fashion magazines...BOYCOTT Marie Claire...

i spend...at LEAST rm100 on magazines a month.
so much that i knew i had to cut down on the imported magazines (times are bad).

so, my picks are...

However, in desperation...(i ran out of mags to read)...i bought the Marie Claire

and i was seriously shocked and appalled.

why? because this magazine OPENLY DEFAME Islam...MY religion.

There was article on Brit Sex Now. It basically showcases women of different walk of lives, from the Durex brand manager to a prostitute. And ONE of the women showcased was a Muslim girl.

Not only will this short piece on her confuse Non-Muslims...it really speaks unwell of the religion. It tells on how she has sex and hides it from her family. There was also a generic statement about Muslims and sexual abuse. Then there is something about how a Muslim man would shag (have sex) with a white woman but never marry one. They even mentioned how in mosques men and women are separated...and she thinks that it is to stop them from flirting (!?!??!?!?!?!?). how stupid is that.

it was the positioning of the article that angers me. Because..YES we can't drink alcohol...and YES we can't have pre-marital sex. but so what. it IS what God forbids. and it does NOT make us a lesser person. or bad.

as for the sexual abuse? blooody hell. i am pretty darn sure it is not restricted to religion. there sickos from every faith. so what gives.

then, there is ANOTHER article. about a 10 year old girl in Yemen, who was married to a 30 year old man (against her will). yes. this is wrong. but again...they positioned it as...an ISLAM thing...rather than a CULTURE thing.

so, i call to you...to boycott this magazine. whether you are a Muslim or not.
anything that defames ANY religion is just wrong in my book.

battle of the fruits...apples vs. berries...

look around you. out of the 10 people that you know...how many has a phone?
i am guessing...all 10?

a phone now has become a fashion accessory in so many ways.

phones that blings.
phones that matches your outfit for the day.
phones that allows your social life to function.
phones that makes things a whole lot easier (calculators for those hard to split bills).

2009 sees the battle of the apples vs. the berries.

In one corner...we have the apples...

Introducing the new-er and better iPhone...now equipped with 3G! slightly bulkier than it's predecessor, it still remains stylish and looks oh-so-cool!

Maxis has now brought this uber-cool phone to our shores (officially launching on 20 Mar 2009 --> go pre book yours now here).

what's the deal about this phone?

1. it's cool. 'nuff said. thinking this will definitely pull some chicks (and dudes!).
2. a multi-touch screen. where other touch screens only allow a single finger touch, theiPhone allows you to use more than one (usually it only takes 2) to do things like zooming in and out, which brings me to...
3. a bloody cool interface. just picture yourself sipping some coffee in a cafe while "flicking" through your favourite websites...
4. fantastic gaming experience. try out the racing games...you actually use your phone as a steering wheel! :)
5. a very fashionable phone. watch 'lipstick jungle' season 2 and you will get what i mean...they are ALL using the iPhone...i kinda like the white one. :p
6. and it has all the other basics like wifi, cool apps, etc.

why i won't consider this phone (but you might be able to live with!)

1. no mms! i love to mms! mms is a FUN thing! i sometimes just take pics for shits and giggles and mms it to my friends!? though, apple has released statement that they are working on upgrading their OS (operating system) to include the MMS function, cut and paste, SMS forwarding and other stuff. and the best thing is, all you need to do is update via your itunes. this means that...you don't have to wait till they come up with a new OS to buy this phone.
   
2. apparently the battery life is...ermm...shite. some claims 2 hours...but apple claims 5 hours. i guess it depends on how heavy a user you are.
3. there has been online reviews that says that the iPhone is like a toy. and a mere secondary phones. i am not one who likes to carry around 2 phones. so, why getaphone you can't use!

for the maxis deals (which i think is very reaosnable)...click here.

And now, in the other corner, we have the berries...

super practical and one of the latest fashion accessories in town (at least in the US...though it is gaining traction in the East). What one used to claim as the ugliest yet practical phone, the 'berry' (as i like to call it) has revolutionised their design AND kept it practicalities in tact!

i think just about every hollywood star is carrying one. i guess to keep track of their "busy" lives.

i was given a blackberry by the company (obviously for work purposes). besides my berry beeping at every email sent...this is a bloody addictive handphone. having a full qwerty keyboard makes it feels like you are typing on a mini computer...with your thumbs.
cool apps like having a berry-customised facebook...for easy status updates, quick friend adds or wall shoutouts...

and not to mention the blackberry messenger (the other person would need to be on the berry too)...gives a refreshed outlook to messaging. the berry messenger rides on it's own blackberry server, therefore you only pay the mini kbs worth of data for every msg you send (an sms costs more depending on your telco operator. with maxis, each kb is half a cent...and if you ge the unlimited data plan for rm99 you needn't worry about how many messages you are sending).

my husband has been on the BOLD since we got married, and he loves it.

i have been on the HTC Touch Cruise (which by the way i would like to sell off...drop a comment if you are interested. go right to the bottom of this post for more details and picures!). and i have always loved the touch screen and almost smirks at those who still prefers a non-touch screen. but i guess even i had to swallow back my own smirks...because i totally fell in love with the berry...a non-touch screen phones.

so which model do i go for if i wanted to get a new-er berry (i am currently on the curve). my options are:

1. blackberry bold. a 3g phone. very businesslike. solid. a classy leatherlike back. fantastic graphics. slightly big and not so ergonomic to handle...but can be accustomed to.
2. blackberry javelin OR the Curve SLIM. an EDGE phone. slim and compact. lighter andeasier to handle. a 3.2 mp camera (which is pretty decent). not a 3G...and i am usually opposed to going back in terms of technology. so ya. *
   

what's the deal about this phone?

1. it is one of the latest fashion accesories (i am such a blonde)...however...besides that...
   
2. i can get my emails on the go! be it my work or personal.
   
3. i have 3 types of messaging...blackberry messanger, Windows Live! and Google Talk.superb.
   
4. facebook! the trend is almost dying. but i still get the kicks out of updating my status wherever i am...and receiving comments on them. tres bien!
   
5. and it has all the other basics like wifi, cool apps, etc.

why i won't consider this phone (but you might be able to live with!)

1. there really is nothing why i wouldn't choose this phone. it has everything i need. however, i do think that the apple is a super cool phone too.
   

so you can see that i have this huge predicament. i don't know which phone to get!

so...i might have both. :p
i may be greedy but i also do not have the money to go with it.

therefore...an option will be to...

1. Get an iPhone
2. Keep my current Berry (which is given to me anyway).
   

:p

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

as mentioned above...i am selling my HTC Touch Cruise. Bought it less than a year ago. It is a touch screen, HSDPA super cool phone.

I still love it...and think it is a great phone...but i really want the iPhone...and hence i need to raise the funds. :)

the phone is in PERFECT CONDITION.

no scratches.
screen is protected (screen protector can be changed).
everything is intact.

For the full specs...click here.

And here are some pictures.

Asking price?

RM1,300...but VERY negotiable at this point.

Drop me a note!!!

Win Win Win! Adidas & Confessions of a Shopaholic Contest!

OoooOOooo.

Tongue in Chic (one of my must-read fashion blogs) are outdoing themselves with so many contests and AMAZING prizes to be won!

Contest 1: Adidas - Me, Myself Collection

Adidas has just launched their new Me, Myself Collection. This collection allows you to have your own personal style AND still have practicality and functionality when playing your favourite sport.

In line with this campaign, TIC (Tongue In Chic) has also launched their very own contest.
There are RM5,000 worth of Adidas goodies to be won!

What you need to do:

1. Be a Malaysian.
   
2. Dress up in anything you want (it can be anything at all!) - Best not to wear competitor's products...*duh*...
   
3. Take a picture of you doing a sport, wearing the outfit you chose.
4. Be Creative.
5. Entitle your email "adidas SS09" and send it to contest@tonguechic.com
6. You can send as many pictures as you wish until 12 noon 30 Mar 2009.

What you can win!

Grand Prize x 1 : RM 2,000 worth of adidas products
2nd Prizes x 3 : RM 1,000 worth of adidas products

waaaaah....
Click me to learn more.

Contest 2: Confessions of a Shopaholic - Gucci

ah, the much awaited movie in town. i loved the books. but, after seeing the movie preview...i am not AS keen. oh, do i hear some gasps of shock and horror? i am a bit baffled why becky bloomwood is ridiculously dressed in the movies. i don't remember her being that out-of-this-world in the books (correct me if i interpreted wrongly!).

anyhows, i will STILL be watching the movie.

so, to commemorate the movie, TIC has launched yet ANOTHER contest.

What you need to do:

1. Click here.
2. Scroll right to the bottom to 'Add your comment'.
3. Put your details (including a valid email).
4. Write about your OWN personal shopaholic experience.

OR (for a better chance of winning)

1. Blog about it!
2. Mention the movie and link back to TIC.
3. Write about your OWN personal shopaholic experience.
4. Email to contest@tonguechic.com, with the title "Confessions Of a Shopaholic: Story".
5. Include your blogpost URL, Full name, IC and mobile numbers!
   

What you can win!

1 x Grand Prize Winner receives:
- 1 x authentic Gucci / Confessions of a Shopaholic tote bag (WOO HOO!)
- 1 x set Confessions of a Shopaholic merchandise
- 1 pair of Confessions of a Shopaholic movie passes

4 x Runner Up Winners each receive:
- 1 x set Confessions of a Shopaholic merchandise
- 1 pair of Confessions of a Shopaholic movie passes

5 x Consolation Winners each receive:
- 1 pair of Confessions of a Shopaholic movie passes

so what are you guys waiting for!!

My Shopaholic Moment(s)

I AM A TRUE SHOPAHOLIC...because i memorise all the Shopping Mall's layouts and directories. And i don't mean only for clothes and accessories. i know where to get boxes for your gifts, cheap sunglasses for that beach holiday, pieces of cloth or ribbons for your arts & crafts and many more.

I AM A TRUE SHOPAHOLIC...because on a shopping frenzy (a.k.a sale)...i will buy a top 2 sizes smaller because it is a "bargain". or...buy a top 2 sizes bigger and adapt the look to fit my body (snip here...sew there...belt here...tie there). Or, just buy the top wich WILL fit after my month long diet.

I AM A TRUE SHOPAHOLIC...because i do not restrict myself to just designer items. i shop anywhere...and anytime (even at work! hope my bosses don't read this). i shop at designer boutiques, high street shops, bazaars, online, etc...

I AM A TRUE SHOPAHOLIC...because i can almost ALWAYS justify my purchases. Example...

i really need this pair of earrings...to match my undies.
or...i really need another white tank top...because i only have a spaghetti strap version, a racer back version, an assymetrical version, a long version, a halter neck version...but i do not have a simple sleeveless one.
or...i need a new pair of shoes to attend this wedding...cause ALL my shoes are old.
and my best yet...i needed this top in all colours...because i can NEVER find a top that fits me well..so i will get them in various colours for everyday. :p

I AM A TRUE SHOPAHOLIC...because my closet can't close. AND i keep on having to buy more hangers (or steal some from my husband's closet).

I AM A TRUE SHOPAHOLIC...because i have a special compartment for paper bags (which is also overflowing).

I AM a true shopaholic.

:)

how to travel light...

we are visiting 'the queen' in may! haven't been back in the land of tea and scones since i left 4 years ago. our trip will be quite packed.

first 4 days spent in london with my brother, another 2 days in bath (my alma matter), another 2 days in paris, another day in manchester and finally back in london for the remaining days.

there are plans to visit a few tourist haunts in each location, some shopping (duh!) and taking my husband to all my favourite places to eat!

i love to travel. seeing new places, trying new things and just relaxing.

however, i do have ONE problem. which is to travel light.

i have my hairdryer, hair straightener, toiletries, makeup, a few many outfit "options" (cause u don't want to be caught in a moment where you won't have anything appropriate to wear!), undies, camera, books (i can't live without reading! though, i will limit it to just 1 book this time), ipod, shoes for all occasions, handbags, etc.

i don't bring more than one luggage, but that ONE luggage just fills to the brim even before the holiday starts! i vowed this time to do things differently. travel with an (almost) empty luggage...and fill it up with all the shopping i WILL be doing!

so, i have searched and hunted high and low in the world wide web to get some useful tips.

Travel Light, Look Good - Telegraph

• take more tops than bottoms. people focus more on your top half rather than the bottom. so bring along a pair of skinny denim and black trousers (or alike).
• bring along a cardigan or a shawl that can change the look of the outift - if you think about it, a shawl can also be worn as a scarf!
• lightweight tops - space efficient to pack and easy to match. i am interpreting this as chiffon tops, tunics, etc.
• Versatile pieces are central to refining your wardrobe abroad; a favourite pair of trousers that works for the evening but can be dressed down for day; a casual dress that can be smartened up with some sparkling jewellery.
• accessories, accessories, accessories! i totally agree on this one (read my previous entry!)
• most importantly, always bring the ones you KNOW you look good in.

Styling Frequent Flyers Learn to Travel Light - Angela Murills

• don't pack much. just head straight to the street markets and little local shops where the residential fashionistas get the latest trends.
• if you would like to have a higher chance of being upgraded on a flight, dress smartly. wear something chic and upclass enough to be considered, but comfortable to endure throughout the flight.
• shoes. ok, the shoes recommended by them are a little bit...ugly for my liking. Naot? *shudder*. so, i will say no this.
• pashmina shawls are great to have on a flight to keep you warm (definitely agree with this!)

10 Items Women Should Pack to Stay Fashionable

• the important question to ask is..."how many ways can i wear this top?"
• Item 1: Tank Top or Tees - perfect for layering. black and white is especially important. bring some bright coloured ones that can transition from day wear to night.
  
• Item 2: Dresses - ideal for travelling. easy to slip on and bring one that can be worn both casually and for dressier times (e.g. dinner at a nice restaurant). it would be even better if you had a convertible dress, so that you can have multiple looks on multiple days. best materials are satin and jersey which un-creases after you hang it up.
  
• Item 3: Tunics - another versatile item. you could pair it with a pair of skinnies, leggings or even wear it as a dress (be warned that this is only for the fortunate nice legged out of us).
  
• Item 4: Cardigans - perfect for those cold nights, or on the place.
  
• Item 5: Black Pants - pick one that can be worn with everything and for any occassion.
  
• Item 6: Cropped Pants/Capris - supposedly flattering for most body shapes. however, i beg to differ. it is not suitable for short stumpy legs like mine!
  
• Item 7: Black Trench Coat - It can carry you through spring, fall, and even early winter. It smartens you up in seconds and is perfect for those cool nights where a cardigan simply won’t do the trick.
• Item 8: Swimsuit - You may not be headed to the tropics, but you never know when you’ll run into an indoor heated pool, spa, or sauna. Why risk not being prepared? And it just so happens that there IS a spa in bath!
  
• Item 9: Glorious Shoes - there are 3 types of shoes you need to pack. a pair of flats (comfortable to walk around all day! ballerinas are my fave), a pair of heels (for those time you need something dressier!) and a pair of flip flops (maybe not for the beach. but, for lounging in the hotel, etc. though, i think i would rather bring a "sportier" pair of flats like my lacoste's)
  
• Item 10: Accessories - Sunshades, Hobo bag and Belts. 'Nuff said. Oh, stick to 2 earrings and 2 types of bangles.

And so, when it comes to clothing...i have sort of thought through of the items i want to bring. but after this research, i might have to review them. :p

"breathable" shoes

apart from my quest for the perfect jeans...i am also on a quest to find the most comfortable yet stylish pair of shoes.

blessed with two feet...i am also blessed with a fallen arch (this means "flat feet") and wide feet. hence, i have always compromised comfort for style. which leaves me sometimes crippled with pain.

and that is why i have since avoided shoes from vincci, nose, etc. shoes which are super comfortable, super affordable yet mass produced that SOMETIMES quality is compromised...fit might not be perfect, etc.

Disclaimer: This does not apply for all shoes from these stores. i HAVE encountered some comfortable ones especially from vincci +.

while flipping through my magazine, i came across an advertisement on 'Geox' - the shoes that breathe...

i have always associated this brand with the likes of 'Clarks'. comfortable but not extremely stylish. so, i was pleasantly surprised when i saw a beautiful array of patent leathers, stylish long squared fronts, chic details like buckles and a streamlined fits.

what makes the shoes "breathe"?
Geox breathes® patented system
Micro-holes in the rubber outsole let perspiration from the feet out of the shoes, the protective breathable membrane keeps water out and the feet dry.

THE OUTSOLE
Geox outsole challenged the historical conception of holes in shoes - the first step of the Geox revolution.
A series of micro-holes were made in the rubber outsole, positioned in correspondence of the highest concentration of sweat glands under the foot soles.

THE MEMBRANE
The Geox revolution has been made possible after extensive research and development of the membrane, made of a special micro-porous material which absorbs sweat through the insole and lets it out in the form of water vapour.
This process is made possible as the membrane`s micro-pores are larger than water vapour molecules, but smaller than water droplets - hence keeping water out and the feet dry.

however, this "technology" comes with a hefty price.
the shoes are retailing from RM250 - RM899!!

it is currently on sale (10% - 50%). so, if you would like to invest in some shoes for happier and healthier feet...hurry to the stores now.

as for moi? i don't think i can afford it right now. even though, my feet sighed in relief when i slipped them on yesterday...even though it looked so chic and cute on my tired feet...

so, for now...my dear flat, wide feet...take a deeeeeeep breathe...and hold...:)

p/s: am thinking of checking them out in london (in May!). I think the flats ranges around GBP75 = MYR369...which is almost MYR200 cheaper!

Levi's Curves - Tried & Tested Reviews

In my perfect world, the perfect jeans will:

1. miraculously uplift my bum making it look like jessica alba's (pre or post birth...she looks annoyingly good either way!)
   
2. miraculously makes my legs look long and lean (instead of short and stumpy)
3. does NOT gape at the waist but fits PERFECTLY at the bum and hips
4. no whiskering, fading, funny pockets, etc.
5. dark indigo
   
6. wide and low waistband

but in reality, this does NOT exist (at least not according to the depth of my pocket).

so, desperate me decided to "squeeze" into a pair of Levi's Curves (click here for the previous post).

the only fit available was the 'slim fit' (looks like a pair of skinny jeans) in dark indigo.

the things i love about the jeans:

1. does not cut off my blood circulation - stretchy material
2. fits perfectly at the waist and bum (however does not make my bum look like jessica alba's at all) - contoured for curvy bottoms
3. no muffin top - low waisted
4. probably the only skinny jeans i will ever get to fit in and look moderately ok
5. no whiskering or fading - which are a BIG NO-NO for big bottoms (unless you wear a long top to cover them)
   

the things i am not too ecstatic about the jeans:

1. after wearing it for one whole day, the "just nicely tight" began to give and felt somewhat "baggy" (but fortunately doesn't look it) - this is probably due to the stretchy material
2. i still look like a sausage - though, that is because i DO have short, stumpy legs
   

wahey, that is the only thing that i don't really like about it! it may not make me look like jessica alba or eva longoria or cameron diaz...but it will do for now!

Note: For curvy bottoms like mine...PLEASE PLEASE pair your "skinny" jeans with long tops. trust me, it is far more flattering. :)

checked with the sales assistants, and other fits (bootcut and straight cut) will be available end March 2009!

Untie the Reebonz...

[Update]: Benjamin from Reebonz has just informed us that the SALE is STARTING ON MONDAY 12 NOON (9 Mar 2009)!

Do you remember this?

Rue La La is an exclusive, invitation-only online shopping destination. members are able to enjoy private sales (up to 70% off!) of premium designer brands. from the likes of gucci, prada, fendi, for all mankind and other brands...(click here to read more!)

The only thing is...they do not deliver outside of the U.S. which kinda sux! so, all i could do is salivate at all the discounted items.

but wipe that drool off your face missy!
because NOW, Singapore has started their own version of Rue La La.
So ladies (and gentlemen)...let's embrace our shopaholicsm and "reward" ourselves a little during these hard times.

Reebonz will be launched on 6 Mar 2009 (today!). So, to get first dips...you would need to be "invited" to gain access (just like Rue La La). So, if any of you are interested, drop us a comment with your name and email and we will send an invite out to you! it's that simple.

Please click on me for a larger view!

spread the love, and get SGD10 the first time your invitee purchases something!

based on the 'Sneak Peek', upcoming "sales" for the launch are:

1. alldressedup - up to 80% (first time i saw this label was in parkson, pavilion. very sleek and clean looks, which reflects largely to calvin klein's. stuff were super duper expensive. would be interesting to see how much Reebonz will be selling it for!)
2. miu miu - up to 30% off (love the bags! i remember "falling in love" with their ostrich bag...)
3. givenchy, roberto cavalli and gucci - up to 65% off (bags, bags and more bags!!)

Note: Even though it says that the launch starts today (6 Mar 2009), i have not received any notification and the links are unclickable. however, sign up anyway so that it is just 2 clicks away from satisfying that shopping itch once they HAVE launched!

Thanks to tongue in chic for the update! wouldn't have known otherwise!