The Lady Is a Tramp

It's a wonderful music background to soak in the Christmas atmosphere and of course, New Year's too. Imagine sitting in a crowded American fine dining restaurant and listening to this kind of unmistakable, very popular American number.



I didn't know she can sing this good, very jazzy, very different from usual. I have to admit she's an amazing talent. So the story behind the duet with the legendary Tony Bennett is Vanity Fair. Lady Gaga stripped down to nothing and told Tony Bennet to draw her. He obliged and people at Vanity Fair took pictures of the whole thing.

“I walked in and said, ‘Well Tony, here we are’ and I dropped my robe and I got into position,” Gaga explained on her 90-minute special, A Very Gaga Thanksgiving. “I felt shy and thought, ‘It’s Tony Bennett, why am I naked?’ ”

Read the full story here.

Louboutin, always

"A good pump is a silhouette, like the bone structure of the face," he explained. "It's like a beautiful face with no make-up. You can cover a not-so-beautiful face with make-up, but it is just a mask - it is the same with shoes."



On his famous signature element, toe cleavage:

"It makes the leg look longer," he said. "It was something I discovered when I worked with showgirls at the start of my career - they always had shoes cut in that way. They wanted to be able to dance and to look like they had really long legs. If you have a low décolleté it opens the leg window."

Read the full article here.

To buy: Céline logo t-shirt

It made the cover of Style Magazine of Singapore, January 2012. I bet everyone with a copy would call up the store and ask if they still have it in store. Anyway my dear friend, One Sixty Notepad did the illustrated floral cover text, and this photograph was from their Facebook page.



This Resort 2012 is very tongue-in-cheek to what I’ve come to expect from Céline. Especially this particular look, which is quite revocable when we look at the brand’s usual no frills aesthetic. The last time I saw this on the mannequin at the Ngee Ann City boutique, complete with the bustier, was around ten days ago. I felt almost completely hopeless when the salesgirl told me that they don't sell them separately. I was like, what? I didn't dare to ask the price because I know for sure, when sold together with the bustier it will cost a bomb.



Here is a clearer look of the tee. I mean, who would expect Philo to move over to blatant branding like this? I'm sure you all might have seen the YSL logo tee, some may already get bored of it. But Céline, I would say, takes it to another level.

The point of me blogging about this is that I just recently found out perhaps maybe you can buy the tee only, yes, separately. According to T Magazine of NY Times, the Céline t-shirt cost US$405, which is not bad at all. Call (305) 866-1888.

Images from Vogue and Tumblr.

Victoria Beckham for Elle US

I'm guessing 2011 has turned out to be a triumphant year for Victoria Beckham. With the new born baby girl, Harper, and a winning award for Designer Brand of the Year at the 2011 British Fashion Awards, she has further proved to everybody that she's indeed a legitimate style icon. I managed to get you an excerpt from the editorial inside.



Editorial: '60s The Victoria Principle
Featuring Star: Victoria Beckham
Stylist: Ondine Azoulay
Photographer: Terry Tsiolis



Such a defining moment, when I first found out she's creating a more 'affordable' line, and plus, a collaboration on the footwear with the amazing Charlotte Olympia. Don't miss this, a sweet glimpse of the Victoria Beckham dress line.





Good news girls, apparently there are a few dresses from her main collection on sale. And yes, there's one dress below $1000 mark. I think it's about time.

Images courtesy of Elle.

Currently obsessed: Looks

The top looks a lot like a bodysuit or something, which is very practical. I have to find something like that. The skirt is indescribable. If you can find me something similar, I'll give you a kiss. Simply purrfect.



And this one is very light, perfect for sunny weather. I honestly never thought of matching camel and bright turquoise. Hope these would inspire you. Remember to dress to kill every single remaining day of 2011. So you won't have regrets.

Images from Sartorialist and Tumblr.

My birthday present

Deep blue leather Antigona bag. Thanks to mommy and daddy.

Valley of the dolls

Fancy some ladylike Rosie? It's always the retro, sixties inspired look that I fall for.













Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Harper's Bazaar UK by Tom Murno.

Images from Photos de Mode.

Swoon-worthy: PRADA satin clutch

Saw this beauty in store a couple days back and it's occupied my mind since. They only had it in black, which makes me think twice. Wouldn't it look a lot more amazing in emerald green? Here is Miranda Kerr carrying one.



You see, it comes in the perfect size. You can put every single essentials in, unlike the tiny Bottega or McQueen minaudières which are yes, expensive and also impractical. But then again, it's okay to be impractical, and both bags have some kind of uber-stylish vibes in them. I don't know, I can keep rambling until forever.

Image from Bluefly and Tumblr.

Drink coffee with style

Interesting how the media keep reporting luxury and the emerging new riches from around the globe. Now cheers to these fashionable cup holders for you to show-off to your school mates at the canteen or colleagues at work. I mean, based on my observation here in Singapore, everyone seems to struggle in the morning peak hour queue madness to survive the day with a cup of coffee or hot milk tea in hand. Hand your Jimmy Choo sleeve to the barista at the coffee shop as you place your order, and never touch those corrugated cardboard sleeves ever again. Fashionably grab the cup on the sleeve and sip your skinny latte slowly when walking towards wherever in your red sole. Or of course, Jimmy Choos to match.



"We all know the importance of making sure your shoes complement your handbag—but who knew your shoes had to coordinate with your vanilla latte?" I love how Jimmy Choo, apparently picks up the trend. Prices starts from €105.00. You can buy the mock croc version in orange online here.



Now let's talk about the $250 Hermès real croc ones. It turns out that Hermès cup holders are slightly less offensive than the Choo ones, as they are created out of leftover scraps of leather. This is perhaps some kind of fashionable recycling or upcycling. I heard they are not available anymore, though. Or let's just put it this way. You'll have a hard time searching for it.

Images from various sources.

Outfit inspiration for New Year's Eve dinner

Have you planned your outfit yet? Here is an idea. The statement piece in focus is no other than the sequin pants. Or you can't go wrong with sequin leggings too. Pair them with a tucked in, loose-fitting silk blouse or a tailored boyfriend blazer, add strappy heels, show off your newly pedicured toes, and there you go. Don't forget your necklace. And of course, your best bouncy Brazilian blowout hair. Walk with confidence, like you're strutting the Victoria's Secret runway.

Read more here. Image from Tumblr.

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 Ad: Think Pink

Think bubblegum, think sweet cupcakes, bright yet warm pastel colors, perhaps with some macaroons, Oh I love seeing these. Such a refreshment after being overly obsessed with Gucci's dark and sensuous Fall campaign, with saturated warm hues that make it look almost cinematic.



"All the tone and texture of the collection – the lightness, the prettiness, the broderie anglaise, the millefeuille layers of organza – are recreated in these wonderful images by Steven Meisel. It is all very soft and very sweet, yet at the same time very bold and very graphic," says Louis Vuitton Artistic Director Marc Jacobs.



The Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 advertising campaign once again takes up the narrative of the fashion show, continuing it from the point where the woman steps daintily off the pure white fairground carrousel and into the pastel pink paradise of a nearby ice cream parlor, complete with a mouth-watering array of Chantilly-topped sundaes.

As for me, I can stare at those mint (pastel or whatsoever) green pointed-toe mules in with metal toe caps without blinking. Pastel perfection.

Models: Kati Nescher and Daria Strokous
Stylist: Karl Templer
Photographer: Steven Meisel

Images courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

Lady Gaga in Elle UK January

I'm a bit late on this but when I saw this cover on the newsstand yesterday, I can't help but buy the magazine. I would say that this particular dress is the most recognisable and memorable piece from Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2012 collection. It fits her perfectly. Simply match made in heaven. There are two Lady Gaga January covers, and I've seen the Vanity Fair which is equally breath-taking, but I still prefer this one. It's not very often that we witness Gaga in soft colors, exposing more of her bare natural beauty, with minimal makeup.



Shot by Matt Irwin, the singer wears various ethereal catwalk creations including Simone Rocha (above), Alexander McQueen and Richard Nicoll. "She looks dreamy - like marshmallows wrapped up in a sheath of fabulousness!"



Gaga wasn’t always the confident, assertive woman she is today, but she’s speaking out and about her mistakes to hopefully help her fans avoid similar experiences:

“I had abusive relationships,” she admitted. “I dated men much older than me — I was 15, they were 30 — which I don’t recommend. I was never brave enough to be the person who I am today.”





Lady Gaga also indicated how she’d like to be remembered once she’s done making music. “Many people really don’t like what I do — or how I sing or what music I make — but some of those people admire the commitment to the work,” she said. “That to me is more important than anything.”



Thoughts?

Images from various sources.

It's my birthday

I'm nineteen today. And now that I look back, what a year it’s been. I'll be spending my birthday and Christmas with the loved ones and I'm so grateful for everything. It's like I want to say it out loud that all I want for Christmas is finally here. Thanks for the birthday wishes from everyone through texts, twitter and facebook. This one is for you. I love you all.

Anyway, I can’t quite believe we’re nearing the end of another year. Christmas is a particularly poignant time of year for me – a time to reflect on the 12 months past, but also a chance to look forward to new challenges. I just want to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Image from Tumblr.

Let's talk about Céline luggage totes

I was one of the first ones among my friends that bought the Céline luggage tote and apparently I have found out that Céline have redesigned this bag. The grained leather version is much more stiffer, giving it a lot more structure. Mine was actually from one of the first few generations, I think it's from three or four seasons ago. I used it as an everyday bag, walked under the heat and rain, put pretty heavy things inside it. I was quite concerned of how my bag end up looking like this. Exactly like Alessandra's.



I bought the shorter-handle version, and when wearing, I often put it on my shoulder, making the straps stretched so much. And finally, the bag sags when carried. Seeing these images of Ale's bag will make you understand the situation.



I was quite hopeless until I found out that putting my bag under the sun with stuffings inside could actually help to make the leather become stiffer. The humid weather in Singapore doesn't help at all. The sun and the heat will make the water absorbed in the leather evaporate. Now I had to put some kind of a plate underneath, at the bottom of the bag, to give a bit of support and finally the bag looks a lot better now. Anyone who experienced the same problem with me is welcomed to share. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Images from various sources.

Clutches: Balmain

If you like it heavily embellished. I think I do. I mean, I'm still amazed with the simplicity of Céline bags. But I think there should be a good balance. Balmain Spring 2012. View more here.

Image from Tumblr.

Céline: Trapeze

My sister and I have decided it's time for my Céline luggage tote to get a younger sister. And the Trapeze seems to be a subtle yet super stylish, effortlessly elegant option.



View more here. What do you think? For those who are interested in purchasing in store (Takashimaya), apparently they are out of stock, I heard you can pre-order but I'm not quite sure when the next shipping is. You can always give them a call. Good luck, girls.

You know I'm no good

I've always wanted to do the 'face hidden under a huge floppy hat' shoot, and then sometime last month we did it! Thanks to my girls, the super talented photographers, Liem Emilia and Stephanie Samudra.





I wasn't prepared, was really in the white tee and jeans mode. Anyway I got this sheer light fabric white t-shirt from Global Citizen. It has the right amount of scoop neck, I would say. You can find white T's similar to mine using these exclusive Gap Coupons too.







Wearing my favorite Ksubi jeans and Brian Atwood Maniac pumps. Accessories are YSL arty ring and Fendi Goldmine Bracelet in bordeaux snakeskin.



And here's my favorite shot. The floppy hat was a very lovely gift, it's by Sass & Bide.

Manolo Blahnik iconic BB pumps

Manolo Blahnik BB in blue suede. Magical. Indescribable. I feel like the luckiest girl on earth.

Here are some other variations of the BB pumps available online in different heel heights, colors and materials:
Manolo Blahnik BB Snakeskin Pump in Blue, US$865 from Bergdorfs
Manolo Blahnik BB Perforated Patent Pump in White, US$645 from Bergdorfs
Manolo Blahnik BB Suede Pump in Coral, US$425 from Shop Savannahs
Manolo Blahnik BB Suede Pump in Lime Green, US$595 from Neiman Marcus
Manolo Blahnik BB Crystal Pump in Red, US$1,685 from Barneys

My sister's party: photo diary

My sister, Sharon, turned seventeen in November and I had a chance to celebrate her birthday earlier this month back in Surabaya.







She looked stunning in this red gown by Jovani.



I got to wear my Versace for H&M dress. So I got the dress in size US2, which happens to be the smallest, but then it was still too big on me. So I got to rush home and get it altered. We didn't have enough time to alter so much, so they added the draping on the side. Sharon's second dress was equally amazing, by my designer friend back in my hometown, Pricilia Salim.



The decor is inspired by the famous Mulberry leopard glitterati.



Oh so here are the very delicate work of art in the form of cupcakes. Yes, there I said it. That's how much I was amazed when I saw these in the sweets corner at the party that night. I'm so proud of my dear cousin, Cecillia Siantar, to have come up with such gorgeous designs. And they were yummy as well. She's just super talented!



Her friends gave her a surprise with lots of roses and wishes. What a pleasant moment to remember.



I happened to 'accidentally' designed my own dress, it's just a very simple blue chiffon maxi with crystals in the collar. Surprisingly, I received a lot of compliments that night. I'm actually in the midst of working on something that has to do with my hobby. They say, "everyone has a talent – and by tapping into what you do best, you could make yourself some extra money." I can't wait to reveal my latest project to all of you.







And with the boys here! Photographed by recordance.