Top 10 Most Recent Disaster Fashion Trends

Credits : Yenajeon, Hubpages.

Looking back from the year 2000 to now, there have been SO many bad fashion trends and mistakes that it was almost impossible to pinpoint just 10. However, I forced myself to select the 10 most atrocious and popular fashion trends of this decade.

While browsing through and you discover you have been or still are a victim of one or more of these fashion DO NOTS, don't be offended! These mistakes can happen to all good people, even for self-proclaimed fashionistas (#2*Cough Cough). Besides, you can always discard your fashion offenders and pretend it all never happened after this day.

So sit back and relax with a bowl of popcorn and get ready to cringe, cry, laugh histerically, gasp and reminisce on the worst fashion trends of the decade!

1. Crocs

Number one is crocs. Oh where oh where to even begin. Let us first recognize that in this day and age of Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, cloning, ipods and self-cleaning robots, creating a fashion-forward shoe should not be so difficult. However, these immensely popular 'shoes' as some would call them, are simply unsightly chunks of rubber with some breathing holes on top.

What is even worse is the image it has projected unto other countires. My French and Asian friends facebooking me with 'Are those Croc things really the latest fashion over there in America?!' to which I responded with 'No. Its a nasty rumor being spread around by fascists hiding out in this country.'

Simply stated: For the sake of this nation's national image and integrity - No More Crocs!

2. Juicy Tracksuits

Juicy Tracksuits are an interesting phenomenon actually. This is how I honestly believe it became popular: A few unlucky women purchased it in thinking of comfort and men noticed. They noticed obviously from staring at the letters on any passerby's butt. The fact that the pants are fairly form fitting and have bold letters jumping off of them, forces people to look. As the male appeal began to grow, the women were just dying to have them. These 'butt' pants were flying off the shelves! What an easy way to grab any man's attention.

Now, focusing on the 'fashion' aspect. These are a major NO. The fact that most women's behinds are not made to be stuffed into some small polyester-spandex pants are just one aspect of why. They are tacky all the way, and no man in search of a classy woman would dare think of you as 'take home to mama material!

3. Ponchos

This one is completely self-explanatory. In what situation would a poncho be deemed acceptable or even warranted?

Hmm, without being a stereotypical a-hole and saying 'rodeo', there are NONE. Wearing a poncho at the beach? NO. Wearing one to an office meeting? NO. Wearing one to a party? NO.

See, there is no such need to wear a poncho. Just say NO!

4. Celebrity Clothing Lines

For this particular fashion offense, I refer to specific individuals. I appreciate some famous celebs who honestly have a love and knowledge of fashion who want to create their own lines. However, these very select few are now accompanied by every celeb in Hollywood.

Its hard to even name a female celebrity who doesn't have a fashion label. Since when did celebrity, model, actress and singer become synonymous with designer?

5. Iconic Nerd Glasses

This is one of the more recent fashion trends I do not understand. If you truly are a nerd/geek and want to display it, can't you just be yourself and sprout off mathematical algorithms and admit to playing dungeons and dragons? Why are random rappers and actors who probably do not interact with these so called 'nerds' sporting the look?

Its just interesting to wonder what kind of statement they are trying to make.

6. Hobo Chic?

In my mind, there is no argument that the word 'hobo' and 'chic' will never fit together because that would be a contradiction or double negative. (As one who almost became an English major, double negatives are THE ultimate NO in academia.) There is nothing chic about fashion that is trying to represent homelessness. For homeless people, their state of financial being is a serious matter. They do not purposefully want to dress ragged and worn. I feel as if this fashion trend is almost a mockery of those who have no other choice but to wear 'hobo fashions.'

7. Jumpsuits

Why oh why? Jumpsuits are for toddles only. Jumpsuits are great for parents of babies or little children because its a one piece that is easy to put on and take off without worrying about matching or oufit-picking. Jumpsuits for everyday women and men? No.

In addition, in the haute couture world, jumpsuits have also sprung up. This is a very miniscule exception. These models are about 6'2" and weigh 115 lbs. Obviously if the cut is chic enough they will maybe be able to pull it off. Are we very skinny giants? NO

8. Ed Hardy

Oh, Christian Audigier. In my opinion, Mr. Audigier is a fine designer. However, tattoo patterns everywhere? Please no. What would it even be called? Biker Chic? Tattoo Couture?

What's even worse is that Ed Hardy is now synonymous with Jon Gosselin, which of course in something no one wants to be associated with!

Leave tattoo art for your skin only please.

9. Platform Flipflops

The platform flip flop popped into US mass culture in the 90's, and unfortunately made it through the 2000's. What is there to say about a large wedge of styrofoam block. (Yes, I know, its not actually styrofoam) Is this a necessary fashion item? Why did this even come about? It makes women look very thick and unflattering. It does not give an illusion of height, which is what women assumed.

Lets hope that we do not see a single Platform flipflop in the coming decade!

10. Tights as Pants

Lets get this straight ladies and ladies: Tights are NOT pants. Leggings are also NOT pants for that matter. Tights and leggings are very fashionable and sexy when worn UNDERNEATH pants, dresses and skirts. Once again ladies, when wearing tights, its best NOT to ask a man's opinion on it. They will always tell you that tights are pants.

When wearing tights as pants, everyone can see everything! For those women who love wearing them despite this 100% fact, then more power to you, but consider this: Why not become a stripper who shows off everything? All men are starring at your *parts* in either scenario, and the only difference is, by being a stripper, you can make TONS of money!

Looking back at the 10 biggest fashion atrocities of this decade, we can see our mistakes and learn from them.

Being FEMALE in a Man's world.

I met up with a friend recently who was complaining that all her law firm allowed her to wear was strict office attire. And due to religious reasons, that means she could only wear pant suits. Her firm consists of 80% men and she is convinced, wearing anything remotely female looking would just make them look down on her. It already didn't help the situation that she is the youngest female member of her law firm. 

This got me thinking. I'm very often (for some reason), in conversation with people who think that the way they dress does not say anything about them. I completely disagree. While i do not think it is a statement of fact; what you wear is who you are, i do not think that your true personality and what you select to cloth yourself in are completely mutually exclusive. 

But i digress. As usual. Back to my friend. She was asking me for tips on how she can "girl" up her dressing in an office where they seem to want everyone to look like men. In her words exactly:

"i dont want to break the rules sasha. But i don't mind playing around them. I want to still feel pretty lah ;)"

This one is for you Ann-ies :)

1. Wear Makeup

Even if you wear wearing a potato sack, you can still put on some bright eye shadow or some girl lip stick to add some color and  definition to your feminine features. Don't pile on the make up to over compensate. Just define your features and pick some neutral colors that blend in. Your objective is to look feminine and intelligent. Not like a raccoon that just rolled out of a bin.

 

2. Clinch at the waist

Your office might make you wear pant suits, but there is no reason not to show a hint of a figure. Ladies, our greatest assets are our curves. Even if they are covered up, just a hint of them is enough to get people interested. Make sure your pant suits, jackets, tops are well cut. Use funky belts to clinch at the waist to give illusions of a smaller waist. 

3. Accessorize

Throw on an awesome pair of earrings. Or a statement necklace. By accessorizing your look, you are screaming to the world "look at me. i'm a girl. and i take pride in the way i look" Trust me ladies. Bosses love people to dress well. You are a representation of your company. When bosses see a well dressed lady, they immediately give her more respect compared to someone who looks like they just walked out of their bedroom. 

One caution with this would be to not wear any accessory that is too distracting; such as a long clanking bracelet when you type on your keyboard. Then its no longer fashion. Its a job hazard. 

4. Get an awesome haircut

Hair is one of the most sensual parts of a woman. Get an awesome haircut that makes you feel sexy and you will naturally radiate the same feeling to other around you. 

5. Wear strong sensual perfume

People very often underestimate the power of the sense of smell. Pick a strong sensual perfume which you associate with power. Make sure the perfume is not over bearing. You do not want your colleges walking around you holding their breath. What you want is undertones of your perfume to hit them. Think about it. You always want to be around something that smells real good don't you? That's how your boss will feel as well. :)

Happy being a Girl!! :)

Quick Fixes - 5 things under 5 mins

I was driving with a friend in the car the other day and he looks at my leg and says "why so dry?" and i blush.


Ever heard the expression:
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. - Mother Teresa


Well i know she wasn't exactly talking about Beauty or Fashion. But the core message still applies to almost everything. :)


So here is a list of 5 things that can be done under 5 mins (actually much, much less than 5 mins) that will make all the difference to your body if you do them.


1. Moisturize your skin

When you jump out of the shower, slather on some moisturizer. We normally only think of moisturizing our face but forget about the rest of our body. By putting on some lotion right after a shower, the water in your skin is sealed in giving it a double moisture effect :)


Time taken : Less than 2 mins


2. Apply some baby oil to your hair

The world often wonders why Indians have such thick glossy hair. No we don't go for Repair Treatment. We just love our oil. Forget extensive Saloon Treatment Repairs, just apply some baby oil or olive oil to your hair on the weekend. Leave it on for less than an hour to completely soak and then wash off.


Make sure you don't oil your scalp too heavily though. You don't need the extra oil on your scalp but your hair itself doesn't secrete oil like your scalp does so make sure you give it some love :)


Time taken : Squirt, rub in palms and apply. Less then 1 min (but leave in and wash off approx: an hour)


3. Exfoliate your lips

Use a gentle cloth and rub your lips to effectively exfoliate the dead skin off your lips. By removing the dead skin on your lips, lip gloss and lipstick slide on better. (And so do the Current Mr Hottie's Lips ;) Its such a terrible sight to see lip stick painted on lips that are dry and chapped. Chapped lips are a sign of a lack of care. Your puckers are very important Ladies. I don't think i have to emphasize much more.


Apply some Vaseline right before you go to bed and you will wake up each morning with a ready to go, kissable pout.


Time taken : 3 mins


4. Paint on some strengthening nail polish

Who wouldn't want strong pretty nails? But the most common problem ladies seem to face is dry brittle nails. When you get a manicure or DIY paint weak nails, chances are, within the first few days, at least one nail would have broken. What is the point right?


Paint on some Strengthening Nail Polish as an undercoat or just leave it alone for some natural shine on your nails. Get one that is closest to your skin colour or just clear. This way, you need not worry about smudges.


Glossy Nails are an instant Glam Booster.


Time taken: 4 mins


5. Clean up the eyebrows

I know most of us just wait for maybe 2 weeks and then walk into our nearby saloon to get a fix on our eyebrows. But really, its just kinda funny looking to see the signs of a perfectly arched brow and then some little hairs sticking our in funny places. ;)


Use a tweezer and just pluck out the tiny hairs growing. This way, you'll be able to forgo the Saloon for a while longer while still looking polished and neat.


CAUTION: DO not go wild with the tweezers. Just pluck out the stray hairs. Do not alter the shape of your brow if you are not used to plucking your own brows. Trust me, the effect is never the same.


Time Taken : 3 mins


So there you go. 5 things that take less then 5 mins that, if done, make all the difference ;)

Which City Best Represents Your Style?

Quiz: Which City Best Represents Your Style?

Credits: Jessica - UCLA; collegefashion.net

Just take the fun quiz below to find out which city best represents your personal style. If you take the quiz here on the site, the widget will automatically total up your answers for you. If you print the quiz, total up the letters you got and find which one you selected the most. Once you get your answer, find your letter and corresponding result below for a sample outfit based on your personality type.

Quiz: Which City Best Represents Your Style?

Mostly A’s: Los Angeles

Typical LA fashion draws inspiration from hipster, rocker, and bohemian trends, combining them with today’s styles for a look that’s both laid-back and fashion-forward.

Because of the hot summers, as well as LA fashion’s casual feel, denim cutoffs and neutral sandals are wardrobe staples here in Southern California. I love pairing these basics with a sleeveless button-up top and a snakeskin belt, like those seen above. To complete the look, accessorize with a straw fedora and some feather-inspired earrings. (The feather hair trend is HUGE at my school right now, and earrings are a non-committal way to try the look.) Finish with some fun red sunglasses to give the outfit a pop of color as well as the playful feel associated with the LA lifestyle.

Mostly B’s: New York City

New York City is another trendsetting city, known as a world “fashion capital”. While the city’s diverse population draws inspiration from many different styles, the city has an edgy, gritty vibe that always makes me think of an updated rocker aesthetic.

This printed romper is perfect for the hot NYC summers. Add extra pizazz with a cool statement necklace like the one above. A small cross-body bag with chain detailing is perfect for storing away your essentials while running around the city, and flat moto boots allow you to do so comfortably. Finally, add on a pair of retro-inspired sunglasses to complete your ensemble.

Mostly C’s: Paris

Paris is another city known for its fashion sense, specifically for pieces that are feminine, elegant, and timeless. As the home of Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent (just to name a few), these key elements of Parisian fashion should not be too surprising.

Getting a Parisian-inspired look is so easy. There is nothing more classic than a blazer, however one that is blush colored is a refreshing and fun way to update the look for summer. Pair it with a crisp white, ruffled blouse and a simple black, A-line skirt. Pretty accessories such as a small black cross body bag with a pretty bow, blush colored ballet flats, and timeless shades add to the simple and classic look that has made Parisian fashion famous.

Mostly D’s: Tokyo

Over the past few decades, Tokyo style (known for its loud pairings of patterns, colors and unique accessories) has made a name for itself in the fashion world.

Start your Tokyo-inspired look with a funky top; this one, with stripes that face different directions, makes it easy to get the mixed prints feel. A black blazer and gray wedges help balance out the casual feel of denim cutoffs. To finish the look, it is important to incorporate standout accessories. Unique brooches like the ones seen above can be worn on the lapel of the blazer to give your look a one-of-a-kind flair. Tokyo fashion is also famous for incorporating unique legwear, and these gray ombre tights are just that. Bows are another popular trend in Tokyo streetwear, so this red polka-dot hair clip represents the cherry on top of this Tokyo-inspired outfit.

Before And After Photoshopped Celebs

I was watching TV the other day and saw a picture of Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston posing for a magazine. I immediately thought, damn. I want too look like that when i'm touching 40. ;)


But  the media i feel really makes us all feel bad about ourselves at times. So i decided to post this video. To make us all feel a little bit human. 




Now don't tell me you didn't enjoy that!!

what to wear to watch a performance

Show time. 


Those two little words are enough to send shivers up my spine. I love show business. I love it with all my heart and soul. 


As you probably already know, I have been busy as a mad bee with my production's rehearsals. In case you didn't know, i am one of the dancers in Nitya Sumangali playing in KL PAC this week, (22nd June - 26th June 2011). Click here for more info: http://www.klpac.org/?p=1577

ok. promo over. :)


Back to the post. I know in Malaysia especially, lots of people wonder how to dress when going to see a performance. Watching a play or a dance performance in Malaysia is (unfortinately) not a every weekend affair. So I find that Malaysians  are very often lost when it comes to what to wear. 


At first when i did the first draft of this post, i did my usual Do's and Don'ts post. But then after reading it, i realized that i wanted this post to be a little closer to home. 


So this is what I'm going to do. In my books, there are 3 major venues I watch live performances in KL. I am not saying that these are the only 3. I am saying these are the ones i am familiar with and therefore dare to comment on. ;) 

1. Istana Budaya - http://www.istanabudaya.gov.my

Our premier Arts Center for Malaysia, Istana Budaya is a sight to behold. Most of the biggest productions to visit our humble country show at Istana Budaya. 

What to Wear

Istana Budaya itself is a class above everyone else. When choosing to attend an event, if the invitation says "Istana Budaya" under Venue, you follow a simple rule.

DRESS - UP!

This is a place where you could wear a flowing gown and other then a few people who will raise an eyebrow to wonder where you got the dress, you will probably fit right in. :)

Bring out the fancy dresses, pretty heels and pearls. This venue is all about Class. Also, make sure your dress is comfortable for you to sit down in as you will be sitting for at least an hour. But with Istana Budaya shows, they normally have intermissions :)


You could also opt to wear something more traditional with this venue. To have a more cultural experience. I love wearing a fancy Kebaya or a beautiful saree to these shows.  It doesn't matter what show you're seeing. Traditional outfits  are universally accepted at fancy events.

Caution:

a. Istana Budaya tends to a bit chilly at times so have either a shawl or a boyfriend handy ;)
b. This venue is a little more conservative to please dress Conservative. Don't bring out the dress with the highest slit , the lowest plunge or the shortest hemline. 







2. KLCC Convention Center - http://www.klccconventioncentre.com/index_flash.html

This venue is a little more business-like compared to Istana Budaya. Connected to our Pride and Joy, the Twin Towers, KLCC Convention Center hosts mostly conferences and trade shows. However, they also sometimes play host to orchestra performances, musicals, etc. 

What to Wear

With KLCC, the dress code is still quite formal but I would recommend adding a business twist to it. Because its in the City Center, expect a lot of walking from your carpark, to KLCC itself. The venue is massive and it will require you to have some sort of directional skills as it is pretty easy to get a little flustered looking for your Hall. 


Try knee length dresses, pant suits and pretty skirts. Shoes should be comfy. And after the show, your friends are most likely to want to get a drink (you are in KLCC after all!!) so make sure you wear something that can take you from Show mode to Night-out mode easily. 

Caution:
a) Long walk from your car to your Hall. Wear good shoes. 
b) Wear something formal and easy to blend in for a night out on town. Just in case. 







3. KL PAC - http://www.klpac.org/

KL PAC's dress code is : WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE. :)


Wear anything as long as its comfy. But please lahhhh. Just coz they are so laid back please don't come in your pajamas. With KL Pac, i would recommend Laid-Back and Chic. 


Bring out the floral dresses, nice skirts and even jeans with pretty tops. Flats are absolutely fine in KL PAC. The atmosphere here is friendly and laid back. 

Caution:
KL PAC has stages where you will need to climb the stairs to the seats. Beware of flashing your underwear if you are wearing a short skirt. :)






Hope this post helps put some minds at ease :)

the rules people make.

I am feeling incredibly flattered and loved at the moment. After reading the words of encouragement and the rage of people i know, and people i don't know, to response to the earlier post by Jerine Lay, I must say, I’m pretty impressed Foxydy has received so much attention.

Honestly, i didn't think so many people read Foxydy. It’s really surprising to me. And the fact that some of you took the time to comment, post and email about it makes me feel truly blessed.

Thanks guys. ;)

Her post made me think. I know it was supposed to make me angry, or hurt me. I guess that was the intention of it. But the truth of it is. It really just made me think.

It made me think about all the rules people make and impose on their lives. In order to conform to something they imagine being right, or rather, desirable. I cannot imagine having to force myself to put on make-up before anyone sees me. Neither can I imagine having to put on my highest heels just to have the world at my feet.

How in the world does one girl differ from another so vastly? And why in the world, would someone not conforming to the same rules she has imposed on herself, enable such emotion that would drive her to write about it so nastily?

What was interesting about Jerine’s post, was the fact that she truly believes in what she is saying. She believes in all she said in her post. She believes.

See this is what IRKs (my new favourite word!) me about the Fashion industry. Women are so bombarded with the media forever telling us what is right and what is wrong that we start to take these little messages we hear and make them into rules.

“You have to wear heels to be sexy”

“You have to wear a Brand Name”

“Your dress must be better than your friend’s”

“You have to hate the girl that has the same dress as you”

And we impose these rules upon ourselves. Rules made in the field of Fashion, where the Brand Powerhouses are God, and their rules are the Commandments.

So my question is simple. Why?

Why would you make what these Powerhouses say is Right, into rules you live your life by? Remember, this is the industry that is more fickle than a paperdoll being kicked in the wind.

I think it just makes life way more stressful. Like I said before, Fashion to me, is what I make of it. No rules. Just what I feel like at that moment.