The Way We Were

Patterned

2012-02-15T11:01:00.000-08:00

When it comes to home decor, I am easily drown to all kinds of interesting patterns: from over the top ornate lace prints during baroque period to vivid African Ikat; from 14 century quatrefoils to country florals...

However, I also remember that signature quote from Coco Chanel: less is more. There shouldn't be exception at home. Too many patterns might look too busy. A busy environment hardly will create a comfortable and relaxing ambience. Don't you think?

I like how they make purple "pop" out of neutral browns.

This is more organic yet with much softer tone

Country Florals makes me feel "homie" and "lofty

Blue + green is always my favorite combination. They look cool, refreshing and very calming.

I finally found some nice curtains with my favorite quatrefoil patterns and can't wait to dress up my windows. I am not going to double them up. The blue ones will go into the spare room with blue painted wall. The creamy sheer curtains will go underneath a neutral solid layer.

Love in the Air

2012-02-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I always enjoy the day. For some reason when this day comes, people, even strangers look more friendly than ever.

However, I am not a drama queen and usually don't expect this day to be too eventful. I always think when you cherish your love and friendship, everyday should be the Valentine's Day.
For those who don't care for it, please, please try something to put yourself into this lovely and sweet mood, at least once a year. :)

Enjoy an old fashioned romantic movie

I'm a die hard romantic film freak. :) "Meet me on the top of the Empire State Build on the Valentine's Day" ("Sleepless in Seattle" 1993) always warms my heart.

Share a laugh and give a hug
In the country I used to live, people celebrate today as "the Day of Love and Friendship". Even if you have not found your Mr./Mrs Right yet, sharing a good laugh and give a warm hug to a good friend will totally makes up for it.

Do you remember that "the Kiss by the Hotel de Ville"? 60 years later, it still touches my heart.

source: http://www.masters-of-photography.com

Play a dress-up game

I am not a theme dresser, but pink and red are always loveable. Did you know pastels and neon pinks are among the top trends this spring?

Dotted blouse: Forever 21, Vest: Alice Temperley for Target, Pants: J.crew, Coat: an old piece for Nordstrom Rack

GTS: Channelling 70's Fashion

2012-02-13T11:43:00.000-08:00

Inspiration: Mary Tyler Moore ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show" 1970-1977)

When talking about 70's fashion films and shows, we think of "Charlie's Angels", "The Network", and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show".

I particularly enjoy the quirky, fun yet stylish role of Mary Tyler Moore. Her style represents the trend back to 70's yet suitable for the working class. Mary Tyler Moore is a copy writer working at a local TV station. The show is about her, her co-workers and friends. It's a show about "nothing" yet "everything". :)

J.crew Vest and plaid skirt. Vintage dotted tie-neck blouse.

Decluttered House, Decluttered Mind

2012-02-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

I have been busy, outside the internet world. :)

After many years of being messy, I finally decided to clean the house and my mind. You probably remember that I have recently posted an entry about a show on a psychololgical disordered called "Hoarders". It's important to mention that the show definitely helped me to make the decision as my fear of becoming one of them grows on me quickly. A few weeks of hard work later, I still have a long way to go before reaching the goal of a whole clean house. It's a learning process; it is followed by thoughts and experience.

1. Do It and Do It Right Now
Growing up in a family of neat freaks didn't make me one. I'm the odd ball at home: messy and disorganized. Unlike my sister, who would clean up after everybody, I would rather leave things the way they are until I can get to them later. When that "later" moment never comes, it becomes a huge mess. The most stuff I accumulate, the less motivate I feel to do it.

Now one of my rules is: do it and do it right now. If I want to take something with me to work next day, I will put it in my bag right that moment. When thinking of exercising, I immediately get on my elliptical machine or grab the weights. There is no other way around it.

2. Buy Less; Wear/Use More
One of my biggest problems is too much clothes/shoes/handbags. I have been so busy at buying every single piece that grabs my attention that I have no time of sitting back and taking a look at what I already have. When I tell you more than half of my closet still have the tags on, I am not exaggerating.

Another downside of impulsive buying habit is frequent buyer's remorse. I need to return the stuff I don't need. Refund is often treated as "free money"...now you know the consequences of a wrong thinking.

The process of cleaning house makes me realize how much money has been thrown away by buying stuff on a whim or with lesser quality. It's so painful! Letting them go is burden; thinking of how much money I could have saved is a burden; the space that stuff takes up is a burdern... I definitely don't want to through that again.

However it's unrealistic to drop out shopping just one straw; it takes time and practice. It's a mind changing game and requires building strength and discipline. Next time when you wander at the store and just cannot let something go, think loud: THERE IS NOTHING I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT. I AM ALREADY A FASHIONISTA EVEN WITHOUT IT.

3. Decluttered House, Decluttered Mind

Sometimes the "side effect" of a new habit or process is very subtle. The old saying "Cluttered House, Cluttered Mind" doesn't ring immediately but in a long term you will definitely see the truth beneath it. It works on the flip side too. Now that I have a clean house, it's lot easier to find things, so it's lot easier to do things. :) Hence, I get more done, at home and at work.

GTS: Yellow Skirt

2012-02-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

Inspiration: Taylor Swift

Source: taylorsswift.com

My Pieces:
J.crew slate gray cable sweater
Gap Mustard Yellow pleated skirt (2010)

KJL by Kenneth Jay Lane curb link necklace
When I first purchased the skirt on a huge sale, I was slightly bigger on the waist. Now I really wish I had got the smaller size so that it would have fit like how Taylor did with her yellow skirt. Oh well...You get the idea.

Off We Go "Symphony"

2012-02-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

This entry is about to review J.Crew Double Cloth "Symphony" coat in Golden Mustard.

It's a lovely coat and reminds me of Audrey Hepburn's mustard yellow Givenchy coat in "Charade".

The double cloth Symphony coat has similar feel to their signature Lady Day but the cut is definitely more generous or I got the wrong label (as I don't normally wear 00). :) It's for sure NOT a coat for harsh wintery days.

GTS: The First Lady and Her J.Crew

2012-02-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

Note: I have debated this since I saw the program if I should write an entry about it, after I have read all those comments (not all related to fashion but always something else) on other web sites...However, I am thinking of keeping it straight to fashion, so it shouldn't be a problem. If any, let it be. :)

The First Lady Michelle Obama walked in NBC studio on Tuesday night to sit down with Jay Leno and talk about eating healthy. :)

I didn't watch the show but it was the outfit Michelle had on that caught my attention.

We all know how much Mrs. Obama wears her J.Crew wherever she goes. The latest outfit was a mix of "old and new". She wore the green pencil skirt a couple of years ago when visiting UK (See here). This time she topped it with a Michael Kors (not confirmed) gold embellished short sleeve sweater, a gold skinny belt and finished the look with a pair of sofe pink pointy toe pumps.

source: msnbc.msn.com

It's a very classic silhouette, just like most of her looks, and a almost rococo inspired pastel color game: gold, minty green and soft pink.

It should be pretty easy to copy this look by taking a glance at jcrew.com.

Here are some potential pieces:

J.crew Jackie Pullover in Creamy Peach

No.2 Pencil skirt in basket-tweed in Grass Green

Mona Leather Pump in Warm Taupe

Braided Leather Belt in Gold

Sweet Obsessions

2012-02-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make here: I do shop once in a white at crewcut, the kid department of J.Crew. Now you can bash me all you want.

I don't think I am one of those women who wish to stop the time by hanging out at junior shops all the time and refuse to dress like adult. I'm also fully aware of the different cutting between children's and women's clothing. However, crewcut makes so many sweet pieces that I simply cannot resist. :) They use similar material as adult pieces yet with a much lower price tag. Talking about saving some money...LOL

I still rate myself as a rational shopper. As much as I love these little pretty darlings, I don't stuff my closet with them. The reality is I can't fit in most of them.

Here are some of my handpicked pieces from crewcut during the past few years. Some are from boys. Sweaters are usually pretty forgiving.

Crewcut lambwool crewneck sweater （boys $39.50)

Simply because I'm so obsessed with this Louis Vuitton look of Alexa Chung.

source: whowhatwear.com

Boys Snowflake lambwool Sweater
I always wanted a cozy fair isle pattern sweater for a snowy wintery day.

J.crew Women's Fair Isle Chunky sweater was selling for $220...Yikes :(

Girls Snowdrift Sweater in Pacific Blue.

Doesn't this remind you of those fuzzy Mohair sweaters from 80s? LOL Well guess what？The trend is coming back.

Source: whowhatwear.com

source: knitting-bee.com

One of my new cravings is this little sweet collared cotton sweater called “Caroline"

It should really be from a vintage vogue or knitting pattern book.

Deadly Attached - "Hoarders"

2012-01-30T11:02:00.000-08:00

This entry is about A&E reality TV show "Hoarders".

Psychological issues and diseases have been avoided andignored for decades in all over the world. For some unspeakable reasons, theseproblems tend to be looked at as "dark", "ashamed" by thepatients and their families. People simply don't want to talk about it.However, it's also the ugly truth that there are people, more than we know of, suffering from them daily. Some of them are as deadly as cancers and heart failures.

Compulsive hoarding, like OCD (Obsessive CompulsiveDisorder), is one of the anxiety diseases. More than 3 million of Americanssuffer from it. Unlike OCD, hoarders normally don't realize it's a problem.They just think they can't part with the stuff as they are valuable andsentimental to them.

One of the signs of becoming a compulsive hoarder is chronicledisorganization. I don't know about you but I think I do from time to time: onepiece of paper fell on the floor, and I was busy on something else so I wasthinking: I am busy right now; I will get to it later. And when that"later” never comes, things will get out of hand. The more things areaccumulated, the less we feel motivated to organize them.

Depression tends to lead to hoarding habit as well. When people suffer from an emotional or physical loss, such as family member, fire, flood, things become more important and valuable and they feel the anxious need of replacing them. Some turn to eating; others turn to acquiring and posession of stuff.

Over the weekend, I was watching A&E"Hoarders" on Netflix. (Full content here: http://www.aetv.com/hoarders/ ) This reality TV show follows more than one hundredof compulsive hoarders to their houses and discover how they get this far. Someof them are quite disturbing to look at: buried alive, living in a dumpster oftrash. The problem becomes deadly when the hoarding habit is threatening thelife of their own and their families. The show is not always pleasant to watchbut quite educational and eye opening. I would like to recommend it to thosewho are like me, hoarding clothes, shoes, and cosmetics. Hobbies can be verydangerous. :)

The Way We Were

2012-01-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

This morning, I decided to go with an All Black outfit: black faux fur vestover a black wool jacket and a black soft edge hat. My husband, who normallydoesn't comment much on my day to day outfit, surprisingly liked the blackjacket. He asked if it was a cashmere piece. I said "No, it's a 5 year oldBebe jacket. I believe it's an angora/silk blend". His face was like"Unbelievable"...

This triggered me to write today's entry. Why things aren't the same waythey used to be made? This is a good question and many of us have been asking.

First of all, I don't have a degree on Economics or any related field. Theseare purely based on observation with little or no data. So please don't quoteme on the subject. :)

No one is doing business forfree or no profit; it's always the more the merrier" when it comes to money and revenue. Companies need their investors and stockholders keep their faith; the only way is to keep the profit going up. Here are my guesses.

1. Natural Causes
It could be natural disasters or simply the change of the natural habitatsfor those which produce raw materials.

Over the Christmas my husband could not get the gift he wanted to give to mebecause the flood in Thailand shut down all the factories where they make thisproduct.

Chinese output fell 15 per cent to 84,000 tonnes in 2009, according to the International Sericultural Commission, and a drought that began in late 2009 has further reduced production. All these caused the price of raw silk rising every year.

Cotton, wool, and other natural fibers are facing the similar soaring. So we either see a higher price tag for the same sweater we like or a cheaper replacement for the materials.

source:wool.com

2. Cost of Labor

In spite of most of the stuff is made overseas in developing countries suchas China, Thailand, Vietnam and India, the cost of labor in these countrieskeeps going up as things are changing very fast in these third world countries.They might be still less expensive than American and European workers, but they are nolonger wanting the same wage as in 60s and 70s.

On the side note, more and more companies are cutting cost by outsourcing tooverseas. But at the same time, quality is compromising indirectly. It's notthat they don't have quality control anymore; it's the cross boundary such asculture, time zone, language, and communication all becomes very challenging.The end result? Things just aren't the same anymore!

3. Newbie vs. Veteran

Competition is tough everywhere. When the new comers try to establish itsbrandname, they have to come up with either lower price or high quality, preferablyboth to impress their potential customers. Once the clientele is built up andstable, money becomes top priority again. A very good example is RebeccaMinkoff. When she first opened shops and was fairly unknown to many of handbaglovers, she was trying hard: good leather, nice craftsmanship and very easycommunication with customers with a much more decent price tag. Now what is she doing? I don't know her in personbut everything just tells me she no longer cares about all intangible benefits toher customers she used to offer.

A good vintage coach bag is still coveted by so many of us. It's not just the style, but that's how a handbag is supposed to be made!

4. Return Policies

I didn't grow up in US so I don't have firsthand experience on how peopleused to shop here. But I was told by other people who did grow up here thatback to 80s and 90s people just had to make up their mind when buying somethingbecause there was no return!

I believe most of the retailers initially offered a return option with thestrategy to attract more buyers. Some of us indeed tend to buy more when thereis a nice return policy. And this worked...to a point. I'm not saying all ofthose who make returns are abusive, but some are. Accepting returns means lossof profit. Who pays for it? Sacrificing profit is the last thing that themerchants have in their mind, so the overall price has to go up to meet themargin...or simply cut the quality as sky high prices may scare away people. Sneaky? yes, but they all do that and our wallet suffers.

A typical return line at stores after holidays.

What was Old is New Again

2012-01-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

I used to be very excited to see what new pieces were coming in to my favorite retail stores every season. It's funny how these retailors always come up some ways to fool us with same stuff. After a few years of hoarding, I realized it just doesn't make sense to buy more but not wear them.

J.crew has been creative for a few years. These creativities mixed in good and bad and in between. However most of us noticed that this spring, they are really bringing back some of that old pieces, literally. Like this bubble necklace, they didn't even bother changing up too much in color.

I got mine a couple years back in this same turquoise. Yesterday a dear fellow blogger Ella posted hers in modern red color. I promised her to share my thoughs on this piece. So here you go: nothing new or more creative, but an old piece is worn as new. LOL

Home Decor Inspiration: Art Deco

2012-01-24T11:23:00.000-08:00

I was watching a very old British TV series called "Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence". It comes with 11 episodes and made around early 80s. The lighting, makeup, and the quality of the picture all look very...retro.

Agatha's fans know that Madam's books were pretty much based on between the 2 wars and some in later period. The TV show apparently took 1920s all the way, from interior decoration to actors' costumes.

One thing about 1920s in Europe and America is the Art Deco style flourished all over the places: architecture, fashion and jewelry design, interior design...Started in France, Art Deco ia probably one of the most recognizable styles in the entire art history, with its large amount of geometric patterns, motifs, and lines.

I believe I spotted a mirror the other day when passing by my favorite local thrift store. It was a sunburst frame piece, purely art deco style. I didn't look into the details so I'm not 100% if it's a true antique piece or simply a remake.

It looks very much like this:

As much as I love Art Deco, I probably wouldn't decorate my home inside out with this style. Art Deco pieces can be fun and very artistic but at the same time, it may lack of coziness and comfort, which a home wants to have no matter what style we choose. And some of the patterns do require a vast space to show off. However a bit here and there as detail would not matter that much.

I would love to own a true Art Deco poster to hang on my walls.

An art deco home like this doesn't make me feel very ....homie, however the pop of orange out of brown and ivory is ingenious.

Mirror Mirror on the wall.

I sincerely love this carpet:

This illustration poster is just like the stage from "Tommy and Tuppence" show.

A window art panel might be a good choice for detail.

I actually more likely will just get a piece furniture like this, practical, fun and easy to work with.

Dan Stevens

2012-01-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

So, PBS is airing "Downton Abbey" season 2, finally.

By the end of season 1, lots of clues and hints were left on purpose so that the show could go on ...and on.. and on...Mary refused Matthew; the great war started; the mysterious story behind Bates' marriage was still uncovered...

In spite of all the mixed comments and perceptions on season 2, I overall still enjoy watching it. The high picture quality which is almost "film noir" in color, amazing victorian, pre-war costumes, unique personalities of each individual, and of course, Dan Stevens.

Dan Stevens first caught my eyes when he appeared as a german solder Mike Faber in BBC's new "Miss Marple" episode of "Nemesis" (Geraldine McEvan as Miss Marple, 2007). The character is supposed to be bitter, sad and hateful to his father. I was drowned in those piercing blue eyes. LOL

In 2008, BBC decided to re-adapt Jane Austen's books. "Sense and Sensibility" was one of them. Only when I turned on the DVD, I realized that Edward Ferrars looked familiar! It was Hugh Grant who played this shy, good hearted role in 1995 version of the film, directed by our own Ann Lee. At the beginning, I thought the producers were too lazy on selecting such a Hugh Grant look-alike actor to play the same role. To me Dan is too handsome and too cheerful for the role of Edward. I had to say he's cute but not quite suitable.

Dan Vs. Huge

Time has flown to 2010. PBS started airing a new Bristish TV series called "Downton Abbey". It was surprisingly well received in UK, and in US later. The same writer from Oscar-winning film "Gosford Park" was not afraid of repeating himeself in many ways in this hit show: the setting (historical mansion), the mix yet very clearly divided classes (the upper class and the servants), and pretty acting crew.

When I saw Matthew Crowley, the super handsome cousin, who would inherit the large mansion and money, I literally cried out" Oh, it's Dan again". Of course in the first season everybody has noticed that he put on a little bit of weight, which was taken off by the second season. I don't think Matthew was designed to be as complex as Mary, but the love-hate story between them makes him interesting to follow.

Would he and Mary get together eventually? That's the mystery we all so want to crack.

I thught they make a really cute couple here.

How to Wear Brooches

2012-01-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

I love all kinds of pins and brooches. They might sound old fashioned but can be whimsical and fun at the same time.

During my research, I discovered several ways to play with a vintage pin.

Pin them up like TV characters, such as Joan Holloway ("Mad Men") or Emma Pillsbury ("Glee")

Joan's way is more classic. Normally she just pins it on a cardigan or dress.

source: jewlr.com

Emma is a current day character who happens to love regal pin-up style. Her signature pin is normally a giant enamel flower pin.

Among all the style icons, Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy probably are two of the most famous stars because of their large collections of brooches.

Since the passing of Elizabeth Taylor some of her stunning jewelry collection have emerged in auctions, including some of her brooches.

The one that always cacthes my attention is this diamond brooch she wore on the wasit of a ivory dress, unexpected yet very classy

Jackie Kennedy's sunburst pin is one of the rare pieces that she bought herself in 1961 in London. Rumor has it that she even didn't have that amount of money to pay at once but the store, used to attend her mother as regular, allowed her to make several payments. The way she wore it in this presidential event made it truely worth the $$$

She looked more like a royal princess than the first lady. :) This brooch was one of her favorite pieces.

A closeup on the sunburst brooch

The Queen of England Elizabeth II probably is not as known as a fashion icon, but along with her most standard English accent, her dress up style has its own followers and admirers.
I think it's really cool to pin a scarf like this. :)

source:hipstertipser.tumblr.com

I don't remember since when I started collecting vintage and old brooches. No, I don't think I have ever owned a true antique piece, but the enjoyment they brought to my daily life is just priceless.

Wearing it on the necklace

Pin it on a hat. See how to DIY here.

On a fur collar

On a overcoat

DIY Inspiration: Lulu Frost

2012-01-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

Lulu Frost, a new kid on the jewelry design block, founded around 2004, has become one of the sensations with its perfect mix of antique, vintage and modern elements in the statement jewelry design.

A recent corporation between Lulu Frost and J.crew caught my eyes for the first time. Lisa Salzer's work for J.crew seems majorly focused on the Art Deco era.

source: stylebakery.com

source: kaboodle.com

But the one that totally inspires me and makes me want to DIY is this "100 year necklace" by Lisa Salzer.

She ingeniously used pieces from her own antique and vintage jewelry collection and perfectly created this encyclopedia of "100 years of jewelry design" (1860-1960).

There are several versions of the necklace. It's time to dig out my old jewelry box to see which pieces I can use for the assembly. :)

source:lulufrost.com

source: fashionologie.com

Home Decor Inspiration: Window Seating

2012-01-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

I guess you can say one of my qualities is diligence, once I put my heart into something. However at the same time my focus shifts quickly, too. :)

I was recently inspired by one of my girlfriends over the internt and started feeling very interested in home decor and renovations.

Although we live in a fairly small space there will still be lot to do and lot to update. I am trying to priortize all the needs and wishes so that I don't spend big bucks all at once and make less impulsive decisions.

Here are some pictures that could be my first home project: window seating. Picture myself sitting there crafting, reading, browsing or simply day dreaming...LOL

Detectives on Netflix (I)

2012-01-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

I admit that since we canceled the cable service, I have been spending more time than ever in front of TV (actually it's Netflix)

A good police detective/murder mystery story can always helps me kill time. I enjoy reading or watching how the sharp minds work and how eloquent the characters are. I have found quite a few on the Netflix.

1. Columbo (1971-2003)

The unique thing about this Universal Studios TV series is as all other stories try to tell us who did it "Columbo" explains how it was done. You will see who killed the whom at very beginning of every episode and then see how the murderer tries to cover his/her track in front of Columbo's interrogation.

Unlike some of the sleek British police inspectors, Lt. Columbo's clumsy and messy look can be very deceiving. He always has a cigar in hand and drives that End of Life vehicle which dies on the road. almost every other episode. But behind all these, it's a quick and detail focused brain.

Rest in Peace Peter Falk who died at 83, this past summer.

His famous catchy sentense:

2. Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)

While TV policy detective stories were blooming back to 70s and 80s, the leading roles were most male. Until some day Universal Studios created an retired high school teacher turned to mystery writer and amateur detective in her hometown in Maine.

Jessica Fletcher is supposed to be almost marpleish but with a much more modern house lady look. She's hearted, intelligent and very understanding, besides being witty and super sharp minded. The story initially took place only at her fictional hometown called "Cabot Cove" Maine with a few thousands residents.

However when the audienct started worrying if the entire village has been killed off by so many murders, the creators of the show decided to move her to teach in Manhattan, NY.

The show ended in 1996 after actress Angela Lanbury was nominated 10 Golden Globes and 12 Emmy Awards. You can also see lots of flashback of 1980s' and 90s fashion style through the series.

(To be continued...)

China on Netflix

2012-01-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

I'm very content to find some chinese programs and movies on netflix. They are not many but it's a good start. Hopefully we should see more and more.

When I say "Chinese programs", I merely mean that they are either "made in China" or topics related to China. Some are Chinese language with English subtitles and others, in English.

I don't want to go political as my blog is not designed to discuss any sensitive issues publicly so please don't try to twist my words. :)

1. "Mao's Last Dancer" (film, Australian, 2009)

It's a biographical film based on the true story of ballet dance Li Cunxin's real life. He was sent to Beijing to study ballet when he was merely a child back to 70's when Chinese were through the Cultural Revolution. When talking about ballet, we think of Russians, Europeans, so a Chinese boy with such talents and physiques obviously would stir up attentions. Later on he became an exchange student and performed with the Houston Ballet Company, where he went through a series of life events.

The film didn't mainly focus on how harsh the life condition was in those crazy years when everything western was looked at as "evil" and "monsters" but through a child's eyes one can still tell the madness in both social and cultural societies.

I always enjoy watching a good performance in art, such as ballet and symphony, so for the most part, the film is quite enchanting with almost whole piece of dance and music.

sources: wikipedia.org

2. The Red Violin (film, US, 1998)

This is not a movie about China, but throught the story telling, it took the mysterious red violin and traveled there for a short of period of time. And the event occurs around the same era as "Mao's Last Dancer", the Cultural Revolution, when violins, of course, weren't permitted. The entire movie is full of mystery and very fascinating. You will find yourself amazed by how an musical instrument could bring so much tragedy to the onew who once held it.

3. Electric Shadows (film, China, 2004)

Chinese name as "梦影童年" or "电影往事", the story mixes up the modern Beijing and a coal mine village back to 1970s where both leading characters spent the childhood. One thing about this movie I really find very attractive to me is that through the love of the leading characters to films, it made references to those movies I watched growing up. I remember how much I fell in love with Zhou Xuan and her sweet voice and that scene when she braides her hair while singing "四季歌" (song of four seasons)

4. China's Lost Girls (documentary, National Geographic Channel, 2005)

Since "One Child per Family" policy took off about 30 years ago, China has claimed to the wold that this policy prevented the population explosion. At the same time the consequences of the policy brought to the country cannot be ignored as well. In the 40 minute documentary, Journalist Lisa Ling and her crew followed a group of Americans who had finished the lengthy adoption process and finally were going to China to pick up their strange daughters. It had emotions, anxiety, and mixed feelings.

Traditionally Chinese people prefer boys over girls as they think boys will stay home and carry on the family heritage. In the film, Lisa used some numbers to show the potential problem that China is facing: unbalanced propotion between men and women in the very near future and mistreatment of baby girls and women who were not able to deliver boys, etc. It's quite eye opening and horrifying at the same time. However I'm only glad to see everyday things are changing quickly in China and most of them are good changes.

GTS: Dress like "Mad Men"

2012-01-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

AMC's hit show "Mad Men" finally was made available on Netflix free streaming. And the season 5 will be airing in March 2012.

The tv series took a unique angle at advertising industry back to 60's to show deep thoughs on the difference between men and women back then in social environment, work space and household. When you realized how many people actually didn't like the Kennedys, and men could fool around the way they wanted but feel furious if their wives talked to a stranger salesman, "Mad Men" is probably an understatement. :)

There are 3 leading female characters: Joan Halloway, Betty Francis, and Peggy Olson. They were 3 totally different roles: office manager, ex model now housewife, and secretary with ambition of being a copywriter. However all women equally present the fashion trends and taste of the period.

source: blog.amctv.com

It is said that the show has sparked renewed interest, along with some anger and frustration, in the culture and social events back to the 60s. And it's most noticeable the influence in men and women's fashion. We started seeing the strong inspiration on Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton's runway shows. So how do we dress like a "Mad Men" character? :)

Last fall, Banana Republic launched a collection claimed inspired by the show. Personally I just don't think they did it right. It's a nice decent collection alright but they are just like any other Banana Republic piece.

source: instyle.com

To me it's all about 3 things: form fitting, vivid colors, and cinched waist silhouette. Of course it's 21st century and you don't want to look like a walking vintage shop advertisement either. Mixing some retro elements with whatever you have might be a nice start. Personally I would go with these options. :)

1. Pretty in Pastel like Betty

source: lippsister.com
J.crew might be a good place to shop for this option. When it comes to colors, it might be hard to find another retailer that could do the match with J.crew.

Some possibilities. One thing to keep in mind: keep the sleeves short. Go with 3 quarter.

The new Jackie Pullover in creamy peach

Tippi in succulent green

2. Wrap your head with a silky print scarf.

No need to go with the famous H or V. Any pretty print will do as long as the color brightens up your face.

Versace for H&M Silky scarf

Grace Kelly in "Mogambo"

3. A brooch is a must if you are fan of Joan Holloway

A picture of me wearing one of my vintage brooches

4. Pick a pair of cropped skinny pants if you are petite

I love these cafe capri pants in wool from J.crew. They remind me Audrey Hepburn.

5. "A basket of kisses" - a red lipstick
In Season 1 "Babylon" episode, all the girls in the office were gathered to test some new lipstickis. Peggy stood out to the men behind the 2 way mirror. She said that women want to be choosers for lipstick colors; they don't want to be given just one color.

My recent obsession is this "Abstract Orange" by Revlon. It's a bronzed orange color and surprisingly flatters yellow undertoned skin and not so "crest" white teeth.

Whatever you choose to do to follow the Mad Men trend, please don't pick up smoking. :)

DIY: From Boho to Sleek

2012-01-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

I often find myself "disliking" certain fashion trend. I realize sometimes it's not the fault of the trend but a mater of finding it not suitable to my taste, body type and personality, as so on.

For example, fringe detail, being one of the signature elements of the boho chic trend since 1970s, has been sought after for the past few seasons. I got one pair of fringe boots but rarely wore them as I find them very hard to pull off. They are very well made so I cannot make up my mind to give them away.

After a few years of holing on to them, I decided to give the boots a "face lift" if you will, by removing the fringes. Because of the glue used, there was some white residue left on the surface. I ended up covering it up with some left over black lace from my "Jason Wu Lace Sweatshirt" project. :)

Before

Now

DIY: "Heart Me, Heart You" Sweater

2012-01-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

Here you go my version of J.crew's this fall new rave: "Heart Me" Sweater.

source: chiclectic.com

Supplies:

1. A neutral color sweater or sweatshirt. I was going to use one of j.crew navy V neck sweater from my closet but found that jersey knit actually worked much better with felt. I ended up repurposing this Hane's crew neck sweatshirt from target. ($4)

2. Felt and "heatNbond". You may use fabric glue.

3. A heart pattern. I chose to draw a double heart just to be "different" than the original version. :) You can definitely just use a single heart.

4. Cut the "heatNbond" following the pattern. Iron the felt and bond together. Then press it to the sweatshirt positioning where you wish to place.

Ps. I did apply a few "cable braid" stitches to the heart to have a sort of "3D" effect.
Finished Look:

DIY: White and Red Flower Brooch

2012-01-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

In the eyes of those who love to undertake DIY projects, things may not be what they appear to be. :) To me buttons are always fun and should be treated as jems.

Inspiration: Emma Pillsbury in Glee season 3 "I Kissed a Girl". She was wearing a red Valentino Sheath Dress with a large flower brooch. People guess it might be vintage. (http://www.wwepw.com/2011/11/emma-pillsbury-fashion-id-i-kissed-girl_29.html)

What Needed:

1. Small swatch of felt
2. Sea shell dangling buttons
3. Red button
4. Pin
5. Fabric glue

Steps:
1. Lay the dangling buttons flat on the felt and arrange them to a flower petal shape

2. Sew the petals onto the felt
3. Sew the red button in the middle
4. Glue the pin to the back and sew a few stitches to secure it
5. Cut out the extra felt along the edge of the petals

Finished Look
Pin it on the dress

Pin it on a hat

"I Could Have Danced All Night"

2012-01-04T15:24:00.000-08:00

Talking about "Glee" again...

I have mentioned in several occasions how much I enjoy watching "Glee". Part of it is because most the songs they picked are my favorite too.

In Season 1 the 8th Episode "Mash Up". Emma was trying
on the wedding dress and sang what else? "I could have danced all night", an original from "My Fair Lady", starring Audrey Hepburn, with voice of Julie Andrews ("The Sound of Music").

The dress "Silk Gazer Nanami Gown" is made by J.crew

And here is the original from the film "My Fair Lady"

Coat Reinvented

2012-01-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

For most people coats are probably the most invented pieces in their closets. A good coat requires high standard in cutting, material, design and fit. As result they cost more money.

It doesn't matter how well made a coat is, it can get dull and boring after a few wears. Unlike tops or skirts, coats take up space. As the price of computer disk drive storage space goes down, closet space is as precious as always. So I have been thinking how to get new looks this winter without buying more new pieces...here are some ideas I would like to share with you. :)

1. Add a collar (alternatively a scarf will do the job as well)

One of my recent DIY projects was a faux fur collar. You may find it "Vintage Inspired Fur Collar"
More examples:

Carolina Herrera 2010 fall

I love how J.crew 2011 holiday catalog, by adding a snood, changes a plain peacoat to something city chic yet super cozy for a snowy winter

source: jcrew.com

source: vmacandcheese.com

Pippa Middleton

Blake Lively color contrasting combo

2. Add a belt (change up the matching one)

As much as I love this idea, it might not be the favorite for everyone. Just find the most comfortable way to you and wear it.

Personally I think adding a smooth leather belt to a wool coat is genius. It creats the contrast of 2 different textures. At the same time, a belt may fake an illusion of a smaller waist making the coat look sharper and more interesting.

The Duchess of Cambridge in her L.K. Bennett red coat during a recent trip to Copenhagen.

World most famous outwear maker Burberry's 2012 Pre Fall collection is all about belting...

source: fashionologie.com

3. Wear it like a dress

The key here is to wear underneath something shorter than the coat to show off the legs and keep the coat on or above the knees.

Taylor Swift seems very fond of the idea

They are just some random ideas that come to me. I am sure you can find your ways to make a good old outwear look brand new again.

Stay warm!

J.crew Jackie's 9 Ways

2012-01-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

Jackie Cardigans from j.crew have become my closet staples. It's simply classic. However they are not designed to compete with Juicy's velour tracksuits or Aussie's shearling boots. :)

I am not very creative when it comes to follow the fashion trends but still have lots of fun playing with my own wardrobe. Here are a few ways to wear Jackie and the matching shell. I'm not the best model (probably one of the worst) and a generic camema in a rainy day didn't help either. :) But I hope this blog will help you somehow to consider to start shopping at your own closet.

I have multiple colors but decided to go with my favorite henna (from 2010 fall)

Stephen Dillane

2012-01-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

Brits, with their actors, sport guys, and royal families along the line, have made their way to the hall of fame in America.

If I mention names like Colin Firth, Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, you will immediately know who they are and how they look like. However, there are also hidden talents; they are just as good and ...hot. :)

I first saw Stephen Dillane in a romantic period piece called "Firelight", starring french beauty Sophie Marceau and him. It's a Jane-Eyre-ish story about a governess in search for her daughter and being employeed by the little girl's father. It may not be a award-worthy storyline but the actors are smoking hot and very easy on the eyes.

The second film of Stephen I watched is "Deja Vu". You may have already guessed what it's about. What caught my attention this time isn't just how cute he looked also the way he acted in the movie: some sort of nerve wracking yet with a hint of subtle humor. I just love the way he asks "What are you doing here?". LOL

To me Stephen is a handsome man and a very good actor, English actor. :)

DIY: Faux Fur Loop Scarf

2012-01-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

This winter I am so crazy about fur, faux fur of course. :)

You have seen my snow leopard print faux fur collar, and this time I am debuting a fur loop scarf.

Inspiration:

All you need are
1. 1/3 yard of faux fur of you choice. I really wish we had wine color at local jo-ann. :(
2. thread and needle; alternatively a sewing machine
- fold the fabric in the middle

- Sew on the reverse side and leave one end open so that you can turn it to the outside

- Make a twist before sewing up the 2 ends

Finished Look: