Yes, I watched Sex and the City 2...

So then, I've finally watched the movie. This is what I think...

Sex and the City 2 was not as bad as the movie critics claimed it was. Fans of the series will still like elements of the movie. However, there were parts of the movie and the styling of the outfits which gave me a bit of goose bumps.

These parts I sort of cringe...

Liza Minnelli's dance number, 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' sort of gave me the goose bumps but I realised, she actually made an effort. She tried her best pulling off the dance number.

The Irish soundtrack used to show the Irish nanny that Charlotte hired was pretty cheesy that it actually made me cringe (nothing wrong with the music, I just hated the way it was used in the movie)

Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie was a little annoying that I almost got fed up with her. It was like she wants to create another problem for herself...perhaps she got bored...that's why she went overseas? By the end of the movie, she 'grew up' after a little blunder and set back in Abu Dhabi...

The styling...what can I say...I didn't like it at all... It’s ‘tackyville’!!!

Seriously, who would wear something like in the middle of a desert!? No wonder why Samantha was having hot flashes (in another manner)!

Oh my...Samantha...are those spikes necessary?

Seriously, what's with the spikes?! It's either I don't like the dress or I don't really like Miley Cyrus in general... Who do you think wore this dress better? Let me know!

I guess the movie did portray on how some ugly truths on how some people would act if they were in a completely environment...by being amused (and perhaps making fun of) by a culture and behaviour that is 'unusual' to them... It did bring some negative aspects of the characters in the movie....

The writers for the movie might have been somewhat insensitive but....I mean seriously, do we need to see Carrie, Miranda and Samantha poking fun at the women eating chips under her niqāb? This part was unnecessary...which I guess prompted the critics to call this issue ‘racist after the movie was released last week (a little more insights of this issue at the end of the entry). Perhaps this was one of the reasons why UAE didn’t want the production team to film the movie (the movie was filmed in Morocco)? Perhaps way they portrayed Samantha’s behaviour in the movie (which was unacceptable, even though she was really frustrated...Miranda was at least a bit more prepared and considerate to the situation)... However, there is a true element for one scene where some of the ladies, would wear designer outfits underneath their niqāb (this is apparently true as I was once told that this is actually done!).

I did enjoy seeing the movie with my friends...especially one who got excited and sort of gasped at one scene (kissing involved with Carrie and a certain someone)...the situation was hilarious!

I liked how the movie started with a little flash back of how the ladies dressed up almost 20 years ago (with some flashback of styles of the late 80’s). The story was interesting at the start until the ladies decided to go to Abu Dhabi... I guess I wish they focused more in New York like they did in the first movie (which I thought was a lot better)...

Hee hee...I don't get the elbow band on Carrie's outfit...I guess it's what they call 'fashion'!

Wow! That cassette Walkman brings me back memories! I think I've still got mine somewhere in my house in Singapore!

 Oh my...this hairstyle brings me back memories...ten year back...when I had my hair cut like this and I got teased at a gathering...

The settings, the interior of the movie, Carrie and Big’s apartment was nicely done...perhaps if I ever get my own place...I would consider using my hallway as a library.

I’ll love to stay and be served in a room like where the ladies stayed in ‘Abu Dhabi’...though I guess might be a little intimidating when you have butlers on call almost everywhere you go...

Lastly...I would love to fly in the airplane class they sat in on the way to Abu Dhabi...I know there are some airplanes with a bar inside...imagine such luxury on the plane on a 13 hour flight....

Oooo! Cosmos in the plane!

This is the only outfit (dress by Christian Dior (John Galliano) I liked in the movie...though actually, it was worn in Season Three's episode, 'What Goes Around Comes Around'.

Overall, I still think the movie isn’t that bad...I could re-watch some of the parts of the movie...and skip a couple of scenes to the end... Who know what they will show next (though I thought it should have stopped at the first movie...)....perhaps a prequel?

...and yes, I still don’t like that outfit I last mentioned (Dior t-shirt with Zac Posen skirt), even after seeing it at the big screen!

Further reading: Sex and the City 2: A Disaster of Cultural Stereotypes

 http://womensrights.change.org/blog/view/emsex_and_the_city_2em_a_disaster_of_cultural_stereotypes

  

Please note that the article does not mean I support or do not support these views...I am showing this article from a ‘third person’ point of view.

That one outfit which I don't like from Sex and the City 2...

I've been reading the reviews about Sex and the City 2 and it does not look like the reviewers has taken it well, what about the general public? What were the content of the movie that it had to be banned in the UAE? Wait and see...


However, I'm wondering why are magazines raving about this look? 

...I think it doesn't look stylist or appealing at all! I guess I'm not into the outfit because it screams TACKY and partly, I'm not really into t-shirts which spells out any brand names...logos placed in a subtle manner like Lacoste is the best... What went through the minds when they decided to put together this ensemble??? Sure, the skirt is from Zac Posen but seriously, this should be left out at any territory, during all times of the day! Apparently, it was suppose to be to a partial homage to the outfit (tank-top and tutu) at the opening sequence of the television series...

This "me likey"!


Don't get me wrong, I love the series and the styling back then (some bits in the first movie) but I have a feeling, I will be disappointed with the movie as I hated the promotional trailer...


...as for these dresses from 'Halston Heritage' (which Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw) is chief creative officer for this as well)...

Pictures from 'Red Carpet Fashion Awards'

The words chanting in my mind now are...'Product placement....product placement...product placement...' . I swear I saw something similar at H&M in a camisole top...


However, I'll be watching the movie to see if the reviews are accurate...


Link up: Daily Mail Online - How Sex And The City sold its soul: Since Carrie & Co hit the big screen they've turned into man-obsessed morons


This is was interesting to read though it's just one point of view... The article is kind of harsh and expect some spoilers of the second movie.

Link Up: Online Traveling Guides - Monday Flying, Spotted by Locals, Singaporean in London

Anyone heading to Asia this Summer? Check out 'Monday Flying'

Monday Flying cover articles of lifestyle, travel and the Asian cities in the website (from the local perspective).

The website covers cities such as Beijing, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Bangkok. I believe it is a good starting point when planing your trip this Summer. 

Though the website is still new, I hope it could someday become like the website 'Spotted by Locals' which covers European cities (which I have used quite a lot of since I moved to London).

Lastly, another website I rely on when I am stuck on places to go around in London created by a Singaporean Expatriate in London called 'A Singaporean in London' and 'London Chow' (for food reviews, from there, I found out the address for some delicious handmade noodles near London Chinatown!). This website provides interesting and informative articles on saving money in London, dining, attraction and of course, the 'London culture' (perhaps I should say behaviours!) from a Singaporean point of view.

I must warn you, these websites can be slightly addictive!

Link Up: 

Monday Flying: http://www.mondayflying.com/

Spotted by Locals: http://www.spottedbylocals.com/%20

Singapore in London: http://www.singaporeaninlondon.com/

London Chow: http://www.londonchow.com/

Indulge? I could use a weekend at a 'coloured coded hotel'....

Project deadlines are looming and I could use the weekend away! Introducing 'The PANTONE HOTEL^TM'  in Brussels by the company that specialise with colours coding 'creating a lifestyle' (mainly used to decide on colours for designing products, interiors and buildings).


Each of the guest rooms limits up to seven colours. I guess in a way, it harmonizes the colour environment?

Description from the website:


"Not only is The PANTONE HOTEL^TM located figuratively at the center of your Brussels experience, but it’s also in the heart of the trendy shopping district, Avenue Louise and Toison d’Or. Whether you are looking for clothes, shoes, books, tableware, jewelry, cosmetics, ... you can find anything within a stone's throw away. If you are attracted by the luxurious fashion designers flagshipstores, you will find them there as well, on Boulevard de Waterloo."


Also within the hotel premises, there's a lounge serving cocktails, souvenir shop selling their products and a 'Pantone Colour Consultant' (by appointment only). Care to stay at the colour coded hotel in Brussels? Looks interesting! Might consider staying there if anyone wants to come with me!

Link Up: 


Official Website: http://www.pantonehotel.com/


More on 'Independent': http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/hotel-of-colors-opens-in-brussels-1978649.html


Pictures from: http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/2010/05/pantone-hotela-colorful-palette.html and http://gizmodo.com/5543377/pantone-hotel-gallery//gallery/2

Fashion Icons go 'Disney' Inspired...by Ulrich Schröder

This will be the reason to grab a copy of Elle Spain (April Issue 2010) if I can get hold of it...


Illustrations by Ulrich Schröder

Recognise him?

Or...them?

Or...her?

Pictures from Elle Spain (April 2010)

More on: http://www.rottenfresh.com/fashion-designers-in-disney-world/

Almost 2 trillion ways to lace up your shoes?

Apparently, there are 1,961,990,553,600 ways to feed a shoelace through 12 eyelets...look at the formula through this link!

http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/2trillionmethods.htm

Oh yes, the website also demonstrates over 30 ways to thread your shoelaces through the eyelets for different purposes.

Here's one of them from the website:

'

Ladder Lacing
This distinctive lacing is worn on military boots by paratroopers and ceremonial guard units. The laces weave horizontally and vertically, forming a secure "ladder".'

Link up: http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/lacingmethods.htm

On the page, click on the picture for the instructions.

Perhaps different types each week?

What were they thinking: What riot American Apparel!

It is strange how desperate people are willing to get into the American Apparel sale at Brick Lane...only to just encounter a riot right outside the venue on Friday (2nd of April) morning.

The news: http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/business_money/riot+breaks+out+at+london+clothes+sale/3600657

Video on Youtube (in case it does not show in this entry): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LmIEHaD6tg

Oh yes, on that day, only 30 people managed to go in...

For once, I am glad that I slept in that morning (I had the intention of getting up early for the event) and decided to spend the day at home and to go the next day. I only found out about this news when I was checking the Facebook event when I came across the news of the fight. Anyway, I went for the sale and yes, I scored a couple of things. Honestly, if not for the sale, I would not own anything from American Apparel (look at the price list below for the sale)!

Amazingly, to make it up for their customers, American Apparel extended the sale until Monday evening and also gave out discount codes to use on their UK website (up to 40% the listed items from their category 'London Rummage Favourites'.

American Apparel apologies and the discount codes: http://www.americanapparel.net/presscenter/dailyupdate/dailyUp.asp?d=51&t=2110

Wondering what I bought? I bought their 'classic' "Le sac dress" which I would NEVER pay full price for!

Well, for those who want to head down for the sale in London, I can say that security has tightened up, it's safe to go and hey, it is organised! I didn't have to wait more than 15 minutes to get into the sale...and I thought queuing up for the 'Mac Donald's Hello Kitty' craze of 2000 in Singapore was crazy enough!

At the moment, a range of children's shoes 'Nautical Charm'

From my last entry, 'Just a little humour (children's shoe)', here is the final range done with the group project with Clarks started in January. This was one of the group project I had the most fun though at some points I was a bit tense at some points.

Here is our 'Nautical Charm' range!

Nautical Charm

Pictured: Fanny making the sole.

Too bad I don't have a picture of me making the sole. I enjoyed using the drill to make the sole as well that I came out of the classroom all white, like someone covered me with talcum powder!

My dearest prototype!

Designers and makers in the group:

Morna, Fanny, Lisa (Me), Grace, Belinda and Arathi.

At the moment, the movie, "Coco Chanel et Igor Stravinsky"

Last year, I mentioned about "Coco avant Chanel" (two links from the two underlined words).

Here is another movie called "Coco Chanel et Igor Stravinsky" which was presented as a closing film for the Cannes Film Festival 2009.

This movie was set in 1913 onwards, before the first issue of the perfume, Chanel no 5. The movie features parts of Igor Stravinsky's ballet, The Rite of Spring.

Even though it's a little late and was released last year, I thought of posting a movie trailer which I think looks a bit more impressive than "Coco avant Chanel" (which to be honest, I wasn't fond of the movie...I liked a few scenes)...but then again, like all movie trailers, it entices you watch the movie and make it seem good. Whoever has watched this movie, let me know what you think.

At the moment, 'A Decade of Faile'

Recently, while running an errand, I walked along Rathbone Place and got attracted by the window of Lazarides Rathbone gallery (picture from my iPhone (a real sneaky picture!).

There are a series of artworks created by Brooklyn-based artists, Faile (pronounced like the word "fail").

Except from the press release from Lazarides:

"Faile’s work is inspired by Cy Twombly, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein,

Basquiat and the throwaway imagery of advertising, flyposting, comic books and

TV."

This exhibition from the gallery runs until 19th March 2010. Verdict? Go and see it!

A quick idea on Faile: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faile_(artist_collective)

Link here for the Press Release: http://www.lazinc.com/content//pdf/2010-01/failebast-deluxx-fluxx-final.pdf

More on: http://www.hookedblog.co.uk/2009/01/faile-website-update.html

More of their works: http://www.faile.net/