Tuesday 28 June 2011

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!!

Wednesday 22 June 2011

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 :)

Friday 17 June 2011

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.

Wednesday 15 June 2011

Jerine Lay- But I guess one girl in this world who would take Sasha Ratnam's advice... Kimberly tak Cun. She looks that sloppy anyway.

Foxydy: I found this post written on this girls blog and i found it so hilarious that i just had to post it here!! :) I'm actually quite flattered i managed to "irk" her so much that she took the time to write a whole blogpost on me. ;)

Credits: http://www.jerinelay.com/2011_05_01_archive.html
THE BLOG THAT TELLS YOU IT'S ALRIGHT TO BE UGLY

I stumbled on this blog. It's one of those boring blog that no one bother to read, so I decided it's good to do some charity here to promote it.


The writer focus on giving advice to girls, like you and me, on various woman's issues. That blog irks me a lot. Let me give you some lines from that blog:


1. A dress is just a dress ladies.



Kamon! A dress is NOT just a dress. Kate Middleton wouldn't be bothered to pick up that gown and walk down the aisle, if a dress is really JUST a dress. She could have just buy something from H&M and wear it on her wedding day. Christian Lacroix wouldn't put up his business for billion dollars of investment, if a dress is really JUST a dress. You get what I mean? If a dress is just a dress, ladies... I dare you to wear an haute couture to the pasar malam this weekend. Will you do it? Obviously... NO!


Whatever that you're wearing reflects who you are. It is a form of communication between you and persons you are going to meet. What you wear will tell the other people of your characters. You don't just pick up your dress, whatever it is, and off you go for a job interview. If you do, then it shows how not serious you are in getting the job. If that is the case, then why bother to go for a job interview anyway?


Let me quote this from Miranda Priestly...




“Oh. Okay. I see. You think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your
closet and you select… that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, and claim that it
only cost RM25 because you’re trying to tell the world that you take yourself
too seriously to care about what you put on your back.

But what you don’t know is that sweater is not just blue, it’s not
turquoise. It’s not lapis. It’s actually cerulean. And you’re also blithely
unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean
gowns. And then I think it was Yves Saint Laurent… wasn’t it, who showed
cerulean military jackets? I think we need a jacket here. And then cerulean
quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers who try to
cope with the trend. And then it, uh, filtered down through the department
stores and then trickled on down into some tragic Casual Corner where you, no
doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents
millions of dollars and countless jobs and it’s sort of comical how you think
that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in
fact, you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this
house… from a pile of stuff.”



That blogger... she belongs to that pile of stuff.


2. It's ok for people to see you without makeup



Girls... listen to me. It's NOT ok. Period.


But it's ok if someone sees you without makeup by accident. For example, you're having a shower and your boyfriend ambushed into the bathroom for some quality time. That's ok. That's fine. For God's sake, repair that look of yours if you need to before leaving the house.

This time, I'm going to quote Coco Chanel...



"I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself
up a little, if only out of politeness.

And then you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny.

And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."








3. It's ok not to get a wax sometimes.


Geez! Are you like a fan of gorilla or what? You're a girl! You don't need hair in some place unnecessary. Get wax, shave, epilator, or whatever it is... The last thing you want is your pubic hair to be seen by other people in the bathroom. *roll eyes* Serious???


4. It's ok to thrown on your comfy/fugly sweatpants/top/etc.



Question: Why would you buy a fugly sweatpants or top in the first place? Are you filthy rich that you're bored with pretty stuff and decided you should splurge on fugly clothes? It doesn't make sense to me. I rather go naked that be seen in ugly clothes. I totally don't understand her. She totally declares her passion on fashion and then to tell people to wear ugly clothes. Don't you think it is so contradictory?


Sasha Ratnam... I think you should stop acting like all guru and advise on fashion and beauty on your blog. You're not qualified. Who are you to tell the girls out there that it is ok to look ugly, it is ok not to care about how you look. That is not words of encouragement to people who reads your blog. But I guess one girl in this world who would take Sasha Ratnam's advice... Kimberly tak Cun. She looks that sloppy anyway.


Girls, you should look the best at all times so that you feel that confidence from within yourself. Stop taking advice from that sloppy girl. You deserve more than what she's telling you. Go put on your prettiest high heels (though they hurt a little) and the world is at your feet!


Now, I'm the one who look like a bitch for telling you what's right and wrong.

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Super Style - Most Stylish Superheros

Sorry for the massive delay in posts. I have been feeling very uninspired lately. No ideas why. But then i saw a picture of a Superhero on my friends FB wall and i was reminded of my Addiction for Marvel. I LOVE MARVEL comics. Not to mention they have some very very awesome superheros (Ironman, Wolverine, Thor, drooollllll....)

So this is my list of some of the most Fashionable Superheros i've enjoyed watching at as a Kid :)

Credits: http://stylishthought.com &  http://www.comicvine.com. 


1. Wonder Women - DC Comics, first appears in All-Star Comics #8

This one is a given. Who else can pull of a patriotic leotard, powerful metal cuffs and tiara all while lassoing a whip and managing to not have a hair out of place. I absolutely love how strong and sexy she is.  



2. Storm - Marvel, first appears in Giant-Size X-Men #1

In some variations Storm wears all white, a two piece and even all black leather. But her signature that no artist can change is her long white locks. Forget Anderson Cooper, Storm is the original silver fox. Controlling the weather at a whim (we really need her during this heatwave) she wears her gray hair with pride. Not to mention, extra points, as Halle Berry is a DE-LICIOUS Storm.

3. The Joker - DC Comics, first appearance Batman #1.

This joker had eccentric style by the case load (not to mention mental issues). What man do you know can pull off white Kabuki makeup and red lips? All while being pathologically crazy and rocking a purple overcoat.
Well, maybe this man.
he should be a superhero too. sorry. i digress.

4. Sailor Moon - TokyoPop, first appeared in Sailormoon #1.

She is the one named Sailor Moon. How can you have a style list and not include Sailor Moon. Schoolgirl uniforms that transformed into tart skirts, long blonde pigtails and red go-go boots. I am convinced she was the start of the Harajuku, K-Pop etc Revolution!!
\
5. Catwoman - DC Comics, first appeared in Batman #1

Black leather, cat ears, tall black boots and I’m talking the original felines (not Ms. Berry, Ms. Berry. I still cant get over how bad that film was. But Kudos to Berry for being awesome as usual.  It earned Oscar-winner Berry a "razzie" award for Worst Actress. She accepted the "award" in person and publicly apologized for how bad the film was. How classy).

Way before fitted black leather was fashion’s staple, Catwoman was the original fierce superhero and she still is.

6. Ironman - Marvel, first appeared in Tale of Suspense #39

Tony, tony,tony. Marry me. Those would be my first words to Tony Stark if i ever met him. Before i pass out. I love this character's wardrobe. Clean pressed suits and simple ties. This is the man with a fashion sense that seems to be the past, present and the future all at once.

So there you have it folks. My most fashionable superheros :) Saving the world and managing to look Kick ass while doing it (No pun intended).

Wednesday 8 June 2011

Korean Flight Attendants


In the US back in the mid-20th century, and up into the 90's, flight attendants possessed a certain mystique. Airlines flaunted their stewardesses like bikini models, bringing sex appeal into the air in a way that would change airline travel forever. Well, until the 2000's, anyway, when some airlines (*cough* Delta *cough*) started hiring average-looking people (and men) to vend microwave meals along their aisles. American flight attendants have lost the allure they once possessed.


In Korea,  however, where discrimination based on appearance is smiled upon, the attraction is still alive and well. Young Korean girls dream of growing tall enough and pretty enough to fly the skies with Korean Air. Their beauty, grace, and impeccable grooming is internationally renowned, as it is for many Asian carriers. 

Several universities in Korea actually offer a "flight attendant" major, where (girl only!) students can practice their manners, dress and geography skills to perfection.

At Uiduk university, the freshmen are required to stand by the front entrance at times, in their standard student uniforms, to greet every car and/or pedestrian that enters the campus.


you gotta love Asians. Life is just so much more interesting with them in it :)

Saturday 4 June 2011

I earn £26k a year... but blew £27k on clothes

I earn £26k a year... but blew £27k on clothes

















SHOPPING can give most of us a boost after a bad day or painful break-up.

But for some, the thrill of a new purchase becomes an addiction.

In new film Confessions Of A Shopaholic, Isla Fisher plays shopping addict Becky Bloomwood who goes to incredible lengths to get her retail therapy.


The plot strikes a painful chord for Charlotte Collins, from Hale Barns, Cheshire.

The 27-year-old earns £26,000 a year as an air hostess - but she owes more than her annual salary.

Her wallet is full of maxed-out current account, credit and store cards.

The Sun's DULCIE PEARCE spent a month following Charlotte as she continued her spending spree.

Here we reveal the shocking diary of a real-life shopaholic...

Day 1
I FEEL so depressed. Can no longer afford £300 rent to live with my best friend Natalie so am moving back in with my parents.

Over the years, I've amassed almost £24,000 debt on student loans, five credit cards, an overdraft and a loan. Paying it off is proving impossible.

What I'll miss most is the shopping mall that's a two-minute walk from our flat.

Mum thinks I'm a shopaholic but I beg to differ. Yes, I may go out and blow £200 a time on clothes but a girl needs treats.



New movie ... rings true for Charlotte



In a last panic before moving home, I buy a £150 pair of thigh-high boots and a box set of C4 comedy Ugly Betty. I justify it by telling myself soon I will be saving lots of money at home.

Today spent: £190

Debt: £24,190


Day 2

On standby with my job as an air hostess.

Bored hanging around, so sneak into town and buy a dress and a handbag to add to my collection of more than 30.

My debt is weighing on my mind but I push it to the background.

When I was young I was good at saving money. But at uni I couldn't stop shopping.

I'd blow my student loan in the first two weeks of term.

I haven't stopped spending since.

Today spent: £180

Debt: £24,370


Day 4

I arrive in Florida after a long-haul flight. We're all knackered so I order a couple of bottles of champagne in the hotel bar, on me.

In the morning, I throw all my receipts from the night before into the bin without so much as a glance at the deadly total.
My mantra, as always, is "ignorance is bliss".

Today spent: £280

Debt: £24,650

Day 7

Back in England and have a few days off. Sneak out when Mum goes to work to do a bit of window-shopping.

Can't resist some make-up in MAC, then spot my dream denim jacket in French Connection.

At £270 it's too expensive, so I leave the shop like a good girl. Ten minutes later, I go back to buy it.

At home, I wait until mum's having a bath to smuggle in my purchases from the car.

Upstairs, I cut out the labels and stuff the bags under my bed to hide the evidence.

Today spent: £360

Debt: £25,010



Shoe have to be joking ... Charlotte with some of her many purchases

Day 9

You can't get much past mum. She spotted my jacket and I told her I borrowed it from a friend.

I hate lying and feel pretty guilty. Later, I cuddle India, my Bengal cat I bought for £500 when I split up with my boyfriend a year ago.

I squander £180 on alcohol whilst out that night, including two rounds of mini bottles of champers for my friends which we drink through straws.

Today spent: £205

Debt: £25,215
Day 10

Wake to a hangover and a pile of letters from credit card companies and the bank.

I can spot a statement a mile off now and shove them straight in the bin. Mum has started making me open them though.

I feel awful when I see my bank balance is £2,223 DR and I've incurred a £50 fine for going over my £2,000 overdraft limit.

My Mini Cooper repayment scheme bill has also come through. I got it on credit and have to pay it off at £387 a month.

It's a huge chunk out of my £1,300-a-month salary but definitely worth it for the status.

Today spent: £457

Debt: £25,672



Guilty pleasures ... Isla Fisher in Confessions Of A Shopaholic


Day 14

My friend Vicky invites me to Ibiza and of course I say yes. I've been twice already this year but it would be rude to let my friends down so I whack it on my credit card.

Before I depart for my next flight to Florida, I get a haircut and colour at Toni & Guy, which I know will go nice and golden in the sun.

Feel like a million dollars so push the £170 price to the back of my mind.

Today spent: £550

Debt: £26,222


Day 18

Despite my best efforts to remain in complete denial, I've started to worry about my debts so I ban myself from going to town. But I can't resist logging on to ASOS.com.

I tell myself I'm just looking but five minutes later I find myself clicking the "confirm payment" button for a £95 pair of skinny jeans in the style of Sienna Miller.

Still, it's far less painful than actually withdrawing the cash.

Today spent: £95

Debt: £26,317


Day 20

Unfortunately, mum opened the door when the postman arrived with my ASOS delivery.

I endure her wrath as she tells me I need to be more responsible.

With all the stress of the situation, I have to get out. Natalie and I decide to paint the town red to cheer ourselves up. Champagne is on the menu, of course.

The credit card foots the bill.

Today spent: £110

Debt: £26,427


Day 22

Receive a number-withheld call today. It's the bank - and I hang up.

Annoyingly, they call me straight back.

Nearly have a panic attack when I'm told I have missed three payments on my credit cards and am being charged £130 interest.

That's a new pair of jeans or a night out. What a waste to spend it on bank charges.

Today spent: £130

Debt: £26,557


Day 23

Mum and dad sit me down for a serious chat and reluctantly agree to loan me £400 to pay off some of my debts.

Now I owe them too. Some of what they are saying has sunk in. My debts are now nearly £27,000.



Hooked ... Isla Fisher as Becky Bloomwood getting her retail therapy



How will I ever pay it back? I realise that at the rate I'm going I'm just gambling my chance of a comfortable life away.

I lock myself in my room for the day so am physically unable to spend. Even so, within a few hours I'm missing shopping. This is torture.

Today spent: £0

Debt: £26,557


Day 25

I've come to the conclusion I'm addicted to spending and, on my mother's advice, I go to see a private debt adviser in town.

He informs me it will take me seven years to get back in credit - and that's only if I live at home and be rigorous with my repayments.

Ironically, it costs me £387 for six weeks-worth of debt advice.

Seven years? By then, I'll be 34. I'd hoped to be married with kids by then, not living with my parents and having to account for every penny I spend.

I am also informed that as I have such a bad credit rating, I will probably never get a mortgage - not that there is much chance of me saving a deposit any time soon.

All those rounds of champagne for people I'll never see again have cost me my future.

That night, racked with guilt and worry, I can hardly sleep as I toss and turn.

Today spent: £387

Debt: £26,944


Day 27

Mini breakthrough today. I am out shopping and go to Primark instead of my usual haunts.

OK, I can't stop spending, but at least I'm getting more for my money.

Later, I rent a movie and order a two-for-one pizza takeaway with Natalie.

I spend under a tenner - my cheapest Saturday night in years.

Today spent: £60

Debt: £27,004


Day 30

Great. With the credit crunch in full swing, I'm worried about my airline going bust and losing my job.

I can only make the minimum payments on my five credit cards and live a life at the same time.

I am trying to be sensible. I have swapped mobile phone tariffs to save money and am raising funds by selling my clothes on eBay.

I can't go cold turkey on shopping though - the thought makes me panic.

Whilst online, I go to ASOS and buy a shirt in the sale. At least it is discounted.

Slowly though, I'm accepting that to get myself out of this mess it's going to mean a decade of scrimping and saving.

I can't say I'm looking forward to it - I guess I'm learning the hard way.

Today spent: £50

Total debt: £27,054

Wednesday 1 June 2011

eye make up for the daytime!

I was at lunch yesterday with a girlfriend and a very well dress lady walked by us. So immediately i was very curious about her. I kept looking at her (discreetly of course! I don't wanna get my butt kicked or anything ;)  and while i was mesmerized with her dressing and heels, when she took off her sunnies, i was immediately put off.

She has soooo much eye make up on it looked like she stepped out of Wonderland where she was married to the Mad Hatter!! (ok thats a bit mean, but honesty is one of the principals of this blog right? )


It got me thinking. We are all so good at make up and imitating what we see on the runway, have we forgotten that certain looks are only meant for night time and a club? What really is appropriate for the day time?

Eye Make up for the Day

1. Eyebrows should be kept neat and well groomed. Ladies, these are the curtains to the windows to your soul (yes i know how corny that sounded). Get yourself to a good saloon and get your eyebrows groomed! it makes a ton of difference, You immediately look more attentive and polished.

Get a eyebrow pencil and lightly colour in your eyebrows. DO NOT GO OTT!! Your eyebrows should be just dark enough to be pleasantly noticed.


2. Eye Shadow should be kept in neutral or pastel shades. Sticking to these shades is a safe sure bet. However, do experiment with louder colors but keep the rest of the eye makeup to a minimal.




3. Eyeliner should be single clean lines. The smoky eye look should be kept for the club and a night out. Not for the day time!! There is no actual reason to pile on the liner during the day!! Your objective for th day is to look intelligent and attentive. NOT SULTRY!



4. Fake eyelashes are really, in my opinion, unnecessary during the way. However, if you insist on wearing them, make sure they are natural looking. You may want to buy the separated strands and add them to your natural lashes instead of using the whole thing.



Remember, Intelligent & Attentive , not Sexy and Sultry!