je m'en fous

This is our Goodbye

2011-12-16T20:07:00.002+01:00

Today a boy kissed me on my hand. It made me feel like royalty. Yet in my mind, I still miss another who treats me like a peasant. This is my goodbye to you.

Love Is The Only Vocab I Need

2011-10-17T12:34:00.006+02:00

It's been some time since I have updated this blog. But that is only because I've been so busy with my music career over here in Taiwan. If you were to ask me about a year ago as to how I'm going with this I would answer you with uncertainty. It is amazing what difference a year makes and today I am at bliss and content as to what love life is providing me with. In the past I use to think you could only choose one of the two. A) a successful career or B) a successful relationship. I can now look you in the eye to tell you having both isn't impossible. As a matter of fact, I have them both now and I am ever so thankful. The boy that I loved for years and started off not even knowing my existence is now my significant other. He is a renown singer/song-writer over this side of the continent. In fact, in the whole of Asia. I can't spill the beans as to who he is exactly but he is 8 years my senior and has the most beautiful smile and witty sense of humour. He is currently touring in Beijing and he constantly keeps me updated about his whereabouts and his day-to-day with messages and a surprise phone call. The best part is that we share so much in common and the fact that he is older than I am and is willing to share with me the tricks of the trades of the industry is just wonderful.

The down point? There's none. Although I do miss him very much so when he goes abroad on tours and movie shoots but that only makes our heart grow fonder. It is still very much hush-hush now because we are afraid that the tabloids might deter our relationship but I guess that is what you get when you are involve with the industry.

I'm doing extremely well myself. After being signed onto Sony Entertainment, which many people were dumbfounded when that happened. Even me! I just recently released my album which feels amazing. I already came out with 5 singles within the album which is just mind-blowing. Making video clips, writing and producing tracks with Pharell, Timbaland, Big Boy, Jay Z, as well as duets and tours with none other than Lady Gaga, Adele, Cee Lo Green, Jessie J, Beyonce, my partner, and many other local artists over here in Taiwan. My multimillion dollar record deal was the firestarter to my who career. I am over the moon and feel, at times that I am still dreaming. No, I am not. Life is great to me. I'm still working on my Chinese since it is a big market here over in Asia but the fact that I have been invited to perform at the VMAs is just mind-blowing. I love my life, my family, friends, my fans and of course my boyfriend. He has been my support system and although he is currently away on a tour right now, I still feel his presence beside me when I sleep at night.

Oh and I'm not sure did I tell you this, I use to dream of owing a penthouse in the district of Xinyi, over here in Taipei nearby the 101. I finally got it and have just signed an agreement with the agent last weekend. The place is a beauty! It has 2 floors and 5 bedrooms all together. Every room has a connected bathroom and my bathroom has a beautiful white french bathtub with silver legs under. I think I'll want to decorate it with french paintings. In fact I'm so excited to be meeting the interior designer this coming Monday to discuss how each room should be designed. I even have an entertaining room and I'm going to pimp it out with an old school Pacman video arcade game (which I just bought online, they will be shipping it from the States), a top-notch home theater with 8 indulging red leather seats and a home studio right beside my entertaining room. My kitchen is a dream. It has a middle counter with black marble table top for me to bake and cook and I can't wait to have dinner parties when "Xiao Hong" gets home from his tour. I also now drive a white Range Rover Evoque with red and black seats and has the number plate 3NU. It is my pride and joy and finally I could buy my very own car. I've come so far from when I was starting off in the singing competition and thinking that my life was over when I was eliminated in the top 38. Then everything changed the day I got a call from Sony Entertainment. I am the first artist in Asia to have cross boarders and boundaries and music influence from the East.

Having a little privacy is always nice so at the very lease we are keeping our relationship away from the public eye. Other than that, I just allow my music to speak for itself. And what wonderful news my twitter followers has just hit 4 million last night. I thought I was about to cry when I called my boyfriend to tell him that. To think I started off with 63 friends.

I love my life so much I wouldn't trade it for the world. I finally am able to do what I love and I still remember those people who have helped me along the way, especially at the beginning of my career. Namely my producer in Melbourne who works so hard doing all the arrangement for my first track where we weren't even sure that it would get released, my mate and producer over here in Taipei who I use to have a crush on that have always been so wiling to introduce me to as many people in the industry as he could, my parents who have always supported my every decision and my sisters who not only never doubted me but have always inspire me. My 1 year old niece, Eva who is the joy of my life every time I hear her laugh over skype in London.

I've just done another track for my next album. It's going to sound a bit like Adele meets Lily Allen meets Etta James. Can't imagine it? Then you'd have to wait for it to be released. I can't wait to collaborate with all the new and talented singers within the industry. Because I know how it feels to be a newbie. I'm also planning to get a nice getaway home in Paris but I am still deciding to either buy one in Paris or my home in Melbourne.

I'll be flying off for my tour next March and it will be a big one with many featured surprise acts. Now you'd just have to patiently wait for it to be announce on MTV or Channel V haha and maybe Perez Hilton would get some scoop on it to. I'm so grateful and I have God to thank for. I love living my dream and I can't get enough of it.

Oh and this Christmas we'll be celebrating it in Rochester, New York. I think I better prepare myself to remembering every family member's time. I'm excited! It's my first time meeting the folks although I've spoken to his parents over the phone countless times. I hope I make a great first impression. He keeps saying there's nothing to worry but he means a lot to me and his family means a lot to him so I've got to be at my best behaviour. I'm in heaven ( :

Ok I've to go now, my phone just rang and it's bf time (: I love my Xiao Hong.

Today: No Butterflies but I still constantly thought of you.

2011-05-30T18:33:00.002+02:00

If You Want To Hear Me Sing

2011-05-15T12:46:00.002+02:00

Nu's Sounds (Click on Image)

Sing It Like You Mean It

2011-04-23T06:27:00.008+02:00

Saturday morning, and I have been singing at some karaoke joint last nights over drinks with my mates. I had such a great time. I over came my fear to sing 2 songs. The first my all time favourite The Mama & Papas "Dream a Little Dream". I sang it sultry and I sang it well. Then I told Cait that I really wanted to do "Natural Woman" but I was too chicken to sing it. I heard from my friend Mor that Mr. Man maybe coming but much later. So I hesitated to sing just in case he walks in on me singing.

But a couple of hours passed. I figured out that he won't be coming. Then Mor told me that he won't be coming tonight. I'm not sure how I felt. It was like a mixture of disappointment with a pinch of sadness. I still don't know why. I thought I have gone through this before. I no longer have feelings for him. But every time he does the extra mile for my friend that he fancies, I feel (I still hate to admit this) slightly taken back. Jealousy as they may say. Maybe because it makes me feel, why her and why not me. Am I really that not good enough? I really don't see anything wrong with me so there is this conflicted thought in my head telling me maybe I'm not good enough for him. Then another thought of, "wait, I sure I am and he's too blind to see it". I would rather believe the latter.

We were at the park a couple days ago having pizza. A bunch of us. Mr. Man decided to help us throw our bottles when Jo offered to help with our empty boxes. Maybe Mr . Man was trying to get the girl that he fancies's attention. Being all Mr. Nice Guy I guess. I told him to wait because I'm not done and I'm too lazy to find a trash can. He waited for a bit, I decided to gulp 2 inches inch of Strawberry Lemonade down within 2 seconds. I must have shocked Cait, I could see that she almost burst out laughing. I didn't really speak to Mr. Man, even after he decided to add me on facebook a few days later after adding his crush and another mutual friend of ours. I wasn't happy happy but I felt relief as he was ignoring me during lunch the day before.

So back to my story of last night, when I heard he wasn't coming I felt like venting. The only way I knew how to vent was through music so I did it with Aretha Franklin's Natural Woman. I belted out my tunes my newly made friends were left speechless. I wasn't there to show off my vocal talents but quite the contrary, really. I just wanted a vocally challenging song to vent and release my stress without breaking down. Plus my vocal coach told me, in order to get rid of my stage fright I am suppose to perform in front of others. She even suggesting me getting a pass to sing on the streets. But of course I would be too overtly-self-conscious to do that. I still don't know why does he have such an effect on me. Every time I see the girl he fancies texting and smiling, a thought in my mind that she's talking to him just creeps into mind. I absolutely hate this feeling. She is quite a good friend but I just can't help it. Sometimes I feel that my blog is where I do most of my confessions. As if my blog is a portal similar to a Confession Box.

I feel guilty feeling this way. I want to shift my feelings. It could very well me that I am tired of thinking about him. So for now, I will spend my day practicing my vocal exercise, doing a bit of Chinese, singing a little or anything else that may come to mind.

One thing that I can be thankful of is having my voice. That is the only thing that I feel that I am able to count on when I'm down. Well at least, I know as long as I stay healthy it will always be there for me. Something I can definitely rely on, even at my lowest.

Hope you cupcakes have a wonderful Saturday ahead.

Much Love et Mille Bisous,
Lulu

No, I Didn't Cry Over Spilt Milk

2011-04-18T09:09:00.007+02:00

And so as the title of today suggests, I didn't cry over spilt milk. I surprised myself really and rather proud that I didn't cry over a boy. But for some reason when I saw him again today my stomach turned. I can't deny it, he still does have that effect on me. Sad to say though he seems like a nice person, besides the fact that he is so full of himself. He never once asked things about me. I should have taken this as a cue when he only talked about silly things and things that revolves around him.

He said hi to my friend today. I thought it was solely meant for her, that little one syllable word, so simple yet so meaningful. If you were to notice, every time when someone says hi to you it means that they acknowledge your presence. They want to be acquainted, in order words, they want to be your friend and get to know you better. A simple hi, yet it is difficult for me to utter those two letters, especially to him. How can I be caught up with such a dilemma. I told myself that I was going to act normal around him. Yet part of me is dying to go an extra mile, to show him the real me, all my bubbliness and how difficult it is to not love me. So I'll be able to show him how much he is missing out for treating me merely as a jealousy trap. This morning came and gone and I still acted nonchalant around him. I was betrayed so I was hurt. And was it going to be worth it?

He had lunch with my group of friends today. But we were seated at different ends of the restaurant because of the number of limited seats on one table. I was seated with three of my friends while him the table beside the girl that he fancies. We had dumplings and when the girl left he was still seated there not noticing that she had left. So when he and his friends decided to leave, I think he was a bit surprise that she had left. He walked by our table and waved to everyone with a bit of a non-smile. I'm not sure how else to call it. It was like a smirk but not really. I noticed my friends looking that direction, so I did too. I smiled back and said bye.

He left. My friends and I went over to have coffee at Starbucks. I felt good using my Thermos in exchange of a paper-cup. I just might start doing this more often. I mean why kill trees if you are only use the take-away cup for a short 30 minutes? It isn't even necessary to do so. Plus you'll get a 10 NTD discount using your own Thermos. We chatted about really random things and catching up with Cait was nice. She had just came back from a weekend trip in Bangkok with her long-time boyfriend. He left for Canberra last night and she came back to Taipei. I haven't spoken about Mr. Man to that girlfriend of mine. I successfully portrayed an image that I don't really bother about him. It still hurts but how can I be so selfish to let her know that I am? So of course, I didn't.

When we left I decided to walk with Cait in her direction. So the rest and us parted ways and I have recapped to Cait as to what had happened when she was away. I told her how stupid I felt. Like I could never do anything right. I know the girl does not like Mr. Man but she is feeling good about having an admirer. Who wouldn't? You would too, wouldn't you? So I don't blame her. Cait was surprised that Mr. Man would like someone who is 12 years his junior. I told her well it seems that it happens. She wasn't convinced until I told her that he got her number off another friend of ours. She said, "He didn't get it off her? That's a bit strange". I thought so too, but it was a good cover up from his end. "This guy", I told her, "is quite full of himself and to think that I misinterpreted the whole situation. Stupidly believing that he fancies me in return. But in actual fact I was the scapegoat." When I told Cait that I'm surprised that I didn't cry over him after finding out that he mistreated him and he doesn't feel the same way as I do. She simply answered, "Guess he doesn't mean that much to you". Cait made a very good point. It could be very well that I wasn't that into him either that or it could be that I have become stronger as an individual. If given the choice, I would like to believe, both.

Then Cait decided to take me on a Candy Spree. According to her, sweets always helps. I answered, "Yeah it helps with getting my teeth rotten." She laughed. That's the thing about Cait, she is just such a great listener and I thanked her for that. I wanted to talk more about it but decided that I should stop dwelling over it. So I stopped. We continued buying more than just candy. We shopped for stationaries and she got some arts and craft items to make a card for Mike. I think what she has with Mike is just wonderful. She never wants to admit that she will someday be married to him, she still claims that she isn't ready. But I told her countless times, the day will come and you will be certain he is the person for you. Why? Because she says that when she is with him, it is never all about him. In other words, he makes it all about her. Which I believe should be the way. There is a lesson learned here, when in a relationship, understandably there are two parties, whether woman & man, man & man, or woman & woman, both parties count. But when you love someone enough you will make it evident that they are your priority.

It struck me, even if I were to somehow miraculously end up with Mr. Man (which of course is never going to happen) I will be the one who is more involved in the relationship. The one who doubles up the giving and half in taking. The one who would love him more than he would do me. The one who will accept all his flaws and see them as character and not be reciprocated. The one who looks forward everyday to seeing his smile and him probably to his own reflection on the mirror. The one who will carry a packet of Clarinase in my handbag just in case, knowing that he has a sinus problem. The one who will hold him tighter when we hug. The one who will learn to cook his favourite meal (unasked) and him not even knowing what mine is. The one who will know more about his family members than he does to take effort with mine. The one who will be supportive of all his decisions and mine to be disregarded. The one who will be there for him when he is having a bad day and not bothered about when I in turn have one. I would in turn be a very very unhappy person. I would end up exhausting myself.

Like my mum always told me "Find a man who loves you more than you love him". I was doubtful that this would even be possible but to think about it, anything is possible. I am now in another foreign country and have moved from one continent to another within a year and a half. Two countries which first language isn't English. I am here settling quite nicely and I never did consider myself as the adventurous type. Or possibly even independent enough. Look at me now, I ought to be thankful as to how far I've come.

So finding a man in my life shouldn't even be my priority since I've got so much more to look forward to in life. Plus, I'm still only 26. If Mr. Perfect appears he would because as I have read in "The Joy of Doing Things Badly", by Veronica Chambers, "A Delay is not Denial". To put it simply, if something or someone you want isn't there readily for you, it doesn't mean that you will never achieve/ receive it. Like my mum herself always says, "Patience is virtual". Those three words which is rather annoying to hear especially to an 8-year-old-me. I guess she has a point. So keep your hopes alive as I am doing to mine.

"God isn't holding out on me, a delay is not a denial." -V.C

Love you Monday,
Lulu

...And Everything Suddenly Ended

2011-04-17T03:42:00.012+02:00

I was never one of those to be affected by the opposite sex. Well at least it hasn't been that way for quite a while. Sometimes I don't even know how to feel about (false) love anymore. Love is definitely too strong of a word, to begin with. Let's just regard it as false belief. At this point, I feel used, betrayed and well disappointed with myself. I know I shouldn't be too hard on myself seeing that I have done no wrong.

This past Friday I decided to join my friends for a beer fest. To what I had thought to have been a great night. The night was flawless as it could get. I was approached by Mr. Man. We spoke for quite a while. I sense sign language of a flirtation going on. I savoured the moment. Silly me, thinking back. My friends noticed this and it seemed everything was going well. But I wondered why during our topic of conversation he never asked why I was in the city (seeing that I'm a foreigner) or even the reason for me to study a new language. These are all very normal questions that one would ask if they were interested in you. He didn't, I noticed but thought that it just didn't come up.

I left the place, feeling a tad tired since just recovering from being sick. My girlfriends asked me to join them to hit a club since Mr. Man was going as well. I didn't want to come across as being too desperate plus I was tired, so I decided on returning home and rest. I was gleaming the whole night. I was the first person he spoke to as he approached the party. I thought, "wow" this takes quite a bit of an effort. So I was happy as a naive little school girl.

I couldn't sleep that night that I came home. I bbm my sisters recapping a night filled with stories about Mr. Man. They were very happy for me, I was to. So after having countless cigarettes and chats, I went to bed but was awake til about 3ish. My mind, more awake than ever. I finally tired myself by thinking about everything that had happened hours ago.

The next morning I woke up about 9am. Awakened by a dream of yours truly and who else. Listening to Al Green's Let's Stay Together all morning, I was in a high. Dancing, singing and speaking to one of my dear friends in Hong Kong. I decided to grab a coffee from the Starbucks downstairs for breakfast. Still on a natural high. My friend came over and she wanted details. I happily shared them with her. Then she slipped out that he called her, asking her whether the club that she was going was any good. Apparently Mr. Man got her number from a mutual friend. I was a little taken back but soon recovered when she said that he wasn't hitting on anyone in the club. I smiled and thought good behavior is always commended in my checklist.

It wasn't until last night that it all turned. We decided on a Girls Night In with another girlfriend of ours. Chatting, reading mags, depolishing our nails, watching funny youtube videos that all of a sudden my friend gasp. She was on Facebook. I was behind her and I saw a Friend Invite. It was Mr. Man. He had only added two other guys from our mutual friends, now my friend. My heart sank, my heart dropped. I knew from that instant I was the detour. I felt used, angry, sad, disappointed, betrayed and all sorts of other emotions. I still had to keep up with my sunny disposition. Difficult but I managed to appear unaffected until about 4.30 in the morning when the girls left. I had a great time with the girls but I was still feeling down.

I did not blame my friend, because she has been such a dear friend and nothing should come in between our friendship. I am proud of myself to have felt that way. Mates before dicks. It is evident that I have misinterpreted the whole scenario. Her explanation was that I wasn't at the field trip (since I was sick that day). But it is clear that that wasn't a valid enough explanation, since he didn't add anyone else. He really fancies her, more than a friend. I have been there for her when she was crying over a guy on Thursday and I won't be crying over this guy and expose my long forgotten weak and vulnerable side. I do not want her to know that I feel hurt because it would do no good to the situation. Plus, she would feel worst. I'm still listening to Al-Green this morning (Sunday) but it's a different tune. It's now "How Could You Mend A Broken Heart". A duet with Joss Stone.

I told this to my friend the other day when she was crying. Imagine this, songs were written for a reason. For the writer to share stories about their experience and heartaches. They must have had it worst than us since they could capture that sadness and have written a whole song about it. I wanted to write a song about a shattered heart, but I was stuck. I did not have a relationship with this guy. It was merely a crush. He knows nothing about me and I know nothing about him, except the fact that he used me as a jealousy trap. I put my pen down and started sketching a Man on the Moon instead.

I felt better already, possibly because I came to a realisation. How could My Heart be Mended if it wasn't even broken to begin with? So now, I'm finally smiling to this self-discovery. I'm, well almost thrilled. I have manged to turn a bad day into a good one. I have shifted my thoughts, I have managed to control my emotions. Although I still have Al-Green and Joss Stone on repeat but now I'm just singing-along to the song trying to feel their emotions and not actually feeling it. It is such a beautiful song and it was beautifully lyric-ed.

So if you are having a bad day, in this case a crush or uncrushed. Think. Better know now before you get into deep. I am who I am, if he doesn't like me it's definitely not the end of the world. I felt inspired and re-shifted my focus. I will now fully concentrate on my music. Not being distracted by nonsensical thoughts. I would take it as that he was just a distraction, not by any means a significant impact on my life.

So remember, when you are down, listen to your feel good tunes. Create a playlist titled as that on your iTunes. So you know that just in case you feel a little blue you can just hit the play button and feel better.

Love as always,
Lulu

Dear Diary: What I have Been Up To

2011-04-06T15:08:00.001+02:00

It's been ages since my last post. I have been going through a little bit of a transition in my personal life. I'm moved from Paris to Kuala Lumpur and now I'm in Taipei pursuing my life long dream. Singing. Laugh or applaud I find that I'm in the exact place that my heart tells me. People may tell me I have balls (although I clearly have female genitals) but I think metaphorically I do have em'. Haha!

I'm learning Chinese now. Going back to my roots and even learning some Taiyu as I go along. By the way Taiyu is another dialect that is widely spoken in Taiwan. My grandpa speaks it but the only thing that I learnt from him is that I'm useless and can't speak his dialect. So that is one of my biggest motivation to learn to I will be able to have a decent conversation with him when I get back home. He may seem old and grumpy but definitely has a heart of gold.

I have learnt many things within my transitory period. For one, how to be take a positive turn in life. You are only given one life, so why not do what pleases you. What you truly enjoy. For me that was, singing. I sang all my life but I must admit I was one of those closeted singers. The ones who only sing behind close "toilet" doors. Where I know only I could hear myself, with no one to judge. So beginning of this year (2011), I decided I'm going to buckle up my courage and fasten myself tightly secured to my space shuttle of my dream career.

It's pretty big here. Kinda a big deal. They are holding auditions in the States, Canada, Aus, Singapore, China, Taiwan and Malaysia. So wish me luck. I'm up to round two of the competition.

Xx,
Lulu with much Love

Quote Me! Twitter!

2010-02-25T17:20:00.004+01:00

"Know why we have bad days? So life won't be monotonous. We'll be able to appreciate the good ones and have stories to tell about the bad."

author me - Just happened to come out with something meaningful under 140 characters.

Spring Hits Paris

2010-02-22T15:56:00.008+01:00

Just another Monday. Yet, it doen't feel quite like it. Spring has finally hit Paris. I could really feel the weather change from yesterday's 1 degree to the current 12 degrees of partly sunny day. Glorious isn't it? I guess you wouldn't understand it if you haven't been experiencing the extremely winter of this city. It is amazing that we had sunlight for most of today. An enormous contrast from the monotonous grey skies that had plagued us since October of last year.

As usual, a couple of my friends and I had lunch over at Le Pain Quotidien. It has been quite the popular spot for our luncheons on weekdays. Considering that the weather was close to perfect, I was rather surprised by our waitress's fault mood. Maybe because she was serving almost 12 tables at once and of course that wouldn't quite improve her temperament. Well the bunch of us (comme d'habitude) are a cheerful bunch. I'm proud to say that I have even managed to convert one of the "serious" ones to, well let's just say, a more "chirpy" type. He has even noticed this, astonishingly.

He started asking our waitress some questions about the menu and taking away fresh baguettes and what not, with his broken French. She seemed rather annoyed at the beginning but later succumbed to the lightness of it all. It was a remarkable mood change, since we were all constantly laughing and joking speaking in Franglish (English and French). We all didn't bother when the tables around ours started staring, maybe even wondering at the same time, "where on earth are this bunch from?"

Peculiarly, that was when it hit me. At times we would all encounter bad days. Days that we do not feel like doing anything what so ever, and what's more entertaining people's absurdness or even ridiculous rudeness. Days that we get tipped off by the slightness things. Whether if it is because we missed our alarm clocks and got in late at work, got told off by a random stranger when taking the metro, waking up at the wrong side of the bed (that happens), feeling ill and yet having no one to replace your shift, stepping on poop while wearing your newest pride and joy, almost getting run over by a car (I almost did crossing the road today).... and the list goes on.

Yet, the thing that we would need most is maybe just laughing about it. It would normally crossed me when I almost got ran over, first thing in the morning. However, I just reflex with a quick "PUTAIN!" (while at the same time thanking God that I was fortunate enough not to get hurt) and then marched my way through and said Bonjour! to everyone. Trust me, try it. I really lifts up the mood or creates a great ambiance whether at work, school, or wherever you may be.

Especially when you meet someone (even like in this case, someone whom you do not know personally), it is always nice to ask them how they are doing while having a conversation with them. Don't just ask for the sake of it, listen attentively. After all, you would like the same to be done to you. So go out there, be courteous even if you aren't intrinsically that "type", faking it would lift your own state of mind as well. By the way, it doesn't take much to smile. Plus you would look much better smiling than frowning.

Un gros bisous!
Xx
Lou

Things I can't live without (Paris 2010)

2010-02-08T21:06:00.001+01:00

What is fate?

2010-01-27T19:01:00.005+01:00

I got to thinking about fate. That crazy concept that we are not really responsible for the course that our lives take. That it is all predestined, written in the stars. Maybe that explains why. If you live in a city where you can't even see the stars, your love life feels to be a little more random. Perhaps hopes are even darkened. And even if our every man, every kiss, every heartache, is pre-ordered from some cosmic catalogue... Can we still take an accidental step and wonder off to our own personal milky-way? I couldn't help but wonder, can you make a mistake and miss your fate?

If you do, then would that mean some of us would just end up being alone for taking chances? Or would we be better off just sitting around waiting for things to happen. Since searching for it or even longing for it just may not cut it. I for one have always heard that; "when you go searching for something it will never come to you". Were those who said that actually true pros and we should take their word for it? Or are we all suppose to make it simple.

Dream a little, hope a little more. But when those hopes do not convert into reality, will we in turn be crushed by ourselves? Then, does that mean we, ourselves are to blame for our own failures? Maybe, our mistakes are what makes our fate. Without them, what will shape our lives? Perhaps, if we never reared off course, we won't fall in love, or get engaged, or be who we are? After all seasons change, people come into your life, and others go. But it is comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart. Or if you are very lucky, they are just a flight ride away.

Lou

Lily Allen Quits Singing?

2010-01-27T15:11:00.003+01:00

Any gal who Karl picks as muse is worth monitoring. The adorable Lily is continuing to prove her fashion influence by taking some time off from singing to focus on fashion. After designing jewelry model for Chanel's Coco Cocoon handbag collection, it appears Lily has the fashion bug. She is planning to open a store with her sister called Lucy in Disguise.

"It's about making fashion democratic," she said. "That's the idea behind it. It's about getting really nice clothes but letting people rent them for affordable prices so they can go out and feel like a million dollars and it won't cost them a million dollars."

Well guess we won't be getting any new tracks from her anytime soon. Guess that's not all since her Twitter page has already been left redundant for more than four months.

Move over Miller sisters, the Allens are here!

Keep 'em coming Lily.

Cutest Celeb Baby

2010-01-26T21:46:00.003+01:00

No not Suri...

It's Ava Jackman!

The real Paris... and me

2010-01-24T19:46:00.007+01:00

Just another one of those Sundays. The fact that Monday is just four hours away, somehow my Monday blues have already hit before my time was up. Lazing around as usual on a Sunday, while doing the usual laundry routine. I killed some time just watching reruns of Sex and The City. I could still vividly remember the series, it was just that the final two episodes of Season 6 was most definitely my favourite of all time. Why, you asked? Simply because that was went Carrie went over to Paris hoping that she will be able to live a life there with the man she loves.

Yet (for those of you who could remember precisely) it was quite the contrary for it. You know how they said that Paris is the city for fashion, gourmet, and inherently... Love? They were right. Just as long as it suited your taste buds perfectly. Of course, it wouldn't be the city of love, with no one to share it with. It had got me thinking. I have watched countless number of movies which were based in Paris. Everything from An American in Paris, Paris When it Sizzled (Audrey Hepburn), Love in the Afternoon (A.H again), Two Days in Paris, Amelie, Coco Avant Chanel, Broken English, to Moulin Rouge.

Everything in those movies suggests hope. A little too hopeful, I'm afraid. A hope that in a way serves nothing but false hopes that one way or another, you could simply meet a stranger in a little Parisian cafe and fall in love instantly. I must admit that it is a wonderful city. But the chances of meeting someone is close to impossible. I guess those movies are to blame. Making us all believe the unbelievable. It personifies almost something that only fairy tales do. Then again, aren't these what movies are made for? Captivating audiences all over the world and having them fooled. I naively believed all the above. Could it be that language is yet another barrier that I would have to overcome? Maybe, but the unsightly romance around the city on films are mainly glorifying touristic areas such as the glorious Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph and Champs-Elysees. But where are the parts of the city where really projects the true city itself? They hardly ever made it to the final cut.

I mean let's take a look at Monmartre on the award-winning Amelie. Sure the Sacré-Coeur is immensely popular and what's more, beautiful but for those who have been there as a non-tourist, it has it's dodgy ends. Scarily enough, it is considered as one of the most unsafe quartiers of the city. Please do not get me wrong, it is a wonderful place to be. The orangy city lights, the bustling city, the beautiful French accent, the stylist ladies on the streets, and of course the not-so-wonderful amount of dog poop on the streets where dog owners couldn't even bother to pick up after their pets. I thoroughly enjoy living here. Of course that besides the fact that I would have to put up with my utterly inconsiderate neighbour on the fourth floor until 4am in the morning. If you would ask me to pick which area that I would very much most prefer to live in, it would have to be Saint-Germain des Prés. After all, Sofia Coppola even lives there. It had got me thinking... Is Paris really where I would want to settle my life in? Sure I have people constantly around me all the time. The friends that I have made and rather great companions of mine, just to add. To even strangers sitting right next to me at the coffee shop chatting away with their best friends excitedly. Even with all these people surrounding me, and yet I can't help but feel alone.

With almost 2.2 million inhabitants, including me as one of them, how could anyone possibly feel so lonely? I guess what I am missing here is having someone around me which knows me so well to the point that I wouldn't even have to say a word and they know exactly what is going through my mind. I really miss having my best friends around me or even people which I have known for years. I sometimes feel that although I am living in this city, I am not exactly living it as I have always imagined that I would be. It is comforting enough to know that my best mate is just a skype call away but having their physical presence rather than a computer screen and thousands of milles separating us isn't really my ideal situation. I love this city but I am starting to feel slightly resentful towards it. It is as if I am already rejecting it. I know many people would kill to take my place, having an adorable apartment in the 2nd arrondisement, taking a well deserved gap year just in order for me to learn French in Paris.

Yet, it would really be nice to have someone to share my happiness with. Well at least, share my everyday with.

Wouldn't you?

Dear Diary: Hello 2010!

2010-01-20T18:46:00.007+01:00

Wednesday, 5.11pm. Yet another cold winter’s day, cliché yet unavoidable. I’ve been here for over an hour. Just having a large bowl of coffee. Having hardly even made it to the base of the bowl, I have already ordered myself a serving of Tiramisu Macaron at my favourite organic restaurant, Le Pain Quotidian. I thoroughly enjoy this place, not because it is about a five-minute walk away from my apartment but also the fact that it does feel like home. Just a more rustic version of home, with the scent of wooden cabinets, fresh cakes and puddings on display as well as the freshly brewed coffee.

As I was going through some of my “long overdue” work from last week, I just felt the need to update my “long dated” blog. I haven’t even the time to realise that it had took me a little more than 2 months to update it. I truly apologise for those of you out there who have been following this site religiously.

More importantly I would like to wish you a Happy New Year and May 2010 bring you more Love, Joy, Great Prospects and Luck than 2009 did. I should probably stop at that since I am really starting to sound like granny or one of those generically formed text messages that you might get from your parents at the struck of midnight. “Bof!” (a typical French expression with no English equivalent, or to put it simply, “ugh”)

For those of you who have gone through my previous write-ups you would certainly be well aware of how I am and my relationship with life, itself. Always cautious, rather a nervous freak, attentive, caring, giving, loving and quite sadly with no one to share these characteristics of mine with.

So with this in mind, I spent quite a New Year’s in Barcelona. Having to celebrate my eve at one of the most spectacular clubs overlooking the beach. However, it was much colder that I expected it to be, but of course much warmer than Paris, which was quite comforting. Cold breeze from the beach, orange lighting reflected the beautiful sand and warm tourist all around. As I remembered, Sara and I were waiting outside the club at 11pm and we were so worried that we wouldn’t be able to get in, in time for the countdown.

Guess Sara’s wish was fulfilled when we both manage to get through the immense number of people in queue. During that moment we said our wishes out aloud, knowing what her’s was, I audibly said mine out thinking that the bunch of French lads behind us were “monoglots” (only knowing one language). Once they heard what I said, the starting laughing insanely. Embarrassed while not knowing what to do, I stupidly laughed along with them. Who would have expected them to understand English? I mean, every since living in Paris for the last 6 months, I have noticed the small number of Parisians who speak English, which only made it harder for me to communicate with them. Generally if you are not working in the hospitality field, then the chances are that you would not be well acquainted with a foreign language.

Considering the fact that although I understand them most of the time, unfortunately I am still unable to verbalise myself confidently. Hell, sometimes I even mix up languages while speaking to my friends, which can be quite puzzling.

Back to my point, I did something that I would not normally do, ever. Let’s just say that we started talking to a group of people that were from France (South, North, Mid, you name it, practically from all over the place). One of the young lads caught my eye, but I sincerely thought that he was interested in Sara. She is practically one of the most out-going (very unlike me) girls out there, with a killer beauty, long blond hair and a sexy low voice to match. I’m probably describing one of most desirable qualities that a guy would find in a girl. So why wouldn’t he?

Sad to say, I on the other hand am one of those girls that you walk pass daily and never having to notice my presence. Brutal but true. I haven’t possessed much confidence in myself well every since childhood, really. I have had friends, which are the most popular and well demanded girls at school, while I was just the fugly sidekick. Braces, spectacles, baggy jeans, split ends and flat hair would be how most people describe me physically from high school. Not to mention rather giggly.

So when this guy from Marseille decided that he has taken a fancy in me, I really thought it was one of those mean pranks that guys from school use to pull on girls, like me. I guess despite the fact that I no longer wore braces, dressed like a blast from the past, nor occasionally wear my uber geeky spectacles, I still never quite grew out of the perception that I have about myself. If there was a pill or some sort of voodoo spell that could help me overcome my self-esteem problem, I would instantly sign myself up to it.

I am not sure that if I am the only person to feel this way, but I truly admire those girls out there which are so immensely confident about themselves as well as their physicality. I had someone telling me that I am naïve to think about myself so lowly, but as much as I want to believe those words and have it convince me, it is almost impossible. You know that movie, “He is just not that into you”? I am probably the only person that lives to its guidelines whether or not if they are true.

The main problem I guess is that, I constantly doubt myself. Thinking, why would anyone take interest? I am perhaps the opposite of Carrie Bradshaw, her living the most splendid life that anyone would kill for, and me living in Paris (for most it would only be a dream) and yet I do not give, myself enough credit for anything that I do, in fact.

So ladies, I started writing today’s entry not quite having an idea of what topic that I will be writing. Now, I guess I just made yet another discovery about myself. I should really live up to what this city has to offer. Having a Sunday brunch at the road behind my place while listening to live jazz from the streets, strolling while looking for fabrics for my next DIY home deco project, or soul searching while sitting at the Seine with a notepad and my ukulele just coming out with songs. It is about time that I exploit as much as I can of what this city has to offer.

Oh just before I forget, the Frenchie from Barcelona told me one thing that I guess I would never forget. Possibly even the sweetest thing that anybody has ever said to me, which was "J'aime bien ta bouche". I guess that would mean he likes my lips. That could have been a pick up line that he tells every girl, or even stolen from a song. Regardless, it was nice to hear something so sweet after such a long time. Quite a pleasant surprise. So wherever you may be, thank you.

As for those of you ladies out there, I only hope the same for you.

Love, love.

As always,

Lou

Lily Allen BAGS Chanel Cocoon

2009-10-11T22:10:00.004+02:00

Chanel - Coco Cocoon / Macadam Style from Materialiste on Vimeo.

Paris Fashion Week Lily Allen for Chanel

2009-10-11T21:55:00.000+02:00

Paris Fashion Week 2009/ 2010: Rihanna

2009-10-11T21:44:00.003+02:00

spotted Rihanna outside The Ritz posing and self-snapping with a lucky fan

Chanel Bag 2010

2009-10-04T17:36:00.006+02:00

Chanel Récession? Spotted at Fashion Week 2009/ 2010. Quoi de neuf?

Dear Diary: Could you wear this for me please?

2009-08-29T00:12:00.009+02:00

It's another beautiful summer day in Paris. Picture the ideal weather and just the right amount of breeze going through your hair. Hearing people chatter in a foreign language in the background. If you were French it wouldn't sound foreign but it still is to me. I can pick up a few words here and there but not entirely capable of eavesdropping an entire conversation, just yet. But sometimes their expressions and gestures are just enough to allow me to understand what they are getting at. And obviously, their intonation.

It was another one of those busy days just up until midday and then everything winds down from midday onwards. The usual Friday stroll knowing the next day is a weekend. Then again the majority of us already feel that the weekend is already hear on Friday itself. I mean who the hell would come out with something like TGIF? Or even TGIFF?

Back to my point, I treated myself to one of those afternoon walks from Saint Honore back to Montorgueil. It only took me about 20 minutes today because it wasn't quite a stroll. I was in a way doing a dual routine. Enjoying the weather while I worked out since I have been pigging out like crazy. Let me just back track 2 hours ago, I had 3 baklavas, a beer, dips and baguettes, freshly backed chocolate chip cookies, 6 cigarettes among many other things. That in itself is a really unhealthy snack. Amazingly after living here in Paris, I have dropped about 5kg in 2 months without having to stick to a diet or some sort of regime. But then again, I am forced to walk up 3 floors every time I get home and 2 floors at Saint Honore. I haven't felt better. To top t off I started ballet at the beginning of the month. I am not exactly a swan. still quite an awkward duck flapping its way through clumsy stumbles and childlike giggles which doesn't quite amuse anyone but my immensely patient and devoted "danse professor".

I was to choose between having another of my "accidental" naps which normally exceeds my quota of 30 minutes a day. Somehow I always end up waking two hours later than schedule during those devilish naps. It was a nap or treating myself to a minuscule shopping adventure at Lafayette. Ladies you choose since both are just as tempting to me as royal cupcake icing. I somehow manage to convince myself that another nap would turn out disastrous for my sleeping patterns so off I went to Lafayette after collecting my dry-cleaning from the local launderette.

Once I got off the station off I went in a frenzy. Everything somehow looks glistening and desirable. Even things that it utterly useless (come to think about it now) is a need. I guess that is the appeal of window displays and the decors of the store. I came back with a practical everyday handbag which could also pass off as professional (I have a major problem with handbags, somehow they all seem so practical until I start using it, it is probably leads to another "more practical" one... I have bought 3 bags in the last five weeks), a vintage-looking rouge mocca maker, a bottle of limited edition Evian John Paul Gaultier (which I manage to get it for a steal), a tastefully delicate Gag & Lou gold skull bracelet ( something Nicole Richer would certainly attest to), freshly grind coffee, and a list of other things from the gourmet section.

After my so-called adventurous outing, I came home and pulled out a chilled mini beer from the fridge while having another Vogue Menthe cigarette between my teeth while trying to light it with my other hand. Multi-tasking is great but quite a bitch sometimes. I then rummaged through my paper bags cleared out most of it while randomly throwing them around. Which reminds me I ought to clear out my new buys that has been left on my bed since yesterday noon. I've been quite a mess lately, not emotionally of course but making a mess seems to be my forte. I then remembered that I seem to be forgetting something. Then I went through my massive junk-storing handbag and found a coin size plastic container (if you may) wrapped up in a mini bag from Lafayette, with my new favourite buy comfortably resting in it.

I excitedly unscrewed the quirky container and almost instantly, put it on (or at least attempted to put that little sucker on). The jewelry in itself is rather fine (and I do not mean by the definition of urban dictionary). Then I spotted the clam clipper and quickly unfastened it while admiring the beautiful handcrafted skull. I then cling it on to my right hand (since it would only seem natural to be since I wore my watch on my left while everything else on the right). I attempted to clip it on a few times but to no avail. I was about to lose my patience at about my 20th attempt. It felt like I was wrestling with it after 15 minutes. I thought to myself, this is insane I am twenty-five, independent and certainly capable of doing things by myself and I can't seem to fucking put a piece of jewelry on myself? This is all very reminiscence of Samantha Jones in Sex in the City where she was unable to put on some sort of diamond necklace and where she needed to find a man to put it on and take it off every time.

Then it hit me. Am I not suppose to wear jewelry unless I find a man to wear it for me? Is this a sign to tell me, "hey hunney, it's about time to settle down"? So does it mean that jewelries are not made for singles? Well unless you bring your necklaces, bracelets, chains, anklets, (and whatever you may) out with you just to have your "mate" to wear it for you in public? Goodness that would just be plain humiliating, wouldn't it? Imagine asking a perfect stranger, "Could you please help me with this because I don't know how to put on my own jewelry?"

At the 15th minute which felt like an hour of self-embarrassment and ridicule from a piece of lifeless junk, I contemplated on going back to the store getting a refund or an exchange. But then again, what would I tell the lady? To further ridicule myself and admitting to her "Oh I'm sorry but I'd like a refund because I am incompetent at wearing a simple piece of bracelet by myself". It sounds all too very simple to say it in English as a native speaker could probably taste the sharp irony in that statement and probably glance over a quick look of sympathy, but how on earth would I say that in French? Would it still give the same impact? Or would she misinterpret my intentions? For starters they shouldn't even put such un-user friendly items on the market, seriously. I give up. When I was just about to... miraculously it just clicked and the clamp clipper just slipped in comfortably onto the tail of the bracelet.

I'm speechless. You go figure.

Xx Lou

There's No Place Like Home" -Paris 09

2009-08-02T20:50:00.019+02:00

I have officially settled down in a new place I now call home, Paris. The insanely fashionable city with the utmost chic inhabitants and the over the top prices for almost everything. In my case, by this I mean cigarettes for 5.30 euros for a pack of Vogue. As many of you may have known Paris is segmented into various district. Allow me to break it down for you. The first or what they call the premier arrondisement is where the heart of the city is, literary. It's right in the middle of the city and basically where the famous rue Sanit Honore lies. I'm there practically every weekday, not by choice. I live in the second or deuxieme arrondisement which is just about 20 minutes walk away from Lourve Museum where Mona Lisa lives.

Then there is the 18th arrondisement where Montmartre is, well to put it simply it's extremely infamous for being the red light district of the city. That is probably why Moulin Rouge is situated there as well. Also, the cafe where "Amelie" was shot (a little cosy red cafe filled with tourist almost everyday) just to witness it in all it's glory and claim to fame! They even have a breakfast set menu called the Amelie Breakfast at an affordable 8.80 euro. You can easily get there by taking line 2 (light blue line) to Anvers and it is about 3 to 4 minutes walk from the station which is only too convenient.

It's really sinking in that I am finally living the life that I always wanted to live, which is having to pursue what I always wanted while going through a self-discovery. I even started ballet lessons at the Marais Dance Centre at 25! Plus it really doesn't help that I speak so little french but my "danse professeur" is nothing short of a sweetheart. It's only been about 4 weeks now and I got to know so many fabulous and what's more marvelous people. You know what they say about the French? Arogant and rude? It's really quite the contrary. They are one the nicest people ever! Seriously. I mean why would anyone have greetings like Bon soiree, Bon week-end, or Bon journee?

One thing's for sure the cliche of Paris being the city for love. It's true. My neighbours are at it all the time. The disturbing part is that I not only can hear her moan, I can hear him as well! Oh well there are more about my neighbours that I can and will later on write about since my apartment is facing the courtyard, I can practically hear and see almost everything. Well when they do not have the decency to close their curtains or blinds at least.

Alright back to my point about friendly Parisiens. I was lost a couple of times walking around the city and once I was looking for the Christian Louboutin boutique and missed it by a mile! Alright maybe not by a mile but a quite a distance. Then I started asking people for directions and somehow 5 people from the Boulgerie started helping me out. Then another came by and offered to drop me there because as according to him it was on the way to where he was heading. I was rather skeptical at first, I don't even trust strangers with my camera. Honest! But somehow he seemed rather trust worthy so I took him up on his offer.

I later learned that his name was Pierre and seeing that I was looking for a Louboutin boutique, he could tell that I love shoes ( or know a tad aboout shoes, if you may). We had a short conversation about what I was doing in Paris, where I was from and so on. Then he said that I should check out his boutique at Royal Palais. I was puzzled, he laughed he said "Oh I'm a shoe designer as well and my store is located at Royal Palais." I told him that I would but honestly at that point in time I thought "Okay. Odd. Is he kidding?"

Then almost instantly we arrived at the junction of Louboutin and I thanked him and he said it was a pleasure meeting me. I didn't really think much about it. I just headed on to the boutique. A few days later I was waiting at St Michel for my friends for cafe but as usual they were all late and I was stucked waiting right beside the fountain looking like a fool. To pass the time I just hopped on to the closest newspaper agent and got myself a Vogue (magazine not cigs).

My friends arrived a little later and we got to a local cafe. I was just chatting with them as usual as I was flipping through the pages of the magazine. Then something caught me. A rather familiar face. I almost choked when I read the feature on that person. It was Pierre. Pierre Hardy. He was Pierre Hardy! One of the up and coming designer of Paris and already have fans all over Tinseltown from Kate Bosworth, Jennifer Connelly, Cameron Diaz, Madonna, Demi Moore, Hillary Swank, Uma Thurman, Kylie Minogue, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joanna Preiss, Chloé Sevigny, Amira Casar and for the lads P Diddy, Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes, Sébastien Tellier, Daft Punk and the list goes on and on! Plus I later found out he was on NY Times. Yikes who knew? He is so down to earth and I was just humbled that anyone would be so nice to drop me at a store that wasn't theirs.

I couldn't believe it. Seriously it's just weird. Nothing like this has ever happened to me. I rid in a car with a complete stranger and he just so happened to be an OTT sought after designer? No one would believe me. But it doesn't matter because as long as I knew that it did. That is Paris for you, you will never know who you would encounter. For now just wear those shades and dress a little nicer when you go out. You never know when luck would strike.

Oh and another thing. You would never believe who I bumped into on Saint Honore the other day (I told my bestfriend and she's still green with envy). Dita VOn Teese! The rest of my friends were too chicken to ask whether if she was but I just ran after her with my camera in hand like a damn paparazzi. I looked like crap in the picture so I have cropped myself out. Who knew she was so soft spoken and petite, mind you I'm only 5"3 (163 cm) and she's only slightly taller!

That is two encounter in 4 weeks. More to come. For now I will just savour the city and the moment that I am in. I'm loving it here and I wouldn't exchange it for anything else. Not even a beautiful lad in my life (somewhere else). For once I can admit that I am loving my life as it is.

Mille Baisers (Thousand Kisses)
Lulu

Paris in Your Shopping Bag

2009-06-28T18:00:00.002+02:00

If this is your motto, and seeking out bargains is your favourite sport, a plethora of specialized shops can keep you winning all the way. The merchandise in these boutiques, either seconds or from previous collections, is available at considerable discounts off the original price. In Paris, the majority of ready-to-wear stock shops are to be found in the 14th “arrondissement”, in the stretch of the rue d’Alésia that runs from the avenue de Maine to the rue Raymond-Losserand (metro stations Alésia or Plaisance).

I for one have never met a vintage Chanel purse that I didn’t like, so when I stumbled upon Les 3 Marches de Catherine B., a luxury consignment shop in the 6th arrondissement, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

Hidden away on rue Guisarde, this little gem is a mecca for people who appreciate classic French designers such as Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton. The boutique only carries “gently-used” clothing, shoes, jewelery, handbags and luggage by these three designers. There are even some couture pieces tucked inside.

The boutique is divided into two storefronts, so take care not to miss one. The smaller one is dedicated to jewelery, watches, scarves and handbags, and the other one next door displays clothing, shoes and luggage.

This is not a cheap store.

But it’s the place to go if you are looking to make a special purchase.

Some of the pieces will make you weak at the knees. Let me give you some of the highlights. On a recent visit, there were brightly patterned Hermès scarves, and Birkin and Kelly bags in abundance. I loved the collection of Chanel earrings and simple chain necklaces. There was even a three-piece Louis Vuitton luggage set.

Prices ranged from anywhere between 150 to 4,000 euros, or $195 to $5,200, and beyond. But there were bargains to be found. An orange Epi leather Louis Vuitton purse was on sale for 250 euros and a stunning beige jersey Chanel handbag with a chain-link shoulder strap was on sale for 500 euros.

Les 3 marches de Catherine B.; 1 Rue Guisarde, 33-1-43-54-74-18 or 33-6-80-58-73-25

Alternatives
Most of the clothing in this small store has been left by models. So, you can count on the latest styles and “in” designers such as Matsuda, Yamamoto and Michel Klein. There are men’s suits, and women’s separates and jackets. 18 rue du Roi de Sicile, 4e, M° St-Paul, Tue-Sat, 11am to 1pm & 2:30-7pm, tel: 01 42 78 31 50

Misentroc
Two boutiques featuring men’s and women’s designer clothing. The shop on rue Vavin is more youth-oriented while the one on rue Notre-Dame-des-Champs is more classic. In one or the other you’ll find clothing by Yves Saint Laurent along with Agnès b., in addition to Hermès scarves. It’s mainly ready-to-wear, with an occasional true haute couture item. 63 rue Notre-Dame-des-Champs & 15 rue Vavin, 6e, M° Vavin, Tue-Fri, 10:30am to 1pm & 2-7pm, tel: 01 46 33 03 67

Réciproque
Welcome to the biggest complex of clothing resale stores in Paris. Founded in 1978 by Nicole Morel, it now takes up practically the entire block! Prices here are high, but the selection and range is unbeatable. Be prepared for a great collection of designer scarves and shawls, and a whole rack of Chanel suits (don’t worry, the missing buttons have been removed on purpose and will be sewn back on at no extra cost at the time of sale). 88-123 rue de la Pompe, 16e, M° Rue de la Pompe, Tue-Fri, 11am to 7:30pm, Sat 10:30am to 7:30pm, tel: 01 47 04 30 28

Guerrisol
It isn’t glamorous, it doesn’t sell designer clothes, it’s in a poor work-a-day neighborhood... Yet this is one of the best know stores in Paris for used clothes (used with a capital U). There are piles upon piles and racks upon racks of used garments spread out over several stores. You simply can’t beat the price. The secret is that they buy used clothing collected by nonprofit associations all over Europe. After being washed, ironed and disinfected, the items are then sent to the various stores. So, if you have an eagle eye and are willing to spend some time sifting, bargains (that’s with a capital “B”) can be found. 19-33 av de Clichy, 17e, M° Clichy, open Mon-Sat, 10am to 7pm, tel: 01 42 94 13 21

This article is loosely based on excerpts from Jeanne Feldman’s shopping guide, “Best Buys and Bargains in Paris.”

Insider's top places to shop in Paris

2009-04-27T05:38:00.005+02:00

Shoppers love Paris, but a spree in the fashion capital can be hard on the wallet. Lennox Morrison finds out where real Parisians go to buy top labels at a fraction of the cost!

Style guide ... Parisians know where to find bargains in the fashion capital. Photograph: Roy McMahon/Corbis

In the glittering hush of the designer palaces on avenue Montaigne, Russian and Chinese tourists unload serious amounts of new wealth. The average Parisian, however — on net monthly earnings of €1,500, according to the Institut National de la Statistique — shops very differently.

Designer seconds at Mistigriff

Rising star of the fashion world, milliner Estelle Ramousse loves to truffle out stylish bargains to wear with her beautiful one-off hats and head dresses. She recommends designer seconds outlet Mistigriff, where she can choose from some of the best known names in men's, women's and children's wear, discounted by 25 to 85%.

"The labels are removed so that you can't take them to the designer's own shop for free alterations," says Estelle. "I've found Kenzo and Dolce & Gabanna, hugely reduced."

· 83-85 rue St-Charles, 15th, Metro Charles-Michels, Monday-Saturday, 10 am-7.30 pm, men's, women's, children's wear, www.mistigriff.fr

Vintage at Ding Fring

Behind the shabby façade of Ding Fring, one of the city's few charity shops, there's a wide range of immaculately laundered secondhand clothes. The garments are colour-coded but chainstore labels hang alongside designer and vintage. "It's a real gold mine," says Estelle. "I've found Diesel and Dsquared." A Daniel Hechter jacket is tagged €30 (£20.50), a Quiksilver shirt €9.50 (£6.50). Women's Levis are €16 (£11), an Emanuel Ungaro silk cocktail dress €100 (£68.50). In the changing rooms, the paint is peeling, but you can take as long as you like.

· 340 rue de Pyrénées, 20th, Metro Pyrénées. Tuesday to Friday, 10am - 1pm, 3pm - 7pm; Saturday 10am - 7pm; Monday 3pm – 7pm

Shoes at André

Luxury shoemakers like Christian Louboutin display their wares like works of art in a gallery and Parisians love to lécher les vitrines (literally, lick the windows). But they're more likely to cross the threshold at one of the many branches of André.

As well as their own moderately priced footwear, each season this chainstore invites hot fashion designers like Katherine Pradeau and Bali Barret to create exclusive shoe and handbag collections. "You can buy cutting edge design at affordable prices," says Estelle.

· 106, rue de Rivoli, 1st, Metro Châtelet, Monday to Saturday, 9.30am - 8pm, and branches throughout Paris, www.andre.fr

The Skinny on Rich Hollywood

2009-04-24T01:44:00.002+02:00

Super Rich & Skinny. If this sounds like some sort of a melodramatic tag line, think again! I'm talking about the hippest, sassiest, brand that specifically caters to denim lovers! What's not to love! This brand says it all, it's glamorous and only for the rich and skinny, but don't take it too literary because it also fits ladies with a fuller 'behind'. Some of their famous clients are Blake Lively, Kim K, Rihanna, Hillary Duff, Teri Hatcher, Beyonce, Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba and well the list is endless (it's prolly worth 2 paragraphs of name dropping on its own right). The plus point? You can shop for it from any parts of the world through their KILLER website, Rich&Skinny. Viola! Trust me, there's so much to love with this brand! In fact I'm buying a few pairs online this sec! But u'd have to do it fast because by the time I'm at checkout, the stock is already out since I spent my time blogging. Ah precious moments! Damn!

Also, for those of you (like me) who have less of a booty make sure to check out Blue Jeans 101or Joe's Jeans they make push-up jeans (instead of a wonderbra) for unimpressive bum bums. Hmmm sounds like a treat aint it?! i.e.: Honey Booty Fit Jeans. How could you not love the name?

FYI, here's Hayden Panettiere in a pair of bootcut Joe's Jeans.

Xx

Most Anticipated Flick!

2009-04-22T11:04:00.008+02:00

Just one day after director Ron Howard attempted to preemptively silence the inevitable backlash to the Da Vinci Code prequel, two international Catholic groups have ignored his olive branch and sparked a holy war of words of their own.

Howard yesterday implored Catholic League president Bill Donohue to actually view the would-be blockbuster before continuing his tireless efforts to denounce the film as anti-Catholic. Today, Donohue responded by calling the film's premise—an admitted work of fiction—"a lie," and by calling Howard himself "delusional."

But Donohue seems to take more issue with the best-selling book upon which the Tom Hanks-starring movie is based.

"Dan Brown says in his book that the Illuminati are 'factual' and that they were 'hunted ruthlessly by the Catholic Church,' " Donohue says, adding that the conceit is again repeated by Hanks in the film's trailer.

"All of this is a lie…But this hasn't stopped Brown from asserting that 'It is a historical fact that the Illuminati vowed vengeance against the Vatican in the 1600s.' "

As for Howard's assertion that "Catholics, including most in the hierarchy of the Church, will enjoy the movie for what it is: an exciting mystery, set in the awe-inspiring beauty of Rome," well, Donohue disagrees.

"Howard must be delusional if he thinks Vatican officials are going to like this propaganda—they denied him the right to film on their grounds. Moreover, we know from a Canadian priest who hung out with Howard's crew last summer in Rome (dressed in civilian clothes) just how much they hate Catholicism."

Another group is one-upping Donohue's opposition to the film. (Though the opposition is, sadly, not due to knowing someone who met someone who may or may not have once held up a light on set.)

The Catholic Bishops Conference of India, the nation's most powerful Catholic organization, has called for a flat-out ban of the film, saying its release in the country would only contribute to the dissemination of misinformation about the religion that could spread around the country, where little is known about the belief system.

"This film could seriously hurt religious sentiments," CBCI spokesman Father Babu Joseph said. "Christianity is not understood by the majority of people in India yet, and many non-Christians may mistake the content as the truth."

As it stands, the Mumbai-based Sony Pictures Releasing India is expected to distribute the film in the country, though an official from CBCI has already written to the Central Board of Film Certification to reconsider allowing the film to run.

The CBFC has yet to respond to the request, as Sony has not yet submitted the film to the censoring body.

A similar dispute arose in India over 2006's The Da Vinci Code, though no ban was issued. Instead, Sony agreed to add a disclaimer to the end of the film, underscoring that the movie was a work of fiction.

Angels & Demons is due out May 15.

http://www.angelsanddemons.com/

Hermes Lindy

2009-04-20T19:19:00.004+02:00

I have absolutely fallen head over heels for this bag! It's gorgeous! It's a practical, spacious, slouchy leather bag (well you can opt for a dual canvas/ leather version as well) but I'd much rather the full-leather version. This version of the Hermes tote range isn't exactly new but at the beginning I didn't think too much of it but now... well now I'm just crazy about this bag! Lindy is the fabulous younger "cousin" of the older/ classic range of Birkin, having said that it's not exactly much cheaper than a Birkin. It costs starts from a staggering USD$5300.

The Hermes Lindy is a stylish and super functional bag with double sided compartments so you can keep your stuff separate and organized. I love how it collapses in the center when empty but expands to hold all the essentials a girl needs to look gorgeous throughout the day. There are two ways of carrying the bag, sling it on like a messenger or hand carry it which gives it two different looks! What are bargain! I would most definitely say that it's the perfect staple to their Spring collection.

Oh for the love of God it has been a long long time since I have fell so much in love with a bag! Now to think about it the last time I got insanely crazy about a bag was the Balenciaga studded emerald green bag, then their small motorcycle leather covered studded ones in grey. Wait, and there was the Mulberry after that and then the black classic Channel tote in Jan. So Lindy is a definite trade up from all my other previous bags. Think I would have to start saying up soon. Wonder how long would it take? Maybe another 4 years! Goodness I just hope it's a lasting slash timeless style. Guess I would only be able to tell when I can afford it in 4 years time. For now, I can just shamelessly drool every time I see the bag on display in rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Xx

Nicole Richie's New BFF!

2009-04-15T13:10:00.003+02:00

If you thought the title indicates that Nicole will be doing her own spin on Paris Hilton's My New BFF, then you've got that wrong. For a fact, Nicole will not be doing a Paris (well, not any time in the near future). Why is that? Well because she's too busy being a mum and well "baby hanging" (a.k.a hang out with other mothers and their infants). Well aparently she also manages to get herself a couple of new BFFs. It may be surprising to some of you but she has started "baby hanging" a lot with Miming-Ashlee-Simpson and Mrs Simpson. Pretty strange, but it has been reported that they have been so close to the point that she refers to Ashlee's mum as Tina. Heck, they even snaped pictures together.

Another one of her new BFF is Samantha Ronson who coincidentally just broke up with LiLo (which also coincidentally are enemies with Nicole). Some thinks that the reason Sam Ronson has started being all chatty with Nicole is due spite, but well guess sometimes you would surely need a shoulder to cry on especially after such a painful breakup. Oh drama, drama, drama. Don't we just love it, makes our lives just a tad more interesting. I guess it does make sense for Nicole to start hanging out with AS, afterall they're both 'rocker' mums.

Update: Nicole reportedly twittered this yesterday
One is always prettier, cooler, or more talented. Everyone has a favorite Simpson. & mine just joined Twitter. Yes, I'm talking about Tina2:25 PM Apr 14th from web

Xx toodles

Rob Pattison Proposed?!

2009-04-14T14:34:00.007+02:00

I was googling moments earlier and a news article just popped out of no where with "Robert Pattison's Proposal" as it's title on China Daily . I could have sworn I almost died! So here it goes;

Kristen Stewart who is dating 'Will and Grace' star Michael Angarano - said Pattinson was so "into" his character while filming the vampire movie he convinced himself he was in love with her.

She said: "Rob is very mysterious and very intense - and totally crazy. He proposed to me one day! Pattinson added: "I can't believe I did that! That's really getting into character. It's pretty extreme."

Most girls would kill to be in Stewart's position, but she insists there is nothing "going on" between her and Pattinson, 22. Stewart said: "I'm sure he's proposed to loads of girls before. He's a complete jokester!"

Pattinson agrees: "My favourite chat-up line when I was younger was to go straight up to a girl and say, 'Will you marry me? I don't want to mess around'. These days, Pattinson is less outrageous, but claims he will never be as clean-cut as 'High School Musical' star Zac Efron.

He said: "I don't think I could be the new Zac. I've met him and he's really good at not offending anyone. He's a really cool guy in reality. "He'll never do anything that'll be misconstrued. No one will ever say, 'Oh that guy is an idiot.' There's nothing bad you can say about him, whereas I'm told I'm an idiot - frequently!"

Phew! That was close!I'm sure if this were to be true, I can hear millions of girls around the word screaming simultaneously along with me.

Dear Diary: Good as New

2009-04-14T13:28:00.007+02:00

Tuesday 14.04.09
Time: Unspecified

Dear Diary,

I must admit I wasn't expecting myself to ever be happy again (well at least not this soon). But how would anyone one know that they have moved and and ultimately, happy again? To begin with I have always been a skeptic when it comes to happiness and getting feedback from people who believe in it, doesn't make anything easier. Honestly, it doesn't. It just further confuse my state of mind. But I did in fact discover this last night when I was about to get off work. I was just packing my laptop and all the junk that goes with it and without noticing I started humming a tune. It felt odd once I realised what I was doing, humming. Some might sneer at the thought of it but in fact it did feel good, great actually. I was back to myself and I'm glad to have it that way. Then it hit me, I am, in fact relief and well (like I have said earlier) happy. Noticeably, I haven't quite use the word for a while. Instead most often than not I have been referring myself as the juxtaposition of happiness. he complete synonymous with contrast, I might add. I honestly couldn't be any happier with myself (or by myself for that matter). It's a great feeling and to think I was at my lowest low not too long ago. It is amazing just thinking back now. Naively, I thought that the only time that I would ever be happy again is when I were to find someone who loves me unconditionally. But this feeling is not from someone else, it's from me internally. I truly belief that in order to be a happier person, you would have to start accepting your flaws and embrace it without shame. It works, trust me.

Then it all started to make sense. I was told once by a participant during an interview while trying to gain some consumer insight, that if you were to do something seven times in a row, it becomes a habit. Initially I thought, what BULL but I have been proved wrong. Why? You asked. Well I think I now know what was the contribution to my unhappiness to start off with. It was because I was so used to getting late night phone calls and cutesyshitarse text messages from this certain someone. It went on long enough that I actually made myself believe that without it, I would be incomplete. So when it all came to a halt, I did too. But then progressively a week then two went on, it had become a norm. I was no longer expecting those calls. The expectations no longer existed in my mind. As I dug deeper I realised that because I haven't been getting "these" calls, it has become my norm. I am now accustomed to it. So for those of you would feel that you can no longer live without your significant other, think again. But be warned you would first have to be emotionally independent.

My advice? Do not get together with someone for the wrong reasons. With that I don't mean looks or their monetary status, heck if it serves you well then go ahead with it. What I mean here is that be with someone because you "want to" and not because "you need to". It will be much more liberating knowing that you are with someone because you sincerely enjoy and choose to have their company and not because without them you would not be able to identify who you are. I got this out of a Richard Templer book about "Rules of Love" and it makes a hell lot of sense. Yup, it is sad that I am reading some sort of self-help book. But hey if it works for me then I will just continue with my so-called regime without shame. What can I say, life's good. Now I just can't wait to get out of my shell and live up to who I was once more.

Xx

Y Yeah Yeah Yeahs changed tune?

2009-04-14T02:12:00.004+02:00

When a band who made their name by blasting out ear- splitting power chords decide to turn off their amps and switch to synthesisers, it is clear that something odd is afoot.

Pop, it seems, is going through one of its periodic sea changes - and irrepressible American trio the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are among those re-writing the rules.

The New Yorkers have never been run-of--the-mill. Fronted by the colourful Karen O - a fearsome live performer and reluctant style icon - they emerged as a raw garage band, alongside The White Stripes and The Strokes, in the early Noughties, putting vim and vigour back into a flagging rock scene.

And it wasn't just Karen who attracted attention, either. Guitarist Nick Zinner was hailed for his musical brilliance as the band clawed their way out of the scuzzy clubs of New York. Rocker Marilyn Manson even called him the best guitarist in the world.

Now, however, with an exhilarating new album, It's Blitz!, set to give the band their first UK Top Five hit on Sunday, Zinner's guitar has been put back in its case.

With Lady GaGa leading the charge on the charts, Eighties synth heroes Depeche Mode and the Pet Shop Boys making impressive comebacks and talented British newcomers like Little Boots waiting in the wings, much of 2009's most talked about music is being created electronically.

Keen to allay any suspicions of bandwagon jumping, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs - who formed after Karen met Nick, 34, in a New York bar - say that they decided to change their sound last year, when they began work on It's Blitz! in a remote New England farmhouse.

'A lot of bands are moving collectively towards electronics,' says Karen, 30, whose sweet manner contrasts starkly with her wild-eyed behaviour onstage.

'It's a sound we've flirted with before, but the time seemed right to make a whole album using synthesisers.

'There hasn't been a new rock record I've loved in years, so it wouldn't have felt right to make another guitar album. Once we started writing, it was obvious we had to change.'

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs certainly sound like a band reborn on their new songs, which blend pop and dance music in the sassy, knowing style of acts such as Blondie and The Talking Heads.

Their 2006 album Show Your Bones had been difficult to make. Zinner and jazz-trained drummer Brian Chase, 30, were said to be unhappy with Karen's decision to bring in producer Sam Spiegel (the brother of her former boyfriend, film-maker Spike Jonze). They say they are 'much happier' as a band now.

Born in South Korea to a Polish father and Korean mother, Karen (the 'O' stands for Orzolek) spent her childhood in New Jersey. She met drummer Brian when she was a student at Oberlin College, a posh private university in Ohio, and the pair kept in touch after they both moved to Brooklyn.

After an abortive attempt at forming a folk duo with Nick, Karen started the Yeah Yeah Yeahs with Chase and Zinner in 2001. Deciding against recruiting a bass guitarist, they opted to stay a trio and played their first gig, supporting the similarly bass-less White Stripes, in a downtown club.

'I don't have many memories of our early shows,' admits Karen. 'I was out of my mind on adrenaline and booze, but we had a wild time. I was hell-bent on getting a reaction from the crowd. Something happens to me when I sing live. It's as if someone flicks a switch and mayhem ensues. I'm a Jekyll and Hyde character.'

Karen has become as well-known for her onstage antics - she was once taken to hospital after inadvertently cavorting off the stage and injuring herself - as her singing.

Her sense of style became another of the band's trump cards, with female fans copying the futuristic space costumes, prom dresses and skeleton suits made for her by New York designer Christian Joy.

Karen now lives in Los Angeles, and is dating video director Barnaby Clay. As a songwriter, though, she still seeks inspiration in the angst of her teenage years. Tales of broken relationships have featured prominently on all three Yeah Yeah Yeahs albums.

The haunting Maps, from debut album Fever To Tell, was recently voted the best alternative love song of all time by music magazine NME.

'Musically, I'm a grown-up kid,' laughs Karen. 'And I think that goes for anyone who's still in a band when they reach 30. I still get most of my inspiration from my adolescence. As far as writing songs goes, it's the best phase of life to tap into.

'In your teens, you spend your time wondering whether your boyfriend will still be there for you tomorrow. As you get older, you settle into the idea that you actually deserve to be loved. But a love song can't be faked. The best songs are the ones that you are simply compelled to write.'

• It's Blitz! is out now on Interscope. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs tour opens on April 2 at Manchester Academy.
Adapted Daily MailUk2

Sam Ronson & LiLo's Accidental Reunion

2009-04-14T01:57:00.002+02:00

Lindsay Lohan was dining with her mom, Dina, when who should be at the exact same restaurant but ex-girlfriend Samantha Ronson. Coincidence?

Sam was out of town deejaying this weekend, but returned in time for a quick run-in on Sunday night at Cecconi's restaurant in West Hollywood.

Sam was eating with a group of guys, but a source says she ventured over to the Lohan table for a brief hello before leaving alone.

According to another source (Lindsay), there is no truth to the report that she was "totally smashed" at a Friday-night fete in the Hollywood Hills...

OK! magazine reported that people were pouring vodka into her cup. "She was way beyond incoherent," the mag claims.

But Linds tells E! News exclusively that she's still sober. "I was drinking something called Neuro Bliss," she says.

According to their website, the health drink is “proven to relax neural tissues, and to enhance brain activity, focus and provide a sense of well-being.” That's a new twist on drinking away the breakup blues.

Adapted E!

Dear Diary: I'm Dyslexic

2009-04-13T16:16:00.009+02:00

Monday 13.04.09

Time: Unspecified

Please, it’s not as serious as it sounds. I grew up in less than an encouraging environment, book wise. Well don’t get me wrong my parents are wonderful people and have given me and my siblings more than we can ever asked for. It’s just that I never had it in me to read. So when I was off to boarding school at a tender age of 14 I never really read a book. Well, I have attempted to but because since young I have always had a short attention span, I could never go through with anything from start to finish. During my primary years, my friends would talk about the types of books that they have read and that was where I really felt left out. So when I got to boarding school, I remember vividly during one of my English lesson, the tutor told us that we had to read Matilda. Most of my peers have already read it so it was a breeze to them. I was anxiously waiting for my turn to read the book out loud and I rather worried that I would have made a fool of myself. No doubt, I did.

The boy who sat beside me just completed 4 whole paragraphs of reading and then my English tutor turned to me indicating that my turn was due. I hesitated for a moment and then read out loud in a cracking nervous mousey voice. I could handle the first two lines but when the third line came along I could have sworn I almost fainted because my mind couldn’t quite register the words. So I made it up as I went along. He frowned and was rather angry at me because he thought I was mocking the storyline. I wasn’t. I almost burst into tears when everyone started laughing. I not only couldn’t read but twenty five of my classmates have just witnessed my incapability. I sat there quietly as my tutor told me off. I was dumbfounded. I didn’t know why I couldn’t read. Was it all that difficult? Then why everyone else could do it so easily? The worst part was when it came to my written exam I always have more mistakes than I can ever imagine. Hell, I almost flunked English and yet I spoke it every day! I couldn’t even spell “scissors” until I was 16! I thought to myself that I must have been a demented child not knowing the basic fundamentals of my first language. Then I discovered that I have dyslexia. It is very common and it doesn’t mean that you are mentally disabled just unable to register within the cognitive part of your brain (or something along those lines). By the way, it doesn’t mean I am dumb or anything. Even celebs like Tom Cruise reportedly have it! As years gone by I went to college and prior to that I actually forced myself to pick up ‘interesting’ reads. The very first book which I read was Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone. Funny... a child’s read. Amazingly my very first book that I did (at last) manage to finish reading is when I was 17!

I must admit it did help me a lot. From then on I started reading, although I must admit I still have very very short attention spans. Nowadays I read 2 to 3 books at once (alternately). It’s distracting but then again I am so easily distracted, by reading a few books at a time is the only way which helps me get by. But if there’s any consolation to my progression I now truly enjoy reading. These past two months alone I have managed to have read three books in total. I must say, it’s quite an accomplishment for a girl that just started reading at seventeen! So I have made it mandatory for myself to start writing (this is knowingly one of my biggest passion). I might have made silly spelling mistakes here and there (for those of you who have been reading my blog) but it’s amazing that I can now even write as much as I do. Although admittedly for all these years I have been so dependent on Microsoft spell checks. The most embarrassing part was that when I started using msn a few years back. I have never told anyone about this but in the past every time I chat with a friend on messenger, the only reason that I take twice the amount of time as compared to the “average” to reply because I am constantly copying and pasting from Microsoft word. Just so I don’t make simple spelling mistakes and more importantly, make a fool of myself. One thing’s for sure, I just discovered something as I was blogging today. Once I completed my writing, it's a habit of mine to click on the "spell check" button. For the very first time once I hit the button, to my surprise the green lettering below the toolbar stated "no misspelling found". This is truly my happy ending.

Dear Diary: Table for One

2009-04-11T18:33:00.008+02:00

Sunday12.04.09
Time: Unspecified

Dear Diary,

It's another one of those Sunday afternoons. Slow, lazy, unproductive, and the weather was absolutely menopausal. It's raining now so i decided to blog via my mobile. How predictable of me isn't it? I woke up this morning feeling utterly bumped out knowing that today is my very last day of my weekend where i could just laze around doing nothing, possibly watching a movie from what's left of my DVD collection. Skimming through it just to find out that there isn't anything quite so appetising left. So i got up after an hour of sitting up having my routine 1.5litres of water bottle place conveniently by my bedside table. I thought to myself, lovely isn't it? Wished I could do this everyday. The sheer luxury of doing absolutely nothing! So i thought of just indulging myself in a good Thai foot massage. Heaven! I drove out and had an hour of treatment and of course it wouldn't be complete without the perks of having a free back and shoulder massage. It was about 2pm when i looked at the clock that was hung up symmetrically against the wooden beam and that's when I realised I haven't even had lunch yet. Tsk...

So right after my mini spa quick-fix indulgence, I hop on over to the diner next door. Talk about convenience for a laze tart like me. I went in and the attendee gave me an odd look when I told him, "table for one". I couldn't quite bother to be bothered since I was extremely famished at that point. So in no time I decided on a hot saucy dish of king prawns, chicken slices with tomato base pasta. I must say, I have quite the appetite. Thinking about it makes me drool, I know for a fact I am a true glutton (I need no reminders, thanks). I ordered an ice-lemon tea, well mainly because no.1 I'm a tee-total most of the days in a month and no.2 it's bottomless refill. Engrossed in my meal and drink and well a magazine that someone has clearly left it there by accident placed strategically on the bar top, I suddenly heard a voice. The bartender was clearing his throat and then he asked me, "Are you waiting for your friends?". I replied rather politely, "Nope, just me." Then it hit me, I use to do this ever so often when I was back in Melbourne without ever being asked and yet here, I would either get strange looks by onlookers or a considerably odd remark ever so often. It is almost as if it's taboo to watch a movie alone on a weekend just because you couldn't be bothered to 'compromise' with your mates which flick to settle on, or in my case for example I just decided to enjoy some well-deserving 'me-time' on my weekend. Honestly, I was rather glad. Strange you might say, but for me I am proud to say that I am happy doing things by myself. It sort of almost gives me a time to unwind and just focus on myself. I can do practically anything and not having to give in to anyone else that maybe having conflicting plans to mine.

It is sad to say that it is still socially unacceptable for people in this part of the world to (well..) accept it. Alright let me get it straight, I am not a loner it's just things that I do prefer to do on my own. Therefore, I am not afraid to be alone. Being by oneself may be difficult for some to handle, I mean... hey look at most girls nowadays that can hardly stay single for a week due to (they have admitted it themselves) fear of being alone/ lonely. I honestly feel that we should do it sometimes... Believe me you will start to get to know yourself a little better. Sure, it might start of as relatively uncomfortable at the beginning. If truth be told I use to hideout at my uni toilet during lunch while having a sandwich in a cubicle (it's very ala Mean Girls) but well shit happens and I am not afraid of admitting it. I am just glad that although I use to be once a timid little girl dragging along with me my baggage of fear of being seen alone to me now (4 years after) a girl who is actually embracing every moment of it. It's almost as if this very realisation gave me a sense of relief as to how independent I have become. Hey, come on I use to be the girl that couldn't even bear the thought of sitting alone, give me a little credit.

Xx

Sam Ronson Deletes Twitter Account!

2009-04-09T16:42:00.007+02:00

News Flash!

About a few hours ago, the following was posted by Samantha Ronson to the Twitter Team despite having 22, 682 followers.

samantha ronson (jackdaniels9) on Twitter
... please make my name samantharonson and delete the fake jackdaniels9? about 2 hours ago ... samantha ronson, Los Angeles. don't be mad UPS is hiring web ...m.twitter.com/jackdaniels9 - 7k - Cached - Similar pages -

If you were to try searching for her account jackdaniels9 the following below pops up;

Prior to deleting her account, Sam sent Nicole Richie a three worded message "unbreak my heart!"

Update: Don't fret just yet the Twitter management has managed to change her name on the account and to date she has 26, 455 followers. Talk about a change in numbers that's almost 2 thousand in less than 4 hours! Refer below for the latest updates from her personally;

@petewentz I love it. I feel like a newborn!about 6 hours ago from TwitterBerry

@BrendaRichie welcome!about 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

I got my name!!! Yay!about 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

Quote of the day "I just like the feeling of peeing outside..... Oh sh*t- this is fake grass"about 7 hours ago from TwitterBerry

@sonia300 ding ding ding! we have a winner!!!! yes! tonight we eat unleavened bread!about 8 hours ago from web in reply to sonia300

who knew @SlashHudson was on twitter.... i love technology!about 8 hours ago from web

@gnr4u i am now!!!about 8 hours ago from web in reply to gnr4u

@imsassy822 but don't i have to re-add everyone again?about 8 hours ago from web in reply to imsassy822

@tinkcupcake brand is free city. It's yummy!about 8 hours ago from TwitterBerry

@nicolerichie your mom is on twitter and isn't even following you..... And you didn't even know! @brendarichie about 8 hours ago from TwitterBerry

@DailyMandy I do. I do!about 9 hours ago from TwitterBerry

@mindykaling you should go to the site stuffwhitepeoplelike.comabout 9 hours ago from TwitterBerry

@nicolerichie @andylecompte do u remember when we tried to google the lyrics to top that?about 9 hours ago from TwitterBerry

Why is this night different than any other night?about 9 hours ago from TwitterBerry

@caroline can u please make my name samantharonson and delete the fake jackdaniels9?about 10 hours ago from TwitterBerry

@joelmadden @nicolerichie joel just got a survey call and told the caller "google me" and chuckledabout 12 hours ago from TwitterBerry

@CalebCalder i hope you stop stalking my house, creep.about 13 hours ago from web in reply to CalebCalder

At dcma store new sh*t is dope! U need this in your life.about 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

@DailyMandy best f*ckin news f*ckin ever!!!!!!about 14 hours ago from TwitterBerry

Xx

Jane Birkin Jr.

2009-04-09T14:05:00.003+02:00

Jane during her heyday

We started taking notice of Jane Birkin when she first emerged in the controversial 1960s art house film Blowup. Has it rung a bell yet? For those of you who haven't a clue as to where this is heading? Let me spell it out to you. She was the first person to own an Hermes Birkin. Hell, the bag was specifically made and designed for her by the head of the House of Hermes. How did it all started? She was about to board a plane in the 1981 and her friend and CEO Jean-Louis Dumas from the high end label witnessed her struggling with a number of travel carry bags. He instantly knew that she has great difficulties at trying to fit all her things in one bag. Six months later, Mr Hermes presented her with a monumental surprise of a Birkin prototype which took 6 whole months of detailed work to create. Then, as they say, the rest was history. Until today, it is still the most sought after handbag despite costing from US$7500 the waiting list still takes two years (compared to their previous 5 year waiting list).

An aging yet beautiful Jane and her Birkin

Who is she?
Infamous with her long tresses and short bangs, fashion with an essence of je ne sais quoi, and linkage with the Royal Family of Britain (where her cousin was the mistress of Edward VIII while he was still Prince of Whales). Jane Birkin has been married twice, first with John Barry then with Serge Gainsbourg. You probably know her two famous/ socialite daughters by now Lou Doillon (with her current partner/ director Jacques Doillon) and Charlotte Gainsbourg (with Serge). But what most of us wouldn't have known is that she is also the mother of renowned Paris based photographer, Kate Barry from her first marriage of 3 years.

Living with Serge

Middle child Charlotte

Charlotte spreads for fashion spread

Youngest Lou

Take Two: Lou

Unlike her two other sisters, Kate has made a name for herself away from the limelight and industry of celebutons. She is currently working Paris and have photographed the most famous faces of the entertainment industry from Sofia Coppola, Vanessa Paradis, Helena Bohem Carter, Monica Bellucci, both of her siblings and mother,to countless local Parisian socialites and celebrities. Her work is 'flawless', it has a sense of rawness to it. Nothing made up just all purely captured with an intimate setting and definitely non-manufactured.

Sofia Coppola by Kate Barry

Jane & Lou by Kate

Charlotte smokes on Kate's main portfolio page

Cécile Perrin Illustrated

2009-04-09T01:00:00.000+02:00

If you haven't heard about Cecile Perrin then it's about time that you did. I discovered her by accident this morning as I was googling to find out more about Kate Barry. It was certainly a pleasant surprise! I absolutely love her work and just felt like sharing with you some of her illustrations which I consider as nothing short of beautiful. She works in the same company as Ms Barry (if you are thinking who is this Kate Barry? I'll get to it later on my next post) in a photography/ illustration agency (Renate GalloisMontburn) based in Paris.

Xx

Mr Right... now?

2009-04-08T14:08:00.008+02:00

My heart still skips a beat when my phone rings and worst when it beeps. For the whole of this week, I feel like I am walking on egg shells. Fragile, flimsy and rather uncertain. It definitely sums how I am feeling inside. Last night, I pondered for a while I was having another cigarette break through the tiny opening at my balcony. I felt like a pigeon trapped and am still unwilling to accept my fears. I know it would be easier if I let it out so I made a phone call to an old friend of mine. She was away for about a week so she hasn't quite been in the loop of my utterly disastrous week. I'm really not sure what I expect to get from this. This constant longing while not being able to achieve practically anything. Still no phone call. I thought to myself while trying to briefly sum up to Abby* as to why I am feeling this way. Abby has been a friend of mine for 12 years now and we are fortunate enough have witnessed each other 'grow up'. She for one is lucky enough to have met her ideal soul mate and it has been and still is going strong for the past 9 years! Amazing isn't it?

I can't shake the feeling that I am ready for a full blown commitment and yet I only seem to bump into Mr Right Now or downright Mr Wrong-for-all-womankind. If it had happened once or maybe twice, I would say it's just a phase. But because it has happened in each and every of my 'encounter' I can't necessarily strike it out as a phase. I made myself believe that it is fate, more like the curse of bad fate. Abby tried consoling me while reminding me that maybe it is just not the right time. If now isn't the right time, then when would it be right? One thing's for sure I do get along with my exes and one in particular actually made the effort to 'resume' communication. Nothing spells genuine like making this much of effort which I am truly pleased. I have seen so many girls at my age fleeting from one lad to another. I do not think that it is the right thing to do but a part of me feels rather relief that ladies have the ability to act as freely (or as recklessly) as men. It's about time we taught them a good lesson.

When they say that times are changing, that nowadays it is no longer taboo for women to propose to their counterpart- I couldn't help but wonder what's next? Are we about to overturn centuries of beliefs of what women can and cannot do? Or were they just a saying from the feminist activist's point of view? Even if it were to happen wouldn't there be a power struggle? I for one am a hopeless romantic. I have always wished that my knight in shinning armour would rescue me from this mess and sweep me off my feet as he washes away my doubts and worries. Now thinking back it just reaffirms that it is nothing but a childish fairytale. A non-existent fairytale of a hopeful and poignantly ignorant little girl that leads to nothingness.

Over the past week it hasn't been pleasant for me, trying to put up a front that I am (as always) when I am actually torturing myself with such insipid thoughts. So when will waiting for the one be done? I wouldn't know. Most people that I have asked would tell me almost instantly that the more you think about it, the less likely that it would ever happen. Maybe that's why I can't stop thinking that I will end up a spinster on my death bed. Excuse my over dramatisation but I just need to have a 'release'. Yet, I am glad to report that for the past few days it has gotten easier. I do not check on my phone as often and have not thought too much about... well anything related to that person. I honestly feel that even 'this' will pass in time and soon I will no longer be dwelling over it.

For now, I will just keep myself preoccupied whether it is reading a book, submerging myself in work, something as unlikely as trying out for a play, writing, watching a new box set series, designing my soon-to-be new inking, or just trying to learn a new song in a foreign language. I guess it isn't so bad for me now that I have a certain few who I know that I can depend on. With this entry I am to promise myself that in a week or two this will no longer be bothering me. But for now, I am haunted by the feeling that I am constantly walking into disasters, as if I am in an SM relationship with myself.

Xx

John Mayer, It's Goodbye for Good

2009-04-08T13:31:00.000+02:00

It was reported earlier today that Jennifer Aniston has moved on from her break-up with John Mayer, and was seen having a good time at the David Lynch Foundation’s concert.

Aniston, 40, was seen smiling and checking out the cute guys at the party on April 4. “She looked really happy. There was a definite glow to her. She couldn’t stop smiling,” the New York Daily News quoted a witness as saying. “Jen checked out a cute guy walking in. She looked him up and down ... twice! She flashed him a beaming smile but got pulled back into a conversation with her girlfriends,” the witness said.

Aniston giggled with two gal pals, and appeared excited to be at the charity concert, which raised more than 3 million dollars to teach children how to meditate. “She was having so much fun. John and their issues seemed like the last thing on her mind,” the witness added.

On a seperate note, it was rumored that the song in question (performed last weekend) was about Jennifer, after Mayer released his new tune at the Heartbreak Warfare in Mayercraft Carrier just a month after ending his romance with the ‘Bruce Almighty’ actress.

The lyrics of the song are: "No one really every wins/In heartbreak warfare... Drop his name/Push it in and twist the knife again/Watch my face/As I pretend to feel no pain." He then continued singing, “Half of my heart is a shotgun wedding to a bride with a newspaper ring/Half of my heart is the part of a man who knows he’s never really loved a thing.”

However, John Mayer has rebuffed claims that the song is about Jennifer.

“The songs are subjective. The listeners are free to interpret and apply them to their own lives,” the Daily star quoted his spokesman as saying.

By the way, this t-shirt of him fits him perfectly well.

Sorry John but in this case I'm with Team Anniston. You really blew it this time.

Xx

Exquisitely Keyed at Tiffany & Co.

2009-04-06T14:54:00.002+02:00

You can definitely admit that nothing spells luxury like Tiffany & Co. Well of course there are Harry Winston and what not but this brand has arrived long before Breakfast at Tiffany's was produced during the 60s.

The following below is from their press release;

The new Tiffany Keys Collection is inspired by keys from the Tiffany & Co. Archives. The work of skilled goldsmiths and silversmiths, these exquisitely crafted vintage keys unlocked jewelry and keepsake boxes, albums, diaries and steamer trunks, as well as private clubs and country manors. Other archival keys encrusted with gems were designed as brooches and charms, incorporated in a coat of arms or given as giftsto heads of state.

These magical talismans are reworked in the Tiffany Keys Collection, each with a storied past now open to intriguing new interpretation in iconic pendants and charms. Crafted with utmost quality and suspended from fine, ball or oval-link chains, each one is elegantly expressed in 18 karat yellow or white gold, platinum with diamonds or sterling silver.The collection includes an array of fanciful designs: medallion-shaped keys that promise access to wondrous places; romantic heart-shaped keys that might keep love letters private; poetic flower-topped keys that are graceful and feminine; and luxurious keys set with sparkling diamonds.

Worn alone or layered, Tiffany Keys are innately chic, keepers of a mysterious message for the keyholder to know and the curious to imagine.

The keys are rather limited considering some stores only have two keys for each design. I was fortunate enough to get a hold of the second key from the right a couple days ago! It's gorgeous!

Xx

In My Own Words

2009-04-06T13:01:00.001+02:00

I hate to admit it but it's true sometimes we just have to suck it up and move along. Most of the time I just sit there and dwell about it, which also equates to plenty of time wasted. I couldn't help but wonder isn't it easier to just skip the "denial" part all together and quickly shift to "acceptance"? It had got me thinking a couple days ago when so many things stated happening all at once. It was like one eruption after another. It first happened to someone really dear to me, then it struck me... When they say, life is short how short are we talking about? A year, maybe five, possibly for some fortunate ones living til the age of 75 only to discover that they haven't quite fulfilled their list in life. I for one have just realised that although I maybe only in my mid twenties but if something unfortunate were to hit me, would I leave with even the slightest bit of contentment? It maybe silly for me to think about it now but like most, I would want to leave feeling that I have done it all- almost all that I am able to comprehend. I have roughly thought about it, I'm sure all of us have, things from sky-diving to having yourself inked to maybe even something as miscellaneous as being on telly!

But if we all dug deeper, ask yourselves, if you were to choose, "what is that one thing that you most definitely have to 'achieve' in this life?" Some maternal ones would reply, having a home with a backyard where their eldest son and twin girls can play in. For some it maybe their career, having to reach a certain height in the corporate leader possibly being a regional if not national director, while earning seven figures. Then if you were to ask someone in their teens, they would most probably say that they would want to be a millionaire before they hit 30! Maybe it's time we all sat down and have a good think about it, whether it is to travel the world, being a vegan, run the government, being a wife, something as juvenile as auditioning for Idol, then what's stopping you? We should really just stop thinking about what if's and live by the moment. In the past I've been, well let's just say, timid in making decisions and over thinking the consequences.

Why? I can honestly say that it is because I had a strong fear of failure, that in itself doesn't allow me to live with fulfilment. My turning point? It happened yesterday as I contemplated over and over just having to speak to someone due to (let's just blatantly state it) rejection. There were many possibilities as to how the person had reacted, although it puzzles me I can't change how the person act/ thinks/ feel towards me. I'm glad that I attempted to change things just to discover setback. At the very least, I took my chances and although my efforts were not acknowledged, I haven't any regret. I thought to myself, although I may not be feeling all too good about it, I will give myself time to heal, a week, maybe two at most a month and I should be back to myself in no time. At least, if I were to look back in time, I wouldn't have the curiosity "what if's" hazing me. I guess the best advise that I could give you is to pick yourself up whether literal or metaphorical, it's the least you could do for yourself. Suck it up and march on.

Xx

Best Post of the Day

2009-04-06T01:09:00.000+02:00

I'm not sure about how you would feel about this post, but it definitely connects to us at some certain level.

Can you Keep a Secret ?

2009-04-02T18:07:00.000+02:00

There's nothing new about this community. But for all of you out there who are still unfamiliar about them, PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. You can easily access these posts via their blog Post Secret . I guess it does help as a coping mechanism for most people. Especially when you have thoughts or some sort of bottled up feelings that you truly need to let it out. Yet, you if you do tell it to the people you know, whether family members or friends - they might most often than not, judge you for it.

I wouldn't refer it as being an exhibitionist for those who have sent in their posts. Just a good way to let it out, while not having to really let it out. Not sure do you get the point that I'm trying to make. Let's just say it does help to keep most, sane.

Allow me to let you in to something, I have just posted mine. You should too... It's liberating!

Xx

Rob Pattinson Secret GF?

2009-04-02T01:37:00.001+02:00

Why is Robert Pattinson asked about Kristen Stewart and Camilla Belle when there are just as many rumours about him and Nikki Reed? Would Pattz really be able to go undercover with a girlfriend?

So who is Nikki Reed? If you haven’t quite noticed she plays Rosalie Hale in the movie Twilight. Disturbing isn’t it? It seems that maybe Dr Cullen is a true matchmaker in real life as well, considering the plot of the first sequel. Reed is considered extremely talented screenwriter when she co-written and stared as the leading role in Thirteen (2003) at a tender age of 15. Guess we may have been fooled by Rob P. all these while.

A clever little detour, Rob you devil! You!

Xx

Kim Kardashian Shows Off Flaws

2009-03-31T18:01:00.002+02:00

Quote Source Kim K's Blog

"Hey guys,

So everyone has been putting up these pics from Complex Magazine showing the comparison of the original un-photoshopped photo that mistakenly was put up on complex.com.

This blog even went to the trouble to make an animation of the before and after. Complex later replaced the pic with the photoshopped version, causing all of this drama. But you know what, who cares! So what: I have a little cellulite. What curvy girl doesn't!? How many people do you think are photoshopped? It happens all the time!

At the same time as this Complex shoot, I was gearing up for my fitness DVD and you should see my thighs now!!! Haha! This all motivates me to stay in the gym because my goal this year has been to get in better shape and tone up! Hard work pays off!

I'm proud of my body and my curves and this picture coming out is probably helpful for everyone to see that just because I am on the cover of a magazine doesn't mean I'm perfect. You can check out more behind-the-scenes pics from the shoot right here. And they’re not retouched!

XO, Kim"

We can all admit one thing, this girl is still undoubtedly beautiful.

John Mayer's Whore Shorts

2009-03-31T13:12:00.000+02:00

Some may say it's mere fetish, while others would think he's just plain strange. Could his peculiar choice of clothing be the consequences of the rumoured breakup with Jen? Aparently not, since their possies have claimed the pair are still officially an item despite claims that he was dumped for his excessive twitting habit.

I really don't know what's worst, that he's turning into one of the crew of Village People or he still manages to keep a straight face in those "whore-tighties".
"Ahoy there captain!"

Xx misolikey

Confessions in Silence

2009-03-31T13:09:00.001+02:00

I told myself countless times to never wear my heart on my sleeves and yet I do it ever so often. I couldn't help but wonder what would be considered as my worst habit to date? Yes, I smoke, I swear just as bad as a pirate, I pig out immensely, I can be obnoxious but then again I am only human. I'm sure most of you could admit that very one thing we all have in common, our flaws. I'm not talking about frivolous inclination of nail bitting or hair-tossing. I'm really talking about something that could possibly drag you down as a person living your everyday.

I have found my biggest flaw and I'm not too pleased about it. So what is it? My emotions. They are the major culprit putting me helplessly in reach of an emotional turmoil. Blatanly speaking, I'm a wreck a damn shipwreck. Could it be, that it had been so long that I am how I've turned out today? I have gone through countless failed relationships I should have been accustomed to it by now. Most of the people who I know would probably think that it had happened so many times, why should it be any different to her now. Believe me when I say this, it does. It does matter every time when I turn into a self-concious, insecure person that is not normally who I am. However, this isn't who I am at other aspects of my life. I have been ambitious since young although thinking back now, I was once aiming higher than I could grasp. I always knew that I would have a bright future ahead of me, that nothing could ever get me down. Just when I thought, something did. It happened when I first met my first. He was insanely charming, credible, intelligent, if possible even more ambitious than I was. It ended and I thought I would never move on, but I did. It was a down spiral from then on.

I honestly wish I knew what the remedy was until I stumbled upon it. The trick is to emotionally detach yourself from the other. Maybe it's really time I started thinking like those "Mars Martians" since men are from Mars. Stripping off my feelings. Not having to worry about my emotional downfalls and have no issues about "taking it as it is" while being immersed in the moment. No guilt, no thought of consequences, having no apathy to no one, just mere guiltless pleasure. Last night, I went to bed thinking that I couldn't have felt more awful about myself. I felt emotionally betrayed. I was disgusted with that very person that made me feel that way. He had no remorse for his actions, he was my past that is stucked in my present. Little does he know that he suffers from commitment phobia. But how does one identify commitment-phobes? I've been so aquiented with his type that I have memorised every traits.

I could easily list twenty for you, so here you go;

1. They usually have a history of short relationships and they may never have been married - there is often an excuse that they haven’t met the right woman, or they justify their history by saying they still have plenty of time to settle down as they can have children at any age. A favourite line is "someday".

2. A person with the history of infidelity

3. They want a relationship but they also want freedom and space so they are often attracted to long distance relationships and busy independent women.

4. They are fast to move in on a woman they are attracted to, and they pursue ardently until they win the woman over. Once achieved they are complacent to feel that the thrill of the race is over.

5. They are very charming. They say and do all the right things and they can be very romantic. They are very good salesmen to get their own needs met, but in reality they have very little concern for the woman’s feelings, as they are always operating from hidden agendas.

6. These men are usually very affectionate and loving. This is because in their mind the relationship is not going to be long term, so they feel free to give affection and love, knowing it won’t be forever. It isn’t long though before they suddenly start rejecting the woman, by not ringing or not wanting to see her for days, or not including her in weekend arrangements etc. This is because they subtly want to give the woman the message that they don’t want a long term committed relationship.

7. Severe commitment phobics play the seduction/rejection game. They can’t make the decision to give totally to the relationship, but they can’t commit to walk away either. They feel trapped by both choices. They feel love for the woman when they don’t see her, but they want to run away when they become involved again.

8. Commitment phobics love the chase but they don’t want the kill. This may happen after 1 night, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months or 1 year. They may start sabotaging just as they are about to get married, or just before or after there's a decision made to move in together.

9. They spin stories to justify their contradictory behaviour, and when the woman threatens to leave the relationship they may make promises to change, but they never do.

10. They tend to limit the amount of time they spend with the women and treat her as a low priority.

11. They don’t like structure, particularly in their personal life. It’s all about taking things as it is. Their favourite line “just chill”

12. When they get the feeling they need to run, their words and actions are full of mixed messages. They play mind games.

13. A commitment phobic won’t allow the relationship to grow and they have no intentions of ever doing so.

14. They can have a history of unavailability and inaccessibility .They can be hard to contact, and they are often unpredictable when it comes to returning phone calls. They can even avoid answering calls completely.

15. Their living arrangements may be rather off-beat. They may have an apartment but they may rarely stay there, preferring to stay at friends places or ex-girlfriend’s.

16. They hate planning ahead because that means commitments.

17. They can be overly committed to their work or to their friends to avoid spending a lot of time with a woman.

18. Severe commitment phobics rarely lower their defences because they don’t want to get too close to a woman, or vice versa. If they do, they usually only give little pieces of their soul in well- planned instalments, except if they are having an affair. Affairs are perfect for commitment phobics as they feel completely safe to disclose and to chase, as commitment is not an option while they are in another relationship.

19. The word “forever” terrifies these men. Love doesn’t scare them; rather it is what love represents to them that scares them. This is due to their negative belief system about love and relationships.

20. They usually end up behaving worse and worse, and they sabotage more and more because they want the woman to end the relationship as they feel too anxious and guilty to do so.

So what have I learned? Since this is the first type of my encounter, I don't think that I attract these type of men altogether. It's just painful to see where it would have headed. I have learned from this and the only way to counteract from commitment phobes are to not need them. Meaning, not be dependent on them. Their lives revolves around having a "free" space where no one is to restrict them from being naturalistically flirtatious. It is just in their nature, to want women to want them and yet not wanting to have to commit. For them it is very much short term gain and nothing in the foreseeable future. Best match? One night stands with no strings attached. I'm silly enough to have believe that in his past relationship wasn't official because she just wasn't right for him. Now that's a 'jack' that states things to get his way.

I am glad that when I woke up this morning, my mind is clear as a bell. No longer clouded with misjudgement, no longer battered with the thought of losing him. There's really nothing to lose at all to begin with. I just have myself to gain, having my whole self just the way I was while being contented with who I am. I can't have a guy making me feel poorly about my self now, can i? I guess all I have to do now is play possum.

Xx

"I ain't Kanye West but I ma put you to the test"

2009-03-26T17:00:00.000+01:00

Still slightly puzzled? I'd put my dollar on it. I mean, for years or decades to be exact Tinseltown celebrities have been put to the test. They have been stalked, paparizzed, tormented, but also worshiped by their maniacs like they are the Holy Grail! What??? Yup, even celebs themselves have been self-acclaimed fans of other celebrities, what more us mere mortals? Remember the time when Ange kept a vial of Billy Bob's blood around her neck during the couple’s marriage? Down right strange. If it was one of her fans who did that, we would probably be served with a restraining order. Or worst, behind bars!

But come on let's not kid ourselves, shall we? I'm sure there have been only one too many of us who googles extensively just to have a taste of our dear celebutons' lives. Some of us have even gone to the extend of knowing every "likes" and "dislikes" and practically refer to wikipedia or their myspace as our bible. I could honestly tell you that I have been guilty of this (well, let's not go into the details), but then again who isn't? Why do you think that tabloids have such sky rocketing circulation? Even E! is possibly a more watched channel than all news platforms combined.

So now back to my point. Some "fans" really takes it a tad too far like that guy who impersonates that he's Kanye. Well I'm sure he doesn't look anything like Kanye since he's been only living his life online. "Fanye" (Fake- Kanye) has been on Twitter for months chatting with his gazillion fans about his tour, new gig, tracks and even telling others how he spends his daily life. The worst part? He started dissing people that are well acquainted with him in real-life. Twitter found out about it and banned him for good. Haven't you heard, Fanye? About the story of a kid from the hood that got shoot nine times? Wait, that's fifty.

Xx misolikey

Rob Pattinson's a Dirty Boy!

2009-03-25T17:06:00.000+01:00

What do Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves and Robert Pattinson all have in common? Besides being completely doable, they all share one very yucky habit.

There's a buzz from people hotly preparing to work up in Vancouver for New Moon that Rob P. causes quite the commotion on set. No, not from sneaking Kristen Stewart into his trailer. It's much, much dirtier, folks...

"He stinks. I mean, it's awful. He never showers, and it drives people on the set crazy," dishes someone who works in very close quarters with Pattz. Apparently our shaggy-haired love never rinses that bod of his, as Keanu and Brad have famously not done, as well, during extended periods of their hunky lives. Like, ever. And it's past the point of a little BO. "He completely reeks," complains an annoyed crew member.

It's one of the biggest turnoffs ever—to have a sexy stud shower you with dandruff and odor instead of steamy kisses. Please, babe, learn the art of a little body wash and maybe you can date your costars instead of stalkers, which is what all us fans and gossips want anyway, right?

I love you Rob but I don't think I can bear your lack of hygiene.

Adapted from E!

Jen Dumps John over Obsession

2009-03-25T13:53:00.004+01:00

Jennifer Aniston dumped John Mayer because he is a fame hungry self publicist addicted to Twitter. Mayer said he was too busy to return her phone calls but then Aniston saw his posts on Twitter and knew it was all LIES.

“She was like he has time for all this Twittering, but he can’t send me a text, an email , make a call” said a source. “He didn’t deny it. He knew he was avoiding her. So when he ended things he just said OK, and he was sorry it didn’t work out.”

Instead Mayer Twittered “This heart didn’t come with instructions.”
http://twitter.com/johncmayer

Pattinson Romancing Stewart?

2009-03-24T15:58:00.000+01:00

With the filming of New Moon under way in Vancouver, the newest batch of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart romance rumors should start rolling out any day now.

Even though the two laugh off the persistent claims of a real-life love affair, that hasn't stopped many from thinking otherwise.

So what's really going on? Their costars have some ideas…

Edi Gathegi, who plays Laurent, tells me the cast and crew have pretty much ignored the gossip.

"I can't even think of those two together at all," he told me during his recent stop in Los Angeles for the launch of Catherine Hardwicke's Twilight: Director's Notebook. "Kristen has a boyfriend! It's onscreen and that's it."

Ashley Greene, aka Alice Cullen, says Pattinson and Stewart are, in a way, victims of their own success.

"Their chemistry is fantastic, but no, they are not in a romantic relationship," Greene said at the Twilight at Midnight DVD launch event at Hollywood's Hot Topic store. "They are good actors [is] basically what it comes down to."

She added, "That's kind of the advantage that we had on Twilight. Everyone has such great chemistry. With as big a cast as it was, and as young a cast as it was, we all just got along so fantastically."

And it sounds like all that feel-good camaraderie is already spilling over into New Moon. Greene said the cast is already getting in some bonding time off the clock. Peter Facinelli, who plays vampire patriarch Dr. Carlisle Cullen, recently had everyone over for dinner.

"He cooked pasta for all of us," Greene said. "We all came to his house and ate and drank and talked. It's a bizarre thing, because we kind of all looked at each other and were like, 'Sooo, what's your life been like?' It was fun."

Adapted E!

Mrs Kutcher Bottoms Up!

2009-03-23T13:07:00.003+01:00

Get Upfront and personal with your favourite celebs. This was taken from yesterday noon's Twitter when Ashton took a picture of his wife (no other than Demi Moore) and posted it on the site. She was spoted wearing a white bikini while steaming his suit. Guess this is better than having read it on some tabloid mag. Experience your fav celebs first-hand.

Ashton Kutcher/ aplusk was stated;

I'm not wearing the bikini she is that's what makes it so glorious1:46 AM Mar 22nd from TweetDeck
watching my wife steam my suit while wearing a bikini. I love God!1:43 AM Mar 22nd from TweetDeck

Xoxo

XOXO!

2009-03-21T05:46:00.001+01:00

I love how inappropriately sexy it all is ... So good. Check out the Rolling Stone story Rocking It Swell.

Love Lula

2009-03-20T13:36:00.001+01:00

I just wanted to share with you one of my favourite magazines. The best part? It is absolutely free! (well here at least) Enjoy!

Xx

Karl Immortalised for Chanel

2009-03-19T13:52:00.001+01:00

In the gallery, enjoy the "Barbie and Ken" exhibition by Karl Lagerfeld. In swimsuit, cocktail dress or a pair of jeans, Barbie strikes a pose with model Baptiste Giabiconi as Ken.

Also, March 9-15, come check out our Barbie and Ken windows and the high security exhibition of the very first Barbie and Ken dolls, only on March 12th.

During Barbie 50th party at colette last week, Karl Lagerfeld received his own “BarbieKen” doll, unique, made specially for him by Mattel. Here with Jeremy Scott. He even snapped pics with DangerKat. Somehow he looks younger than I remembered.

Xx

Warhol in Paris

2009-03-19T00:41:00.001+01:00

Andy Warhol goes to Paris in a major exhibition of his trademark society portraits but a famous image of Yves Saint Laurent will be missing after a dispute over whether the late couturier was an artist or a mere designer. "Warhol's Wide World," which opens this week, presents some 140 of the 1,000 or so portraits of actors, stars and assorted jet set personalities turned out by the "Pope of Pop" from the 1960s until his death in 1987.

Based on existing photographs or created with a specially designed Polaroid camera, Warhol's garishly tinted pictures of Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy or Saint Laurent became icons in the modern cult of celebrity.

Along with his Campbell's Soup can, they are some of the best-known images in modern art and the exhibition is expected to be one of the biggest of the year.

Warhol once remarked that he wanted all his portraits to fit together and make one big painting called "Portraits of Society" and exhibition curator Alain Cueff regretted that it had not been practical to do so.

"It would be wonderful to recreate the dream of Warhol, to have 1,000 portraits of people just like that but it was quite impossible, I'm afraid," he said.

Even so, the Grand Palais, a vast hall created for the Great Exhibition of 1900, has been lined with some of the most famous faces of the era, from stars like Monroe or Mick Jagger to artists like Man Ray or fashion designers like Giorgio Armani.

But it also includes many portraits commissioned for $25,000 each by rich individuals hoping, as the show's catalog puts it, "to glow with the aura of Warhol's genius."

The 1974 portrait series of Saint Laurent, planned to hang in a "Glamour" section near Armani and other designers like Sonia Rykiel, had been intended as one of the centerpieces of the exhibition.

But in a move that provided a strangely appropriate backdrop to a show as much about fame as art -- it was withdrawn at the last minute by his former partner Pierre Berge.

"To show the portraits of Yves Saint Laurent with personalities from the fashion world -- even if some of them have talent -- was unthinkable," he explained in a letter to the Le Monde daily last week."To put Saint Laurent in the 'glamour' section would be to show disrespect for his oeuvre and to mix him up with the 'beautiful people,'" he wrote.

The controversy has added an element of spice to the exhibition, which is expected to draw vast crowds to the same hall in which Saint Laurent's monumental art collection was auctioned last month. But organizers are confident that the importance of the collection will outweigh any controversy.

The exhibition opens in the Grand Palais on March 18 and runs until July 13.

Adapted from Fashion News (Reuters)

How To Give Up Shopping

2009-03-18T13:16:00.000+01:00

With credit debt at an all-time high and the world sinking deeper into a global recession, it might be time to think about what exactly you’re spending your cash on. Neradine Tisaj, the author behind the recently published handbag text, How To Give Up Shopping (Hardie Grant) , what advice she can give and just how we can all learn to spend a little less.

So What's The Low Down?

HOW TO GIVE UP SHOPPING (or at least cut down) by Neradine Tisaj is a book for over-shoppers everywhere... if you struggle to pay for your compulsive/impulsive fashion and lifestyle purchases, then this book is for YOU!

Full of useful, realistic advice on how to rein in your spending (while still allowing for the odd fabulous handbag or pair of shoes) from someone who knows...

Read any finance book and it will tell you to spend less and save more. But a financial planner telling an over-shopper to simply save more money is like a marathon runner telling a morbidly obese person to just exercise more.

Where do you start? How do you go from finding refuge in retail therapy to being able to walk past the shops with your savings intact?

Stressed, time-poor and addicted to the buzz of a newly purchased item, Neradine Tisaj had a definite shopping problem. But when she decided to try to save, no one could offer her advice that related to her lifestyle.

One book told her to find a husband and live off the one salary. Another told her to stay in each Saturday night and eat boiled eggs.

Determined to both enjoy life and save money, Neradine devised a plan to find a way back to conscious, healthy spending – without forgoing a social life. Packed with truly helpful tips and anecdotes, How to Give up Shopping is a call to anyone who would like to save but also live.

After all, a girl does not live on boiled egg alone!

Sixties Floral with flair and Elegance

2009-03-17T00:19:00.003+01:00

Yes, more beautiful accessories, they are everywhere, accessories are the new black in fashion and the latest eye catching one is lovingly internationally sourced and handcrafted in beautiful Cairns. Jinyana, adapted from the surname of Coral Wilkinson’s great grandmother is creating the kind of strong connections with its clients that inspired its name.

The label launched in January 2008 in an online boutique, proving that fashion is no longer confined to the main hubs of Sydney and Melbourne, it is a global industry that is crossing oceans and cultural divides, through inspiration, product and clientele. Jinyana has moved far beyond the serenity of Cairns in all of these areas, gathering a loyal clientele in both the UK and USA and being recognised nationally, last year, at the Reed Gift Awards 2008 for Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Accessory. Jinyana’s most significant border crossing, though, is in Coral’s extensive sourcing of her materials.

The floral motif jewellery is a piece of fashion history revived, renewed and redefined, incorporating vintage enamel flowers from the 1960s spliced with vintage Lucite beads from the 1940s-1970s. Coral spent nine months sourcing an international collector who was willing to part with pieces of their precious collection and her sourcing for the latest collection “Carnaby Street,” took a further three months, scrupulously hunting down enough of the individual petals to capture the effervescent energy and ephemeral feeling that emanates from each hand constructed piece. The symbolic sixties flower takes on a new elegance but still leaves the wearer with a strong nostalgia for the playful experimentation of the sixties.

The latest collection “Carnaby Street,” appropriately takes its name from the famous SOHO London area, which was a cultural and creative hub of the swinging sixties. The revolutionary movements of the time in music and art lend their namesake to the individual pieces, transporting us back to that magical time. The vivid spirit of the sixties radiates from each delicate petal in this characteristically British inspired collection. These pieces are precious pieces of history which, offer a reminder of the power of fashion to move and reflect time. Jinyana is creating powerful pieces, each with their own unique aesthetic and coveted nature that add a sense of enchantment to every outfit.

Xx

An American in Paris

2009-03-15T05:13:00.001+01:00

A summery bicycle ride, a delicious stop in a pastry shop or a secret rendez-vous with a handsome boyfriend, Miss Dior Chérie has a tight schedule today. Oscar-winning and Paris-based filmmaker Sophia Coppola has directed the new commercial for this signature Dior fragrance and has managed to recreate the dreamy-photographic style of her movies in less than a minute flat. She follows Belarusian model Maryna Linchuk, a modern Françoise Hardy, prancing around a postcard-style Paris, as the retro-tongue-in-cheek Brigitte Bardot’s song « Moi, je joue » adds even more lightness to the scene. It just works perfectly.

Watching the ad over and over, Oh la la, I could so easily picture myself dancing gracefully in the Jardin des Tuileries, my mouth full of macaroons, in a pretty pale pink sundress. Why do I never actually behave like that? This is supposed to be so French, right? Maybe French in the 60s? So many questions in my mind right now… I sight loudly thinking this sunny day on screen is nowhere close to my regular rainy-stuck-in-public-transports-surrounded-by-too-many-grumpy-weirdos days.

Believe or not, in a very strange way, it seems that Sophia and I do share the same Parisian lifestyle.

Xx

Keep, Buy & Toss

2009-03-14T17:00:00.000+01:00

Here are her timely tips on other trends that will stay runway-worthy in 2009:

Be Bold Choose a color that makes a statement for spring. Try hot pink or intense yellow, and always remember the power of purple.

Chunk Aggression Think thick. Shoes are all about the chunk next year. Stout heels make a fabulously theatrical statement.

Baring Necessity Even if the weather outside is frightening, heat things up with mini - the shorter, the better. The main thing is to show some skin, be it in a flattering pair of shorts or an abbreviated dress for day. After nightfall, enjoy the evening's escapes even more by hiking up the hemline on a cocktail dress.

Jump circa! One-piece rompers are all the rage, so hop into a jumpsuit. However, avoid orange....trust us: this is definitely not the look you're going for.

In the Nude From very pale pink, to ivory and chocolate, nude hues will sizzle for spring, while adding demure sophistication to warmer weather wear. As an added bonus, nude footwear elongates the leg for a flattering and flirty touch.

Retro Redux The most popular looks of the 80s are reinventing themselves in the New Year in plaids, fads and shoulder pads. Girls will just wanna have fun in sultry cut outs, skinny legs, the return of the earring, and lots of bold jewelry.

Xx

Twilight Saga Returns

2009-03-13T17:10:00.000+01:00

Acclaimed actress Dakota Fanning has officially joined the cast and will play the Volturi Jane in the Twilight Saga New Moon. The rumor was online since a long, but nice to have an official confirmation from Summit Entertainment.

In the universe of Twilight, the Volturi are like law enforcers among the Vampires: they are much respected, end even feared because of their mind control tricks.

So Dakota Fanning will play the role of Jane, one of the prize members of the Volturi Guard and one of their highest ranking guards, a sadistic person and a pet of Aro a former Volturi leader. She seems rather bitter and easily justifies inflicting pain on anyone with her power. Jane has a twin brother named Alec and they both reside in Volterra, Italy.

Since I've just appointed myself as a self-proclaimed fan (considering the fact that I have already started reading the third instalment of the series "Eclipse"), all that I hope for is that her feature in the film won't turn out half as bad as she did in the Marc Jacobs campaign (several years ago). It spelled DISASTER. She practically looked like a terrified puppy in the cold. I mean she's only 14 but she has had a long standing in the movie biz weighing up to a hefty portfolio.

But then again, judging from the pictures she sure has grown quite a bit ever since. I have to admit, I could hardly recognise her pictures when I came across it this evening. Although one thing is certain. She still looks like that terrified looking pup.One way or another, she somehow reminds me of the Olsen twins. It's not that it's good or bad, it just is.

Just hope that when the movie premiers on the 20th Nov 2009, she won't be the one taking all the credit for its success. After all, the movie (including the book, of course) was a smash long before she took part in any of the scenes.