All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

Tsumori Chisato is one of the numerous fashion designers I like today. She has this unfathomable creative juice–mixing  cartoonish ideas & high fashion altogether–that I really envy and crave for! I really, really love her bold, playful prints that do not go overboard. Her collections are audacious yet  wearable, albeit most would only fit a woman-girl of my age–at max.

Her Fall-Winter collection mainly consists of multicolored printed tights and tunics, inspired by The Little Prince with the presence of stars and other whimsical storybook  prints and characters (do I see little twin stars here? ). Some colors are bright and shiny, while others are subtle sans losing its edge. I like this collection and  found it really cute, bubbly and uplifting! View more of the collection.

On the other hand, I got mixed feelings on her latest Spring-Summer 2010 Collection. Of course, Chisato’s signature prints are still the highlight of the whole collection, albeit it’s a tad bit subtler this time around–more like a Japanese painting. Also, notice how breezy most of the materials are. Texture, drapes and frills are conspicuously present in some of them. View more of the collection.

However, speaking of which, I really do not like this kind of draping:

It kinda looks like an undergarment, more like a  loose diaper.  It reminds me of Balenciaga‘s fall collection that fell short on my expectations — this one in particular.

Not sure if this one’s a sleepwear. It really looks like one! Unlikely to be a suit. I really wanna snug to fit in these, whilst tucked in a very comfy mattress with uber-soft Egyptian linen sheets having my fashionista dreams. I wouldn’t think of wearing this outside, lest people may think I just came straight from the bed!

Tsumori Chisato for Shu Uemura

In case you haven’t heard, the Japanese designer has teamed up with Japanese cosmetic brand, Shu Uemura, for the latter’s Little Prince collection:

The collection consists of palettes, a highlighter, mini brush set, lipsticks, make up bag and studded false eyelashes in its shiny, shimmery packaging.

I’mma include this palette on my Christmas wishlist:

Tsumori Chisato Planet Cat Couture Palette

A limited Edition Couture Compact palette that contains 3 Pressed Eye Shadows (Black Glitz , Shiny Silver, and Copper), 1 cream eyeliner (Black Purple), 1 cream highlighter (Gold Iridescent), 1 blush (Apricot Pink), and 2 dual-ended applicators (wide tip/narrow tip and cheek brush/liner brush)-Shu Uemura USA

Has a royalty damage of $65. Available at  Shu-UemuraUSA.com.

Whilst most of us (consider me as one) are aching to see The September Issue, a documentary featuring the devil in Prada herself, Vogue’s EIC Anna Wintour, let’s take a breather for a  moment on the latest trends conquering the runways these days!

I featured 3 haute collections before from Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Balenciaga, where Parisian style, ruche, brocades and boudoirs dominate. Truly, I miss hitting the spot that fierce yet chic biker look is oh-so in fashion this season! Here’s a closer look:

All from Style.com

*Balmain for Fall 2009. This monochromatic garb is overall casual with white blouse, cropped skinnies, and girly pumps. Chained biker jacket adds spunk to this smart casual wear.*

*Charles Anastase for Fall 2009. Unlike Balmain above, Charles Anastase surely pulls off quite a statement with fur neckpiece, leather vest and woven cardigan topping it off with a statement tee and a pair of  skinny jeans. Tan platform leather boots is absolutely ferosh–something to love about this ensemble!*

*Gucci for Fall 2009. Gucci appears to be ravishing and scintillating with its leather cropped jacket, shiny button-down shirt, and glistening tapered(?) pants. Look is slickly finished with peep-toe shoes for footwear.*

*Jean-Charles de Castalbajac for Fall 2009. Red is flaming hot this season, and Jean-Charles de Castalbajac screams scarlet with this multi-zipline leather dress. I’m hearting the hair and the studded shoes. Absolutely winner garb!*

*Jean Paul Gaultier for Fall 2009. Extreme biker chick in stud, leather and fringe encapsulates this ensemble from Jean Paul Gaultier.*

*Rick Owens for Fall 2009. Rick Owens calls for a more futuristic look applying geometrical cuts on this nonetheless leather dominated wear.*

*Rodarte for Fall 2009. One word: SUPER! This ensemble from Rodarte melts my heart out! Ultimately tinged in ecru, the woven scarf, embellished top, gloves, loop fringed skirt, and thigh high leatherwear are just well put together! This is something to lust die for! *

Biker Jackets: Save, Spend & Splurge!

Here’s some of super yummy dark leather finds to choose from! (more…)

Yes, you got that right. Topshop Kate Moss Collection for Autumn/Winter 2009 launches online today.

Love her or hate her, it’s Kate Moss. Seems like our supermodel darling is equipped with Midas’ Touch, as everything she dons suddenly turns into gold becomes a trend!

Going back, you can now check some of fabuloso pieces of the present collection, which includes lovely Faux Fur and Mohair Jackets, plus this oh-so-gorgeous Jacquard Bandeau Dress in gold that I super duper like! Can’t wait for it to hit the stores, starting this August 27th!

Here’s a sneak peek at the latest Topshop’s Kate Moss Collection!

(All Images from Topshop.com)

* Kate Moss wearing Stripe Weave Dress – I couldn’t find this in the catalog, but it surely looks nice! *

*Kate Moss wearing Faux Fur Jacket – Fret not, ‘coz there’s animal justice on this ala-80′s pièce de résistance. Might put a tiny gash on the wallet at £120, but worth the spend ‘coz it could really pull off a ferosh ensemble in an instant!*

*Kate Moss wearing Triangle Stud Kaftan – This chiffon tunic dress in classic black gives us another option to own another cult piece. Price at £85. *

(more…)

Madonna, once again graced the cameras as she poses for another Louis Vuitton Campaign Ad, along with designer Marc Jacobs and photographer Steven Meisel.

*Madonna for Fall 2009/Winter 2010 Louis Vuitton Collection*

The ad pictures have been leaked months ago,  showing a different look for Madge with a dim-lit classic vibe and high-contrast colors. It almost looks like 3D to me. But, so much for alleged over-photoshopping, as it ended up really damn gorgeous. No wonder LV is not the only one who’s pleased.

What’s more to love is this certain monogram handbag Madonna’s holding below. The sparkling golden monogram accent beautifully printed on the impeccably sophisticated contrast of dark-brown leather really catches much attention. It’s like revivifying the cult classic into something marketable and contemporary.

But hey, the same classic feel goes to her last year’s Louis Vuitton Campaign Ad here. Colors are subdued and less vivid though.

This 50-year-old vixen could still pull off a half-split like this:

*No wonder yoga does wonders. *

So, which of Madonna’s ads do you prefer? xx

Think about modern neon, then you’ll get this latest Fall collection from Marc Jacobs. Truly, he injected such a vibe that jolts out amongst the boring blacks-and-whites of this season. The collection includes puffed tops and a-line bottoms, dresses and skirts with flarings, scarves, jackets, coats and cardigans–all imbued with eye-candy colors and bedazzling brocades prints. There’s still a noticeable presence of dark tights paired with ankle strap shoes or boots. And of course, any Marc Jacobs wardrobe won’t be complete sans the ever gorgeous bags.

Here’s what I like about Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 Collection:

Grays and Blacks with a Spunk

If you opt to steer clear from vibrant neon colors, surely this collection will take you to some place where dark tinges rule  without losing  the spunkiness of your wardrobe.

*The show started with this simple casual gray cardigan and black pants attire. Quite simple for a Marc Jacobs collection, isn’t it? But, try to sport a mohawk ‘do complete with that lovely black and white brocade scarf, and you’re on the go to being MJ stylish. And also, watch out for the kilt and braces aback of this outfit–truly outrageously signatured!*

*This full charcoal brocade dress has this gorgeous flaring at the bottom, decked with a pair purple ankle boots, dark jeweled necklace and neon green printed clutch. *

Puffed with Sleeve and Skirt

The collection also delighted us with  puffed sleeve or skirt, texturized with metallic brocade  and striped prints.

*This sleeved bustier top with puffed skirt really caught my attention as it fused classic and contemporary altogether. Surely, it looks like a formal cocktail ensemble on the first look. But hey, those metallic brocade prints on a quirky skirt might make you think twice otherwise–for a party garb! *

*Another gorgeous party bustier dress. This time, notice the drama of the free-flowing  plain black ribbons to the rest of the striped prints, both forming a semi-ruffled bottom. It’s paired with ankle strap boots displaying its metallic sheen.*

*This  salmon pink blouse with puffed sleeves is paired with high-waisted fur-like pencil skirt complete with patent leather-like gloves and ankle boots. What’s more to love about this formal ensemble is this lovely bejeweled neck piece that’s just elegantly layered on the model’s top.*

Neon Power!

*There’s nothing as playful as combining two different prints for an exquisite yet made-for-each-other look. This blouse and skirt combo have distinct brocade prints on them, yet they impeccably compliment each other in harmonious bluish and yellowish glow.*

*Another playful thing to do with colors is to combine and contrast them. I always like blending these two contrasting colors together. In this outfit, the neon green structured jacket is paired with a decadently printed dress. I just love how it’s been also embellished with yet another brocade printed pink scarf, and a retro mixture of pink and green colors for the brocade bag. Keeping it fierce, the dramatic makeup look and mohawk haristyle really did a well-done job.*

More Story from Style.com

Erratum: The black trench ensemble I featured in Balenciaga was actually from THIS collection.

The house of Lanvin never fails to give women a gorgeous and glamorous vibe, as this season brims with lovely dark floral patterns, bias wraps, high-waisted belts, subtle knots, bows and drapings  in sophisticated, ultra-feminine powersuits and dresses.  Designer Alber Elbaz epitomizes Parisian style with some kink of 40′s retro-ish vibe for Fall 2009 collection.

All in all, this collection is  flat-out classic. You will never go out of style with these pieces, wherever the time machine takes you.

So, expect to see leather-like boots and gloves along the runway. The big, chunky bejeweled, tribal necklace may be a lil bit off-kilter, but in a very stylish way. In fact, I’m digging those chunky pieces as it adds some spunk to the monochromatic wardrobe.

Piece de resistance: Floral, Brocade & Both

* I think anyone would fall in love on this lovely black suit with what it seems to be embossed floral brocade-like patterns.  The fabric and the fine glittered embroidery was really well-put together. I also love the puffed wrap top as it adds quite an oomph to the ensemble. I’m not sure how delicate the material is, but it just speaks to me like, “This is not your ordinary timeless black suit. This is something that should exist in your business wardrobe!” To cut the crap, it’s just perfection at its finest! *

*Another take on the brocade. This time, it’s in a seemingly closed-neck dress with what it looks like a tri-layered, bias cut at the bottom. Well, it’s still drool-worthy elegant for me. The black chunky necklace plays a vital part on this ensemble. The dress won’t seem complete without it.*

*This one pulls off a different pattern, but is indubitably as exquisite as the previous ones. I just adore the cascading drapes on the side as it really gives the dress an overall feminine vibe.*

Simple-toned Blacks & Chunky Metal Necklace

Another option for this collection is to go subtle with a touch of nothing but black. But, what sets it apart from the rest of black boring power suits you see from businesspeople everyday is right in front of your eyes (and her encolure).

*Never go boring with a silver chain necklace and built-in gigantic pendant, whilst keeping things simple with your suit and makeup no-makeup look*

*Same cut as with the first image above, only sans the prints, hence your option if you’re intimated by the floral embroidery.*

*Complete your professional dressing-up with this lovely pair of platform shoes.*

More of Lanvin Fall 2009 here.

Hello lovelies! I’m gonna be featuring 5 Haute Houses for Fall 2009′s Ready-to-Wear Collection. Let’s start off with Balenciaga. xx

Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere highlights his Parisian collection for Fall 2009. What’s pretty much noticeable with this collection is the presence of drapes and prints, plus the silk/satin ensemble. Of course, Fall collection would not be complete without anything structured on it!

However, I am not totally won by this collection. I am not really digging the satin drapes, nor the robed trench coat. But, I’m impressed by the fab structured top and bottom ensemble. I love how the pants flow gorgeously, as they flatter the models’ long lanky legs.

Check out some of the runway pictures from Style.com.

Collection Yays

*These two are my favorite from this collection. I love how such ensemble pulls off a stylish menswear pants and a tuxedo jacket (from left) / puffed long-sleeved top (from right) perfectly to utmost feminine sophistication. One more thing that’s highlighted this season is the proliferation of menswear on womenswear sans losing the feminine touch. These ensembles are totally wearable, and pretty much great revealing the sultry side of powersuit-donning career women on-the-go. Not-to-mention, the shoes are lurve! *

Collection Nays

*Erm, this looks like a high-priced bathrobe. It’s definitely not my cup of tea.*

*On the other hand, I got mixed thoughts on the shoes. I found it weird, but cute. But, this one’s less likely wearable. I guess, its true value goes by having it as a collector’s item.*

*Another ensemble to dismay. I bet it’s really hard to justify a satin top and bottom pair such as this. The skirt looks like draped curtains bound together to form one. Plus, que horror on the shoes. I just can’t explain it. lol. The color combination is interesting enough though.*

Interested to see the rest of the collection? Clicky click here!

One hidden talent hobby of mine is sketching. I have been sketching since five years old, from stick drawings, to cartoon figures and animes. During  high school, I started my knack for fashion (thanks to gazillions of magazine browsing, hence Vanity Fair and Elle) and discovered my talent for fashion designing. I have not tried putting my works to life yet, but for sure one of these days a I will. Since I’m quite busy with work and some other stuff, I put sketching aside for quite a while.

Something for Fall 2008

Here’s something I’ve done last year in full color. I have so many sketches that are rarely enhanced with color (usually pencil and/or ink). Pardon for the resolution, ‘coz I just took a picture of it using my camera phone. This one was my take for Fall 2008. It’s a fusion of something classy and quirky, hence the single breasted brown trench jacket (I’m thinking of using corduroy for the collar, sleeve hemline and pocket accents and wool for the rest) and fancy strapless v-neck top (it’s a yellow-orange button-down strapless top with orange floral pattern embroidery). I paired it up with black tights and blue denim miniskirt (should have used a darker blue color then) for the bottom. Then, tan brown boots as footwear. I was trying to be playful with colors, avoiding being so monochromatic and boring.

Medium is Staedtler pencil in HB, Staedtler Lumocolor pen in black and Faber-Castell watercolor pencils (used dry).

Waking my Ideas for Fall 2009

Looks like everything’s pretty much dark hued or neon, structured, dressy and hmm…brocade! I saw a lot of brocade details for Fall 2009, particularly in Miu Miu, Lanvin and Marc Jacobs collections. I still see the presence of tights and embellished sheer stockings. I will share a few things I love about this season on my next post. xx