Halloween- The Galliano Way

<span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >On the topic of Halloween, we must not forget our favourite showman of all, John Galliano. When it comes to putting on a great statement, there is no one quite like him. Going through his FW08 runway, I've pegged the drama down to two elements: crazy hatwear/hair and crazy make-up.<br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQY9IpQq0I/AAAAAAAADcU/Qqx4zQBmos4/s1600-h/Halloween-+galliano+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261357703247211330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQY9IpQq0I/AAAAAAAADcU/Qqx4zQBmos4/s400/Halloween-+galliano+3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >So maybe there is no rationale behind most of these, but hey, it's time to be creative! </span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQY9AdpDaI/AAAAAAAADcc/BT8Q021_Fio/s1600-h/Halloween-+galliano+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261357701050994082" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQY9AdpDaI/AAAAAAAADcc/BT8Q021_Fio/s400/Halloween-+galliano+4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a>This could be the dead sea captain perhaps?<br /></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQY9o2gRgI/AAAAAAAADc0/awo3bLaqlsw/s1600-h/Halloween-+galliano+8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><hmg style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQY9o2gRgI/AAAAAAAADc0/awo3bLaqlsw/s400/Halloween-+galliano+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261357711892694530" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >The show girl.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQY9SYAWRI/AAAAAAAADcs/vO-XXoOzZCo/s1600-h/Halloween-+galliano+7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261357705859193106" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQY9SYAWRI/AAAAAAAADcs/vO-XXoOzZCo/s400/Halloween-+galliano+7.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> And check out the amazing, vibrant make-up! Talk about drama.</span> </span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQY9akzq2I/AAAAAAAADck/YyXZAenqR5c/s1600-h/Halloween-+galliano+5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261357708060371810" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQY9akzq2I/AAAAAAAADck/YyXZAenqR5c/s400/Halloween-+galliano+5.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a></span> <span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Not sure about the lump on her head (looks a bit like a tumor), but am loving the gold spikes!<br /><br />Image Source: <a href="http://www.style.com/">Style.com</a><br /></span>

Halloween- The Galliano Way

On the topic of Halloween, we must not forget our favourite showman of all, John Galliano. When it comes to putting on a great statement, th...

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Halloween on the Streets 2008

<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" >Runway inspiration is all good and well, but besides the Prada lace-y vamp look, the rest are not exactly easily achievable. So I did a more generic brainstorm and came up with this:<br /><br />Has anyone seen that movie recently, "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People"? In it, Kirstin Dunst goes to a costume party and dresses up as a 20s flapper girl (though I think she had a specific flapper girl in mind since the theme was "Favourite Dead People"), looking awesome in a black bob, long cigarette, red lipsticks and slinky black dress. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261350816939831586" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQSsTJo8SI/AAAAAAAADa8/H-s5ldQ9E8M/s400/Flapper+Girl+-1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; cursor: pointer; height: 376px; text-align: center;" /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">That was when it clicked! I want to be a flapper girl this Halloween! It won't even be that hard. All I need to get is a black bob wig, a long cigarette holder and a black slinky dress and then put on pale foundation, smokey eyes and hot red lipsticks- viola, flapper girl!</span> </span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQSsbPv_1I/AAAAAAAADa0/5eowWL7qNnE/s1600-h/Halloween-+Space+Age-FCUK+dress.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261350819112943442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQSsbPv_1I/AAAAAAAADa0/5eowWL7qNnE/s400/Halloween-+Space+Age-FCUK+dress.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 290px; cursor: pointer; height: 370px; text-align: center;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> I even know exactly which dress I'd buy too. This FCUK fringe dress is perfect. I can even wear it again for a night out (even though it is not <em>exactly</em> my usual style...)! But still, I love the idea that I won't be wasting <em>too</em> much money on a cheap looking costume I'd only get to wear once. I actually went into a real costume store my first time today and I must say, I was not impressed. The costume outfits for women typically look cheap and skanky. And I'm not about to fork out $50USD to look cheap and skanky.<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I also looked at the fangs. I thought, worse case scenario, I can just dress in all black, wear pale foundation and red lipsticks and with the fangs, I can be a vampire. A nice easy Halloween costume. But then I looked at the packaging and got slightly weirded out. "Molding" plastic stuff into my mouth and in <em>between</em> my teeth- that is NOT prescribed by my orthodontist- just goes against my natural instincts. What if it screws up all the good work my orth spent many years achieving? I thought fangs were just stuck on... I guess not.<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </div><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">So in the end, I walked out with a black bob wig and a reaper rake. The bob because I've always wanted one and it'll go with the flapper look (though this one is not exactly my ideal one cause it has random silver streaks in it...but whatever) and grim reaper's rake, just because it's fun to wave around a reaper rake at people. I know, completely random. I'm not exactly sure what I am going to do with them....but I guess I'll figure it out in the next three days!</span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ></span><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Image Source: <a href="http://www.flappercostumes.com/">Flapper Costumes</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> and <a href="http://www.asos.com/">ASOS</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div>

Halloween on the Streets 2008

Runway inspiration is all good and well, but besides the Prada lace-y vamp look, the rest are not exactly easily achievable. So I did a more...

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Halloween on the Runway 2008

<div style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">It's that time of the year again where we get to dress up in whatever crazy outfit we desire. And what better place than the runway to look for fun, creative, refreshing <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> fashionable ideas? </span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQWZq6DPBI/AAAAAAAADb0/yGBnQqGAuLk/s1600-h/Halloween+Couture-+Marc+by+MJ+%2B+Balenciaga.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261354894945893394" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQWZq6DPBI/AAAAAAAADb0/yGBnQqGAuLk/s400/Halloween+Couture-+Marc+by+MJ+%2B+Balenciaga.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" /></a>On the Marc by Marc Jacobs runway (left) there is punk rock, with retro pink plaids and pleated minis. This would be an especially fun outfit if you are usually <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> punker chic. And if you <span style="font-style: italic;">are</span>, then maybe the cyber look for the Balenciaga runway (right) would be interesting. After all, Halloween is our chance to try out different looks and have fun!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQWaaf_p8I/AAAAAAAADcE/UBl4-v-M13U/s1600-h/Halloween+Couture-+MacQueen+%2B+Lacroix.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261354907721508802" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQWaaf_p8I/AAAAAAAADcE/UBl4-v-M13U/s400/Halloween+Couture-+MacQueen+%2B+Lacroix.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 400px;" /></a>Another look I am loving is the royal military look found on the MacQueen (left) and the Lacroix haute couture runway (right). The structured uniform jackets and all the details are just so pretty!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQWaUwfmbI/AAAAAAAADcM/gOdZBlZDniY/s1600-h/Halloween+Couture-+MacQueen.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261354906180098482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQWaUwfmbI/AAAAAAAADcM/gOdZBlZDniY/s400/Halloween+Couture-+MacQueen.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 400px;" /></a>Even more regally, there is the royalty look also found on the MacQueen runway. There is just something so regal and colonial about it. I'm not sure how one would achieve this look for Halloween, but an idea is a start right?<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQWZ-OpfWI/AAAAAAAADb8/FXG3v9f3qXw/s1600-h/Halloween+Couture-+Lacroix+%2B+Prada.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261354900132560226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SQQWZ-OpfWI/AAAAAAAADb8/FXG3v9f3qXw/s400/Halloween+Couture-+Lacroix+%2B+Prada.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" /></a>And lastly, there is the classic vamp look. There is the elaborate version from the Lacroix haute couture show (left), or for something simpler and easier, the black lace version from the Prada runway (right). In fact, with all the "lace" around, you can very easily achieve this look. All you need are fangs!<br /><br />Image Source: <a href="http://www.style.com/">Style.com</a><br /></span>

Halloween on the Runway 2008

It's that time of the year again where we get to dress up in whatever crazy outfit we desire. And what better place than the runway to l...

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Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 10/24

<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Is it just me, or is it not even news anymore that there was a huge drop/rally in the market on a given day? Now that we've broken all the records in the last century, it's hard to be fazed by big swings in the market. I think my next threshold is if (or is it when?) the Dow hits the 7000s.<br /><br />But anyway, the </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">global market went on another roller coaster ride this week, ending with a big drop on Friday. Asia in particular took a big hit. On the Hong Kong stock exchange, HSBC, the darling of all stocks there, fell by 10% to $88, a 4 year low. I personally could not remember HSBC being below $100.... ever. People are shocked and heartbroken. I don't blame them. The HSBC stock to HK investors is like how Louis Vuittons is to Japanese women- everyone owns at least one or aspires to own one. To see the value of such an entrenched brand go down must be a very traumatizing experience indeed. Who knew that Morgan Stanley slashing the price by 25%, would have such a profound effect?<br /><br />Back to the rest of the world, developed and emerging markets alike are hit due to slumping currencies and higher financing cost. ING is is latest "big gun" to be bailed out with a $13.5 billion Dutch government injection. And countries such as Iceland, Pakistan and Turkey are in talks with the IMF for help.<br /><br />In the US, experts have placed the blame on hedge fund of funds. Since investors can pull money out of hedge fund of funds anytime they want i.e. now, this has in turn put pressure on hedge funds to pull out of the market and thus the crazy selling and shorting to cover losses. The mounting layoffs *yikes!* (</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Goldman announced they were cutting back 10% of their workforce-less than I expected!)</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, speculations about whether we're in a recession or not (do we really need anymore proof?), Greenspan admitting to be "partially wrong" and bad company earnings report coming out didn't help. Oh and PNC just announced that they were taking over National City for $5.2 billion (backed by tax payers). This is the next big bank takeover since Wachovia two weeks ago. Investors are now waiting to see if the Fed will further lower interest rates next Wednesday and whether the US economy is indeed in a recession with the GDP data coming out next Thursday.<br /><br />It's not a completely gloomy outlook though. Asian countries, following Europe, are starting to form their own $80 billion emergency fund- better safe than sorry. The US are working on another stimulating package and a plan to bailout individual home owners, so then they can get better termed loans. Call me a selfish hypocrite, but while I'm all for bailing out banks because it affects me, I'm not sure how I feel about bailing out individuals. Makes me think, "if I knew the government was going to bail them out, maybe I should've gone and bought a house I clearly cannot afford too!" Logically though, I know helping them would help the economy as a whole, since foreclosure is one of the biggest issues. Guess I'll get around to the idea.<br /><br />On a side note, did you know that the $250 billion capital injection into banks last week is <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>part of the $700 billion package? I wasn't sure myself until this week. How come they need approval for $700 billion and not $250 billion? $250 billion is <span style="font-style: italic;">still</span> a LOT of money.<br /></span></span>

Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 10/24

Is it just me, or is it not even news anymore that there was a huge drop/rally in the market on a given day? Now that we've broken all t...

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Stop the Fall

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I was getting <a href="http://handsthatmake.blogspot.com/2008/10/shelburne-vermont.html">excited about Fall</a>, making a visit to New York and Vermont I started second guessing my move to the West Coast (oh, but wait San Francisco is sort of cold all they time, I can layer up in June if I wanted to.) The layers, the coats, scarves, leg warmers, stockings, I love it all. When I first arrived to start my college years on the East Coast, and after spending my life in the subtropics, I detested the winter. However, with thickened blood, by the end of my four years I actually looked forward to the cold weather - and not to mention Fall fashion...<br /><br />But HOLD ON a second, back up, back up.<br /><br /><img src="http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6827/celine1jp8.jpg" /><br /><br />Really.<br /><br />Looking at Celine's Spring/Summer 2009 line made me want Summer again. After going through their entire runway show I don't really care for autumn leaves right now. Give me the Summer - I want to wear all of this! I would happily replace all the dresses in my closet with any of the above. I love the wrapping idea with such a free flowing dress.<br /><br /><img src="http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9905/celing2lu6.jpg" /><br /><br />Probably not practical for the office unless you worked at Vogue, but if I could go to work wearing this, I definitely would.<br /><br /><img src="http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8448/celine3ip8.jpg" /><br /><br />I thought the draping of these dresses were beautiful. Perfect for a summery night out on the town? I think so. <br /><br />I never really paid attention to Celine and now I'm asking myself why. And those shoes! I love those shoes, but let's wait for me to fully express my craze for shoes, that could take up another two...three posts.<br /><br />Image source: <a href="http://style.com">Style.com</a><br /></span></div>

Stop the Fall

I was getting excited about Fall , making a visit to New York and Vermont I started second guessing my move to the West Coast (oh, but wait ...

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The Leather Puffer

<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As you might have read, lately, I've been craving a </span><a href="http://iamfashion.blogspot.com/2008/09/fw08-leather-jackets.html" style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">leather jacket</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. They are the perfect item to edge up a girly outfit. But since I'm the more easily chilled kind, warmth against the bitter cold is always one of my primary concerns. And so following the </span><a href="http://iamfashion.blogspot.com/2008/10/puffer-trench.html" style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">puffer trench</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, I discovered the leather puffer. I wasn't even deliberately looking. I was just randomly browsing at the Intermix store and lo' and behold, I find the leather puffer below:</span> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SOw5F0fciGI/AAAAAAAADaU/0bTYiDEF2IE/s1600-h/Leather+Puffer+Jacket-+Intermix.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254637637387192418" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NUbPhaVyuGs/SOw5F0fciGI/AAAAAAAADaU/0bTYiDEF2IE/s400/Leather+Puffer+Jacket-+Intermix.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I thought the concept was awesome, a cool, edgy and WARM leather jacket. The soft gray color also caught my eye. Probably because it has all the qualities of black but is not (although of course they have it in black). But then I tried it on- just for fun. It fits on very snugly (so if you're buying them online, go one size bigger!) but also very stiffly. I know it is probably because of the stuffing, but for a whooping $875, I expected a bit more. The ability to move to begin with. And secondly, better quality leather. I've come across my fair share of leather, and that was not good leather. It was stiff and felt (and looked now that I think about it) plasticky, making it look a bit cheap, which is ridiculous considering the price tag.<br /><br />I walked out of the store disappointed. Maybe if they cut down the price tag by <span style="font-weight: bold;">at least </span>a 1/3. Then maybe it'll be worth considering. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Image Source: </span><a href="http://www.intermixonline.com/jump.jsp?itemID=24169&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=Winter+Warmers" style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Intermix Online</a> </span>

The Leather Puffer

As you might have read, lately, I've been craving a leather jacket . They are the perfect item to edge up a girly outfit. But since I...

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Tell me more, more, more

<img src="http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/7325/makeupbagcf4.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Generally, I never wear makeup because I have sensitive skin (and I'm a lazy bum!). But when I do manage to get around to putting it on, I use all of the above.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Yes, I sort of look like a walking advertisement for <a href="http://bareescentuals.com/">Bare Escentuals</a>. I actually just started using the brand a couple of days ago and I'm hooked. Th</span><span style="font-size:85%;">eir powder foundation is incredible. It's light, feels <span style="font-style: italic;">and </span>looks as if I've got nothing on, except, all of a sudden I have immaculate skin. Comparable to an airbrush - I swear, it covers <span style="font-style: italic;">everything. </span>If you need more coverage, just press some extra powder on that particular area before you apply it to your entire face. Walah! Instant concealer!<br /><br />One thing that I am very particular about is mascara. I have really long eye lashes, and I don't want bother with an eyelash curler, clumping, or something that's too heavy. Lancome's L'EXTREME mascara is just right for me because it makes my lashes even longer! It's clean, curls my lashes, doesn't flake, and goes on ever so smoothly.<br /><br />I got my M.A.C pigment as a gift from a friend. "Naked" is a great colour as it has just the right shimmer, it looks great on the inner corners of the eyes and on the bottom lid along with some liner. For some more drama, you can brush a touch on top of your cheekbones for a night out.<br /><br />While I pretty much only wear what I just told you, the amount of makeup that I own would make you think otherwise. I own a lot of makeup, most of which I use once every 2 years (I don't think you're even supposed to keep it for that long). Before, I kept it all in multiple makeup bags - very unorganized. Now I keep it one big pouch,thanks to my friend A who has started to make <a href="http://alliebeans.etsy.com/">these adorable pouches</a> that she sells on Etsy. Awesome prints, really great quality, and the perfect carrier for all my stuff.<br /><br />That's what I've got in my bag, what are your essentials?<br /><br />Image source: <a href="http://alliebeans.etsy.com/">Alliebeans</a>, <a href="http://bareescentuals.com/">Bare Escentuals</a>, <a href="http://lancome.com/">Lancome</a>, <a href="http://maccosmetics.com/">M.A.C</a>, <a href="http://thebodyshop.com/">The Body Shop</a>, <a href="http://sephora.com/">Sephora</a><br /></span></div>

Tell me more, more, more

Generally, I never wear makeup because I have sensitive skin (and I'm a lazy bum!). But when I do manage to get around to putting it on...

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Happy Birthday Barneys Girl!

<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">So even though I said I'll be away for awhile, I just <em>had </em>to wish BG happy birthday with our traditional birthday post! </span><br /><div><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258014148812935682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVmnG5i1mhKUU_A4M8Eh0kOMRx3xO4yfmwSon1W37Mz2n3VoSXVqpzCLcr5uCavv2WzaxZYnS2FDyfCWbpyKqo-6sEjjdhd7A1-cWa54VdhQeT5OLB4X6bAkzfT-_b9cISQZ6tGv9FECM/s400/CL+C%27est+Moi+Booties+825+saks.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />First off, a must-have for this season -booties! This lovely pair is by Christian Louboutin (thus obviously only possible for me to send her a pair via a blog post!) Booties are a bit last season and the new twist for the season are the peep-toe booties. But since we're both uncomfortable with peep-toe boots (imagine if it snowed,) this pair would be great! </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258014290807403778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIo8voX8nFgs_DF3MYzi-8fTyXhV2BsxqPVTj-U9NwsQe2OCDtSXtCmL97G_pWEPIqa63JiJGbSXO8BHN5IBU3Rrr7bEDAmtc5ZoF0WZb223HxwTtEkdwI2GUWu3h9001BHHjRMFeFUok/s400/Mackage+Elle+Hourglass+Wool+Coat+594+saks.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />As BG mentioned in a post a few weeks ago, she's been wanting a white coat. This coat by Mackage Elle is so cute and classic! </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258017074733645954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizTdG2b80kM6DoQDTEMttrzwRze0dS2wsezl6qKiSlo8hVEO37DYVst1jMmqls5C1e5nTEB-YZVMZU8Ir8A35LNfQ6BovnPaK1lhTfG7On5oIX3cpDxVQ2JIoAMCAC6q44sUmGOyN75_C/s400/FCUK+tudor+silk+dress+198.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The Tudor Silk Dress was the first thing that caught our eye this season at FCUK. We love the folded bits at the top and the way the longer strips would move with the dress (we imagine.) This would be perfect for so many events -just think! </span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258014283759517410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCmdhemnPLnXI4uNzgmicQBrUjz4wPLbxKYw4fYnKLjBbIUiQJTf751YoTiFMY_Hv9SWJXw7UWUNGKlhRwUyfI6it3TPhfdPFcngLS5yAm_Rru320pXS6M4GRCWM_-D2jTQMd4OoIRXEF/s400/J+Brand+Low+Rise+Cigarette+Leg+Jeans+158+saks.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />BG's been meaning to get a pair JBrand's Low Rise Cigarette Leg Jeans for awhile. We've heard great things about it and they look perfect to tuck into boots.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258014291108567298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslnmdQddalUuXF4ON4RM83bwu5h0ylnRps0kVZ1Iv1SDNX9GfMKcXgvhK8TgRRjSELQa_9epXSaG2Vd-2SdZbk9PZfdTXKjo9eSxtbU0crfDTifYZFLaiuDVpCdLgo1XWKz3yZgXswfkh/s400/Marc+Belted+Flat+Boot+595+shopbop.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />And a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs boots to go with the skinny jeans. </span><br /></div></div><div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258014150030318034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxc3iH0G-idRc1l3o7p7DUDZVy1Y-lgtp102Up3EoaRgco5bs0hawLrTIC4MD4_QhKMEOScd45aq-jiMacYfRjLCCGI9PVTdUs4u9s64TiJ4fzq8lbpWh3_Ic2VI0EHNmaDQMIick7jSU/s400/CL+Declic+Suede+Pumps+685+saks.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />A pair of heels, again by Christian Louboutin (-can't resist!) They look painful to wear, but fierce! </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258014152589405906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY52Mxjyzre_v-ekXi6dna-eSpCxuko4w4iy_YHUMxZQI4AM2KaVsJJmwIMCA7_hSg5dmn3KWQ-bkIH__pYIPxVDKWtZARSf2w5PSrAc4sJr1FDVOg2G2f325hWulhyzP0Ps3TF4kwILQ6/s400/Dr+Brandt+Lineless+Eye+Cream+60.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />BG is constantly looking into which eye cream to buy next. Dr. Brandt's Lineless Eye Cream sounds good on the Sephora website (as everything does,) but the reviews over at MUA haven't been great. Has anyone tried it? Leave a comment! </span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258014293552738514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkKJqbBWcy4QC3WPfMouD5_qmhXPX3h_3HIueeG9NOorJ5vAEpoMQO0BzB4rCKR_pUe9dE5dxRklb81WvFGlGiitVvIfrcWxR2tq6yJQ7_21V9EACFtILv6bY1i1JP5BKwoKGqvtNIdGS/s400/Marc+Dita+Lace+Dress+428.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Marc by Marc Jacobs had a similar looking dress in gold last year -remember, the one Blair wore in the Thanksgiving episode! Since it turned out to be so popular, the people over at Marc must have realised what a sellable merchandise this style is and made another one this season! Make sure to at least try it on this season, BG! (Although I am worried that it would make one look old -not everyone can carry it off as fabulously as Blair did!)</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258014503407439186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi-Kw4z3k6CJ6-qV35UPWTFFn_gbGXGaGUg4kn3KHAg2zgQyD4SD3gNqVryhRI-1v34CO5FsU8lL1BczDwM6bu0ZefYZkEzIxkhxfmfp2iU9uzfuLyzr3x04QmE5OIW-kthj8uoO7QBDB/s400/Miu+Miu+Medium+Vit+Vintage+Hobo+-+Raspberry++995.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I would, of course, include a bag from our favourite accessories brand, Miu Miu. Even though I know BG is not into vintage styles, this bag looks very comfortable to carry around and the size looks just right.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258014287791144562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkZbMewB8op4DGihtw7pYYb5SVgRC7my1Uv2OvvRtUFdhXr66n7UqzXsrezASZwbvry-vyYS0uSNpmGXbk3JboOeuCl4xDIDhEH1_hD6SYsBqcM6fj8n3i1ytdulBJxd2nyK2iuFCQFb-/s400/Laura+Mercier+Eye+Colour+Quad.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />BG never gets enough of eye shadow palettes so here's another one. But I don't think she's got a black and white one yet so here's one by Laura Mercier.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258014496727513506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODI-y2tXiDt98pLOzIDwQCQtfvkHnG-SBPkhVqVUpIUNqVpuDkn-knds9URZsr-Ac35n2bHamOgvsXrLdfD8MO7NDaInu4rDysMfS_Rwk2AWulCNoyMhLnWIMlqj8fg90KI6NmbYHu4r8/s400/Sprinkles+Cupcake+Tower.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The Sprinkles Cupcake Tower is SO cute! It's such a brilliant alternative to the typhcal birthday cake (though I'm guessing way more expensive.) Make a wish and blow out your candles BG -happy birthday! </span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Image Credits: <a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/">http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/">http://www.shopbop.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/">http://www.sephora.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.barneys.com/">http://www.barneys.com/</a>, <a href="http://usa.frenchconnection.com/">http://usa.frenchconnection.com/</a>, <a href="http://sprinklescupcakes.com/">http://sprinklescupcakes.com/</a> </span></div></div></div>

Happy Birthday Barneys Girl!

So even though I said I'll be away for awhile, I just had to wish BG happy birthday with our traditional birthday post! First off, a mus...

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Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 10/17

<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This week has been a relatively uneventful week for the economy. Not so much for the markets though- that was more of a roller coaster ride. Over the weekend, Britain and its EU counterparts announced a bailout plan to directly recapitalize banks in exchange for stakes. UBS has already done that with a 6 billion franc injection from the Swiss government in exchange for a 10% stake and the unloading of 60billion in toxic debts. The market responded positively and bounced back up.<br /><br />On Tuesday the US government followed suit and announced that they were going to spend $250 billion to recapitalize banks, with $125 billion going into 9 major US banks (whether they want/need it or not..or so rumor has it). This directly pumps liquidity into the market and takes effect almost immediately to "unfreeze" the market, and indeed the market seems to be thawing. Banks are lending to each other again at least (also helps with the government acting temporarily as the insurer like the FDIC does for depositors). This will save many businesses who rely on borrowing to operate. So why didn't Paulson and Bernanke come up with this before? I'm sure they did. Probably because back then (has it only been 3 weeks?), with the public being so against the bailout of "Wall Street" such a plan would not have gone by Congress really well....... I suppose now it is ok since Britain and EU have announced it and it proved to be positively recieved. Just like in fashion, where the European runway leads, the New York runway follows.<br /><br />Of course, this capital injection does not come freely. Not only do banks have to give the government preferred shares, but they will be more heavily regulated and they'll have to limit their bonuses and "golden parachute" compensations. Effectively, banks are becoming part nationalize (and to think Thatcher had to <span style="font-style: italic;">privatize</span> sectors in her days to boost the economy- now we're going the other way and nationalizing everything). JP Morgan has already announced a 30-40% slash in bonuses this year (incidentally their quarterly report just came out and they had a 84% drop in profit- better less than none or negative!). Rumor also has it that GS is dividing their employees into four classes. The top percentile gets cash bonuses, the third percentile get stock compensation, the second percentile gets nothing and the last percentile gets fired! That's harsh! Sounds like it is no longer quite so lucrative to be a banker. While this plan temporary stops the bleeding, it doesn't address the heart of the issue though. The auction plan is still underway.<br /><br />On Wednesday, the market plunged another 700 pts again on fears of a looming recession (aren't we already in one?). Job losses are up and it is <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> limited to the finance sector. And it's been predicted that holiday spending increased the <span style="font-style: italic;">least</span> since many years ago this year. On Thursday, oil prices also dropped <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">to $70</span>, the lowest in a year! Hopefully this means more sales and lower commodity prices for us. The DOW finished off over 4% higher for the week though. Maybe more people are heeding Buffet's (who claims that for the first time he'll be buying American equities with his own account) words and snapping up "bargain" classic buys in the market. Smart shoppers. <br /></span></span>

Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 10/17

This week has been a relatively uneventful week for the economy. Not so much for the markets though- that was more of a roller coaster ride....

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