Zac Posen

Finally, a fashion piece.

This is probably not news as you might have already noticed that the common themes on the sreets (no not that one...the fashionable end) seem to be inspired by umbrellas and the late 40's and the 50's. If you haven't, then how fortunate of you to stumble across this entry.

Although the umbrella inspiration is most definitely not call umbrellas on the fashion stage, but rather the "bubble" or what I tend to refer to as the balloon. The balloon is a design (mostly seen on skirts) that is with slightly more fabric around the waist and hips to create a "lift" at the waistline. This is especially lucky for most women as it's one of those multi-complementary trends. It helps remove the attention from the derriere; so if you don't have a perky one, or is missing one, or have a perfectly normal one, this skirt is just going to make you beautiful regardless.

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Bill Blass

Meanwhile, the balloon skirts are mostly accompanied with a belt or some sort of waist definer; which brings me to another current trend. The Belt.

Phi

Gone is the trend when an empire waist was cute and made you look pregnant. Now we want to look like the women from the 40's and 50's who had slim waist down to the 18'. The belt could be of any material and it's up to your imagination and creativity...and maybe a bit of originality. Most that have been spotted are in leather or ribbons.

Size matters too in this case. A wider belt is a must if you want to create an illusion of a slimmer waist. The wideness of it also goes well if you are wearing something plain, like a shirt or something loose, like a shirt. On the other hand, the thinner counterpart is only recommended for the thin and young. The light feeling of a thin belt is great with most tops such as cardigans, shirts (again), blouse, or even a plain dress. However, becareful that the thinner it is, the more it will reveal - both body mass and age.

Donna Karan

Donna Karan

To complete this ultra-feminine yet smart look, is a top with puffy sleeves.

Brian Reyes

Just a little bit of introduction to the small world of fashion and it's eccentric creators.

Check out this article by an insider of the industry, who's more than waist deep. James Brady, publisher for seven years to Women's Wear Daily and later as editor and publisher of Harper's Bazaar, talks about how he can inspire more theater work reflecting the creators of fashion, the designers.

Fun for reading and further affirmation that only the unique and "special" are fated to be in the industry.

Like I said, I promised I would share :-)

The main reason why I didn't rush to write something about the other 2 films that I watched, namely The Black Dahlia and Casino Royale, is because there wasn't much to rush about.

The Black Dahlia reached its expectation of being an "old" film, though I expected more Noir. The film was inspired and built around a gruesome/historical event of the brutal, actually very nasty, murder of a young and aspiring actress. Someone sick in the head must have knew back then that it would make a really good storyline to kill a beautiful, nonetheless, aspiring young actress. Better still if she always wear black - adds on the mysteriousness.

All actors in the film were relatively unimaginative in their roles. They played predictably and delivered no surprises. The only thing worth noticing is probably the fact that Hilary Swank can also be considered sexy. Come to think of it, she must be one of the most versatile actresses around, amongst the top league which includes Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron. I'm sure there are more so stop complaining. The Black Dahlia is probably worth a watch only if you're a true fan of Scarlett Johansson or Josh Hartnett. OK, I guess Aron Eckhart is also worth a mention since I became a moderate follower after Thank You For Smoking.

Casino Royale on the other hand was definitely a girlie ride. I hardly spotted any cool gadgets on this edition of 007 besides for the live-saver he had in his car. However, I was a tad bit disappointed for several missing elements that a Bond film should have:

1. lots of cool gadgets
2. sexy girls, not bookish girls
3. sexy song
4. a taller Bond
5. a very bad villain

The only near-sexy girl in the film died after just a few minutes of appearance. I'm not a gender biased person, but I just think a film should have what it should have. Or atleast deliver it properly and not half heartedly. Meanwhile, the main Bond girl (there's only one) was rather bookish and annoying. It came across as women of today who try too hard to be independent and strong and ends up becoming selfish and self centered. The song was...more suitable for a comic book hero like what Nickelback did for Spiderman. Bond songs should be more like Garbage's and Sheryl Crowe's versions. Madonna is just cool, full stop. Mads Mikkelsen's portrayal as bad Le Chiffre is too soft and weeping blood is weak.

OK, I'm going to stop blasting Casino Royale now and look on the bright side of life, as Monty Python used to say. The dresses worn by Eva Green as Vesper Lynd were simply amazing, utterly gorgeous and elegant. She wore 2 evening gowns for the gambling scenes and both were equally beautiful in their own design. These 2 pictures here are actually of the same gown (couldn't find the other one which is a purple halter with cystals for empire, how nice is that). Personally, the version on the left without the relatively grandmother sleeves is more sleek and sexy. But the front of the gown is also very important, as it shows the main features why this simple black gown is stunning. Note the straps on over the sholders are expanding as it goes higher and thinner where it's attached to the gown. This kind of strap creates the illusion of a sturdier and squarer shoulder and it's absolutely advantagous for women who has flabs between their breast and underarms. And finally, the stiff heart shape pattern for the bust line is incredibly complimentary to any women with all breast types.

Unfortunately, I also can't find pictures of her red summer dress that she wore when they were in Italy (was it Italy?)...that was simply stunning. Pictures of her dresses are too difficult to be found online so it's best that you watch the film and look out for them ;-)

It's quite obvious that I'm sitting at my office and trying to write this piece as fast as I can huh? Good news though, I just got my laptop last night and will be writing more diligently and meticulously in the future. And no, I will never ever get any more laptop insurance in the future.

Cool artist to watch: Banksy from Bristol. You can learn more about the elusive artist in this article from The Independent, which provides sufficient account about the Bristol-based artist.

Banksy's intepretation of media.



Banksy's humour on cops.

Banksy's tribute to the West Bank.

I've just been to the cinema 3 times in the past week to cover 3 of the films that I promised myself (and you) that I would watch: The Black Dahlia, The Departed, and Casino Royale. One of which I have already shared my spills and the other 2 will definitely be duly followed. Though not tonight, not when I have a ridiculously early Sunday night bedtime.

But instead I wish to share something more meaningful to your ears.

Being like any other film fan, I always make it a point to go early to the cinemas. Not just so that I can get tickets for my movie (duhh) but also so that I can catch some interesting movie trailers that I can mark down in my little must-watch book. But some other time, also to catch some more interesting commercials than those shown on TV. I guess somethings look better on big screen. And occasionally, some of these commercials will use songs that makes you wonder why-the-hell-don't-they-play-songs-like-this-on-radio and also the possibility that there's a deeper conspiracy behind the music industry, that they are intentionally (most definitely) feeding our ears with nonsensical-so-called-pop-mainstream-music that only have 1-2 lines of lyrics that's sung over and over again (think: I'm bring sexy back, yeah! I'm bringing sexy back, yeah! I'm bringing...you get my point). Never underestimate what repetition and bad sounds can do to the vulnerable human brain. Almost caught you there huh? And you thought sexy is definitely making a comeback now...NO, it's always fashionable to be sexy and it has always been around.

Anyway my point is, and yes I do make points in my blog and most of my writings, that I came across 2 very beautiful songs during my 3-times 1 week film galore. I'm so glad that I was actually able to find out the name of the songs and the singers...boy, my surfing skills has definitely taken a hike since I started hating...no, being unmotivated at my job.


Song #1 Nivea - Around the World
A recent commercial from Nivea call Around the World featured a German band from Berlin call Asher Lane and their song New Days.






Song #2 KENZO Amour for Women
In this commercial, KENZO uses the ethereal vocals of Coco Rosie in her song Good Friday.








Hope you like them and good night.

What a dissapointment. The Departed should stay departed.

Honestly, I wasn't that impressed either when I watched the original HK version of The Departed, or better known as Infernal Affairs (I, II, III). The over exaggerated method of displaying emotions, as HK actors tends to do, are in no way going to tickle my fancy. On the contrary, they tickle my "ugghh..." button. Better known as cringe.

Despite not having the same emotions exaggeration in the Hollywood version, I must say that I'm sorry but Scorsese just blew his chance of getting an Oscar this time round, especially since the industry hasn't been churning out much delectable films in the running period. Hmm...maybe he could have a chance after all.

The only mentionable element from TD has to be the obnoxious and foul-fast-talking Dignam portrayed by Marky Mark Wahlberg. It's amazing just trying to figure out what exactly he's saying in the film. Unfortunately, I was further confused by the Danish subtitles. You know how you can understand English perfectly but just can't help reading whatever subtitles they put up on the screen no matter what level of understanding you have of the written language. Maybe it's part of an unsaid agenda to convert foreigners to speak their national language.

Yes Sergeant Dignam, whatever you say.

There. A long entry (see previous) to justify the long silence that I've been keeping. I did warn that I'm not diligent now didn't I. Plus a missing laptop doesn't help the situation either.

Since I'm on a run for films at the moment, I might as well list out some upcoming ones (in Danish terms) that I will be making a date with:

1. The Black Dahlia
2. The Prestige
3. The Departed
4. The Casino Royale
5. The Marie Antoinette
6. and maybe The BORAT!!

Ahh..talking bout Borat; eventhough I haven't really watched the movie (in this case, it's a movie not film) but I'm definitely making it a must-watch-sometime. Outrageously hilarious! Feel free to share or spill your laughs if you've watch Borat!

According to the narrative in Genesis Chapter 11 of the Bible, the Tower of Babel was a tower built by a united humanity to reach the heavens. Because the hearts of men were said to be inherently evil and disobedient, they were striving to make a name for themselves instead of worshipping the God who created them. Because of this open defiance, God stopped their efforts by confusing languages so that the builders could not understand one another. As a result, they could no longer communicate and the work was halted. The builders were then scattered to different parts of Earth. This story is used to explain the existence of many different languages and races. The tower of Babel never got close to being finished.

So says Wikipedia.

And so it is. Babel is a film about borders and miscommunications. It's about the physical language that a deaf Japanese girl is trying to express and find; it's about the challenges that immigrants around the world face when they try to communicate the freedom and a better life that they yearn for; it's about how communication breaks down when values crumble in a family; it's about the more intimate definition of miscommunication between a couple rather than the apparent language and cultural barriers that surrounds them.

Interestingly enough, Babel is about communication and languages - both subjects that are quite significant in my life at the moment. But the film was nothing at all that I could have imagined. I was however expecting a less-than-usual film about cross cultures/boundaries; how stories from around the world are somewhat connected in the most unusual but simple way. Inevitably reminding me of a very similar film called "The Red Violin" which tells a story spanning not just across borders but time as well and no points for guessing what the connecting vessel was. As in the case of Babel, the vessel of connection was a simple rifle (ok, so it was an assault AK-47).

The film was filled with endless messages for one to interpret; quite ironic that film is aptly names Babel.

Out of the 4 stories that were told, the one that made the strongest impression on me must be the Japanese narrative. It was just painful to watch a deaf girl desperately trying to find love and affection from nearly anyone and everyone in the intense megalopolis setting of Tokyo. Even with the sexual extremities that I've heard about Tokyo's youth, what was portrayed in the film was more than comprehendible. Wonder what Tokyo has to say about that.

Meanwhile, the generousity and selflessness that was exemplified in the Morrocan plot when the American tourist was shot was definitely a strong message from the director. How the muslim village bore no hostility or doubt towards the American tourists and were more than ready to give whatever help they can and more.

What amazes me more is the cast itself. Not really referring to the star-studded ones but more how they actually found such young actors who can portray their roles so honestly and real. The Morrocan siblings seemed almost as if they were literally picked out of their daily tasks and asked to do the same thing in front of cameras. Maybe they're veterans, I don't know.

On a must-see scale of 1 to 5, Babel is definitely a film-to-watch-so-that-you-can-say-you-have-watched-it. No, not really. If you have the time and cash, then it's a must watch. Otherwise, try finding the time and save up some money to watch it.

But Babel still is on any other given day, yet another result of a pre-concocted-winning formula. Not to mention, it is also atleast (can't say about Amores Perros since I haven't watch it) the 2nd attempt by the same director on such a formula. Personally, that's a bit too M. Night Shyamalan = repetitive ingenuity = unoriginal. I love M. Night Shyamalan's works but one too many is not good.

Then again, it's probably quite a challenge to feed the insatiable appetite for endless ingenuity from the current generation of audience. I know.

If this prediction is going to be true "Human species may split in two", we can probably stop worrying or speculating on how the human race is going to die in the supposedly-impending global doom induced by global warming and god-knows-what-else-is-out-there.



Maybe we should start believing all the fantasy and sci-fi books that we're reading. I think I'm elfin.

Dear beloved readers,

I bring you sad news for now. My laptop decided to commit suicide last week, taking away nearly all opportunities for me to update this exciting blog more frequently. I'm now illegally writing from my office deskstop, which happens to be a sleek flat screen Dell with crappy keyboard. I've taken some pics from last week which I would like to share with you but unfortunately it would be most awkward (did I mis-spell this word? looks strange) if I were to be caught uploading fashion pics on computer at work. And yes, it would very much stand out from the rest of the techno related pics that I have on my computer.

But worry not, I will not give up hastily on such a small obstacle. I will try and smuggle in a few at a time until I get my all-spanking-new laptop in about 2 weeks time ;o)

Till then, please feel free to leave your intelligent comments and condolences (for my laptop). Or nothing too.

This is a record. Me delivering 3 blogs in a day. I guess anyone would agree that it's much more intellectually stimulating to write blogs than sitting at your desk trying to search for technology news the whole afternoon.

I still can't grasp what people see in the forms of SOA, ROI, BPM, IDM, SMS (not sms), etc. Or maybe I'm just sitting in a very wrong place. If anyone of you have watched the fashion movie The Devil wears Prada, you would be able to imagine this, except that it's in the other way round:

Put a total fashionista/fashion writer into an environment where no one knows how to spell Narciso Rodriguez or the difference between MiuMiu and Prada; then expect the person to start writing news and marketing materials about why companies need Identity Management to have Role Based Access Control and maybe a little bit of Master Data Change Management solution to manage your Master Data (duh). And then imagine the horror the boss would have when the fashionista tries to make a parable between technology solutions and haute couture.

Atleast I think the fashionista should be applauded for even trying to make that parable.

The Life and Death about Elizabeth Short.

I guess that could have also been a good name for a movie though a tad too long to sound chic for the young and mass ears today. So instead, they decided to call it in its better known name - The Black Dahlia.

I was introduced to Elizabeth Short or Beth Short as she's sometimes credited as, more than a month ago when I saw that Josh Hartnett was going to star in a new movie by the name of Black Dahlia. Oohh, sounds mysterious and sophisticated; the poster looks even better. Nothing at all related to the images that I would see of Beth after the murder in January 1947. It was anything but nice. In fact it was gruesome. The killer practically took the phrase "grining from ear to ear" a bit too far. But that was just a small part of how sadistic the murderer actually was. If you want more gruesome details, please visit the website yourself and read what you want. My blog is for mass reading.

Unfortunately, I'm only writing about this now as I live in Denmark at the moment and movies tend to take a long time before they reach our shores. Not sure why, but it sure sucks. So if you've watched this movie, please do add some comments and maybe a short review of what you think. Just remember to avoid spoilers. I love spoilers but my readers don't.

Infernal Affairs = The Departed

Why am I not surprise that it's Martin Scorsese behind this Hollywood version of the Hong Kong film? Somebody, please pass him the Oscar.

No, I obviously haven't watch this one either thanks to Denmark or whoever that decides which countries gets which movies first. But I'm definitely going to catch this in the cinema when it opens here (if it does). Not that the cantonese trilogy was such a "wow" film for me, but it would be interesting to see how the translation went - not just the language but the cultural aspects as well.

It's always difficult to write a 1st post, isn't it?

So I decided to go with the more conventional - copying and pasting my 1st entry in a previous now defunct blog. So here it reads:

welcome to the world of blogs.

a world where you tell everyone every details about your life and you: what you think, what you ate, how many times you went to the toilet, what you have to bitch about, what you love, what's dear to you, what you hate, and what makes you.

and the best part is, no one has the choice to not read about your life - unless they "stumbled" upon your blog. But then again, they didn't stumbled now did they? They chose to click on your "blog tab" to read about you. Now why would they want to do that? I don't know.

Same reason why the cat died?

anwyay, forget all that, and once again, welcome to the world of blogs and days of reducing your life into boxes of blogs in a virtual world.

yours (truly) sincerely,
your Blogged ego