March 31, 2010

Hair Hair Hair


Hair is growing! The last shot is my attempt to curl using my straightener... did not turn out well at all :( So unskilled haha so I had to put it up.. and now I look like an ajumma. I really want a 1.25 inch curler! Hot Tools' curler looks great and has tons of good reviews but that gold plate cannot be good for my hair! I guess I wouldn't use it often enough and I do have tons of heat protectants, but still... What else is out there that's reasonable?

March 28, 2010

Like The Wind

wow I did absolutely NO work this weekend! Guilty? Hmmm not really haha.. but tomorrow, I'll have to read 2 chapters of capitalism, read my 420 article on Emotional Cultural Geography (kinda interesting) and write a 5 pg. paper. They're all "due" Tuesday.. and then the rest of the week is pretty much FREE!!!!! This is gonna be one of the best school weeks ever this term hehehe
Gonna sleep like a grandma at 10:45 tonight and wake up early to start work. Aja!

(the City Wink header is such an eyesore!!!! Another thing to add onto the "to-do when I'm done school" list... though a super low priority.)

March 26, 2010

OMG Genius!

This is a business I SO wish I had thought of! 

I discovered this new auction site where you can bid for luxury brand names like Fendi, Gucci, Louboutin, Tiffany&Co. and Chanel (among many many others). It's called oohilove.com and they claim you can save 90% off authentic designer handbags, wallets, shoes, jewelry, gift cards, and accessories. On this site, IF you have enough patience, you can own these goods with retail prices well over a grand for as little as $20! I read of a case where someone won a Gucci wallet for $14.98! Basically, you buy bids for 99 cents each (you can buy them in packages of 30, 50, 100 etc.). However many bids you buy is however many times you can bid for an item (yes, any item - you can allocate however you'd like). When you bid for an item, the price of the item will raise 2 cents, which is not much at all.  What is different from other auction sites is that when you click "bid", the timer that marks the end of the bid will also raise 10 seconds, giving other people more time to bid. Of course, it is most wise to bid when the timer is at its last few seconds.  You can imagine how long an auction could last with this system!!

I've been "spectating" (I swear it can be a sporting event) an auction for a Chanel wallet-clutch. Very classy, very gorgeous. Retails for $1,804.00.

Like all bids, this one started at the minimum of $0, but I've started watching when it was $59.04 about an hour ago when the timer had 5 seconds remaining. Ever since, a handful of bidders have continuously bid and currently, the price is at $70.58 and 10 seconds remain. 
So you might be thinking, "yea... so what? good for them - one of them is going to get Chanel for super cheap tonight."

Unless you've already figured it out, I'll point out the whole genius idea by doing the math for you:
The company bought this bag for full retail price.  $1,804
The current price is at $70.58
Since each bid raises the auction price by 2 cents, that means the "bid" button was clicked 3529 times ($70.58/$0.02).
And remember, every bid costs the bidder 99 cents so 3529*$0.99 = $3493.71.
SO even though the company bought the item for only $1,804, they are selling it for $3493.71+ (more because the auction still has not ended) WHICH gives them a current profit of $1,689.71!!!!

Think of all those people who buy bids and try bidding on these goods without winning anything.  HOW COME I NEVER THOUGHT OF THIS! Okok.. yea sure, I can't afford to even start the company off right now, but with such a great idea, I'm sure I could get sponsored quickly.
And it's true that not every auction is profitable - you take a chance, hoping the item will be coveted enough for people to bid. But, with the right kind of buyers (I mean, people hired by the company to decide which items would be result in the greatest profit), this new company will have the ability to reap in millions per year. I'm thinking this company is definitely one to keep your eye on. It has a functional website that's easy to navigate and is pretty pleasing to the eye (though I'd change the font of the words in the turquoise headings). The company is happy, the winners are happy, and (most) of the bidders didn't spend enough to be unhappy not winning so we all pretty much win!
Actually, it's really annoying to "spectate", though.. just end already!

To see a how-to video on how to bid and all, click here.

March 25, 2010

Zipia + Eggs


My Zipia survey buddy messaged me telling me that the next batch will close tomorrow  (26th) at 7PM. If you're interested in buying, let me know! I'll pick it up from her for you.  Prices on Zipia.com are in USD.  Shipping is 20% of the price of the item so if the item is $10, you would pay $12.  There is also $1.50 service charge per item (you're paying the survey buddy). 

Some things I'm considering:
Orange blazer
(btw, doesn't that stuffie remind you of the Nood Zebra being all stripey and all??? kkk [whip])
This pink blazer is super cute but I'm unsure if I should get it because it looks funny on the model when she buttons it up.. but I guess I could just wear it open. Also comes in pastel purple and a turquoise (think Easter egg colours). The true shade of pink is hard to capture on camera so I'm wary how saturated or light the colour is.
I want a white blazer, too, but I remember I wasn't fond of the material of the ones I saw in Korea. Some were shiny up close, some turned out to be really thin and see-through even though it looked solid from far away. Sad.

They also have some adorable dresses but I have too many.. I still have a handful I've never worn.. I love dresses but I seem to collect more than I wear.

loll one of the male models in the Men's section got a haircut. He's still cute in his boyish way but he looks funny. 
I love windbreakers on guys.  Something like this double neck windbreak that has a hood or can be tucked in to make a solid collar (except in black.. or any other colour but gray.. gray is kind of dull). I don't know why this guy is wearing his hoodie that way. He looks like a lost Robin's egg I want to return to his mother. (Btw, I have no idea what my obsession with eggs are these days. I've been noticing them everywhere!)

Browsing for:
- black 1/2 to 3/4 inch headband (un-framed)
- straw fedora with black detail
- straw floppy wide-brim sunhat
- a clutch
- coral and cream Spring scarf
- black maxi dress (yes.. still on the list..)
- flats/sandals
- solid medium-weight hoodie with the "perfect hood"
- transparent necklace
C'mon Zipia.. you have one more day to help me check something off this list!

March 23, 2010

Subtle Dazzlement

I want this dress. One of my favourite kinds of dresses are fitted and mini-skirt length with long sleeves. Sequins are a bonus.  3/4 length sleeves are flattering, but to-the-wrist length sleeves are sexier.
Credit: www.myfashionblog.be

March 22, 2010

Guhh


Such a mistake to take this capitalism course... I don't have a clue what is going on in the text until I go to tutorial where literally a ton of information is spat at me. Sure, the prof is good because he is entertaining (I had him for Political Geo (where I also didn't really understand what was happening but ended up with a decent grade)) and he goes a bit more in depth about the basic concepts, but I would not know how to explain anything to anyone else. I took this course because I needed 1 more 300-level credit.  This course is new, btw - it has never been taught/offered at SFU and my prof is really into this sort of topic. He has garnered quite a bit of interest because of his popularity as being one of the best profs for Geography (actually, pretty much all profs who teach 400 level are excellent).  But, what are we supposed to get out of this class? How does knowing all these historical facts and reasons why such events have occurred have to do with Geography anyway? I get the fact that capitalism is very much related to urban and regional development and is the basis on how this world came to be, but I don't see why we need to go so in detail. I'm so lost -- what a waste... should have listened to my heart. 8:30AM courses on Thursdays, too. GUHHHH I honestly don't know if I can pass this course! I haven't gotten a single assignment back and I don't think I did too hot on the pop quiz even though I read the material.. and there is a 35% final paper coming up and he hasn't given us any information as to what to do either. How am I going to write a 10 pager on capitalism?!?!?!?! If this course is why I don't graduate, I will... well, I don't know what I'm going to do yet, but I'll think of something. I just need to pass - give me a D, I don't care!!

March 21, 2010

Killer Heels, Literally


I'm not sure how this outfit works, but it does. Sweatpants, sequins, military jacket, and her so-called "hedgehog heels" that might not stand a chance go through airport security.
From Le Blog de Betty

March 20, 2010

How To Look Good in 2D


Celebrity photographer Josh Kessler has snapped portraits of Mischa Barton, Mandy Moore, Susan Lucci, Betsey Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and the Jersey Shore cast, to name a few. He's also had his fair share of beauty experience, creating lookbooks for Nexxus salon haircare, sponsor of Bravo's popular hairstyling show, "Shear Genius." Kessler met with a few editors on the heels of the "Shear Genius" headshot challenge episode, offering up his expertise in snapping flattering portraits. Below, his tips shared with Marissa Gold of StyleList.
 
If you have a long face:
"The direction of the light can change the shape of a person's face. If the light is coming from above the camera, it will make the face appear fuller," suggests Kessler.

If you have a wide or round face:
"To slim out a rounder face, use light coming from the side and slightly above."

If you think you look heavy on camera:
"A wide angle lens will make a person appear heavier, and a telephoto lens will have a slimming effect," Kessler says. Telephoto it is!

If you want smooth-looking skin:
"The closer and larger the light source is, the softer and more flattering the light will be," says Kessler. And avoid red backgrounds: "Very few people look good on a red background -- it brings out the redness in skin."

If you have dark circles:
"Use the flash -- even in daylight. If you're shooting in mid-day sun from above, the flash will fill in under the eyes. Also, try using a white or silver reflector card to bounce light back to the face, removing any shadows under the eyes," says Kessler.

If you're on the pale side:
"A warming filter such as an 81A placed on the camera lens (or added later in Photoshop) will give any skin type a healthy glow."

If you want to shoot outdoors:
"Try shooting in the shade on sunny days, and embrace the beautiful soft light of an overcast day. The clouds diffuse the sun, making it a larger and softer light source," says Kessler. Another trick? "Shoot during the magic hour: either one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset -- lighting is ideal then to give a gorgeous glow to your skin."

If you want to look natural:
Many times posing for photos, especially a portrait, can look forced and stiff. "The most important thing is to feel comfortable and relaxed," says Kessler. He suggests striking up a conversation with your photographer so that you have the same easygoing facial expressions you normally do, and feel at east in the situation.

And a few additional beauty and fashion tips from Kevin Mancuso, celebrity stylist and Nexxus Creative Director:
  • Get a trim a week within a week of the shoot so your hair looks healthy.
  • Make sure your roots are touched-up, as they can stick out in photos, even black and white.
  • Drape hair in front of your shoulders to help elongate the face and make you look thinner -- tightly pulled-back hair can look harsh and unapproachable.
  • Pick clothing that works with your hairstyle -- big collars will look busy if you wear your hair down, and low-cut shirts won't work well with an up-do. It's all about balance, so stick to a simple crew or v-neck.
Taken from Lovelyish

March 19, 2010

Tailor It


I admit that I am a pretty lazy dresser, yet at the same time, I don't exactly fit the whole "effortless chic" category either -- probably 'cause I don't exactly have a no-curve body haha After grad (and once I make some more money and have more time to shop), I want to step it up a bit. I've figured maybe one of the first ways to do so is to invest in more tailored things.. specifically, jackets! I must say, a well-fitted tailored jacket is one sure way of looking put together. This can be done in blazer form, which I would say is the most popular, a leather jacket, specific jean jackets, and just a cropped jacket (possibly with darts and all). Even though you wear it the same way as you wear a cardigan, they produce different looks.  A cardigan is made out of a softer, more flexible material and just drapes - usually more casual. Blazers are stiffer (material-wise), have more structure, and more likely have defined shoulders. Blazers don't necessarily have to have collars, though. where everything drapes so it actually looks like all you did was slip into things.


Some examples from ShopBop. I was really inspired by ShopBop's Haute Hippie video this morning! Haute Hippie has some really great SKIRTS and jackets. 

This studded blazer is from Sauce
Haute Hippie Bowtie Sequined Jacket
Haute Hippie Zip Leather Jacket - looked nice on the model!
Victorialand Panel Box Jacket
Elie Tahari Eliza Jacket
Haute Hippie Embellised Jacket (I wanted this and love it even more after the lady in the Haute Hippie video wore it)
S.W.O.R.D Novana Leather Jacket - pretty nice
Twenty8Twelve Anaiya Blazer
And I'm really liking ASOS Cropped Pleat Shoulder Jacket in Beige
and ASOS Chain Trim Shoulder Pad Jacket

March 17, 2010

10 Page Papers Don't Write Themselves.

Before I start writing, which kind of quilted/tufting is the best for my floor to ceiling headboard? 


[1] This is my favourite.. but it looks really hard to do to get the right lines and all..
Photos taken from Song of Style
[2] Pudgy quilts in larger form like the on the coffee table?
[3] How about this?
kk kidding.  Too over the top for me.
[4] Not sure what to call this one... the fading star diamond pattern?
[5] Sparse and subtle -- hmm I'm liking this, too.
[6] Yea I won't do velvet of any sort, but this one is alright, too - just looks like someone took a gun to it happened to be all lined up.
[7] Deeper quilts - nicer dimension, more visually stimulating
[8] Hmm what about quilting w/ a semi-subtle pattern?
[9] A modern take. Hmm.. squares. I like but I don't like.
[10] I could make life so much easier and just fabric-cover panels like what Sarah Richardson did a few years back for a cottage bedroom

[11] Interesting.. inverted and then subtle.
[12] Oooo this is plush, I like too.. but will need to be bigger or more spread apart. I like the depth.
[13] I thought this was so neat - a headboard that wraps!
[14] Butt ugly colour.. but what it would look like if quilting was small and condensed... me no likey
[15] Another -- I think this one is a light ice violet colour! I can't tell right now.. my eyes are tired.
[16] Whisper quilts
[17] I like the size of the headboard. Just needs to be taller.
 
[18] Nice size for the bench at the end of my bed. I'd take that one, actually. If this room has the headboard I want to make, it would be almost perfect for me.
[19] What do you call this style?
[20] Same company as above. Kinda neat how the lights hang from the headboard like that.  Glowy.
[21] A shaped quilted headboard.
[22] Kind of a plain jane. Don't really want that colour.
So there - 22 quilted styles (okok.. 21...) as inspiration for my summer project: a DIY custom headboard!


Now back to researching...