Instadigest | 2013 Spring

Well that was fast. A huge chunk of it was just uni. I wonder how Summer will go since it's ALL holidays. The last weeks of November were terrible. I'm still quite sick. Fix me pls. And work, well work is just work.

The good thing about Spring is that I spent a lot of time blogging about NYFW, LFW and MFW (I loved New York's the best). I should do PFW too but it's been too long and I'm still sick. Yes that will be my excuse. There were a few things going on in the last week of November too in the Sydney fashion world but I was too drained and tired to go. Nonetheless, I had a good time at the End Of Year Parade of Sydney's Fashion Design Studio and meeting the founder of Bailey Nelson Eyewear.

I've been watching a lot of Mad Men. It's such a great drama. Every episode leaves me very content even though sometimes not much really happens. The show is very surprising actually. I thought it would be much more sinister (like full of schemes) and once in a while, something very light hearted happens. Like the foot thing. Thanks Bambino for lending me the DVDs. I really liked the more sophisticated style of the earlier seasons.

Also, Spring in the gaming department meant the release of Pokemon. Which I spent a LOT of time on during the course of Uni. I play before class, in class, after class, whatever time I had. Also spent about the same amount of time for Animal Crossing... Then it got a bit boring so I studied a bit more (not really, it only got boring AFTER my exams.. yay.) But I've bought a lot of other games too. I hate PS3, such a terrible system with no good games except Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3. The only reason why I even bought a PS3 in the first place.

I finally got my PONY shoes. Although the sizing was annoying, so I basically bought two pairs of the black suede and I'll give the smaller pair to Arch and the white ones don't fit me that well. Oh well, I quite willingly suffer for fashion. Speaking of purchases I've basically got most of everything I wanted so I'm good with no shopping for a while, maybe just 1 watch left. But yeah, I NEED to save now :)

Also, had a great time at the birthday parties of my friends in Spring. They were probably New Years celebration and Valentine's Day babies.

The Cologne Diaries - Just for Him (Just Cavalli) Review

10 November 2013

When I heard about the release, I was really excited for it because I love supporting the Cavalli brand. Just Cavalli is great because it's for the younger market with really cool and casual pieces. I love their elaborate casual t-shirts and sometimes dressy shoes. This scent is supposed to be daring and sensual but it's a bit too sweet. I can see ladies liking it more than guys. The best part is the leathery base note. It goes really well with the bottle and packaging design with the snake skin.

It's a good scent and ok for everyday wear although nothing too special. The top note has to be the most recognisable because that's what people smell first. Overall, I was expecting a little more from Just Cavalli. It does look great as a gift however since the bottle and packaging is so great.

I do really like the ad campaigns though. Marlon x Georgia May Jagger. Maybe that's because Marlon is the Chico's bestie (also).

Top 5 Sunglasses for Guys and Girls 2014 - SAFILO GROUP

Sunglasses are always the most stylish form of luxurious accessory. They are the incorporation of style and creativity. I always love accessories more than any other item because they tell a story about someone's personality. Before the exams started I was invited to a showing of the eyewear of SAFILO GROUP. The biggest labels in sunglasses like Gucci, Carrera, Marc Jacobs, Dior and Saint Laurent launched their newest range. The best thing was to see the styles on the runway right in front of me. The main trend seems to be reflective lenses and Havana tones. It's really good to have a first hand look at sunglasses because you have to look at the details from all angles. Lots of touching occurred.

Some of the most stylish and outstanding sunglasses for ladies and men.

Top 5 for guys:
5. Gucci: GG 1051/S (Black) - smooth edges and stylish accents with the iconic t-bar hinges.
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs: MMJ 386/S - retro colour-blocking in D-shaped frames.
3. BOSS: BOSS 0556/S - retro design in a natural palette.
2. Pierre Cardin: P.C. 6790 - retro inspired pilot shaped sunglasses with amazing detail.
1. Dior Homme: Blacktie 177S - the translucent blue acetate and aluminium frame make a look effortlessly stylish.

Top 5 for ladies:
5. Carrera by Jimmy Choo: Glitter (Black) - bold luxury.
4. Max Mara: MM Diva - distinctive shape and colour.
3. Gucci: Web Ribbon - chic smooth rounded edges.
2. Bottega Veneta: B.V. 1000/S/S - unique with the signature Intrecciato.
1. Dior: Fashion Show Sunglasses - straight off the runway, oversized butterfly shades by Raf Simons.

There were so many great lines at the showing:
Alexander McQueen, BOSS, BOSS Orange, Bottega Veneta, Carrera, Dior, Dior Homme, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs, Max&Co., Max Mara, Pierre Cardin, Kate Spade and Saint Laurent Paris.
Keep reading for more pictures. If you can see me in the reflection it's because I am very skilled in the art of composition in a photo. Yes.

Now or Never

Sorry for the lack of updates, but I'm going to type up a huge chunk of stuff right now. As with this time of year, it's the wonderful exam period. Only 2 more years of this to go (hopefully). I really hate studying, it's just been so slow this semester and I can't seem to sit myself down and block out distractions. I really do think I have dumbed down but that's my fault. I haven't stimulated my mind and I have tried to avoid it. Just something really small I noticed that I haven't been playing games that can critically stimulate my mind and make me think and make me frustrated. It's because I know that in certain scenarios I will be so annoyed and I avoid it completely. Wrong mentality. Really, I should have thought about tackling the problems and trying to solve something instead of knowing that I don't want to do it and avoid that sort of anxiety. You know patience really defines a person so I've lost myself there a bit. Ok, back to studying... Although arduous now, I know I'm going to miss it because I'm the sort of person who acts very wise and pretends to enjoy the experience. Well not pretend but I tend to try and appreciate it more and then I do. I know I'll miss it because any change to me is refreshing but at the same time, a reminder of how great something else was. This kind of really hits me at my current job. I haven't been adjusting well to the new job and all in retail. I really wanted to be more involved with clothes and fashion doing retail but it's nothing like that. Retail is just selling garments. There's almost no fashion element in the job so far. I have had one register experience selling watches though and I do think that's much more what I want. I guess I just want to be associated and work with those brands. But I think I have settled on the mentality that it's just for the money right now. Okay, it's not like I make billions of dollars but it really isn't bad money for the job market right now, for something just part-time on top of study. Work is however, repetitive, non-stimulating and with a low sense of achievement everyday. I've never had a job before where I was in it just for the money. I'm always looking to fulfil my soul. The other day I got an e-mail about some fashion PR companies in New York that were looking for interns. I started daydreaming. Actually first of all I don't even know WHY I would get such e-mails because I'm all the way here, but yeah, I started daydreaming. Wouldn't it be amazing to go to New York to pursue something you've always wanted? It's just like a scene out of a movie (which I will create one day based on my memoirs - not). LOL anyway, so many things in life to me are just scenes out of a movie but they NEVER seem to end the perfect way like they do in there (so many times I can't even). But it's still fun to speculate and have a mental plan of what will I do and how I would face challenges. I was daydreaming about applying and getting it and making my way there in the belly of the beast doing something that would be fun to me. Then I just chickened out because I knew how difficult and expensive everything would be and went to sleep. Ha! Oh well, I know one day I will be ready though. When I am, I will do my best.

'It's now or never, daydreamer.'

YUI

Ever Style - Kai-aakmann SS14 Review

Kai-aakmann takes the strengths of casual wear into the new season with its cool and fresh looks. Showcased in September, the collection boasts some notable pieces in patterns and contrasting panels. The earthy palette is contrasted with brighter tones like purple and blue. Visually, these make the collection refreshing and innovative. Into the mix, asymmetrical panels and the peek of neon green add so much more flavour to the looks. The looks are very well put together with print clashing and I really liked the thick belts which visually separated the sections. It really helped in creating a well-put together showing.

I'm very excited for the new season because I do have a navy colour block jumper and a quilted top from Kai-aakmann. The structure and fitting are very relaxed, great for SS and the kaleidoscopic print is on trend and fresh for 2014. Cuffed trousers and jeans work well with the relaxed fit of the light outerwear. It's great because the jackets and blazers are both laid-back and structured. This collection is very appealing to the always stylish.
Check out some of the high res photos below.

The Cologne Diaries - DARK OBSESSION (Calvin Klein) Review

22 October 2013

Super late entry because uni just got really hectic suddenly (I don't know why, there aren't many assignments due, maybe just the stress of exams). Also, work is quite demanding, I have to go in 4 days a week and the other 3 are at uni. Anyway, I wanted to post this review a while ago.

I really wanted Calvin Klein's DARK OBSESSION when it was released earlier this year because it came with a bag. I think the bag really sold it to me at the time because I needed a holdall and I collect fragrances anyway - but then I missed out. This is my second Calvin Klein fragrance after IN2U for him which was very summery and young. I was interested in SHOCK and I loved the ad for it but I never got it.

For this one, the top note of the scent is quite recognisable and strong. The scent is very masculine. I do enjoy this one but my favourite is probably the mid note. The scent is a bit clearer.

I would have to say that the down side of the fragrance is that the top note is much stronger than the mid. This makes the fragrance feel that it's too strong when you first spray it on but it doesn't last long enough because once the top note is vaporised, the rest is hardly noticeable. To me, it's important for a fragrance to remind me that I'm wearing it. Like having subtle waffles of it throughout the day or at least an hour or two. The lack of longevity of it made it hard for me to write this actually. I wanted to write about it on the days I wear it but I often forget that I wore it or that I couldn't find anything too noticeable about it except its top note. Overall though, it scent is nice - quite fresh and it becomes woody dry.

The packaging is really nice because I love the feel of the matte finish. But DO TAKE CARE OF IT. The bottle got really scratched up by the stuff in my bag (keys and coins etc.) and now I've ruined it :(
It looked really nice with the matte finish before it got scratches all over it. I also like that it's quite flat, so it fits well in my iPad case (yes I often carry fragrances out).

MFW | 5 Trends at Milan Fashion Week - Wrap Up for SS14

The overtly sexualised Milan Fashion Week toned down quite a bit this year with more emphasis on art than previous seasons. MFW always showcase some of the most well recognised and provocative brands like DSquared2, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci. Although many labels still had sexy pieces and cutting which complimented the feminine silhouette, what I found most interesting were the very bold accessories. These statement pieces were definitely the highlight of the shows and got me checking out the photos over and over again. The great thing about having great accessories at a show is that the whole look is for sale and so well put together. Check out my other posts for London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week.

Photos will be uploaded here.

My favourite show was probably Roberto Cavalli, followed by Versace and Giorgio Armani.

NYFW | Romantic Parade - Zac Posen SS14 Review

Okay, the last designer post I will do for New York Fashion Week. Of course I save the best for last. Zac Posen creates stunning gowns for A-List celebrities and this season, the fashion was very frenchy, soft and romantic. Flowy dresses, sheer fabric, soft colours, flower embroidery and at times bright, rich pieces really make the collection luxurious.

The show was naive and innocent - models with flowers in their messy hair, big, beautiful pleats, and sheer garments. The show was also very simple - the dresses did all the talking. Have a look at the runway looks here.

NYFW | The Forest In Those Stories - Honor SS14 Review

Honor's show at New York Fashion Week was very enjoyable. The collection was cute, girly and fairytale-like. The atmosphere of the show in the woods with little LED lights like fireflies was mysterious and beautiful. Every piece was 'pretty' with flowers, lace and contrasting collars. Short skirts, long skirts, summer dresses, flared out layered cocktail dresses were all very girly and pretty. I loved the length of the dresses where the models' hands hanged lower than the hem. Some of the most fashionable pieces were the flower/lace cut-out sheer blouse, cut-out floral dress, lace cut-out short shorts and floral cropped pants. The floral winged sunglasses matched the looks very well. Everyone was probably on the lookout for the Big Bad Wolf. Check out the collection here!

Although I did want to stick strictly to menswear for NYFW (except some of my favourite designers), when I saw this show I was pleasantly surprised because all the pieces were very likeable but more importantly, marketable and sellable.

NYFW | The Latest Martian Fashion - Jeremy Scott SS14 Review

Jeremy Scott always holds the most memorable shows because he creates the most memorable and signature fashion. This collection in collaboration with Kenny Scharf at New York Fashion Week drew on influences from the 50s and Space Age culture. The youthful rebellion tied in with retro motifs created super hip dolls. It was awesome how there were corresponding designs between the guys and girls to make the collection very cohesive. Loud vintage is so much better and refreshing.

Print clash, retro TV test cards, lava lamps and even squeeze bottle ketchup showed off the vintage American culture. The cutting and structure of the pieces were also very retro, sticking closely to the theme. Hey, I want to go to Mars too. I love the way Jeremy Scott creates signature pieces season after season. His themes are always fresh, loud and memorable, but above all recognisable and marketable. This is branding like a pro.

Check out the runway photos here.

NYFW | The Park Or The Beach? - J.Crew SS14 Review

J.Crew always has very on trend clothing. This season at New York Fashion Week, the label created very outdoorsy pieces. The palette and prints used were about adventure. The menswear were more toned down compared to womens which were more lively and vibrant. Check out the collection here.

Guys:
Darker and earthier tones dominated the colours for the menswear. The collection was adventurous and explored the themes of nature. These pieces were well crafted for everyday wear but also had a few interesting key items. Outerwear is always strong from J.Crew and the suede bomber jacket is definitely one to look out for. Dustier and muted colours work well to complement the theme and materials used. The deeper, dustier blues were really good and I also liked the light parka. Everything was very trees and national park. See, three buttoned suit jackets don't always have to be so serious.

Girls:
Aloha! The large hibiscus print was definitely the stand out. It turns up the 'floral pants' thing into something much more stylish and Spring Summer. The heels were notable. Big floral print skirts were also good with denim, something J.Crew does well. The beachy theme was goof with thick stripes and lighter colours. The pieces screamed summer which is great to see and there were options for dressy or casual.

Photos from Fashionising

Carrera Eyewear Teams Up With The Highly Anticipated Film RUSH

I'm sure you all know about the upcoming movie RUSH directed by two-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard. I know I'm excited for it - mixing up fashion and style with racing - what's not to like? Based on the true story of racing rivals James Hunt (played by Australia's own Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl), the film takes on a stylish spin with Carrera Eyewear. Arguably, sunglasses are always the most instantly stylish of all accessories, it's exciting to see the Carrera brand still working closely with what got it started. Keep reading to see some OFFICIAL movie stills before it hits the screens here in October!

Carrera teams up with RUSH, on two-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard's spectacular big-screen re-creation of the merciless 1970s rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda

Daniel Brühl wears the re-edition of the Carrera 80 sunglasses stays true to its racing roots - metal frames, sculpted design and interchangeable polarised lenses are all about the racing attitude. The “Victory C® Logo” is signature to Carrera's timeless style.
This was the original campaign for Carrera from 1986 featuring Niki Lauda himeself!

Check out some more official movie images below.