*Boo!

***

Happy Halloween kiddies!!

Safe trick or treating and all that jazz...

In the spirit of the season, a Halloween themed editorial...see if you can guess the model!

*hint*...she was featured in a recent Style File.

Happy haunting!

***

*Bath.

***

Morning all!

Sigh. Been slacking on my posts! This one has been two weeks in the making!

Exactly two Saturdays ago, I had the privilege of going to the city of Bath with my classmates.

A gorgeously romantic, Roman city, given it's name from the thermal spring baths that was used up to as early as 60 A.D!

L-R: Overhead of Royal Crescent+Circus. Bath Abbey. Pultney Bridge x2. Bath Abbey. Royal Circus.

Bath's got everything...from a rich history linked to Roman settlement and Jane Austen, to inspiring architecture [which includes an amazing cathedral and the famous Royal Crescent and Circus] to...*get ready for this* a fashion museum! Can you guess what my first stop was?

Even got to see a McQueen original, which was chosen as 'Dress of the Year' for 2011! #amaze

There's even the famous 'Pump Room' where a number of Jane Austen movies filmed scenes! It's open to the public for tea, just got to queue up [but obviously there's a long queue]. It's worth it though, most amazing tea I've had here in a stunningly gorgeous room. #classy

If you ever venture to England and you're searching for inspiration, Bath is definitely the place to provide it.An eclectic and modern mix of people in a beautifully historical city, what more could you ask for?!

I was obviously interested in the fashion, which the city seems to be a hub of, but if you like history or architecture, even Jane Austen novels, this is certainly a must see!

Breathtaking no? Must revisit!

*adds to bucket list*

***

*Forecast: Cloudy

***

“It is better to have your head in the clouds, and know where you are... than to breathe the clearer atmosphere below them, and think that you are in paradise.” ― Henry David Thoreau.

***

*Style File: Karen Elson

***

Been a while since I did a 'Style File' post...soooo yay! More British models!

Today's focus is on Karen Elson, British model-turned-singer extraordinaire.

Known for:

*fiery red hair [dyed]
*minimal, shaved eyebrows
*shooting the cover of Italian Vogue w/ Steven Meisel on 18th birthday.
*walking Marc Jacobs 2006 F/W runway while pregnant
*marrying [although recently divorcing] Jack White of the White Stripes in a shaman officiated wedding in a canoe up the Amazon [with Meg White, Jack's ex-wife, as her maid-of-honor]

After a rough entry into the fashion world, being turned down by a number of jobs, most times without representation, Elson's edgy look quickly became popular in the Asian markets, which then in turn propelled her to global success. Definitely a testament as to how hard and non-linear the industry is!

She's a crazy girl with a striking look. Unlike Kate and Naomi, who probably do a lot more polished shoots, Ms. Elson definitely puts some weird and quirky fun into hers.

Should I let the pictures do the talking?

Needless to say, she's got a lot of shots that I really like...

Still lots of glam, no?

Haha. As close to a 'file' as you can get, ey? Short, sweet and lots of pictures.

***

*Back to Black

***

Something new that I've decided to introduce is the creation of these Polyvore boards. Depending on, I guess, a post that I'm inspired by, I'll create a quick little mood board, like the one below, to show all the various styles and ways in which you too can be inspired by my posts.

I also think it ties in well with the aim of this blog, as it's not really a fashion news blog, although there will be some overlap with that, but more of a fashion inspiration blog.

Hence, drawing inspiration from the recent 'b&w' post, a board highlighting just how chic, sassy, classy, simple, elegant, edgy, striking, versatile etc..black can really be. A staple for every wardrobe as it is a color can easily be integrated into any look...

...but maybe I'm biased as I have a lot of black in mine...hahah.

***

*Stretched.

***

Hello loves,

After successfully completing all those wretched papers [with 15 mins to spare mind you], I've spent the past 3 days being absolutely lazy....and it was amazing.

However, despite my never-ending desire to sleep, it would be selfish of me to deprive you of your daily dose of inspiration....no?

I previously mentioned I've got a few [what I think are] exciting posts lined up...with maybe some new features I would like to try out.

As always, feedback is welcome! [hence the ever-changing layout]

So, let's stretch those blogging muscles, and jump right back into the pretty!

Faint Magazine #2. March 2011.

***

*Swamped.

***

Rise and Shine!!

Today's post is pretty much self-explanatory. Why? Because I'm swamped with all this work...haha

Daria Werbowy. The Warrior Way. March 2010 Vogue.

It's just a really busy week with deadlines coming up...but [as dedicated as I am] I will still try to post [maybe not as frequently though]. Got lots of fun posts in store...just need the time :(

Anyway, enough rambling. Back to the schoolwork!

Enjoy!

Also, new blog header! Thoughts?

Have a productive and inspired day!

***

*b&w.

***

“Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” ― Coco Chanel.

***

*Fall 2012 Trend Alert:Cobalt

***

 Hola kiddies!

A lot of business at hand today. I promised myself that in blogging, I would try to be a little different and not force a ton of fashion news down your throats...[that if you wanted that, you could read a fashion mag]. However, as this blog does have a fashion slant or perspective, I do think that I have a duty to provide you with at least some, if not all, the happenings and trends in the industry.

Today's Agenda: Cobalt Blue

A rich, vivid color...that maybe I wouldn't have posted about had I been immune to it. Lately, I've been very drawn to it's bright and poppy nature, even buying a very sharp cobalt blue shirt for myself.

Appearing on lots of runways at the beginning of 2012, this is set to be one of the big and emergent trends for the Fall. Thus, it's no surprise that the celebs themselves have been sporting this chic and sophisticated color.

Sigh. The more I search for cobalt colored clothing, the more I want of it!

Maybe you'll be inspired by it too? :)
Also, my first [and hopefully not last] Polyvore board so don't be too harsh...

Cheers!

***

*Origami.

***

Quickie post...

Wish I could be as inspired by my papers as these designers were inspired by theirs....

...that's all.

***

*Mutual Suffering.

***

 Even though I promised you wouldn't have to suffer with me through my coursework...I clearly lied! Lol
 I mean, aren't promises meant to be broken?? 

Just kidding... your suffering is mild...as it's just a day filled with paper inspired posts! [while I try to get through my own papers...grr]

Enjoy!

                   "What the world really needs is more love and less paper work." -Pearl Bailey.

 

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart." -William Wordsworth.

"The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web." - Pablo Picasso.

*** 

*Madame Butterfly: Theatricality+Artistry

***

Totally saw the Northern Ballet's production of Madame Butterfly last night and was completely, completely BLOWN AWAY! As I previously mentioned, although scripted as an Italian opera, the version that my classmates and I were lucky enough to see was performed as a ballet.

Everything from the music to the costuming, to the precision with which the dancers executed their fluid and graceful movements was amazing! I cannot even begin to wonder how many hours the dancers had to train to obtain such stamina and strength....

Anyway, for those who don't know, the tragic opera tells the story of Butterfly, a Japanese girl who marries an American and is willing to sacrifice everything she knows for his love. She does, and when he leaves she spends a great deal of time waiting for his return. When he does return, he discovers her with a child, and she discovers him with a new, American wife. What's a gal to do when she gives up everything for love, and then her love gives her up? Guess you should read it and find out... :p

...performance shots. credit: Martin Bell, Merlin Hendy, Brian Slater

 From an inspirational point of view, [..and maybe this is true for most productions I have seen] I often marvel at the creativity of the costumes and sets. This was especially true for this ballet as, with such a rich and colorful culture as that of the Japanese, you can imagine how aesthetically pleasing the entire performance was.

gorgeous Japanese culture

In fact, [and here comes the fashion twist] many designers have been inspired previously by a) the Japanese culture and, b) more specifically Madame Butterfly. *refer to pictures*

dresses by Galiano for Dior [inspired by Butterfly] and some Japanese inspired editorial shots..

Moral of the story? Don't fall in love.

***

*Me: Today.

***

“Procrastinators: Leaders of Tomorrow”

“Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”― Mark Twain

"Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”― Marthe Troly-Curtin 

"You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.

What mood is that? Last-minute panic.”― Bill Watterson

***

*Theatre Time!

***

Off to the theatre today kiddies!

I am really beginning to really appreciate and be inspired by the whole idea of 'production,' including set design, costuming and lights. I love how many different visionaries, both on and off the the stage, have a creative coming together to produce such a spectacle!

While I have been to a few Broadway productions, the English theatre experience is dramatically different [as, with such a different culture, one would expect it to be].
One example would be that the Brits eat ice-cream at the theatre; my Literature professor exclaiming that they don't eat it anywhere else!

Anyway, being my fifth theatre performance, I thought, since it inspires me as much as it does, why not post about it! Isn't that what this blog is meant to be about? Inspiration in life---->blog post.

Expecting it to be a typical stage adaptation of the discussed text, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it is not going to be what the class is accustomed to seeing, being a play-in-performance, but instead....

....a ballet!

I guess I should have expected such a twist as:
a) the text is in fact an Italian opera...and thus already different to what we're used to....and
b) here in the UK, expect the unexpected.

So, we're off to see Madame Butterfly [the most performed opera in the US] in ballet form.

Will let you know how it goes!

***

*Double Ten.

***

In commemoration of Chinese Double Ten, which is essentially their Republic Day, here's your daily pretty!

Happy 101st Birthday People's Republic of China! With age comes wisdom!

DISCLAIMER: Yes, I am partly Chinese by background. No, I don't go around randomly celebrating everyone's national holidays. :)

***

*Motivation: Do what you love!

***

Kiddies!

Recently, echoing in my life has been the somewhat cliche ideal of doing what you love. Popping up frequently, as every semester I find myself feeling far from the creative [one major inspiration for this blog], I constantly have to remind myself to focus on the long term effects of studying what I am.

After all, wouldn't you dedicate your best efforts to something that you are really passionate about?

Statistics have shown [and no it's not that kind of blog] that in 2010 50% of UK employees surveyed were unhappy with their jobs, a comparable proportion to the 55% of Americans. While a number of factors influence this, economic instability being a major standout, maybe if one focused more on long term goals, one's present situation may not seem as daunting, making 'work' seem like 'fun'! *sounds young and naive*

work or play?

 In fact, as discussed in one of my very first business classes, people should ultimately strive to settle on the right mix of what they like doing, what they're good at doing, and what makes money. These three go hand in hand for success and happiness and it's pretty easy to see how.

...[top right: credit- Eric Feng 2012]

Additionally, one should ascertain what it is they want from their job. Do you want a challenge? A constant  environment? The ability to travel? To meet new people? And only you can answer these things!

Alas, do not make money the root of your motivation. After all, then no one would be teachers. [sadly, one of the most influential professions in the world, is also one of the least paying...so if you can read this, go hug a teacher today!] 

Compare this with train drivers in the UK, who get paid a starting salary even higher than doctors....just for driving a motorized train?! The Telegraph  publishes figures noting that:

"Britain’s trainee doctors start on £23,533 a year rising across 12 pay bands to £65,392, while the UK’s specialty doctors start on £36,807 rising to £68,638.
The figures compare with train drivers on the London Underground, who receive between £45,000 and £46,000 a year."

*let it soak in*
 

...actually ignore this entire post. Let's just all be train drivers! :)

Louis Vuitton fashion show. Train carrying models 'to Shanghai.' 2012.

***

*Mid-Semester Papers.

***

Ahh! Sorry kiddies, getting overwhelmed with school work. With my mid-term travel break quickly approaching I have quite a few papers due quite soon!

But I've resolved that my lack of organization shouldn't have you guys suffering...so I'm [being crazy and] still trying to post.

Since a lot of my posts are inspired by my current goings-on, have some paper pretty!

"My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way." - Ernest Hemingway.

***

*adaptable.

***

"Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape."- Dr. Michael McGriffy.

***

*Target_: Ellie Goulding

***

With her sophomore album just days from being released in the UK, I have decided to do a 'Target' post on none other than singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding.

Following in the footsteps of vocal powerhouse Adele, wining both the BBC's 'Sound of..' poll, as well as the Brit Award for 'Critics' Choice,' it somewhat surprises me that she is not just as globally successful.
However, Ms. Goulding has her loyal collection of fans, myself included, who probably have noticed a change in both her music and her look.

Beginning her career with more indie-pop type songs, Ellie definitely dressed the part, often wearing beanies and oxford shoes...looking very preppy and sophisticated. As her craft evolved, so too did her dress, which is quite understandable. After all, like music, fashion is also a creative outlet. She began dressing a little more edgy, even shaving one side of her head, dying her hair various colors..and even more recently, as seen at the iTunes festival, braided her hair!

 

I think that, like her music, her fashion has taken a darker turn; she's often seen wearing blacks and leathers now, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It makes for a very striking look!

indie beginnings..

 I have tried to group her fashion phases into separate collages, but somewhere in the middle they start to blend... I'm sure though that you can mostly see her style evolution...and if you have trouble, just do what I did and look at her hair! haha...

grungy prep?

While maybe not necessarily a fashion icon here in the UK, and mostly favoring casual, comfortable clothing, she definitely takes some risks sometimes and has her fair share of hits and misses. But what I really admire is how cohesive her look is with her music. She does not look like she's trying to be anyone but herself, innocent and raw, and that is to be commended. I love how she can look so sweet and cute, but yet dark and mischievous at the same time.

...lots of blacks, no?

 If you want a description of her style, Ellie herself pretty much sums it up as she says, it's "...tomboyish. When I was younger, I had my lip pierced and I had black hair so I like Gothic crosses and grungy leather. But sometimes, I want to be girlie so I go for florals and pink. Maybe I've rebelled from my grunge phase and just want to be a Barbie now! Because one side of me wants to be this sophisticated London girl and the other side wants to be rebellious, especially on stage when I like the idea of being a rock star."

Check out her music kiddies. Album releases on the 8th!

***