then again if they did win my friends promised me some good free meals and trinkets which I will not say no to!!

WHO DAT!

GEAUX SAINTS!!

Black & Gold!!

xoxo

Luci

P.S. Half Time is over...it is now 6-10 Colts...COME ON SAINTS!! For interested parties, you can watch it here! Well the stats and the plays anyway slightly on delay from ESPN!!

P.S.2. I know Samar and Tim are watching!! 13-10 SAINTS NOW AHA!!!!

P.S.3. 4th Quarter @ 3:12 Saints INTERCEPTION FOR A TOUCH DOWN!!! 31-17 BABY!!

*Heads up...WALL OF TEXT INC!!*

As the more GEEKY one in this blog maintenance, I feel as though it is my duty to fill in the gaps between the Real World and the Virtual. KY is the more sensible one with real knowledge that can be used. Here I am twiddling my thumbs figuring out what to perhaps contribute to the whole blogiverse.

I was never good at keeping up with celebrity gossip (KY supplies me with these guilty pleasures). As much as I like fashion I tend to skew towards shoes...although I do keep up to date on the recent pretty clothes, my biggest luxury item at the moment is pizza! (again I tend to move more towards the food department lately) I can talk about my gaming life, but again that would be a total NICHE market in which only a few people will understand or enjoy.

Then I came across something that was so wonderful and SO UP MY ALLEY I couldn't resist. Things like this comes once every blue moon and I wanted to write it down before it escapes me...so here is me with a little bit of fashion mixed in with whole lot of technology!

Recently I was picking through a magazine while waiting for something or other and came across the designer Hussein Chalayan. It was the cute Ballerina like heel shoes that first made me aware of his name. I can no longer find that pair of shoe anywhere and that is totally *sad face* It turns out his clothing line is quite mathematically angled yet serene and the type of clothing I really love to try out. Chalayan has this simplicity that appeals to the Asian ZEN concept in me. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite designers of all time. I know, I know I am a bit slow...but hey better late than never right?

Hussein Chalayan (from wikipedia) -A British/Turkish fashion designer who graduated from Central Saint Martins in 1993, and his graduate collection in 1993, titled "The Tangent Flows", contained clothes which he had buried in his back yard and dug up again. The collection was purchased and displayed in luxury designer store Browns in London. He currently designs for his own label Hussein Chalayan as well as Puma the German Sporting Company.

His 2007 collection was one of the most innovative collection of all time. It revolutionized the way one sees clothing. He designed clothing that was built in with computer chips, that enabled the designs to transform into a brand new design all together. Revolutionary designs that got us to take a glimpse of what fashion would be like in the coming years. If clothing like the ones shown below are put into production, it would change the face of the fashion world as we know it. No longer are we to be slaves of the passing seasons...with built in chips that change the design of the clothing, we can ultimately program out clothing to 'fit' the styles of the season. The accumulation of microchips in his designs enabled him to control how the designs would come out after a little manipulation via computers...the clothes on the models transformed on stage! It was some what reminding me of Transformers, yet again that is my Geekiness coming out.

If clothing could be manipulated like this it would be a God send for people who don't naturally fit into the norm sizes of off the rack clothing. I for one am way too small for the regular sizes and battle constantly to find something that fits (more or less prevent me from indecent exposure or making me look like a thug who is trying too hard) 'normally' to my body. But if one could utilize and harness this technological advancement in fashion then we would no longer need to have sizes made to fit the most popular of figures, the clothing will be adjusted to fit the person buying the item. This could flip the world upside down and for those who are TOO SMALL or TOO BIG will get to have their day in the lime light. We would no longer have to scrounge for the odd pieces. I will never be lead into the children's size at the age of 27!! Most of all a lot of us won't have to pay thousands of dollars to get out clothing 'fixed' to fit. Tailors will just be there to adjust for us the microchip when we are in need of slight adjustments. Think how much easier maternity wear would be, and way more stylish than the normal maternity lines that you see in the malls! Although the tailors who make your made to order suits/dresses will be around still, little people like me will finally be able to perhaps buy a cute clothing off the rack and not be disappointed it doesn't come in my smallest of sizes!!

OH just think of the possibilities!!

I am not saying that we should start omitting the designers and their gears just yet, but I just thought it was interesting to see designers taking in technological advancements into their designs. Even the Geeks can appreciate new technology if it comes in a forms of beautiful clothing.

Don't get me wrong I love Alexander McQueen for all his glory and the wonderfully original designs (especially the shoes!!). Vivienne Westwood for her Punk Rock themes. The classic elegance of Coco Chanel. The glamorous details of John Galliano. Armani suits to die for. The edgy details of Alaia that make your eye twinkle with delight. Louboutin shoes that make you just want to show off your toe decollete. Appreciate the sleek beauty of a Manolo Blahnik heels...like any other girl, but the GEEK in me cries out for something more, and Hussein Chalayan just hit that spot. He is one of the designers I look forward to...perhaps it is time I change over from Adidas onto Puma...I always did like the puma jumping on the designs more so than the Adidas logo...

Technology meet Fashion.

Fashion meet Technology.

You two are meant for each other.

I'm sure you two will get along just fine....in the years to come

(^-^)b *thumbs up*

xoxo

Luci

P.S. I just want to mention and show my support for the futuristic themes of McQueen! \(>.<)/ *huzzah* Although the pumps I have from his ready to wear collection in 2007 is way too normal after looking at the ones below...serious props to the models who managed to walk in them. I always am amazed by some of the shoes he designs for his couture collections. The magic never ceases to amaze me and at the same time appreciate the models who triumphantly glides across the cat walk like gravity no longer exists. Some of the creations are not...what you would call practical but again these were not made for mere mortal like me who cannot walk in flats or sneakers. These were made especially for those lucky souls who have the ability to walk gracefully or have the capability to be driven everywhere. My shoes are probably crying as I walk on the pavement of Tokyo. Again this has been stated in various blogs. But the beauty of Alexander McQueen will never go away and quite frankly we should just get on the band wagon and totally appreciate him! His recent collection was just an awe of transformation. The picturesque background whic showed off amazing feats of nature vs the futuristic make up (gills anyone?) of models. One must admit to the edgy brilliance that makes up the mind of McQueen. I always had a soft spot for Galliano and Alaia...but this season I will give a hands down ovation to McQueen and his imagination. You sir are a hard man to beat!

Quite honestly I would never be able to walk in these...no matter how much I try. If I ever got my feet in them...I would just sit in location contently basking in McQueen's glory and smiling like an idiot. Sad but true... (T_T) *cry*

BUT THEY ARE SO PRETTY!!! AND AWESOME (@_@)No?!!

Continuing on the subject of footwear...

I am going to indulge myself in my brutally honest feeling towards clogs today, largely because one of the most popular bloggers Garance Doré did the same too. Here is the English link as well as French. She pretty much said it all when she said, "OH NO." They are everywhere this season, and this only means there are wooden heels everywhere! Celine, Miu Miu, LV, and of course Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld took it to a whole new level with the "return of the farm look" theme.

I am no footwear elitist and am much more likely to be found in sneakers, flats, and even...flip-flops. In fact, I wear shoes that can be put in the "simply beautiful to look at" category on rare occasions. However, even my most utilitarian aesthetics are perplexed by the sighting of clogs in a fashion context.

Nothing against the Dutch (they will beat the Japanese soccer/football team, I know), but no footwear officially accredited as "safety shoes" emblazoned with can be a mark of style. According to the ever-so-reliable Wiki, they can even withstand almost any penetration including sharp objects and/or concentrated acids.

Another major issue I have is that of comfort. Aforementioned sturdiness of clogs equals hardness, and I have learned the hard way that solid wood and feet do not go together, dragging my feet in a pair of Birkenstock wood clog-sandals. Such was my trauma, those became my first and last ever purchase from the venerable German shoemaker often associated with comfort.

If the same Wiki entry is half true, the word "sabotage" is derived from the French version of clog, or sabot, as disgruntled workers supposedly threw in their clogs to damage the workplace machinery. I must say, I am all for sabotaging the CLOGged (the word just has a negative connotation, doesn't it?) runways!

Musical/Visual Homage:
Beastie Boys' Sabotage (1994)

A Selection from one of my favorite comics Foxtrot on the topic of Valentines Day...

This appeals to me...for obvious reasons...(^-^)v *cheers*

xoxo

Luci

Foxtrot by Bill Amend

P.S. Also the comments they have on the comic is LAWL worthy if you know what I mean. The people who wrote in them obviously are not familiar with gaming, short hand, or l33t speak. Not that I do...that much but hey still funny to read some people's disgruntled annoyance on the concept. They are totally pwnd!! So click on the link and enjoy the comic/comments!!

Quite honestly I am not a fan of the fluffy boots. I mean yes they look wonderfully warm and totally comfortable...BUT REALLY PEOPLE WHY THE F*CK ARE YOU WEARING THEM DURING THE HOTTEST DAYS OF SUMMER?! WTF! Totally *mind explosion* mind boggling to me.

AVOID WEARING UGGS DURING THE SUMMER TIME.

Or SUFFER MY WRATH!!

(well OK not like I can do anything...assaulting random people would go down badly)

*Unless of course you are living in a cold nation or live in Australia (when our summer is their winter)

A few reasons as to why I decided to mention the fluffy boots issue. I just noticed a lady at my office wearing a pair of Uggs. Not the normal boots you find girls walking on the streets with but the slipper kind...Getting back to my rantings...like I said I am neither a total supporter nor the poster child against fluffy boots in general, but I would indulge on one to keep my feet warm during the cold winter days because it would be far cheaper than warming up my entire apartment (with high ceilings included), and walking in comfort of warmth instead of the cold synthetic hardwood floors.

I am talking about THESE...↑

They are totally the Ugg Dakota Slippers, yes they are in fact under the label 'Sheepskin Slippers for Women...'. Granted they are for in/outdoors I really don't see why one would wear them within the office space. I saw her walking into the office with them and now I just caught her wearing them around the office. Mind you I am all about being casual and comfortable, seeing how much I can bend the rules and not get told whats what, but I have enough decency not to wear sneakers in the office....Ballet Flats totally acceptable! Slippers...not so much?! Then again, when no one says anything abut the way I dress I am assuming as long as it's in the office (and not to clients offices) anything goes in terms of clothing, unless of course you wear jeans (but apparently jeans skirts are acceptable if its not a micro-mini) or sneakers. So perhaps it is time for me to invest in a comfy slipper like shoe to wear around the office to see how much farther I can stretch/blur their dress code?!

I mean if your feet's cold your feet's cold. Might as well make the best of it and wear warm fluffy comfortable shoes/slippers. If they are cute and make you want to skip and perhaps hum a few tunes of London Bridge or the Oompa Loompa song (I am rather fond of the original song...) then it's all good (o_O) *no?*

the Ultimate Show Down?!...UGG vs. LFA

Personally though I am more favorable to Love from Australia (LFA) than Ugg Australia (I fully support the Aussies and their brands!). Perhaps it is because everyone and their mothers/sisters are sporting Uggs all over the world (and my hatred for them seeing them on people during the summer months)...but I do own a pair of the above mentioned Dakota Slippers to keep my footsy warm during these cold winter months around the apartment. That may be hypocritical, but *meh* what can you do? Aren't we all in some way or another?! At least I am dead blunt honest about it and not try to hide it.

Moving right along...LFA is a lesser known of the Australian sheepskin brands, but I think it's catching on rather quickly. Unlike the Uggs they are not seen plastered all over the place, and they only sell to select shops in the USA and Europe. Funny enough they do not have a huge operation like Uggs, but the select shops is a bit more appealing to me, personally. I kind of think the wedge fluffy boots are rather cute and fun! Plus the extra 3-4 inches they can add to my already vertically challenged self is just nice.


So if you are looking for something fluffy, interesting, comfortable, and cute (FICC!!) why not give Love From Australia boots a try? It may look like an Ugg, but you know you have one up on most people because you have on the latest LFA's instead of the never changing styles of Ugg. They also come with a cute mini key ring attached with a mini fluffy boot!

xoxo

Luci

P.S. I hear they are selling in Neiman Marcus or Nordstroms (?) in the states, and a few shops here and there in Europe. They have online selections for the greater Europe area, via online specialty boutique stores, but not so much for other worldly countries. None I can see in Japan at the moment unless you count the sketchy online productions they have...

Gossip Blogger here. Your one and only source into the scandalous lives of ... FASHION BLOGGERS.

When I finally started this blog, my topics were to center loosely around fashion. It is not intended to be yet another fashion blog, but I should have lots to talk about during fashion week! I have been slow indeed.

There has been much, much (well-deserved) talk about Tavi of Style Rookie, so there is absolutely no need for me to shower this 13-year-old with even more attention and inflate her ego (an homage to BB, no, not Bridget Bardot). But she was more ubiquitious than ever during this fashion week: AS IF (I know, enough with the teenage movie/TV reference)! So here she was, at Christian Dior, front row bien sûr... and coincidentally and tragically blocking the view of Paula Reed, a reporter from Grazia. "At Dior. Not best pleased to be watching couture through 13 year old Tavi's hat" Tweeted the reporter, who then posted this photo of Tavi and her "pesky" hat. Now Grazia wonders if they started the crazy backlash... As for Tavi, she blogs on gets my e-kudos!

Another totally legit blogger-melodrama took place between Tommy Ton of Jak & Jil and the new campaign for Jimmy Choo. This is something we refer to as "two gourds (uris)" here in Japan.

Before I convince you, once again, that the fashion world is a catty one, I would like to end this blog entry on a more harmonious, collaborative note of JAK & JIL + TAVI FOR VOGUE PARIS//!

Until then, you know you love me, XOXO, Gossip Blogger.

Food for Thought:

Fashion Writers vs. Bloggers in The Independent

Awesome retort from BB

I think I can safely say that February amongst the 12 months is one of the least favored months of the year despite is short 28 day cycle. The main reason being...Valentines Day.

I for one usually spend the day lazying about without a care in the world, despite the massive campaign to sell overpriced chocolates that, more or less, is an accumulation of corporate lust for money. Yet again I would like to give props to Japan in general for marketing White Day as well a month later (on March 14th) to sell even more chocolates and give a day for the guys to "give back" to the girls who gave them chocolates on Valentines Day. In Japan Valentines Day is Girls to Guys, and White Day is Guys to Girls -sadly the guys have the obligation to sort of give back 3 fold more than the girls, what kind of unfair crap is that! (o_O) *WTF* Not that I am complaining...but still seems like a corporate plot to make guys spend even more money when they have Birthday, Christmas, and other random occasions to pull out their wallets!! (again I do not endorse guys spending money on me either way and it is not like I have a boyfriend who showers me with gifts so I am not bitter, but speaking out against all my guy friends who may be sucked into the plot of evil)

I just never got the point of Valentines Day. Although I am a huge fan of Salon du Chocolat I do not endorse the one in Japan. The one celebrated in Paris or New York would be a wonderful event to partake in! Being surrounded by delicious chocolate...seeing chocolates designed into clothing...just the atmosphere of being surrounded by the gorgeous smell of cocoa...sends me slightly into a Fantasy Land where I wish I could just stay. The one in Japan...nothing more than a corporate plot to sell expensive imported chocolate. It's held on a floor of a department store, and has no show or glitz and glam of New York or Paris. They just line up chocolate vendors and market it for the crazy Japanese girls who want to buy expensive chocolates for their guys in order to get back more for White Day. Again the corporate plot no matter how brilliant disgusts me in a way that makes me wish I can just avoid February all together in Japan.

See the OBVIOUS different between the Japanese (above) and the classy Paris (below) Salon du Chocolat

Anyway...moving on with my rantings, I am not a chocolate hater. If anything I am a devoted patron of Chocolate. I use to make brownies like there was no tomorrow in college (accounting for the massive sugar high induced within my circle of friends who swore I put cocaine in the brownies to make them addicted...no that is NOT TRUE!), and recently I am a fan of fondant chocolat aka Molten Lava Cakes. Honestly there is nothing sweeter than seeing liquid chocolate ooze out of cake in a warm glow. It makes me want to lick the plate afterwards, and I probably would if no one else was watching. Yes, that's probably not a good idea at a public setting, but in the comfort of home all bets are off. Why waste perfectly good chocolate I SAY!!!

Take it or leave it, February just brings out the worst in me. I was tolerant of Valentines Day in the US since they had sales of chocolate after the holiday, which accounted for my chocolate supple after Halloween and Christmas candy sales. In Japan...where sales are nonexistent on consumer products...I just walk to the grocery store and glare at the racks of cheap chocolate and hope that they go on sale soon. Even Pocky has risen in price recently and I am not sure if I would be willing to pay over 150 yen for a packet of Pocky...I remember the days when it was 125 yen DAMMIT!! Besides the point...I just don't see why I should succumb to the old traditions of lining up for ages in front of a chocolate vendor to buy the coveted import chocolate which costs 2500+ yen for 4 pieces. I doubt I will be spending that much on 4 pieces, if I were paying that much I would like to get more than 4 pieces. I expect a full box...Then again the Swiss and Belgians have been supplying the world with their gloriously delicious chocolates and I guess Japanese females pay top price in Japan. I get why they would export it out here, I just can't imagine myself buying it. If I were to make my way into Switzzerland ot Belgium you can be assured to see me spending hundreds of Euros just buying up everything and anything in the chocolate shop, but here in Japan I stand my ground as a consumer of cheap local chocolate like Pocky (which is a delicacy in most other nations, but the Japanese one I believe is the best tasting!!). Morinaga gets my love too for their dark and milk chocolates for ease of use in my chocolate cakes.

Perhaps my foul mood is caused also from the stemming fact the office is a great sizzling 30 degrees Celsius, with a toasty humidity that would warm up my cold soda to a nice temperature of 28 degrees, I still am not a fan of Valentines Day.

TO ALL THE SINGLE GIRLS OUT THERE!! WAIT FOR THE SALES!
Why bother pay full price when you can get more for less just a few days after the holidays?

xoxo
Luci

P.S. I also do not like Valentines Day because flower shops bring out tons of roses, and restaurants feel the need to put roses out on the tables. As a girl who is allergic to roses February is a total disaster. I had a guy who gave me a dozen roses after me strictly telling him that I was allergic...I smiled threw it back at him and kicked him. I feel as though that was a kick well deserved after an attempt at my life with a bouquet of roses. HEY GUYS NOT ALL GIRLS LIKE ROSES OK? SOME GIRLS LIKE OTHER FLOWERS...LIKE ME WITH ORCHIDS, GOT IT?!!