Thursday, December 24, 2009

Video of the Moment: DKNY's Colors




This video reminds me of Apple's colorific Nano ads. So peppy, so happy, so right for winter. I do hope you guys get some jollies here! Doesn't it make you wish you have them sweaters in every color? The bows are nice touches too.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Longest Entry of the Moment: Discomfort is What I Aim For

Ed. Note: I hope this entry is long enough for you peeps because I'm gonna be gone for quite some time. Since it's the holiday season, I'm gonna be taking a brief break to spend time with family and friends. Wish you all a Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate, and a wonderful New Year! I'll be off to Toledo, Washington (the state, not D.C.) to--hopefully--experience real snow after Nicola made me green with envy. I'm kidding, Nicola.

At left, the nutcracker

I'm not a sadomasochist or a fetishist. But one thing I'm very surprised about myself is I like to feel pain. Not the pain of getting spanked by a paddle, you silly goose! But the pain of sacrificing my own comfort for the sake of, well, looking good.


A podiatrist's nightmare: platforms from Versace Spring-Summer 2010

Unlike women, I don't go to the extremes of binding my foot with platform heels or wearing body shapers (like corsets or Spanx that supposedly improve the contours of a woman's body but is a huge hassle when disrobing). Although, I do have this obsession of wearing relatively uncomfortable shoes and skinny jeans.

Uncomfortable shoes? The mere thought of it might induce you with agony already. But what's the gripe with skinny jeans? As much as I adore mine, skinny jeans are poorly designed in one
area: the groin. Women, clearly, have no qualms about being squeezed hither and tither in the nether regions, but their scrotum-bearing counterparts do!

For the moment, I have banished my tight pants indefinitely. Fertility shouldn't be one of my sacrifices.

The Inconvenient Truth:

Aside from the potential danger of donning pieces that is detrimental to biological function, there are incentives in wearing them.


Minimalist military at Celine Spring-Summer 2010

First off, uncomfortable vestments usually are the ones that make you look good. Time and again, women are advised to lay off the high heels for fear of spine damage or feet mangling. But as the case, fashion usually trumps health advices. Currently there is an uptick in wearing high heels (and the heels themselves are reaching record heights too!). They are mainly driven by runway shows, pop culture, burgeoning fashion tribes, and the singular fact that it makes women's legs look shapely. Rest assured, designers aren't on the verge of giving up the double platform stiletto anytime soon.

Second, uncomfortable clothes inform people about yourself, your background, your personality. Since it's not always about looking good that's important, there are intrinsic reasons why some people prefer to dress uncomfortably. Common knowledge dictates that there is a close relationship between looking put together and one's personal success. And believe it or not, there is an even closer correlation between looking put together and feeling the pain.


A hot look (literally) for summer by Balenciaga

Businessmen/women, for instance, wear suits not because they are comfortable (trust me, wearing pyjamas is the ultimate bliss). Suits are purely aesthetic: clean lines, smooth silhouettes, sharp shoulders. On a grander scale, suits signify one's ascent on the social ladder, a keen sense of self-control, and discipline.

The same goes for wearing sky high pumps and, to a lesser degree, men's brogues (or wingtips, bluchers, oxfords, etc.).
Traditionally, men who wear brogues or wingtips to the boardroom present professionalism and elegance while women who wear high heels exude tenacity and command greater attention in the professional field. Even feminists now view platform heels as a symbol of empowerment.

Finally, wearing uncomfortable clothes offer a feeling of satisfaction in the end. As my friend Shao said "The best part about wearing [uncomfortable clothes] is taking them off." So for anyone feeling the aches and pains out there, just remember the bright side: people will always notice and, hopefully, compliment you for your looks and bravery! Stay strong, my friends.

Round Up of the Moment: 2009's Bad Fashions


Every one knows that 2009 is one dramatic year whether it is for fashion or beyond. Even more so if you add the whole decade in the mix. So, before handing in the reins toward a Happy 2010, The Wall Street Journal obliged to offer a brief look at 2009's best and worst fashions. But who really wants to see the best, when you can grimace at the fact you wore the worst? Here are fashion reporter Christina Binkley's worst fashion findings:

Worst of 2009


Adornment overload

1. Killer Booties: Binkley thought it was too "draft horse"-esq
ue because it piles so much details on the shoes--platforms, animal prints, zippers, chains, and many more. Then again, maybe some women looked at draft horses for inspiration.


A look strictly for the brave, and the toned--in the leggy regions

2. Skinny Jeans for Men: Honestly, this is one trend I absolutely love. I love my skinny jeans no matter what. Since every pair of jeans look baggy on me, I'm actually glad retailers started offering something that wouldn't look overwhelming for my legs.


An excuse to wear shorts in winter?

3. Short Shorts with Tights: It's bad because "chunky horizontal blocks of color will make you look several inches shorter and wider." However if you are built like a fashion model, then go for it!


Lean, mean and powerful

4. Power Shoulders: Binkley lamented the fact that she gets to relive the 80's--again. But for those young enough to never experience football/power shoulders, it looks so darn alluring. It goes to say that the worst decade for fashion just may end up being the treasure trove during the recession.


A perfect secretary look

5. Necktie Blouses: Wait, they make these? Anyway, I think a separate shirt and tie would work best because it extends the mileage of the shirt. Unless you know, you have to have a tie around your neck every time.


A cornucopia of offenses: power shoulders, necktie blouses and harem pants in one

6. Harem Pants: All it conjures is MC Hammer and Genie from Aladdin. That's all I have to say.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Item of the Moment: El Poncho Loco





Ponchos are not unusual in the provinces of Latin America and the Wild West, but this Winter big cities like New York and Paris maybe well on the poncho foray as well.



Marc Jacobs Fall-Winter 2009

For Fall-Winter 2009, designers have given us a myriad of inspirations. Most dwell on the idea of bringing the 80's back while others recommend a return to the basics. Still, there are some that wish to venture beyond the financial panic and trek the savage part of life. For Marc Jacobs' collection, that means battling the torrential winds of New York City with a belted gigawatt yellow poncho and sculpted headgear. But for Wooyoungmi's sober collection (pictured topmost), the idea is more blazing the city's outback than conquering the nightclub.

The designers' vision on the "modern" poncho differed. Marc Jacobs opted for volume and eye-popping colors that'll entice any young woman. On the other hand, Wooyoungmi (the designer for the eponymous Wooyoungmi label) preferred tailoring and cropped length. The latter's version of ponchos are chic and very suitable for everyday use. Also, the fact that it pairs well with a tailored suit makes it even more appealing to young men. And did I mention the bulge-effect on the shoulders? Balmain Spring-Summer 2009 readily comes to mind.

As much as I adore every look from Wooyoungmi, I do have one, teeny, measly gripe: the tapered sides seems cumbersome and restrictive for arm movements. Anyhow, I'm sure the fabric is stretchy enough for any arm related ordeal.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Personal Rant of the Moment: For the Love and Time


After many weeks of waiting, I finally met my friends' boyfriends! I'm very proud of A and L for picking the right men. They are very reputable men with ambition. Plus, they have polish and principle to accentuate a great personality. Although, they do have this semi-odd sense of humor, but that's totally irrelevant. I wish you gals all the best!

Moving on to another non-romantic subject, have you guys seen the new D&G Time commercial? The one with the suggestive ménage
à trois? I swear, Dolce and Gabanna never have a dull ad spot for their products. It's suffice to say that they're as edgy as Calvin Klein Jeans' ads. Except, you know, they're Italian.





This isn't the first time D&G made titillating ad spots for their watches. In fact, the hip Italian label is known for
sexualizing their advertisements. Do the quasi-explicit (and sometimes deviant, below) content actually work in persuading people to purchase D&G products? Watch and find out!


Sunday, December 6, 2009

Wish of the Moment: Santa, I've Been (Mostly) Good!


I am so inspired by Jessica's post about her Christmas wishlist that I'm making my own wishlist too! A friendly warning, this post is going to be one avalanche of white hot (albeit restrained) materialism. And why shouldn't it? After all, I've been good all year long, Santa!

Nico's Christmas Wishlist:




1. As a prelude to my many gifts, I would love to score this duffle bag from Alexander Wang. Not to worry, Santa, it's not as expensive as Jessica's Birkin!




2. A lifetime subscription to 10 Men and V Man would be a nice addition too.




3. Since I live in Los Angeles, I'd want new sunglasses. Especially this one from Marni.




4. And to top off my list, this azure neoprene sleeve from Raf Simons! It may not keep me warm, but it looks smashing and simple.




5. Finally, I would love it if I experience a white Christmas here in L.A. I'm not asking for too much, but it would be great if there was snow (or hail) here. I mean, it happened before so it shouldn't be that hard. Please Santa, pretty please!

Wow, for a wishlist, I sound like I'm begging. But seriously, I would love to have the last one. A little drizzle of snow here wouldn't hurt, right? Of course, snow in L.A. wouldn't be complete without the duffle bag, the magazines, and the neoprene sleeve. And if anyone (and I mean anyone) is feeling jolly generous this Christmas season, do remember this list on your way shopping. Any rich moguls out there? Oprah? Cougars waiting for their boy-prey?

Duffle bag by Alexander Wang, $890 at www.alexanderwang.com; magazines at www.10magazine.com and www.vman.com; sunglasses by Marni, $280 at www.marni.com; neoprene sleeve by Raf Simons, $840 at www.thecorner.com

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Award of the Moment: Humane Award


This award is extremely long overdue so without further ado, I would like to thank my good friend (whether in cyberspace or in real life), Abby! She had a post about shopping for awards, and honestly I could not choose. Luckily, she recommended the Humane Award for me! I'm not particularly sure why she chose that one but I agree that at least once in a while, we become filled with compassion and empathy for our fellow brothers and sisters. Whether it be doing the chores for our family or comfortably saying "Hi!" to strangers or hugging a friend who needs comfort, being humane never went out of style.

So grab your cider and yell proudly: cheers to everyone!

Next on the programme is the tagging portion. I would like to tag the following people that exude the characteristics of a humane person: Trish, Farah, Jessica, Manju and Maha!