This is for all Lady Gaga fans. I'm not sure I fit under that category but then again I don't hate her either. She's definitely a phenomena this one, a weird one at that. But anyway, whether you or you or YOU or I for that matter, give a crap or not, she's a living breathing legend, who will be immortalized as a music icon and an inspiration to many (that kinda scares me ..), but anyway.. check out the Google Goes Gaga videa.. An exclusive interview with Lady Gaga courtesy of Google.
Wasn't planning on posting anything today but I came across a Chanel ad that was so cute and fun I just had to share
Adorable is it not? I also came across the Target Kaleidoscope Fashion Spectacular, which may be a bit old, but is still smart and amazing. Now that is what a fashion show should be about.. Even though we really can't see the garments at all. Ok so maybe it's not what a fashion show should be all about but it is a showto be remembered.
And since it's all about fashion, this is the song played at the finale of Galliano's A/W 2011 show, same song that was in the Christian Dior 2008 fashion show.
The long awaited Keira Knightley ad for Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle is finally here. Well, it's more like a mini movie but that's not the point. The point is, it's amazing. Keira Knightley is the type of woman we just love to hate (who wake up looking like that anyway? Flawless and perfect! What a b****! And her 'love interest' is - for lack of a better word - YUMMY.
I won't post a song today because ya see, it goes both ways. It can also be a video for Joss Stone's This is a Man's World.
I'm skipping the morning blas and monday blues and I'm just going to tell you an experience a friend of mine (we'll call her 'M') had with one very established and renowned AISHTI. So 'M' passed by Aishti with Im A'antar on a lazy Sunday afternoon in hopes of finding something for her mother for mother's day. There was a dressed up mannequin leaning against the wall. Im A'antar wasn't sure if it's a woman or not because the face was covered. So 'M' lightly knocks on the back of the mannequin to prove that it's not real and walks off. A mere 5 seconds later *CRASH*. The mannequin falls on it's side and breaks(the leg did, and according to them, the other leg and the arm). The manager was summoned, and he informs M that this was a piece of art that was on sale for €40.000, and that he can not be held resposible for any of this. He took 'M''s contact details and states that the lawyer will be in touch with her the next day.
Why would, something of that much value, be exposed to an accident of such a sort, like a running child for instance? How are there no parameters, no DO NOT TOUCH sign or a simple price tag indicating it's on sale? Especially that it was clearly not very stable or sturdy and can be easily knocked over.
After it broke, it was then properly positioned to look exactly as it were before it broke. What makes us so sure that it wasn't already broken?
Considering the fact that Aishti is a department store that sells fashion retail (designer brands), and that it is typical to find a mannequin dressed in clothes in such a department store, shouldn't a piece of art be displayed a bit more originally or distinctively? For example different lighting, a base, a glass box ANYTHING that would indicate that this is NOT a regular mannequin.
And last but definitely not least, INSURANCE. Art that is shipped from France with a price tag of a whopping €40.000, should definitely be insured for.. hmm.. I dunno theft or perhaps a mere clumsy accident that can cause breakage?
The way this situation was dealt with was farcical. Yes it was a clumsy act on 'M''s behalf, but this was bound to happen.
The piece of art AFTER it was broken.
I wonder if the artist knows how careless Aishti is with his work. And accident waiting to happen. And it did.
Anyway, I will keep you updated with what happens. Hopefully all will be resolved soon. Your thoughts?
Today's song is an obsession of mine, there's something so dramatically sad yet uplifting about this song. The contradiction between the beat, the lyrics and her voice renders it a perfect musical composition.
It's Friday.. Friday.. gotta gt down on Friday... FML. I have no idea how I managed to get Bieber's song out of my head only to get this one playing on loop in my head. It's bee na tough week, be it personal, local, or international. And since I'm not really in a blogging state of mind, I do need a distraction from it all. So, I took the advice of an old Lucky Brand ad and decided to
And who better to listen to than his Royal Highness, the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson with a kick ass video. That dancer is insane, I wish I could dance like that. Enjoy!
I woke up today cheerful, high spririted and I just felt like today was going to be a good day, even though I was having major trouble getting out of bed... A bit more than usual. Came to the office, and as usual I start my day off with coffee, email and Twitter. And depending on the news on Twitter I decide to check CNN, BBC, ABC, Al Jazeera, Lebanon Files etc... First tweet I read:
BREAKING NEWS: Strong earthquake strikes northern Japan, rattlingbuildings in Tokyo; tsunami warning issued - AP
That's when an overwhelming calm and sadness came over me. But It's not like the other times. I was genuinely sad and was close to tears. Then it hit me, with everything going on in the Middle East, I am with the Arab Revolution, and may the people of Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, Saudi etc.. be strong, patient, keep calm and fight. But today, it's not about us. It's not about greed, or power struck dictators who can't get a hint, or selfish politicians who refuse to step down.. it's not about fashion, and trends and John Galliano.. or about March 8 and March 14 and ridiculous retaliatory schemes.. Today it's about love for humanity and prayers for Japan, for the people who lost their homes and loved ones.. For those who had no idea what a dramatic turn their life was going to take when they went to bed at night. For all the children who are scared. For all the fathers who are trying to remain sane for their families. The mothers who are holding their children, rocking them back and forth, trying to comfort them and reassure them that all will be well even if they themselves don't believe it. To Each and every living thing in Japan.. My heart cries for you and my prayers are with you.
Good morning.. Weather is crazy in Beirut and instead of just staying in bed, skipping work, and cancel meetings and outings, woke up earlier than usual in this freezing weather (and I have separation disorder... with my bed) even though I need sleep.. BADLY.. But anyway, I don't want to be a nag on a Thursday morning, I'll be a nag on Monday. As for today's post, I know how I always go on and on about having very creative friends and such? Guess what, they just keep popping. And who knew graphic design pays off? Certainly not me, because these two girls came up with a great idea to spice up your bedroom, office, sitting room.. you name it. The name? Jo & Amy. The idea? Wall decals. Why? Because it's fun.. It's cheap.. It's creative.. It's ingenious. Yes yes I know you can just buy them anywhere, but here in the Middle East, chances of finding something like that are close to nil. I'll let you judge for yourself.
This is another favourite of mine. Hat stand, hanger and shoes.
It's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday. Wow time flies huh? Can't believe we're already in March. Which means we're getting older, and with age comes wrinkles, and saggy skin and dark circles around the eyes, and discolouration and pigmentation and and and... And wow did I just depress myself here. Thank God for bottox. Yes I'm one of those who advocates bottox and plastic surgery. But anyway, the questions for this week? Read on.
What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?
I'm very picky with what I put on my face, and even though there are some pretty good drug store products out there, I tend to automatically just stick to higher-end products. My daily mascara however is MaybellineFalsies. Favourite higher-end product is a cross between Bobbi Brown and Mac. And my favourite product is the brush on Giorgio Armani designer compact foundation with SPF 22. It just glides so silky giving full natural coverage. Just beautiful. Oh and how could I forget the black kohl. I buy it anywhere here and for one it's around 1000 LBP that's around 0.66 USD or 0.46 GBP. Pretty awesome no? It doesn't smudge, it's very black, it just glides on and it lasts.
Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?
Moisturisers. I can't live without them. I use day cream, night cream, eye cream.. the whole shabang. And I started not long ago, because I started realising time is your face's worst enemy, and really if you don't start taking care of your face at an early age you're pretty much screwed. Use facial washes not soap, use moisturisers for your skin type, be it oily, dry, normal or combination. Don't go to bed with your make-up on. Masks are good every once in a while. If you're using foundation, always apply a base first, and not just primer.. again.. moisturiser. And my favourite brand is definitely Nuxe. All my creams are Nuxe. They're organic, smell lovely, and you really see and feel a difference. Now I'm looking for a tinted moisturiser that's light and breezy for spring and summer. Considering Benefit's Rebel.
What's the best hair product you've ever used?
Anything Kérastasse, it's unbelievable how quickly you see the change, from shine, to texture to volume. It's remarkable. From their shampoo products to their leave-in conditioners to their masks. Wow. I also love Toni&Guy. Their Firm Hold Spray is the best I've used and if you like tousled beach waves then Beach Curl Spray is perfect for you.
Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?
BLUE MAKEUP! Oh did I used to experiment with colours. And I used to love it. Thing is I don't really look back and think to myself what an idiot I was, because 1. I was young and 2. for some reason I could pull it off, or so I used to think. And it's only with time that you start really getting to know what colours suit you best, day make-up is light and sheer, night make up you can go for DRAMA. And plus, now, even though I do love make up, I just don't have the patience for it the way I used to.
When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?
With make up you emphasize on your favourite feature. So if you have pretty lips, not necessarily plump and big, I actually don't like red on big lips, then go for dramatic lips and simple eyes (mascara and maybe a nice thin liquid liner would give that sexy vixen look) reds, plums, purples, dark red. Especially if you have fair skin. In my case, I don't like red on me because I have a wide smile, so I just feel I look like a clown. I can pull off dark lips though and I always use a lip pencil to contour them the way I want and it's always the same shade of lipstick so that it doesn't show and I use a lip brush. I focus on my eyes and I always go for earthy tones. Not even black. I think my make up is part of me, I like the flawless look, and the contrast between my dark hair, brows and eyes and my white skin is drama on it's own. That is my personal flare. Natural drama, without even trying too hard.
As for song choice of the day, it's actually very personal. Today marks the anniversary of the death of someone very dear to me and for as long as I can remember this song was always playing in her car, this is a cool remix of the song though. Miss you every day!
Gaga's done it again!
And no I'm not talking about herBorn This Way video, seen it once, and that's one time too many. I'm talking about her collaboration with the infamous Nicola Formichetti at the Mugler show last night. Nicola Formichetti, for those who don't know, is Lady Gaga's stylist.. Yes yes he was the one behind the meat costume, the straitjacket get-up, the rotating metal orb, the Bad Romance video and much more. The Japanese/Italian stylist was recently announced as Thierry Mugler's (now known as Mugler thanks to Formichetti) new creative director and after the eccentric Men's fashion show in January, the wait for the the Fall/Winter show was almost unbarable for many, especially that Lady Gaga was to partake in the show and debut a never-before-heard track entitled Government Hooker. Gaga, whose recent video is still in the headlines, made her entrance, not surprisingly, wearing a sheer figure-hugging black dress, in a cloud of smoke. Funny enough, she was the only one who really mastered the cat walk in towering heels. She definitely showed those models how it's done. The clothes were brilliant, the show was outstanding, and for that Mr. Formichetti, besides your shock and awe factor, you have definitely taken Mugler to a whole new level.
What do you mean Christian Dior fired John Galliano? John Galliano IS Dior!
AND.. In the middle of Paris Fashion Week.. 3 days prior to the show (which is scheduled for this Friday). Oh the horror of it all. I'm sort of disliking Ms. Portman at the moment. She was the reason he got fired. Well technically, he got himself fired.. No actually technically he got himself suspended.. She got him fired. After a couple accused the fashion god of casting racist and anti-Semitic slurs at them, the Academy Award winning actress said that she was deeply shocked and disgusted by the video (which was recorded from a mobile phone of Mr. Galliano saying 'I love Hitler' and racially insulting people at a bar). She also added 'As an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way.' (She's been signed to promote a Dior perfume). 'I hope, at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful.' the starlet added. Oh really?? So if a Jew is insulted it's a crime, but if a Muslim is insulted it's just the natural way of life? Why? Because all Muslims are terrorists? This, my dear friends, is what I call injustice.
I'm sad to see him get sacked. *sigh* I've been going back and forth about this all day yesterday thinking if he should have been sacked for his rants or if this is just preposterous. Come on people he was drunk.. Haven't any of you said bad things when you were drunk? But then again, maybe if I were the "victim" I'd be insulted too. Mixed feelings people.
Here's the video:
He's obviously wasted, and the couple was clearly laughing. What if they were the ones who provoked him? Hmm??? This is ridiculous. We can't lose another great designer No wait.. We can't lose one of the greatest designers of all time because of some random couple who happened to be recording it and their laughing mockingly in the video exudes disappointment shock and awe. He wasn't even lucid.. He was slurring and you can barely make out what he was saying. (fine so I exaggerated a little, I'm a fan what can I say?). But then again, if I were insulted for being Muslim by someone as great as he is, I'd be furious. I'm clearly upset and torn. Does everyone else feel this way? I condemn religious insults, but I also think that Ms. Geraldine Bloch and her companion are trying to get notoriety and money.. and yet another *sigh*..
Mr. Galliano has tripled Dior's turnover by more than 3 billion euros during his reign (1996-2011). What will they do now? What's going to happen to Dior's show on Friday? More importantly, what will happen to GALLIANO's show on Sunday? Who will be Galliano's replacement? Is it true it will be Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci? Will Galliano be facing trial? Will he still be designing Kate Middleton's wedding dress? So many questions on a lot of people's minds.
'Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.' - Berthold Auerbach
Topic of the week? Oscars of course. Now to some it's about the movies, to the rest of us superficial folk, it's about the gowns (in some cases costumes). I thought most of them did a better job at the Golden Globes. Anyway, I will not categorise the looks, not that I ever do, but here are the ones I thought were worth mentioning.
Natalie Portman in Rodarte: I get she's pregnant but really she can do better than that. The colour is beautiful on her but that's as far as it goes. The dress is too bland and the matching shoes, clutch and earrings? Didn't do it for me at all.
Mila Kunis in Elie Saab: The Black Swan starlet certainly deserves an award for her Red Carpet looks. I for one, am very impressed. I love the dress and the colour is beautiful against her pale skin. Pure perfection. One of my favourites of the night.
Anne Hathaway in Vintage Valentino: I really disliked this look. The matchy lipstick and nail polish killed it for me. I used to look forward to seeing what she's going to wear, after her last few misses, I'm scratching her off my list.
Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa: Doesn't she look adorable? Apparently she helped sketch this dress with Ms. Chapman. I think she looks like a princess and it's very age appropriate. Hell, even I'd wear it.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein: Loved it. Not particularly something I would wear, but she can't go wrong this one. Champagne is definitely her colour.
Jennifer Lawrence in Calvik Klein: Now I get she's going for the simple look. And she looks like a bombshell. Claire Danes and Emma Stone pulled it off at the Golden Globes, but for the Oscars? I'm not so sure. I even read somewhere that it looked like a baywatch swimming suit. True though, no? But with a figure like that and a face like hers? She makes it work somehow.
Jennifer Hudson in Versace: She's curvy and sexy and she looks good. The dress hugs her curves in the right places but something's off. And I'm not talking about the tangerine colour of the dress with her purple shoes (not shown in picture), the bust looks wrong.
Amy Adams in L'wren Scott: This is elegance and glamour. She looks beautiful. Not sure about the jewellery though, even though it is worth $1.3 m. Eek!!
Melissa Leo in Marc Bouwer: This is wrong. So wrong. This is an example of a fashion disaster. I really can't say anything more.
Halle Berry in Marchesa: Alas, she gets it right after many misses. Beautiful dress, the colours looks great on her, I love that she's not wearing a necklace instead, she's wearing a pair of dazzling drop earrings. She doesn't need more.
Annette Benning in Na'eem Khan: I actually liked it despite the many hate reviews. I thought she looked good, and I loved the hair.
Michelle Williams in Chanel: It's definitely a step up from the daisies, but I'm confused. I like it and I don't. My problem with it, is it reminds me of you know how women in Arab magazines are digitally covered up for censorship, and you just don't know what the dress looks like exactly, because you're not sure where the dress begins or where the photoshopping disaster begins? THAT's what it looks like to me.
Scarlett Johannsen in Dolce & Gabbana: Her face? Flawless. The rest? Nooooooo. And I don't think I need to justify my hate for this dress. Yes even with the back cut.
Hillary Swank in Gucci: I don't hate it. I do have a problem with the no necklace, no earrings, no bracelet though. Pick one. ANY. It makes all the difference. Barely pass I think.
Helen Mirren in Vivienne Westwood: This woman knows how to dress for her age and always looks spot on glamourous. Well done.
Helena Bonham Carter in Colleen Atwood: You have to give it to her, she never ceases to amaze. The Union Jack garter made me chuckle.. And look, matching shoes and no sunnies. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier: I love the colour on her. At one point I squinted to see where the dress begins because I can't really tell. I have a problem with it though, I don't like how the crystals don't continue to flow on the gown, gradually disappearing. Instead there's a line in the middle of the dress that has my full attention. Not smart for women with hips.
Florence Welch in Valentino: I loved it. My friend thinks it looks amesh. The pale yellow dress with her pale skin and her crazy flaming hair, worked. I'm not sure anyone else can pull it off but Flo definitely made it work.
Nicole Kidman in Dior Couture: I shake my head in mere disappointment. This is a disaster really. It looks like someone tried to make a wedding dress using chinese take out table cloths and oregami skills. And she tops it with orange shoes. Bad Nicole.
Reese Witherspoon in Armani Privé: A lot of people loved this look. Personally it did nothing for me. See. this look so many times, nothing new, and the Raquel Welch updo definitely proved this look to be very dépassé. Too safe in my opinion.
Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco: Love love love love. Yes it's very revealing but her hair and jewellery make her look so elegant. I love it. Well done Camila. I applaud you. Another favourite of mine.
Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture: I wasn't so sure about this dress when I first saw it, then again I hadn't seen the back. The more I look at it the more I love it. By the end of the day it will definitely be a Bambi favourite. Cate Blanchett almost always gets ir right doesn't she? She definitely brings couture to the red carpet.
And now my lovelies, the song that's been on repeat all day.
