5 Reasons Why I Love Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl isn't just the latest flimsy show that everyone's only watching because everyone else is watching it. And if you have been unfortunate enough to have thought so, and haven't watched it yourself, here are 5 reasons why you should. Before it's too late.

1. It's set in New York City. Upper East, New York city, to make things better. So Gossip Girl acts as a terrific insight into the fantastic places in New York City that the dump hole we live in is deprived of.

2. The clothes. I would happily take any of the female characters' wardrobes (that is, if someone offered, but I highly doubt that. If the producers of the show happen to be passing by here, I am a desperate fan who is in desperate need of new clothes. Hint hint!) I don't know about you, but I am passionately in love with Serena's wardrobe. Heaps of people seem to love Blair's outfits though. They're cute and preppy and all, but it just doesn't beat Serena's look .

3. The scandalous plot. They're a bunch of rich teenage socialites who live very difficult lives. And everyone sleeps with everyone. From best friend's boyfriend/girlfriend (both happen in Season 1 ), to ex-girlfriend's boyfriend's stepmother. Its complicated, see?

They've also got money $$$. And watching their frivolous spending, their extravagantly furnished homes and their expensive holidays in the Hamptons is fun. Because it's not everyday that you get to watch loaded people spending like there's no tomorrow.

4. The soundtrack: it features everything from the latest pop songs, to cool local bands you've never heard of. The music supervisor for Gossip Girl is the same person who did the sountracks for Grey's Anatomy and The O.C. I have discovered many many artists I love from watching Gossip Girl, including The Bravery and Aqualung.

5. Chuck Bass. Need I say more? Okay, I will because I'm madly in love with him. He's dashing, charming and very very disreputable. But what makes him even more cute is that underneath the whole playboy heartless front he puts up, he has a heart. *Squeals*

WATCH IT. You wont regret it. And if you have stopped at around the 6th episode because you don't think it's exciting enough, keep watching. It gets much more dramatic, trust me

♥ Du Jour

So, my weekly dosage of obsessions consist of:

1. Red Heels: Shopping for the perfect pair of heels has made me realise how much I love a pair of red heels. They’re so pretty, and vibrant. Too bad red heels would in no way go with my dress.
*Sighs* For my next formal event, I am going to make sure to buy a dress that would go well with red heel.

2. Google Applications: I am slowly starting to use all of Google’s applications that come with my Google account. I use Google Analytics, Blogger, Calendar, Docs, Gmail, and iGoogle. I lost my diary in the middle of the year, so I use Google Calendar to keep track of my piling amounts of homework, and it surprisingly works! Maybe because it is constantly there staring at me in the face, and I can see that they’re due very soon, so I actually start doing them. A miracle.

3. Homemade soaps: No, I do not make soaps, I’d like to learn how to though! I came across The Soap Bar, this wonderful site that sells and promotes homemade soaps. They’re all delicious to look at, and they look heavenly to use. As the owner calls it, it’s soap porn! I'd even eat them, if the idea of eating soap didn't turn me off so much...

4. Who We Are- Lifehouse: American rock. Is it just me or something, because I only just discovered this band. I absolutely love every single track on this album. Not something easy to find.

5. Mint Ice-cream: Is it wrong that I have hated mint ice-cream all my life, and then suddenly like it? My cousin forced me to eat one the other day, and it was surprisingly not as bad as I would have imagined.
The people I catch the train with every morning all have a packet of mint in their bags, and they seem to eat from them every morning. Everytime they offer me one, I always politely reject. I don’t like mint, I tell them, never liked it. So I guess that’s going to change now!

What A Cute Cookie

I've loved Emma Watson since I was in Year 3, when she first graced the movie screens in Harry Potter. And apparently, so does Karl Lagerfeld. She was announced as Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel about 6 months ago (I think? My memory is getting a bit fuzzy. I think it's old age), but I recently discovered this editorial featuring Emma in Vogue Italy:

Images from popsugar.com, see the rest of the editorial here

I absolutely love the clothes in the shoot (especially the green Valentino one in the middle. I'm going to wear it to the next formal. I WILL, I WILL!), and the fairytale-esque feel of it is nice. Very Marchesa.

I like it.

Stiletto Training

With our formal a little over a month away, most girls have already settled with the perfect dress they plan to dazzle everyone with. And with that, shoe fever has hit.

Has anyone noticed the price of shoes these days? I was looking through all the chain stores in Westfields the other day and noticed all the decent ones were $100+.

The routine goes: I arrive at a shoe store, spot a stunning pair of shoes that would go perfectly with my dress, I try it on, and it is absolutely to-die-for. All is well, until I sneak a peek at the price tag, only to have it snare at me and say ‘I’m too good for you, put me down. *evil laughs* You know you can’t afford me’.

I mean, I know they’re shoes and everyone loves them, and they’re absolutely gorgeous, but spare me, I don’t have that much money to toss around at shoes!

I have made myself a rule than I mustn’t purchase a pair of shoes that cost more than my own dress. No, scrap that. Half the price of my dress is already stretching the limit.

Well anyways, besides being absolutely amazing and totally unobtainable, they also come as extremely unwalkable in, which is why I am going to practice stiletto training (credits to Jessica).

Yes, Jessica brushes her teeth whilst walking around in high heels. I am going to do so similarly. Thanks, Jess!

Did you know… there are such thing as stiletto training classes?

Stiletto Strength is a new fitness class recently launched in New York, Los Angeles and Miami that aims to help women do just that. Offered by the fitness club Crunch, the class focuses on strengthening the legs and calves as well as on balance and posture. It is billed as a way for women to channel their inner models and boost their self-confidence.

I find that extremely comical. Though I probably shouldn’t be laughing, to preserve that little tiny bit of dignity I have left after I fall flat on my face on the night of the formal.

♥ Du Jour

Today, I ♥ :
1. My Baby: No I am not a teenage mum, and no, I did not make love to a teddy bear. Van and I won our baby from a raffle, but Van decided to disown it, so my baby's mine now. His name is Jenny. And yes, he is a male. He is also going to be extremely stylish when he grows up (hence the bow on his head), and all the girls are gonna fall in love with him (not that they currently don't). I love him to bits.

2. The Chanel Mobile Art Exhibit: click here for a video of some of the exhibits. I love it so, but I am a tad upset that they aren't showing in Australia. I mean, the exhibit is travelling to everywhere, including New York, Paris and Tokyo. But not Australia Featured above is my favourite exhibit- including the iconic quilted patterns on the walls, and the famous chains.

3. Zoozoom.com: click here to have a lookie- it's an online fashion magazine, and its free. They regularly update with fantastical editorials and stories. As much as I love it, it doesn't beat the sensation I get from flipping through the pages of a magazine. Backwards that is. Does anyone actually do that, or am I just weird? I have this thing with flipping through magazines backwards.

4. The Races: I love the fabulous-ness of the event. From the classy dresses to the outrageous headgear. Van, Juicebox and I plan to attend the year after we graduate (once we're old enough to walk around sipping the champagne)

5. Pretty Perfume Bottles: they turn me on. My favourite at the moment would have to be Miss Dior Cherie (it's so classique with the whole rectangular shape, but also very very cute), but I am also loving Christina Aguilera's fragrance (I really like the shape of the bottle and the lace. Especially the lace), Kate Moss's fragrance (it's so round and baubley), and Calvin Klein's Euphoria Blossom (actually, I love the smell of it too)

Warm-Fuzzy-Smiling Moments

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~ P.S. I Love You

Maybe it’s that I’ve got the SC trails off my back, but I’m feeling all very light and happy today. I find myself smiling over little tiny things (I know, it’s very contradictory to my last post).

Cheesy list coming up; my very own warm-fuzzy-smiling moments:

Reading old letters/chat logs/emails. In my case, it’s that stripy cardboard card Teacup made me with messages from people I know inside for my 8-months-early Sweet 16th (Hah!). It sits on my desk, and every now and then when I'm sitting there staring into space and have nothing better to do, I always read it and it never ceases to make me smile.

The lovey-dovey feeling you get right after watching the perfect romance scene.

Looking through old family photos.

Unexpected events- surprise parties, a letter in the mail from someone you haven't heard of in a while.

The feeling you get when you accidentally set your alarm clock to ring when there was never a need, and waking up in the morning to realise that you don't need to get up, that you can actually sleep in for longer.

Eating spoonfuls of Nutella straight from the jar.

When you talk to someone you haven’t talked to in a long time and realise nothing’s changed and you still love their company as much as you used to.

When you’re at the checkout, and you realise your purchases are actually cheaper than you anticipated

The ability to make someone else smile.

What makes you smile?

Highly Delectable Jewellery

Thank god for whoever started etsy.com Where else could you possibly find quirky hand-made jewellery for gaspingly low prices? That's right, NO WHERE. Please excuse me for one moment, as I dance around in my pyjamas squealing like a lovesick schoolgirl, for the geniuses who invented that place.

Anywhos, I was cyber-strolling down the online stores of etsy.com when I discovered the following delightfully delicious, and highly delectable pieces of jewellery. I was considering putting these in my next ♥ Du Jour, but decided that the website deserved a whole post to itself.


Yummy Pink Donut Ring from Kukishop for €5


Slice of Cake Purse from Tabidesigns for $32



Sushi Bracelet from Kukishop for €18


Choco Chip Cookie Earrings Kukishop for €5


White Chocolate with Sprinkles Truffle Barrette from Goldilocksbarrettes for $8.50


Chocolate Chip Cookie Earrings from Ajillianpieces for $10

Hooray for yummy jewellery! And for etsy.com too, of course. If you are brilliant at making stuff (yes, stuff- the place sells everything from penis-shaped charms to home recorded country music CDs), then by all means, go ahead and open your own store

Oh, and if you do happen to open up a store, make sure you tell us about it

♥ Du Jour

Oh why hello non-existent readers.

No seriously, I bet there is no one reading this because you are all supposed to be off frantically staring at your notes thinking ‘What the hell, how am I supposed to remember this in time for the exam tomorrow?!’ I know I would be if it weren’t for this blog post.

Needless to say, you can see that I have prioritised this week’s Du Jour before my study. Wrong. I was forced by another certain co-blogger to fulfil this week’s segment. I’m sorry, but is it wrong to actually not want to fail?!

Ok, let’s just get this over and done with.

I am having a lot of trouble actually finding something remotely positive about my life right now, and the week of exams first thing back after the holiday isn’t exactly helping.

1. IST: Oh dear god, I cannot believe I just typed that. And you wouldn’t even be reading this if I weren’t in such a rush to finish this post off. But no, I must refrain from reaching for the ‘backspace’ key. This post needs to finish sometime in the near future, you know.
Well anyways, yes. Now that I actually think about it, I don’t mind my IST class. No, I do not like computers, nor do I like that programming assignment due today (in the middle of exam time?! Thank you, we really appreciate your appreciation of our time), but I really like my classmates. Here’s a special ‘thank you’ to those who I hassled throughout the week in attempt to take one tiny step closer to understanding what the hell the assignment was going on about. Yeh, I know that sort of, kind of meant shipping your assignment in the direction of my computer screen, but thank you.
Ok, that was spontaneous.

2. With Me- Sum 41: the song currently coming out of my speakers. It’s from the Gossip Girl Soundtrack, and that is the very reason why I love it so much. Everytime I listen to it, I relate it to the events that happened on the show, which gives the song so much more meaning, and makes it just that much more special.

Through it all, I made my mistakes
I stumble and fall, but I mean these words

I want you to know
With everything I won't let this go, these words are my heart and soul
I'll hold on to this moment you know, 'as I bleed my heart out to show
And I won't let go

3. Sugared Seaweed: Ok, you can stop looking at me weirdly now. I had no idea it was sugared seaweed when I ate it either. It tasted like plain old normal seaweed… with a twist. Ok, that doesn’t make sense. But it’s seaweed. Sugared. And it’s nice. Ask Jenny N for some.

4. My Geography Textbook: Hah! I can sense your eyebrows shooting up again. But please, I do not like geography, never did never will. Yesterday was my last Geography exam ever. Let’s all partyyy. Oh, wait, but no we have more exams.
Well anyways, back to my point. I.have.found.my.long.lost.geography.textbook. Hooray to me! I have saved myself $60. Or maybe it was $40 or something. Ok, you can see I am starting to desperately want to, no, need to finish this off.

5.

Juicebox says :
What do I like?
Teacup says :
ME
Teacup says :
ROFL

No, that was not a desperate attempt to hastily finish off. I love Teacup, I DO I DO!

Breaking Free From Book Slavery

I have been studying for the past 78645435 hours, and I've had enough of the advantages and disadvantages of giving aid to Papua New Guinea for now, so here I am happily distracting myself.

So I know that probably no one will read this because you're all slaving away to the books too, but if you're reading this right now, I'll thank you by providing you this delightful piece of inspiration: The Definition of Real Style by the lovely Gala. I'm a faithful reader of her blog, and came across this a while ago but decided to save it for a special occasion.

Whether or not you care about your personal style or not, read it. I found it extremely inspirational

Style, when it comes to physical appearance, is about distilling your personality into tangible articles. People who have spent time discovering & fostering their own personal style are people who realise that life is an occasion, & that the way you present yourself to the world matters.

Yep, that pretty much explains my obsession for clothing, or why some girls spend hours and hours would look for the 'perfect dress' for the formal. It's not about impressing others, or to follow trends. It's simply to communicate who you are as a person, through what you're wearing.

And for those of you who blatantly refuse to show any interest in fashion or style:

I think a lot of women neglect their personal appearance for fear that they will be considered shallow, frivolous or vapid — they think that they will be judged by their clever friends. Yes, some people who care about fashion are shallow, frivolous & vapid — but so are some people who care about coffee. First impressions really do matter — you are evaluated & appraised in the first few seconds of meeting someone, whether you like it or not. In that short time they will decide whether they want to have anything to do with you or not, & this can greatly impact on your life.

So there you go. What you wear is a form of self expression- having a voice and an opinion. Those of you who are refusing to show interest in fashion or style- that's what you choose to convey. You will pick out clothes that will communicate that about you. It's the same, people who put effort into their personal style are picking out clothes to give the right first impression.

So whether you're a trend-whore, a person who formulates their outfits with a painstakingly thorough process, or you simply don't give a damn, read The Definition of Real Style and broaden your minds.

Now, while we're on the topic of personal style, I was just wondering- can you guys differentiate between my, and Juicebox's style of writing? She just asked me to write a post for her (she wouldn't normally do this but she is currently in a state of panic and isn't thinking straight), and I said that it would be impossible for me to copy her style of writing. So the question is: would you be able to tell if I pretended to be Juicebox, and she, me?

Black Leather Jackets: Yup or Nup?

I have always thought that leather jackets were uncool, strictly for 40 year old rockstar-retirees and bikies. But ever since I did work experience at Lisa Ho, and noticed that all the people working there showed up on Monday wearing black leather jackets, I figured that it must be some new trend happening.

It was confirmed when I saw the number of black leather jackets going down the runway for NYFW:

From left to right: Rag & Bone, BCBG by Max Azria and Rock and Republic

So what do you think? Yup or nup for black leather jackets? Would you wear one?

"Not all Asian men are small"

Ahahahhas. I am laughing like an idiot. This was a while ago, but watch video below for explanation:

I just had to share this. LOLOL. Sorry, it may be a little disturbing. I have a twisted sense of humour. I actually thought they were going to chop it off.

Ok, enough said. I'm off to a BBQ.

Oh, and a birthday shout out to both Johnson (cousin) and Michelle: Happy birthday darlings, have a good one~!

♥ Du Jour

J'adore:
1. The Floriade: Once a year, Canberra holds this huge flower festival in Spring, when the rows and rows of colourful tulips are in full bloom. Coincidentally, both Juicebox's family, as well as mine, decided to go. Once I had arrived, the rain had just stopped and the flowers were all still freshly wet. It was a photo-fest for me. Even if you're not into photography, or flowers, go anyway. You'll be amazed by all the colours, the yummy icecream, and the hilarious gnome display.

2. Dolce & Gabbana Ad Campaigns: For every season, they have an epically amazing ad campaign on their website. It's fashion and art all in one, featuring the top models of the season. I check the website compulsively for ad campaigns. I swear, they're orgasmic. My all time favourite Dolce & Gabbana Ad Campaign would have to be the French royalty one for Autumn/Winter 06/07- click here to see

3. Missoni Acqua: It smells wonderful. Like heaven in your nose Its fresh and reminds me of sea breezes. And no, I am not one to be easily persuaded by campaigns telling me what should remind me of sea breezes, but this one totally does.

4. Wall-E: I was pretty skeptical when I first heard of this movie. I thought it'd be another cute kids' movie, and I was so wrong. The whole concept of the future in the film is hilarious, it has some scientific truth in it, and it's so cute. You have to watch it.

5. The shoes on the John Galliano runway: They were awesome. When I first glanced at the shoe, I thought the bottom part of it was the reflection on the runway. After closer inspection, I realised that the shoe was made of three different parts. No, I wouldn't wear them, but you must admit, they are amazing to look at.

Paris Fashion Week II

As you might have noticed, our covers of PFW has been slightly delayed, due to my desperate attempts to cover the last of the fashion shows. I just could not miss the ending shows, such as Chloe, Elie Saab (swoon!), and Louis Vuitton. So I insisted that we delay our posts for the benefit of these designers

This post ended up being so long that I had to re-evaluate and chop half of it off. I had 90 pictures to upload before, so please bare with me. One huge-assed post coming up:

Balmain: I know Juicebox mentioned the gowns from Balmain, but I just had to add. They were all so so pretty with a slight touch of avant garde. The dresses were very fitted and weaved at first, but they evolved into belted, layered ballerina-skirt dresses. It was amazing. Sigh.



Celine: the movement in the dresses was so pretty, and I liked the weavy/twisty parts on all of the dresses:


Chanel: Very Chanel. Bows were the motif of the season, and I liked all of it- from the tailored suits to the flowy gowns.


Christian Dior: I adore the whole belted-cinch waisted look, and that voluminous jacket in the second picture is charming.


Christian Lacroix: it's haute couture and ready to wear; all in one. The florals were pretty, the high-waisted chiffon skirts were dainty and the poufy sleeves were yummy. I liked it.


Collette Dinnigan: Loved the colours, lace, and assymetrical feel of most of the looks.


Elie Saab: Have I ever mentioned how much I love Elie Saab? Although, I would have to say that this collection wasn't his best, but it was still amazing, and I'll forgive him for it. All his dresses this season were in light pastels and baby-colours. I loved the draping, the A-line waists and the movement in all of the dresses. I love Elie Saab.



Gareth Pugh: his collection was genius. Nothing I would wear, but it told a story. The collection started off with modern but ancient- fitted dresses with Victorian I neck ruffles, then the clothes started becoming more architectural, until tadaa! The neck ruffles are gone and there you have it: a futuristic, repitilian sci-fi monster.



Hermes: very nomadic-cowgirl-chic. I loved the brown seude jackets and boots, the draped asymmetrical-necked pieces, the neck scarves, and the cute but sandy and cactus-y runway.


John Galliano: once you get over the big hair, you start to realise that the clothes are amazing. The draped pieces were very pretty, and I loved the bright orangey red blazer-trench coat thing.


Karl Lagerfeld: The Karl Lagerfeld bag was hilaroius. I'd love to own that bag.


Lanvin: I've always stood by the fact that (quoting Tyra Banks), "Shiny fabrics are not your friend." But never say never, as Lanvin has crafted shiny fabrics in such a way that all your lumps and bumps will be well hidden.


Loewe: The whole air-hostess/luxurious international traveller look was really cute. And Chanel Iman = love.


Louis Vuitton: I am so glad I delayed these posts a day. I do not regret waiting for Louis Vuitton. The jackets were amazing- soft yet architectural and well fitted. The skirts were also cute.


Martin Grant: The leafy-foldy look was very strange but kinda nice. And that last dress is magnificent.


Miu Miu: slouchy looks, high waisted skirts, beautiful prints.


Valentino: the dresses were lovely (especially the skirts. God I'd love to wear one of them to the formal), and the day wear looks were chic and clean.


Victor & Rolf: The whole shell-swirl motif fascinated me to no end. And apparently, the three dresses in the collection that were studded with Swarovski crystals (the first picture is one), took four weeks to hand-make.


Goodbyes are always sad, but we must all farewell this season's shows. Sniff.