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 :)