I am so excited about Burberry Prorsum’s Fall-Winter 2010 collection that was just show at London on February 23rd, 2010. The creative director Christopher Bailey has blown us away with a show that’s packed with fabulous outfits & accessories! Christopher was inspired by the aviation jackets & uniform’s shape & details. He expressed his creativities but still stay firm to the spirits & traditions of this 154 years old fashion house.
Since the year of 1956, Burberry has a casual yet “upper-class” chic, old money yet downtown cool kind of clientele. By combining the chunky aviation style jackets long & short version with tons of hardware details like buckles, rivets, belting, and mix the proportions of chunky coats vs. tight skinny pants or boots or hard & rugged materials like leather with fragile lace & silk charmeuse. It offers a kind of sexiness that’s not trying too hard but still attention grabbing!
What makes it even more cool about this new collection, it’s not just a beautiful fashion show then everyone just go home, it combines the runway presentations, communications & selling all together! It was globally live-streamed & viewed in 3-D by clusters of invited guests in New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Dubai. Also what’s super awesome & clever in this case, is the simultaneous pre-selling of the clothes on the runway! And for three days (Feb 23rd ~ Feb 26th) you can go to Burberry.com to pre-order one of these fabulous runway pieces and you will receive your order by May 2010 the latest! So go to Burberry.com now to pick your favorites! I am ordering mine right now! And here is the jacket I am ordering:
Cropped Oversized Peacoat with Funnel Collar $3995
Military Doeskin Aviator Double Collar Coat $4995
To end this posting, here is the live streamed video that was watched all over the world on Feb 23rd, 2010
Don’t forget, rush to Burberry.com to pre-order your favorite coats & accessories!
Ever since the fashion genius Tom Ford transformed Gucci from traditional old money chic (sometimes a little boring) to this ultra glam, rock star, trend-setting fashion house; their fashion accessories & handbags has capture our attention season after season.
I just LOVE this clutch from their spring-summer 2010 collection! Minimalist chic, sleek & clean lines also it's bigger than the usual clutch size ( Gurl! admit it! may of you are like me, we all have some extra "Baggages" mmmkay?! a little pea size clutch ain't gonna fit all my stuff ! haha)
This fabulous clutch comes in glossy white or black patent leather. The shine from the patent leather makes it perfect for going out with the girls for drinks in the city, and the larger size of this bag also makes it a bit casual that can be use during the day! I just LOVE the asymmetrical flap closure with the super chic metal & enamel detailing! The asymmetry of the flap gives just a hint of a geometric feel without being too avan garde.
This oversized clutch measures 15.25" W x 6.25" H x 1" D, it will go with all of the outfits in your closet & adds a touch of "Uptown chic & Downtown cool" look to any looks!
Click on the media player below to see Gucci's spring summer 2010 fashion show
This bag is now available for pre-order ( should be in stores in april) so fo course I am already on the waiting list for both color of this super fabulous clutch! it's a must-have girls!
Louis Vuitton, the 150 years old luxury goods company has never cease to amaze me season after season with their trend setting fashions and luxurious handbags & accessories. I just received an email from Louis Vuitton announced the introduction of the “Mon Monogram” service. The service will allow you to customize your Louis Vuitton bag, ending up with over 200 million possible combinations on your bag of choice. The selection of bags includes the iconic Speedy, historic Keepall travel bag, or the Pegase 55 wheeled cabin case.
Click on the media player below to see a video from Louis Vuitton's
Since I was 16 years old, I’ve always LOVE Louis Vuitton! And now having the options to personalized my own Louis Vuitton bag is a dream comes true! Having a personalized bag will definitely makes your bag stand out in the crowd compared to others. I personally will only get the carry-on size bags like the Keepall and Pegases rolling luggage, because why would you want to check-in your luscious Louis Vuitton bags under a plane and they will just throw it around and ruin the bag!? I would certainly only carry it onto the airplane or take it in my car for weekend
get aways.
Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton Senior Vice-President comments:
“We are delighted to announce the launch of Mon Monogram onlouisvuitton.com. For more than 150 years, this company has united tradition and innovation, and there is no better example than this initiative, which brings one of Louis Vuitton’s historic services – personalization – into the digital era. It is another great reason to explore louisvuitton.com”
Click on the media player below to see a video of the possibilities of your creations
Here is what my personalized Louis Vuitton Bags looks like! super chic!
So are you ready to create a couple of your very own personalized Louis Vuitton? you can click here visit (Personalize your Louis Vuitton) to begin the fun !
Spring is just around the corner, as I'm start to put away my heavy winter clothes and accessories & I found myself can't stop checking out those super chic designer cluthes! Some is in hard metal case, some in soft envelope form leather material, pink one, gold one I want them all! Choosing the right clutches to go with your spring summer look is important! even tho is a small accessories but it says a lot about you! And in spring 2010 Men's fashion show in Milan, Paris & London, a "Men Clutch Bag" is back in fashion in full force!
Some of you might ask: What is a Clutch? A clutch purse is not seen on an everyday basis as often as it used to be, but these little gems are still around in various forms. They are usually small purses designed to be carried or "clutched" in the hand. Some have a detachable chain or leather strap so they can also be worn hanging from the shoulder.
The history of purses in general dates back to the Babylonian era. Purses were generally used in religious ceremonies then, and the modern wit might quip that they still have a holy significance to a woman. People figured out that they were useful for carrying money and valuables and purses became popular, worn on belts by men and women.
In the early 1800s, women began carrying reticules, the forerunner of the modern handbag, looking very much as some styles of the clutch purse look today. A lady of quality carried her handkerchief and smelling salts in her reticule, along with, perhaps, a packet of rice papers to dull a shiny spot on the face. The clutch purse has been popular ever since.
The clutch purse went out of fashion in the early 19th century, but experienced resurgence in popularity during World War II. With rationing, the smaller clutch required less material for manufacture and fit in well with a wartime mindset.
Until recently, most women would only be carrying a lipstick, compact mirror, Mobile phone, and perhaps a single key or, if it was an evening out with girlfriends, some cash. Nowadays, what with cell phones and wallets and other necessities, it’s much more difficult to go out with a tiny bag. For the nights when you don’t need to carry much, you can still get a charming clutch that holds just what you need and sets off your outfit as well
I’ve been carrying around my Balenciaga, Gucci Sigrid & YSL clutch under my arm for a week, and suddenly, life is easier! I grab everything I need, all at once on my way out the door, which is too much to fit into a pocket-sized wallet.
So I’m particularly delighted with the newest unexpected twist menswear runways - the introduction of clutches to men’s wardrobes.
Balenciaga Covered Giant Envelope Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)
(Modeling Photo Courtesy by Kevin @ mymanybags)
Gucci Sigrid Patent Leather Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)
Yves Saint Laurent Large Leather Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)
Here are some pics of “Men Clutch” that’s showing up at many Men’s Fashion shows
Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2010
Bottega Veneta Fall Winter 2009
Gucci Fall Winter 2009
If you think about it, it’s really not far-fetched. Men carry briefcases and portfolios, which are just as hard to carry as a clutch. So why not switch out an attaché case for a sleek Gucci envelope? Plus, these days, we’re carrying cell phones, wallets, Blackberries, keys and billions of other things! A giant messenger bag isn’t always a convenient, or appropriate, accessory for a night out. Look at Karl Lagerfeld (Design director of CHANEL) carry his own brand KL clutch out for a casual walk, super stylish & practical accessory for both women & Men!
The 21-year-old Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted walking through busy street in London accessorized his outfit with a man clutch! I think it’s super stylish!
Ok ok, enough about the men! Now let’s look at some of the beautiful clutches for the Ladies!
For a casual look, an oversized clutch that can hold your wallet, sunglasses, lipstick and cell phone will be the perfect choice. Casual clutches are generally made of genuine leather, patent leather, suede or satin in pleasurable colors and designs. For an elegant clutch, a smaller version is preferred, with space for cash, credit cards, ID and a slim cell phone. Clutch bags look best with a pair of high heels. Once you start carrying a clutch bag, you will love its handy character, and will like grab it and go.
If the iconic Union Jack clutch is too patriotic for you, perhaps you’d like to try this Alexander McQueen Patent Leather Knuckle Duster Clutch. We have already seen this type of clutch before, but interesting enough, this new rendition comes in an exciting silhouette.
Alexander McQueen Red Union Jack Skull Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)
Instead of coming in the usual square-y box shape of clutch, this clutch is in a rectangular shape, measuring about 9 x 3¼ x 1½ inches. It probably resembles to that of an eye glasses’ box, but of course, in a chicer design. Well actually, this exudes tough-chic appeal, which should not anymore be surprising considering that it has always been a signature for Alexander McQueen.
Alexander McQueen Python Knuckle Dusterl Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)
Made from exotic python skin in black, It has black gun metal framing, and the interesting knuckle ring handle also comes in the same tone. This then has an attached jeweled skull and stone knuckle duster, giving this tough-looking clutch a hint of dark goth femme glam! I am already on the waiting list for it.
It is very clear that this Alexander McQueen Faithful Leather Glove Clutch is for the rocker type fashionistas. Well, we can’t deny that most of his creations exude that kind of appeal, but there are some that only shows a hint of such. Seeing this particular clutch obviously shows Alexander McQueen’s main theme and you don’t even have to guess if this is intended to look classic or simply tough.
Mcqueen Faithful Leather Glove Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)
This Alexander McQueen clutch measures about 12½ x 6½ x 1½ inches, plus it also has angled zippers on the fold-over flap, and opening the clutch would also show extra zipped pocket. It is made from distressed black leather, which already brings a hint of toughness to it; but what actually makes this even tougher is the snap closure glove design on the flap.I’m not sure if you can slip your hand in it for a unique carrying option, but if it is intended to function as such, then this is without a doubt, exceptionally designed. But if not, this clutch is still fantastic anyway.
No one speaks the “Casual Hamptons Country Chic” better than designer Michael Kors! This clutch is mad with braded rattan with delicious dark chocolate brown leather strap as closure. Measure 4.5” L x 10.5” W x 2.5” D. Perfect size to fit all of our necessities in there and looking so chic without looking like you are trying too hard!
Michael Kors Santorini Rattan Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)
When you think of sparkling evening bags who do you think of first? Judith Leiber of course! She is the master of using Swarovski crystals to create unique & elegant patterns on her super exclusive handbag collections! I particularly love this “Marguerite Floral Minaudiere” Clutch, the vibrant floral color just screams spring & summer cheer! It’s measures 3” H x 6.75” W x 2.25” D
Judith Leiber Marguerite Floral Minaudiere Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)
How can we mention handbags without showing something from the super luxurious fashion house Louis Vuitton?! I LOVE LOVE this clutch! This slim yet multi compartment clutch & being slightly larger than other clutches, it’s ideal for using day or night!! The picture of elegance in iconic LV monogram canvas. Measure 10.5” L x 6” H x 1.1” D
Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola Slim Monogram Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)
To end this posting, here is Dolce & Gabbana Mens Spring-Summer 2010 fashion show, look at how handsome they look with the “Men’s Clutch bag” Bellisimo !
I hope this posting inspired you to start to think about & preparing your spring & summer wardrobe as I do and go pick up a fabulous clutch to accessorize your look this spring!
Did you realize that Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year land on the same day this year?! It’s like “Double Happiness” on this Sunday February 14th! Many of you already know about the valentine’s day, so I am dedicating this posting to Chinese New Year. As an Chinese American, this is the special time to remember our Chinese heritage & celebrate our traditions! Even the U.S. Postal service has special stamps to celebrate the year of Tiger.
The Chinese New Year is regarded as one of the most important Chinese holidays. The celebration starts on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the day of the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth. A big feast marks the Eve of Chinese New Year (for this year it will be February 13th), complete with traditional Chinese dishes. ON the new year day, children receive money in red envelopes we called it “hongbao 红包” from their parents and everybody wishes each other good health in the New Year.
The first day of Chinese New Year is a time when families visit the oldest and senior members of their extended family, usually their parents, grandparents or great-grandparents. Not everyone follows the same traditions for Chinese New Year. In northern China, families eat dumplings after dinner, while in southern China they eat rice cakes. Dumplings symbolize wealth, and rice cakes symbolize a prosperous year. Some rituals go beyond food and gift giving and can include lighting firecrackers, invite a lion dance troupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Lunar New Year, as well as to evict bad spirits from the premises.
Chinese New Year rice cake –“Nian gao” (年糕) sounds like “年高”, which literally means “increasingly prosperous year in year out”.
Rows of Chinese dried sausages and waxed ducks in Chinatown
Tangerines and Mandarin oranges symbolize abundance and happiness and are a must-gift when visiting relatives and friends.
In Chinatown or Chinese supermarkets, people were busily buying stuffs for the Spring festival.
The color Red is liberally used in all decoration during this festive season. Red symbolizes good fortune. There is an ancient Chinese legend about a man-eating beast called “Nian” which is a predatory creature. To scare off Nian, people covered their homes with the color red and filled the air with loud noises, ie. fire crackers.
Chinese like to grace their gates and doors with Chinese New Year’s couplets which are written on two strips of red paper. The red couplets are composed of sentences that complement each other and often rhyme. Nowadays, we hardly see handwritten couplets; these are all printed with different designs.
Even the house of CHANEL dedicated a pre-fall 2010 collections to the “China Chic”! Here are some photos of this fabulous collection show at Shanghai, China.
Chinese terra cotta warriors inspired armor & coins dress
Chinese coral beads & pearl lariat necklace
Chinese "Frog Closure" dress, gives a hint of Asian style
Laser cut-out peony flower leather pants
Click on the media player below to view this fabulous fashion show!
So after reading and seeing all these festive Chinese new year stuff, are you all inspired and start thinking how to celebrate this Sunday? Well, here is a great idea how you can celebrate the Chinese New Year & Valentine’s day together and make it a very special “Double Happiness” holiday weekend!
“Valentine’s Day China Chic Style” - Make your own valentine’s day fortune cookies
1/2 C flour- If you have bread flour, use it.
1/2 C sugar
1 tsp vanilla- or sometimes I use 1/2 almond 1/2 vanilla
2 egg whites
(Photo & recipes courtesy of ourbestbites.com)
Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend to combine. Place in a container and chill 1 hour. Preheat oven to 400°.
The batter couldn't be simpler. Just throw all of the ingredients (egg whites, sugar, flour, and vanilla) into a food processor and blend it up. You could also probably do it in a blender, or whisk it very well. You want zero lumps.
Pop that mix in the fridge for an hour and while it's chilling you can prep the rest of the ingredients. First, you'll need fortunes! Since we're making Valentine cookies today, filled them with little love notes. Be creative!
When your batter is chilled, place 1 teaspoon on each circle and spread it out with a small spoon to fill the circle on a plain baking sheet. Pop the pan in the oven for about 6 minutes till you see it is brown around the edges and a little towards the center. If you underbake them they will be chewy instead of crunchy! This is the part is a little tricky, but you’ll get the hang of it fast. If you try to take the cookie off the pan too quickly, it will mush up like this!
but if you leave it on too long (and I'm talking seconds here), it will firm up so much that you can't shape it. So the trick is to find that perfect time. I find that it only takes about 15-30 seconds after they come out of the oven before I can get them off the pan. Use a spatula like you see in my pictures with a nice sharp edge. I thick plastic one won't work very well.
Remove the cookie from the pan with the spatula and flip it over. Quickly tuck your fortune in the middle and then fold the cookie in half. Bend the cookie over the edge of a bowl to set the shape.
You can leave the fortune paper peeking out so it hangs out. They only take a minute to cool and you can pack them right up!
Since it’s the Valentine’s day is the same on the same day as Chinese new year, you can pretty up the fortune cookies with some V-day decorations. You can use chocolate, almond bark, candy melts…etc and then sprinkle on any toppings you want.
Just dip & sprinkle anyway you like it! dip half the cookie, the outer edge, or drizzle, or whatever!
Combining the festive mood of Chinese New Year & Valentine’s day together by packaging the fortune cookies in some cute Chinese take-out boxes that you can buy from any craft stores. Decorate anyway you like it, ribbons, glitter, lace, heart shape cut-out paper… let your imagination run wild!
We hope you enjoy this special Chinese New Year - Valentine’s day posting! Now go to your closet, find some fabulous RED color clothing, accessories or shoes and celebrate these two holidays “China Chic” style!
Here is a documentry film about the "Lantern Festival" in Taiwan. The Chinese new year celebrations last 15 days and ends with the Lantern Festival, it's a magical holiday!
Wanna also dress up your home in "China Chic" style? come check out our Asian inspired designer home fragrance collections by "L'Objet", the handmade candles are encapsulated in a 14K gold plated Red Chinese theme vessel created from fine limoges porcelain paste, the candles exude the intoxicating scent of pink champagne. It's a must have!
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