London through a Lens

Dear friends, I'm really sorry about that I'm being a bit M.I.A. recently. I've been completely tied up with my work and too busy to keep up some of my "leisure" stuffs, so I seriously apologies for not blogging and commenting enough... and hope all of you have been more than OK and thank you for everyone's understanding. I will try my best to catch up with you gradually.

Meanwhile, I want to tell folks who are around London a fantastic exhibition - London though a Lens. If you love photography and the city, it will be a perfect day out! London though a Lens has gathered all sorts of rare and hard-to-get archives taken in London from Getty Images, from anonymous Londoners to famous names behind the cameras, such as the Beatles, the Kray brothers, Thurston Hopkins, Terry Fincher and Terry O’Neill; from private collections to commercial photography, and etc.

Location: Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle Street
London, W1W 8DX
Time: 21 August 2008 - 27th September 2008

Oh, if you cannot make it, but are still very much interested it, you can get the book from Amazon - London though a Lens (Time Out Guides) (Paperback)

Here are some samples :)

Converting to the Fabulous 1930s

Last night Boyfriend and I had a chance to preview a feather light and sophisticated comedy - Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. It will be out on 15th Aug in the UK but I guess many of you who live in US have watched the film. The movie has a brilliant cast and beautifully photographed. Just imagine silk satin, velvet, fur and all the fabulous 1930's décor. I don't usually do posts on movies, but it is simply marvellous for any girl who loves vintage, fashion and of course life.

Do you believe there is a day that we can discover life and find love both at the same time? Two lucky women will find that out in the most important 24 hours in their lives. Everything is on chance and your own character - 2 key elements of the fate and destiny.

In 1939 London, Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) is a mid-aged governess who is once again unfairly dismissed from her job. She suddenly realises that perhaps is the time to seize the day. She intercepts an employment that does not belong to her professional recommendation letters. She goes for an interview as "social sectary" - responsible for the care of day-to-day affairs assistant.

Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (played by Frances McDormand) at the interview

All the sudden, Miss Pettigrew is catapulted into a completely different and glamorous world of her employer, an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams). Within minutes, Miss Pettigrew finds herself swept into a heady high-society milieu and help Delysia navigating her career and a messy love life that complicatedly involves 3 men: devoted pianist Michael (Lee Pace), intimidating nightclub owner Nick (Mark Strong) and impressionable junior impresario Phil (Tom Payne).

Meanwhile, Miss Pettigrew is blushingly drawn to Joe Blumfield (Ciaran Hinds), an influential fashion designer who is tenuously engaged to haughty fashion maven Edythe (Shirley Henderson) who senses that "social secretary" may be out her element, and schemes to undermine her. So what will happen in the next 24 hours...

Delysia Lafosse (played by Amy Adams) in a peach silk satin negligee with feather sleeves
Such a feminine and elegant gown


Miss Lafosse's Bedroom
(The beautiful and luxury décor of 1930's - the love of satin, silk and velvet
and soft & clean colour - the return of elegance)


Miss Lafosse's Vanity

Miss Lafosse's Living Room

Miss Lafosse's in a beautiful blue dress is going to a lingerie fashion show!
(1930s - budding rounded busts and clearly defined waistline,
foreheads have been revealed and adorned with small hats with/without veils,
soft curls give more feminine and sweet image)

Edythe (Shirley Henderson) hosts the fashion show

Everyone wakes Miss Pettigrew up from the facial!

Miss Pettigrew's transformation

'Pushing Daisies' star Lee Pace plays devoted pianist Michael

For the evening, Miss Lafosse wears gold lamé long gown
while Miss Pettigrew has a midnight blue velvet dress.

(Wealth women in 1930's do not really wear practical day wear. Many clothes can be worn for both day and evening occasions. However, metallic lamé, sequins and glass beads are very popular for evening... in general, the shinier and richer, the better.)

Designer, Joe Blumfield (Ciaran Hinds) dances with Miss Pettigrew.

Girls, if you love fashion and style, I really hope you love this beautiful movie....

The Dream Team behind My Happy Feet

As the summer approaches the end, I have started sorting out my summer wardrobe. It will be a long process, since I am not so good at organising things. I have just realised how well-behaved I am this year. My old weird philosophies for shoes are

• I’m telling myself that no shoes can be called completely perfect. Some rare pieces I've bought may go with only 1 outfit for 1 occasion, i.e. they may never be worn.
  

• There is always a pressure point in a shoe, so it is "perfectly normal" for my feet not feeling that comfy at some point, i.e. I forgive myself for all sorts of mistakes – half size too big, half size too small, a bit narrow in front, a bit hard at the back, and etc. You name it, I have it.

To my surprise, I genuinely loved all the shoes I purchased this summer, especially I have tried to look at long run! The shoes that I will love for longer and carry through winter! The following 5 pairs are my best buy this summer. Some did cost me a bit, but they have fulfilled almost all my fantasies. Then I realise that I should spend only on the things that I deeply love in every way.

• Azzedine Alaïa Suede Cutout Ballerina Flat Pumps - OK, it's very rare for me to love a pair of ballerinas! I mean, it is just hard to find a pair that is both practical and chic! And many don't really go with my outfits. However, this Alaia fits all the bill perfectly! They go really well with my skinny jeans, dresses, skirts... and yes, they are very comfy. Oh, I will definitely carry them through autumn, as the lace is everywhere now :)
  

• Balenciaga Gladiator Mirror Heels - This is my ultimate summer fantasy! They are simply individual and fun! I know. I know, I can get 2 pairs of other great shoes at that price, but they totally stole my heart! I was totally surrendered to them.
  

• Christian Louboutin Architeck Leather Slingbacks - For me, this is a wardroble stable. Red and black combo is classic and they are truly comfy (I'm not comparing them with trainers... but Louboutin platforms can let almost any girl stand all night long! That's a miracle.)
  

Okey, please don't think I spend every penny on my shoes, because the last 2 pairs are the best budget buys that I did in Trudie Styler's Charity Sale. They were both new and each pair costed me only £10.

• Oscar de la Renta Crocodile Platforms - They are chic, comfy and most of all they are perfect for all year round.
  

• Patrick Cox Feather High Heels - The shape, the material and the colour.... actually everything about this pair is freaking sexy! I can wear any simply black dress with these heels! As you known, feather will be even better for this winter... HURRAY!
  

So here is a picture of my dream team behind my happy feet :)

3 Tags and 1 Award

First, I'm absolutely thrilled by receiving the Brillante Blogger award from The Wandering Alchemist, Fashion* CHALET, Super Kawaii Mama, Your Everyday Style, Dotti's Dots, and A Pretty Face, Snazzy Fashion and Snazzy Fashion!

Here are the "rules" for the Award:
1) When received, you may post the award to you blog.
2) Link to the blogger you received it from.
3) Give it to 7 blogs
4) Link to those 7 blogs
5) And leave those seven bloggers a comment about receiving the brilliant premio.

I'd like to share this great love and recognition with lots of bloggers and I will pass it to

• Stilettostetico - for his unique and sharp eye on beauty and fashion; and the most romantic and sweetest comments and supports to the bloggers! And of course, his opinions and supports are crucial to our girlie blogs!
  

• Strawberry Kitten - for her talented sewing skills and classic and cheerful styles that make me smile every day!

• Retail Recovery - for her unique style combined with her humour and intelligence
  

• Searching The Inner Me - for her beautiful and sweet outfits and bright personality

• WB Jewelry - you will never know how cute a blogger is till you meet her! Wendy speaks for herself!

• Silje's Fashion - She is from Sex and the City in real life! Her brilliant style is simple chic!
  

• Red Carpet Fashion Awards - Thanks for all her great celebrity fashion news!

Second, I've been tagged by cute Queen B - for a Flickr Tag!

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into mosaic maker!

1.What is your first name?
2.What is your favourite food?
3.What high school did you go to?
4.What is your favourite colour?
5.Who is your celebrity crush?
6.Favourite drink?
7.Dream vacation?
8.Favourite dessert?
9.What you want to be when you grow up?
10.What do you love most in life?
11.One Word to describe you.
12.Your Flickr name.

Here is my creation! I guess you need to a good guess for all the answers! Please feel free to tag yourself if you are interested in :)

Third, I've been tagged by sweet Paris in Luella Land.

5 things in my Bag
- A pen with black ink (Yes, I always prefer black ink to blue one)
- A large purse full of receipts (even from months ago)
- Tinted lip care (even though it may not always work well)
- A huge bunch of keys (half of the time, they are M.I.A.)
- A secret love letter (even not known by Boyfriend) ------ OK, that's a joke! Truth: An Ordinary Dairy!

5 things in my wallet
- Full of old receipts (even from 6 months ago)
- A couple of credit and reward cards
- Lots of changes (which I'm so not good at...)
- Different I.D. cards (I look like I'm Wanted! ----- not fond of them)
- Photos of my loved ones (They make me smile....)

5 favourite things in my room
- my wardrobe (Even though I have not got the chance to wear everything, I totally love it!)
- My computers (They are my life! If they broke down, I broke down!)
- several bottles of my beloved vintage champaign (Even though a couple of glasses can switch me off completely!)
- My make-up table with lots of pretty old perfumes (Actually, I only use 1 perfume for years)
- And my bed, of course! (A soft yet firm bed is very important!)

5 things I want to do right now
OK, now it's almost 12am and I feel a bit tired, but I'm not going to sleep now :)

- Drive out and about
- Then get some Fish and Chips and a large fruity milk shake (Instead, I've got some ice cream out of my fridge!)
- Keep driving... put the radio on... drive around London Bridge (Only because not everywhere has light now... Sorry)
- Actually, I want to type on my bed.... I'm bit tired!
- Oh, that's not before a BIG cuddle from my boyfriend... maybe a kiss...

5 things I'm currently into
- Learning French (I know I'm bit useless in learning a new language, but that language is gorgeous and I love Audrey Tautou!)
- Learning how to make sushi
- Going to various shows (from cabaret to art exhibitions)
- Wine tasting
- Reading all sorts of magazines

5 impressions of Paris who tagged me
- She's an extremely sweet girl with a unique eye for fashion and style
- She's very romantic and creates fresh and uplifting art pieces
- She's into music... possible British bands
- She cannot wait to start her Uni in London
- She loves her boyfriend a lot!

I guess many of you I've known already done this tag but please feel free to tag yourself! This is such a fun tag!

Last, I also have been tagged by the very sweet We Wear Things, so here are the rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the 5th sentence.
4. Post the next 3 sentences.

5. Tag 5 people and acknowledge who tagged you.

I have Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens, so I have

"We never can be here."
"No, we never can again --- never again --- that's truly said," rejoined the old man. "Let us steal away to-morrow morning - early and softly, that we may not be seen or heard --- and leave no trace or track from them to follow by.

Bazaar Report aw08 - Part 2

I'm really glad that many of you have enjoyed reading this Bazaar Report. Therefore, ready, steady, Part 2!

Long & Narrow can create a timeless evening look! Look at this sensual Bottega Veneta below! Together with a loose hair bun and a statement bangle, I will put on some 1930s elegant gowns in rich luminous ink colour! I'm thinking about deep purple or navy in silk satin - the sexy lighting will reflect on your amazing dress and create that speechless silhouette! Of course, I need to fix a serious date first....

Plaid & Tartan can create such a quirky and uplifting look! You only need to invest an signature piece that will last for years! I personally really love the Vivienne Westwood's creative blazers and Balmain's slick look.

Lace is probably one of the most romantic trends this season and it is my all time favourite! It can make even the simplest dress shine and feminine instantly! Oh my, that Prada dress is to die for!

I have never been so creative on colour, but I will surely give a try this fall! I will start with mustard yellow! I love to team it with olive green, various tones of grey and petrol blue!

Sleepy Hollow is soooo daring! It needs a good look in front of the mirror before going out to make sure "I'm fierce and stylish, not scary"! However, I may get some long chains and gorgeous blouses to start with. That Alexander McQueen below has just stole my heart...

I love hood for casual day look, but it may not be the easiest cloth for night! Unless you match really well, it may give a more sporty look than it is shown on the runway...

Bazaar Report aw08 - Part 1

I always find January and July very exciting. Not only there are sales everywhere, it is also the start of the new season. Particularly, I love the fashion magazines in July. Actually, I should say all the August issues. They are always 1 month in advance, right? I've just got my Harper's Bazaar - one of the best issues this year! So, I will try to update their Key Look Reports in the following posts for all of you who haven't got British Harper's available :)

I love Fierce Chic! The rock chic look goes more glamorous and sophisticated this autumn! The make-up and outfit are simply together and mysterious.

The belt-up look is my long-time favourite, since I got a vintage fur scarf from my mum. For me, this is the best way to wear it for a more day look - a new modern classic! I will carry on this winter.

I'm always a round-toe shoe girl, but I can feel pointed-toe is coming back this winter in a more dressy and sexy way... Then, I'm looking for a romantic pair, maybe I will get a pair of almond-toe platforms... yummy!

The structured silhouette is just amazing! It gives power into our winter outfit! I love both my slim trousers for a super long-leg sleek look and also my volume ones for my figure hugging cashmeres. Marc Jacobs has just created this perfect silhouette for Louis Vuitton. Girls, all we need is some simple clean make-up and a good wallet :)

Seven Songs for Spring

I've been tagged by lovely Fashion* CHALET! It is such a sweet tag - something shows our mood and music tastes at the moment. Me? I'm bit retro ... so I like these classics for spring!

• Carpenter – (They Long to Be) Close to You (70s)

Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, it was originally recorded by Richard Chamberlain in 1963. However, the Carpenter’s version is the most recognised as a hit in 1970.

• U2 – With or Without You (1987)

It is the lead single from U2’s 1987 album, The Joshua Tree. It was released in March and was first spring song I fell in love with. I was 6 years old and thought I was so cool.

• U2 – Everlasting Love (1987)

It was written by Buzz Cason and Mac Gayden. The song was first a hit for Robert Knight in 1967 and then repeatedly recorded by many famous artist, such as Carl Carlton, Sandra Cretu, U2 and many others.

• Tracy Chapman (1988) – Fast Car

It was released on Tracy Chapman self-titled debut, Tracy Chapman, in May 1988 and won a Grammy for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance". The complex lyrics gave a deep story of her hard but determined life.

• Alison Krauss (1995) - Baby, Now That I've Found You
  

It was written by Tony Macaulay and John MacLeod for The Foundations’ debut single in 1967, but it did not go well. The lucky thing is that BBC’s newly formed Radio 1 tried to find records that pirate stations had missed. Then, by November it became UK No. 1. In 1995, Alison Krauss collected the single into her album Now that I’ve Found You: A Collection. Her voice is just sooooo spring and sweet.

• Coldplay (2008) - Viva La Vida

Named after Mexcian artist Frida Kahlo, Viva la Vida (long live the life, in Spanish) is the fourth studio album by Coldplay released in May 2008. I adore the artwork featured on the album cover - the painting Liberty Leading the People (La Liberte Guidant Le Peuple) by French Painter Eugene Delacroix, commemorating the July Revolution of 1830.

• Duffy (2008) - Mercy

It is the second single from the album Rockferry by Duffy, released in February 2008! The retro-soul style of the song is just beautiful!

I'm happily tagging some of great Amie's Style Dungeon, Observation Mode, Searching The Inner Me, Retro Life Style, Super Kawaii Mama,The Wandering Alchemist and Silje's Fashion, and hope all of you enjoy this little tag!

Who's That Girl? Do We Know Her?

Flipping through some old magazines, I all the sudden notice that interesting trivia of how some heavyweight people in fashion come into this industry! We always do "tagging" between bloggers, so I thought that maybe "tagging" them can be quite fun!

- Girl No. 1

• She served cod, chips and mushy peas at 17. One of her regular customers in the chip shop was Henry Holland, designer and creator of the House of Holland rhyming slogan T-shirts. Now, she is the face of the house.
  

• She went to London and worked in a burger joint in the day and a bar at night.

• She visited Model 1, slammed down a portfolio and refused to leave until she was signed.

• She was recently dropped by Burberry after Mario Testino dubbed her "over-publicised". He was tired that she had been promoting her face everywhere. He has replaced her with Rosie Huntington Whiteley.

• She is Agyness Deyn.

School Photo

Agyness (was named Laura) with mother Lorraine

Photographed by Terry Richardson for i-D, may 2008

Photographed by Terry Richardson for i-D, may 2008

Paul Smith Women 05 Fall

- Girl No. 2

• She moved to New York in 1979 to study Ancient Chinese Art and shared a flat with the actress Catherine Oxenberg.

• Starting as an assistant to Anna Wintour in 1981, she then soon assisted André Leon Talley, now U.S. Vogue’s editor-at-large.

• She discovered Alexander McQueen with the purchase of his entire graduate collection for £5,000, paying it off in weekly £100 instalments.

• Discovered model, Sophie Dahl, & described her as "a blow up doll with brains".

• According to a 2002 interview with Tamsin Blanchard, it was she who brokered the deal in which Gucci purchased McQueen's label. Her friend, Daphne Guinness, said that “She was upset that McQueen didn't take her along when he sold his brand to Gucci. Once the deals started happening, she fell by the wayside. Everybody else got contracts, and she got a free dress".

• She is Isabella Blow.

- Girl No. 3

• Her father, legendary Charles Vere Wintour CBE, was an editor of the Evening Standard; and her mother, Eleanor Trego Baker, was the daughter of a Harvard Law professor.

• At 15, her father arranged a job for her in Biba boutique. She soon started dating older and well-connected men. She briefly dated Piers Paul Read, then 24. In her later teens, she dated gossip columist Nigel Dempster and became a fixture on the London club circuit with him.

• Dropping out of school at 16, one of her boyfriends, Richard Neville, gave her first look at magazine production when she hung around the offices of his controversial Oz.

• She entered fashion journalism in 1970 when Harper’s Bazar merged with Queen, and the new magazine needed editorial assistants.

• Her salary is reported to be $2 million a year and generous perks including Mercedes S-Class, a $50,000 shopping allowance, and the Coco Chanel Suite at the Ritz Paris during Pairs Fashion Show. Condé Nast president Si Newhouse had also provided her an interest-free $1.6 million loan to purchase her townhouse in Greenwich Village.

• She encouraged fashion houses to hire younger, e.g. her invention of John Galliano for Christian Dior.

• She gets up at 5:40 am everyday, plays tennis and gets to Vogue's offices at 8am. She seldom stays at a party over 20 minutes and gets to bed by 10:15 every night.

• An intern at Vogue was told she must not make eye contact with her or initiate conversation with her. One day in the hall, the intern saw her trip and stepped over her rather than violate this taboo.

• She is Anna Wintour (with her trademark bob since age of 14).

- Girl No. 4

• At 18, She began modeling, having been scouted on the street in Paris by a British photographer's assistant.

• She then became a writer and then a stylist for French ELLE.

• She worked as a consultant and muse for Tom Ford at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent for six years.

• She describes her professional progress as a series of accidents. She was working as a freelance stylist and her daughter was in a children's fashion shoot. The photographer was Mario Testino. They hit it off and began working together as a team for American and French Vogue.

• She said: 'You can wear a completely transparent shirt and show all the breasts - I don't care. But I prefer to have my hands in my pocket than to have a nice little bag. So I am not good for all these fashions. They have to sell bags, bags, bags, bags, bags, bags. I hate handbags.'

• She is Carine Roitfeld.
  

Carine Roitfeld in Purple Magazine