Wednesday 30 March 2011

LIZ TAYLOR



ELIZABETH TAYLOR (27 FEB 1932 – 23 MAR 2011)
L First it was MJ. Now is his best friend? Life is not fair! ELIZABETH TAYLOR will be an icon forever. She made a fashion statement in her hourglass figure. There could not be a better personality to accentuate Christian Dior’s (above) new look in fashion. Looks like KATE MIDDLETON was not the first to start the trench coat frenzy. This was way in 1956 (below) Fashion would never be the same without you. We will sure miss you but will remember you forever...L

Bibliography

Reference Cited
ELIZABETH TAYLOR: FASHION ICON [Online] CondeNetUK Limited. Available from:
[Accessed: 25 MAR 2011]

ELIZABETH TAYLOR: FASHION ICON [Online] CondeNetUK Limited. Available from:
[Accessed: 25 MAR 2011]

Monday 28 March 2011

What Will it be for KATE Day?

                                                    The official engagement photo.

                                         A very relaxed KATE ;-)
                   
 
The birth of an icon? This was when you sparked the Burberry trench coat frenzy :-O

Well, well, well… One more month to a KATE Day! After years of stalking, a rumour mongering and history extraction, KATE MIDDLETON is finally tying the knot on Fri, 29 APR 2011. Do you want to know what is the fashion industry asking now? Exactly, “What will KATE wear on her wedding day and who will take the honour ‘By Appointment to H.M. the Queen’ to design her fashion and apparel?” I have selected one of the dozen that have been shortlisted. We will see if he will take the honour as opposed to the rumoured one.

No, I did not select IAN STUART’s design because he was The UK Bridal Designer of the Year 2010. A new decade must set forth a new era in fashion. This is the one!
The gathers and waisted design will give KATE a fuller figure. As the wedding will be held in spring, the corsage design will be significant. The corsage design can be reduced to suit KATE. Her beautiful locks can then fall on her right to balance this design. This dress can be customized a little. However, it should not ruin the dress’ elegant and classic appearance.

Below is my design proposal for KATE. The rear view colour is diffferent but the design is the same. This is to give colour variation.


Fans of this royal couple can gear up to the big day on http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/  


Bibliography

Reference Cited

WHAT SHOULD KATE WEAR? [Online] Conde Nast Digital UK 2010. Available from:

MARIO TESTINO [Online] Conde Nast Digital UK 2010. Available from:

STYLE FILE: KATE MIDDLETON [Online] Conde Nast Digital UK 2010. Available from:
[Accessed: 24 MAR 2011]

CELEBRITY STYLES DOS AND DON’TS [Online] CondeNetUK Limited. Available from:
[Accessed: 24 MAR 2011]

Friday 25 March 2011

Torch through Fashion




You are mobile and want to stay connected. There is no better gadget than Blackberry Torch 9800. This slide mobile is the only blackberry with touch screen option. The screen is bigger by proportion than other models. It is very sensitive. It is best to pay full attention when in use to avoid unintentional commands. It comes with loads of features similar to a small computer. You can also download themes from reliable websites that personalises the colour of the LED indicator on the front and flash at the rear. Now you are special ;-)

Among these features that set this model from the rest are listed below:

1)    Memory – 512MB on board memory and 4GB SD media card package. It is the largest memory of all models. No you can snap and store all your lovely photos.

2)    Camera – 5MP camera! This IS for you J

Mobile care tips are the same as digital camera. See ‘Lifestyle Picture of You’ post for more info.


Bibliography

Reference Cited

IMAGES [Online] Google. Available from:
[Accessed: 17 MAR 2011]

IMAGES [Online] Google. Available from:
[Accessed: 17 MAR 2011]

IMAGES [Online] Bing. Available from:
[Accessed: 17 MAR 2011]

Wednesday 23 March 2011

Women's Health Food

10 foods all women should eat

10 essential foods for female health.…

A varied, balanced diet is the cornerstone of healthy living for everyone, yet healthy eating can sometimes mean different things depending on your gender. While there are some foods we should all be eating more of, men and women also have their own set of dietary requirements as well as their own unique health concerns. Here are ten foods all women should eat.
1) Butternut squash
Butternut squash — like many other yellow/orange fruit and vegetables — is packed with carotenoids such as alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. While carotenes should be included in everybody's diet for optimum health, they may prove essential to women's health as a high-carotenoid diet has been linked to lowered risks of both breast and ovarian cancer.
2) Salmon
Salmon has a multitude of positive health benefits for women. Not only is it rich in iron — which is integral to the diets of premenopausal women — but it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, known for their mood-enhancing effects. Studies have suggested that omega-3 can help beat depression (something that affects twice as many women as men) and prevent mood swings, while salmon can also boost babies' intelligence when eaten during pregnancy.
3) Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and have been linked to reduced risk of breast cancer and heart disease. The seeds' anti-inflammatory properties are also good for preventing arthritis, while their digestive benefits can help irritable bowel syndrome; two painful conditions which are more prevalent in women than men.
4) Tomatoes
Another vibrant carotenoid beneficial for women's health is lycopene, a pigment found in tomatoes. Studies have suggested that lycopene may be effective in preventing breast cancer. Furthermore, there has been considerable evidence to suggest that the powerful antioxidant can help reduce risk of heart disease — the leading cause of death in women in the US, Australia, England and Wales.
5) Cranberries
Various studies have suggested strong links between consuming cranberries and reduced risks of breast cancer and heart disease. However, the most notorious benefit of cranberries is their ability to prevent and cure urinary tract infections such as cystitis, which is eight times more likely to occur in women than men. One study suggests that drinking two glasses of cranberry juice a day can prevent the symptoms of common UTIs in women.
6) Spinach
Spinach is rich in many different vitamins and minerals, but one thing that makes it great for women is its high content of magnesium. Research has shown that magnesium may be beneficial in reducing many of the physical symptoms of PMS which plague women, including reduction of swelling, breast tenderness, bloating and weight gain.
7) Figs
Figs are a great health food, containing many vital minerals and vitamins as well as contributing to your daily portions of fruit and veg. Two minerals found in figs that are particularly beneficial to women's health are iron, which is often deficient in menstruating women, and calcium, which is important for post-menopausal women, who are more prone to osteoporosis.
8) Milk
Milk is a great source of calcium, which is extremely beneficial to women's health, particularly when combined with vitamin D (found in some varieties of milk and many fortified milk products). Consumption of the combined nutrients is not only good for warding off osteoporosis, but a study has suggested that a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D could ease, or even prevent, symptoms of PMS.
9) Oats
Oats are literally packed with health-boosting nutrients, many of which have great impacts on female health. Oats are not only great for heart health, digestion and blood pressure levels (with hypertension affecting many women over 50), but they contain vitamin B6, which can help prevent PMS and mood swings, and folic acid, which is important for women to consume before and during pregnancy to prevent birth defects in babies.
10) Walnuts
While all nuts are great for our health, walnuts have many great individual benefits for women. A study has recently found that walnuts, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols, may help to reduce women's risk of developing breast cancer, while their high omega-3 content may also help bone health, arthritis pain and depression. Walnuts also contain many nutrients essential for female health, such as calcium, magnesium and folic acid.
Read more from Realbuzz.com


Bibliography

Reference Cited

10 FOODS ALL WOMEN SHOULD EAT [Online] Yahoo! Available from:
[Accessed: 10 MAR 2011]

Monday 21 March 2011

Happy 10th Birthday Glamour UK!

To my source and inspiration in fashion, I will be looking forward to 10 more decades! 

Friday 18 March 2011

Balance of the Day - Dress


MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ (top) and ROSARIO DAWSON (bottom) pulled these off perfectly. Their dresses are one shouldered and details on their left. MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ’s hair is flowing on her right and both their clutch bags are on the right too. As ROSARIO DAWSON proves, little dresses need not be black. She looks so cute... ;-) Perfect balance for elegant fashion!


Bibliography

Reference Cited

[Accessed: 10 MAR 2011]

[Accessed: 10 MAR 2011]

Sunday 13 March 2011

Maximise Spring 2011 Updates!



If you are generously curved and perfectly proportioned then you are voluptuous. Lucky you because this spring, it is time to ‘maximise’ your style! Maxi dresses have hit the stores and it is time to grab one. Listed below are some tips for your selection:


1)    Dark colours – They visually slim the silhouette.

2)    Loose fabrics – Satin, for example, skim your body rather than cling on to it.

3)    High waist – Fluted sleeves, cinched and high waist works perfectly. Your arms appear smaller, smallest body part emphasised and legs elongated. How is that for elegance?

4)    Small prints – They will not bulk your figure.

5)    Peep toes – Open styles leaves your feet exposed thus visually lengthening legs.

6)    Little dress – One with a low and rounded neckline will give you a cute edge.



A plunging neckline prides cleavage. This minimises your bust simultaneously. Can be worn during maternity too (right). The gathered point at the middle of your waist, emphasises your curves. They give you a fuller figure as well.




                                 A more effective 'illusion' of a fuller figure is evident here.


The ribbon from the waistline of the purple dress (left), elongates your lower body. It distracts the viewer to the bow detail. The chest details on the blue dress (right), has the same distraction purpose. It also give the effect of a smaller chest. Notice how well the waistline works here.



THIS JUST IN!

With so many event mess ups, it is time to stay optimistic and bright. What can be brighter than ORANGE? Scientific research also proves that orange is the most positive mood booster. Orange will definitely attract attention. You would not want to attract too much of it though. Keep accessories to the minimum and you will look like a star J Hey...you may think that you are too bright. Team this with another Spring 2011 colour, white. The mixing stops here and it is time to shine on all!

These asymetric gathers from the right waist gives you a figure. The ribbon is short as not to clash with the illusion of the gathers. The left slit sleeve gives you that sexy edge and balances the gathers.



Bibliography

Reference Cited


(2005) Glamour. London: Conde Nast.

[Accessed: 7 MAR 2011]

[Accessed: 7 MAR 2011]

[Accessed: 7 MAR 2011]

[Accessed: 16 MAR 2011]

Friday 11 March 2011

The Time is Now!

Rushing for time and lost track of it? In this new decade, it is time to get jewellery with function. Never has been a better time to purchase a watch. Before you do, listed below are some tips for making that wise selection:

1)    Perfectly round – In some cultures, round symbolises perfection. It is never dated. If these choices are limited, then select one that has the least angles or the most curves.

2)    Size does matter – Buy a watch according to your wrist size.

3)    No gold or precious stones – Gold components fade with usage due to dust, moisture and perspiration. It is also worthless to buy a watch with precious stones. The price of the watch will be more to the stones value than the quality of the watch.

4)    Stand out – A watch must be bright and do not wear any other jewellery.

5)    Stainless steel strap – If you are willing to spend more, titanium will be another choice. Both are maintenance free and will last the watch’s lifespan.

6)    Push button release clasp – A marvellous mechanism. Rest assured that your watch is fastened securely.

7)    Watch maker – If you are looking for extra features, watch maker watches have more. In comparison to quality, they are cheaper.

8)   Watch only - When you wear a watch, DO NOT wear any necklace. Wearing both will cause accessories clash.


A good citizen deserves one. Citizen Eco-Drive Silhouette 100m (EW3180-57A)

For the active and occupied woman, technology has made life easier. This watch is powered by solar energy. Do not worry if you are always indoors. It can charge from man-made lights too. Once fully charged, it can last 180 days. What are the chances of no available light source in that duration? Eco-Drive (Ecologically Driven) means that it never needs a battery so you help the environment too! It may be a little pricey. However, once purchased, it is maintenance free. You can focus on more important aspects of life!

This ladies' watch features a clean, all silver-tone design.

  • Gray dial with silver-tone hands and markers
  • Stainless steel case and bracelet
  • Mineral glass crystal
  • Luminous hands
  • Day/date window at the 3 o'clock position
  • 180 day power reserve when fully charged
  • Solar powered so you never have to worry about replacing the battery
  • Bracelet features a fold-over clasp with push-button release
  • Water resistant to 100 meters (330 feet)
  • Case width 30mm (approximately 1 3/16")
 
A good citizen deserves choice. Citizen Eco-Drive Silhouette (EW8690-53A)

Still maintenance free but with fewer features and of course, less pricey. This watch looks more feminine too.

Product description:

- All stainless steel watch
- Water resistant to 30m
- Mineral Glass Crystal
- Jewellery Clasp with Push Button


Listed below are tips to maintaining the showroom look of your timepiece jewellery:

1)    Wipe daily – Wipe your watch with a soft dry cloth at the end of your day. This will minimise dust, moisture and perspiration from staining.

2)    Clean monthly – Use an old toothbrush, a soft damp cloth and then (1)

3)    Crown cleaning – When it is time to turn the clocks, the crown has to be pulled out. Use an old toothbrush to clean the interior of it. This will minimise dust from clogging and jamming its operation.

4)    Gentle fastening – Rather than fastening the push button clasp with a ‘tick’, press the release button while closing. Release the button upon fastening. This method will maintain the function of this mechanism.

Now, it is time!

Wednesday 9 March 2011

Forever You and New!


Do you want to invest in frocks with lifetime returns? Yes, there are some that last forever! Search no more because they are listed below:

1)    White shirt – See ‘The Colour of Spring

2)    Boyfriend jeans – See ‘The Colour of Spring


3)    Little dress – It does not have to be the traditional black. It is 2011, so add a little fun with colour. Choose a colour that contrasts your skin. The opposite will ‘sink in’ your dress.

4)    Wide legged trousers – Uses the same principles as boyfriend jeans but with a formal appearance. A darker shade will slim your bottom.


 




















5)    V-neck sweater – ‘V’ for victory in ending your search!


6)    Sweater dress – Feeling cold? Keep warm and stay sexy.


If your purse is still heavy, then invest more in...

7)    Print dress – Leopard prints only work for some. If you are uncertain, stay away. All other prints are fine. Choose a contrasting print to your skin colour to stand out.


8)    Ankle boots – If you are petite, try peep toe ones. Visible toes at the end will elongate your legs.

9)    Blazer – Team it with boyfriend jeans and white shirt or knee length dress for variety. Wear with flats for the former and heels for the latter.

10)  Biker jacket – It is all about black. DO NOT be too experimental with colours. For that added sparkle, accessorise with silver and gold.


Bibliography

Reference Cited

(2005) Glamour. London: Conde Nast.

[Accessed: 2 MAR 2011]

IMAGES [Online] Yahoo UK. Available from: http://kuwait-style.com/images/2008/09/09-14-08-DRESSES.jpg
[Accessed: 2 MAR 2011]

IMAGES [Online] Yahoo UK. Available from: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416pXfiVy6L._SX334_.jpg
[Accessed: 2 MAR 2011]

IMAGES [Online] Yahoo UK. Available from: http://www.sportygirlapparel.com/images/LadiesHuntingclothing.jpg
[Accessed: 2 MAR 2011]

[Accessed: 3 MAR 2011]

IMAGES [Online] Google. Available from: http://thesmartstylist.com/archives/sweaterdressday.png
[Accessed: 3 MAR 2011]




Monday 7 March 2011

Lifestyle Picture of You

We are becoming digital every day. Photography is not excluded from this progress. For the serious photographer, DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera is their choice. DSLR is actually SLR that has been digitised to update with technology. For those who have not purchased yet, there is a ‘new kid on the block’ that is fast being accepted. Olympus and Kodak are pioneers in MFT (Micro Four Thirds) compact system cameras while Panasonic makes components for Olympus in this field. Due to their vast experience, pioneers are usually the best. Being designed entirely digital from ground-up, they are smaller, lighter and more compatible with other digital equipments. Panasonic LUMIX GF2 is the smallest and lightest interchangeable-lens camera. Do go to your nearest authorised dealers for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic LUMIX GF2 to find out more.
                                                               Olympus PEN E-PL2

Professional photographers' approved photo of a late Shih Tzu taken using Olympus PEN E-PL2. Photo quality far richer than rivals, correct? Now she will live on cyberspace 4ever! ;-)


Panasonic LUMIX GF2 (From Top to bottom: Front, Front with Flash popped-up, and Rear)

                               Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX70 (From top to bottom: Front and Rear)

Professional photographers' approved photo of Petaling Jaya City, Selangor D.E., MALAYSIA taken using Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX70. Would you expect this from a compact camera?

For those with a faint of heart, Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX70 compact camera is more suitable. Set it at ‘Intelligent Auto’. Just point and shoot! You can also use a whole array of special effects in ‘Scene’ mode. Its OIS (Optical Image Stabiliser) is one of the best. It is even more effective with the flash activated. Apart from being Japanese made, it has a lens retraction safety feature. This prevents the lens from accidentally extending in the presence of obstruction. Please check these features with your authorised dealer.


From my own research and practise, listed below are a few care tips:


1)    Pop-up flash gently – DO NOT allow the flash to pop-up (if available) on its own. Put your finger slightly above the flash. Then press the flash pop-up button. Once the flash has popped up a little, gently allow the flash to pop-up with your finger. This principle can be applied to all latches that ‘ticks’ upon opening or closing.

2)    Memory card reader – Always USE a memory card reader to transfer data to your computer. Operating system interactions between your digital camera and computer will leave the former prone to virus infections.

3)    Clean – Always wipe your camera clean with a soft dry cloth for storage. This will minimise dust, moisture and perspiration from staining.

4)    Storage – Remove the batteries and memory cards from your camera. This will prevent corrosion of the metal contact points. The battery (lithium ion) should also be stored at a maximum of 60% charge level. This will prolong battery life. Store your camera with oxygen absorbers in an air tight box. This will prevent fungus. Keep the box in a well ventilated area.


Bibliography

Reference Cited


DMC-FX70 [Online] Panasonic UK Ltd. Available from:
[Accessed: 22 FEB 2011]

DMC-GF2 [Online] Panasonic UK Ltd. Available from:
[Accessed: 5 MAR 2011]

E-PL2 [Online] Olympus. Available from:
[Accessed: 5 MAR 2011]

MICRO FOUR THIRDS SYSTEM [Online] Wikipedia. Available from:
[Accessed: 5 MAR 2011]