Adventures of M. Fabulista...

How to layer a scent (to create a lasting impression)

2011-09-06T14:02:00.001+08:00

You have bought the perfume of your choice and now you can't wait to use it. A few points on how to make your heavenly scent last longer on your body would not go amiss I think.

This is where the layering of fragrance comes in. Most people tend to keep on applying their perfume over and over again hoping it will remain fresh and fragrant on them for a long time. But this is not how it should be done. Layering means using other products that contains the same fragrance such as soaps, shower gels, body lotions and creams. Since perfumes come in different concentrations it's not difficult to find the fragrance with the right concentration for your personality. The most heady and strong fragrances are those that come as oils and perfumes while the eau de toilettes and colognes have much less concentration and as such, less overwhelming.

Although most people use a variety of body products such as gels, shampoo, conditioner, body lotions and creams, after shaves, sprays and deodorants, they are not aware that using everything together creates a negative affect by giving out a mix of smells that do not blend together. How can one particular smell stand out when so many are trying to vie for this honor? Therefore, in order to make your particular perfume or cologne stand out, you must layer it. Layering is better done when you use products from the same brand and with the same scent.

You can start pampering your body fragrant shower gel or bubble bath. If you are prone to dry skin you can add a few drops of body oil to the bath or if you prefer, apply it after your bath. While your skin is still damp, apply some body lotion to you skin in order to seal the moisture. Now you are ready for your favorite perfume and this should be applied to your pulse points such as your neck just below the throat, your wrists, cleavage, behind your ears and if you like, behind your knees as well.

Another tip for using fragrance is to use essence of oil of your favorite fragrance on all your beauty products which will complement the overall feel you hope to achieve. Always avoid clash of fragrances and which will be a distraction to the one you want to stand out.

Always remember that less is more. Be discreet when using perfume. You don't want people to be overwhelmed by you perfume, now do you? Your perfume should make people want to stay near you and not the other way around. A dab on your pulse points since the skin is warmer in these areas and your perfume will therefore last longer. If you are using a spray, squirt a little on the same areas as stated above, but make sure that you hold the bottle at least a foot away from you. You can also spray into the air in front of you and walk into a perfumed cloud of spray wrapping you in all its fragrant glory.

You are now ready to dazzle and enthrall everyone so go ahead and have the time of your life.

________________________________________

Step by step:
1. Start with by showering with a shower gel that smells like your favorite scent. Or you can start by using bath bombs.

2. While your skin is still slightly damp, moisturize with lotion that also smells like your favorite fragrance. This not only spreads the fragrance evenly, but it will also help the scent to linger, long after you've left the room[1].

3. Applying cologne or perfume correctly is essential. The suggested areas of application are: wrists, back of the ears, and the back of the knees. These are pulse points and warm the oil in your fragrance so that it continues to emit a delicate scent.

4. When you're hair is completely styled, spray some of your perfume or cologne into the palms of your hands, then rub your hands through the ends of your hair.

Dress Sense: Wear clothes that fit you; not the other around

2011-09-06T13:39:00.000+08:00

Fit is an issue I discuss time and again with regards to men’s clothing. Getting clothes with the perfect fit is a tough call. One of the most common mistakes men make is buying garments without considering size implications on their frame. To combat this problem I’m going to take you through the intricacies of finding clothing with the perfect dimensions, be it necklaces or neckties, socks or sleeves, coats or caps, and any combination therein.

Measure your body properly

Before considering clothing we need to assess our bodies. No, I don’t suggest you stand in front of a mirror and point out flaws. Instead, a far more productive approach is to take exacting measurements of every square inch of your body.
When you know exactly what you’re dealing with, you can begin to think about shopping for a better fit.

Neck / Collar
Standing with your head straight up, measure around the thickest part of the neck. Slacken the tape enough to allow two fingers into the loop for an accurate measurement for dress shirts.

Chest
You need to measure in a straight line over the chest at the widest and fullest point with the tape securely wrapped under the armpits and with your arms relaxed by your side – err on the side of generous where possible.

Waist
Measure around the spot where your trousers normally hang. Do not pull tight for the sake of vanity as you’ll feel even more ridiculous when your new pants don’t fit!
If you end up with an awkward figure, always round up rather than down. For instance, if you’re 39 and three quarter inches it’s best to assume you’re a 40-inch waist.

Hips or Seat
Stand upright in your natural stance and measure around the widest and fullest part of your hips. If you’re husky don’t pull the tape too tight – you don’t want to tear at the seams.

Inseam
Ah, the dreaded inseam. Get a friend you trust to measure from your crotch to the ankle. If the idea of someone placing his or her hands near your privates is all too much you can alternatively take the measurement from a pair of good fitting trousers from the crotch’s seam to the bottom of the leg.

Outseam
The same as the inseam only taken from the top of the waistband to the bottom of where the trouser leg should end. This is said to be more reliable figure than the inseam, although few manufacturers provide fit information regarding the outseam.

Shoes
You should have your feet measured using a professional device such as a ‘Brannock’ or ‘Ritz Stick’. These are found at your local shoe store; just ask an assistant if he or she can measure your feet, or whether you can borrow their device briefly whilst you measure yourself.

Belts
Should always be one size up from your waist size. Therefore, if you’re a 35 inch waist, you should be buying 36 inch belts.

Height
Stand up straight against a wall. Use a pencil to mark out your height and measure the result. Those who are 5”5 – 5”8 are considered by clothing manufacturers to be short, 5”9 – 5”11 are regular whilst anything upto 6”2 is considered long.

Body Shapes
The next thing you need to understand is your body shape. Unlike size, your shape tends to fall into broader categories. Whilst slightly more subjective, it’s important to know what you’ll have to do in order to combat shape related issues.

Athletic

If you’re a muscular man with the classic inverted ‘V’ (created from wide shoulders, a robust chest but a thin waist) you’ll find items like t-shirts will billow around the lower stomach area.

Prevent this by selecting ‘fitted’ garments that taper at the waist and appear less ‘boxy’. Don’t over-layer and avoid puffy clothing

Slender

If you look more ‘malnourished supermodel’ than ‘superman’, you’ll find clothes slide off your frame and appear limp. Hunt out slim fits to avoid unnecessary bulk and avoid slatternly, feminine garments that deaden your masculine side.
Don’t go crazy with the vertical lines and look for clothes that offer visual breaks like zippers, pockets and noticeable seams. Remember that ‘skinny’ garments, like ties and jeans, will give off an anorexic vibe.

Stocky

If you’re squat guy with the traditional ‘ruby player’ bulk, combat the feeling of shapeless shirts by avoiding too much volume. Although you don’t have the plump heft of bigger men, you should take a page out of their fashion book by throwing away those chunky knits.

Pear-shaped

If you’re unfortunate enough to be born with ‘thunder thighs’ and/or ‘child-bearing hips’, you’ll find buying trousers to be a nightmare. Boot cut jeans and slouchier, ‘relaxed’ fits help with casual clothes, but when it comes to workwear and business suits you’ll find lycra-infused cottons and other ‘stretch’ weaves will give you a better fit around the seat area.

Big Guys

If you have a couple of pounds you could do with losing, you’ll need to avoid anything baggy that’ll only exacerbate the appearance of flab by adding imaginary pounds with wafting fabric. Throw out shapeless garments and avoid stripes, busy patterns and chunky knits.

How should garments fit?
Now we know our bodies more intimately than we’d probably like to, it’s time to consider how most clothing should look and feel on our body for the optimum fit. Here are some of the most common garments and problems men encounter day to day, and how to deal with them:

Overcoats
Your overcoat should be able to accommodate a suit underneath without issue. The simple rule of thumb is that any horizontal wrinkles mean the coat is too small and any vertical wrinkles mean the coat is too large.

Jackets
Be it suit jackets or casual coats, the idea behind most jackets is simple – a form fitting upper layer. It’s best to try on a jacket whilst wearing several layers as you would normally; the perfect size may become too small when switching from a white tee and jeans to dress pants and a long shirt.
The shoulders are everything with a jacket; the edge of your shoulder should hit square with the jacket. Excess billow around the waistline will add those extra pounds to your frame, so ensure you’re not going a size too big.

Finally, ensure the cuff hits the wrist correctly on your suit jackets and blazers; when wearing a dress shirt the sleeves should poke out the jacket half an inch on each side.

Sweaters
Pullovers should skim your silhouette. In other words it should comfortably glide against your frame, hugging you gently in the process. You also need to ensure your sweater is sufficiently long so it won’t rise above your midriff when raising your arms above your head.

Dress Shirts
The sleeves should cover the wrist but not go too far down the hand; cuffs should feel comfortably tight, but still be able to glide far enough up the arm for checking a wristwatch.
As with a jacket, the shoulders are incredibly important; make sure the seams meet correctly and the fabric doesn’t ‘slope’ off.

Waistcoats
Like your sweaters, a waistcoat should skim your silhouette – by design, a waistcoat is a form-fitting garment, so there shouldn’t be any billowing. Always ensure you have plenty of room around the armholes to avoid shirts from riding up when raising your arms.

Trousers/Pants
When trying a pair on (without shoes) the pants should *just about* touch the floor. When wearing your shoes, your trousers should discretely cover your socks whilst walking – if you’re flashing too much ankle, the pants are too small.

Neckties
The knot should fit neatly under your collar; if it’s pushing up the shirt the knot is too swollen. Remember, the tie should hit the top of the belt buckle; it shouldn’t be tucked into your waistband or end at your stomach.

-- extracted from "The Ultimate Men’s Clothing Fit Guide", Guy Style Guide, September 4, 2011

Layering a scent. Creating lasting impression

2011-09-06T12:48:00.000+08:00

Anyone who uses perfume finds it frustrating when the fragrance wears off after a couple of hours. On the one hand, if you spray a ton of your favorite fragrance on so it will last all day, the scent is too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you spray just enough, the fragrance wears off by lunch. The solution to this problem is layering your fragrance.

Fabulista is BACK!!

2011-09-06T01:16:00.000+08:00

After more than a year's hiatus, The Fabulista is back to share ideas on fashion, beauty, health and grooming. In other words, the key to yourself - just add fabulosity!

Fabulista anticipates: Voyage d'Hermès

2010-04-24T21:41:00.009+08:00

Hermes, through the gifted nose Jean Claude Ellena has just released their latest gift for the olfactory senses - Voyage d'Hermès. For this fragrance, Voyage d’Hermès, Jean-Claude Ellena didn’t want to paint the portrait of a man or a woman, a city or a region. He was aiming more for an abstract-art effect, playing with paradoxes so that everyone would recognize themselves, and be able to travel freely, within it - a journey of the mind, an intellectual voyage of the imagination...

I know I can't wait for it to come to our sunny island in the sea...

ZZegna SpringSummer 2010: Concept VIDEO

2010-04-15T16:17:00.002+08:00

Meet the youthful and cool urban dandy envisioned by Alessandro Sartori from ZZegna's Spring Summer 2010 collection. Enjoy the concept video:

Fabulista Presents: The New Gentleman’s Manifesto.

2009-09-26T23:08:00.003+08:00

Style:Men published in their sophomore edition, the new manifesto for the 21^st century gentleman.

Don’t:

Enforce political or religious views on anyone; one is a liberal and only respects the laws of nature and humanity.
Insult or swear at another man, invoking religious icons or person’s parents. Not in defence; not in offence.
Be involved in petty gossip or idle talk, nor keep oneself in the unenlightened company of those who do, especially if one is the object of their gossip.
Say something that makes another feels small.
Comment on another man’s dress sense – even if the person looks like a dog’s dinner – unless one's opinions are sought after.
Attempt to correct another person’s English unless one is the editor of the financial times or an English Language professor.

Do:

Not be easily offended – a good sense of humour is the most stylish gentlemanly accessory.
Not be afraid to try new things; never be biased against shape, size or fit till one tries it.
Carry only the necessities in one's wallet and a man-bag only for function and not a fashion statement.
Always use a foot deodorant when sockless; slip-ons are strictly for yachting getaways in the Bahamas or the like. No exceptions.
Own at least one navy blazer; or black in the case of a mob or triad leader.
Have or cultivate exquisite taste and sophistication. Never over accessorise or outshine a lady companion. Hip-hop stars are exceptions.
Not rumple one’s cloths; posture is all-important, even when sleeping.
Wear a tie-bar just below the second button, technically the third button from the top.
Always wear an undershirt.
Exercise and maintain a balanced diet. Fit into your clothes but never deprive or starve oneself of food.
Always wear well-cut clothes at an ideal length; never look like one is wearing borrowed or hand-me-downs.
Always wear proper underwear; boxers or briefs are never too small or big and jockstraps are permissible only to cricketers.
Never look down on one who cannot afford to dress as well as one does.
Not be ashamed of owning six identical, well-cut shirts.
Be well versed in knotting a tie.
Learn how to sew and replace any button on one’s garments.
Make sure that one’s belt goes through every loop on one’s trousers.
Maintain a neat and simple haircut, regardless of length; radical cuts are only for trendy boys.
Ensure that shoelaces never come undone; Velcro is not a solution.
Not kiss and tell; it is not one’s forte.

Fabulista Adores: Leather

2009-09-12T10:00:00.004+08:00

There is nothing quite like the soft-spoken nod towards taste and refinement than a quality leather accessory.

Types of Leather
(this list is non-exhaustive)

	Pigskin - Economically priced leather, noticeable hair follicle pattern, thin leather generally .8-1.0 mm thick.
	Pig suede - Economically priced suede, noticeable hair follicle pattern, very soft, thin suede generally .8-1.0 mm thick.
	Cowhide - Maximum valued material for texture and appearance, top grain finish, extremely durable, firm yet easy to break in, comfortable, thickness vary greatly from .8 mm thick through 1/8" thick for belting and saddlery, grain can be from extra smooth through a pebble grain uniform pattern, generally less expensive grains will have some spider web type gain pattern.
	Cow suede - Maximum durability in a suede, comfortable, can come is a variety of softness; thickness can vary greatly from .8 mm thick through 1/8" thick.
	Goatskin - Economically priced leather more durable than pigskin but with a courser tiny pebble grain finish. Generally only available in weights of .9 to 1.1 mm thick.
	Horse hide - Can be expensive but lately has been pricing similar to cowhide but happens to be harder to work with, stiffer and stronger. Ideal for bag and cases or heavy biker garments. Harder to find these days. Thicknesses from 1.0 to 1/8" thick.
	Split Leather - Economically priced leather that can appear like top grain finish or a rustic cracked finish leather. Strong and durable and can vary in thickness from .8 mm thick through 1/8" thick.
	Calfskin - Rare in comparison to other leathers, baby cow, more durable than cow, thin, softer, thickness range from .8 mm to 2.0 mm thickness.
	Buffalo - Value priced, heavy duty leather, hair follicles and grain often evident, durable and generally found in thickness from .9 mm to 3.0 mm thick.
	Steerhide - A skin from a male cow or male buffalo that is generally the same properties of each but a bit tougher than the female skins.
	Sheepskin/Lambskin - Extremely soft, comfortable, pliable but can stretch and excessively distort the shape of the garment after excessive use, some tanning can be expensive, softer and plumper is more expensive, less expensive skins have a tight small pebble grain and the cheapest skins will be course in it's feel.
	Deerskin - Most value in softness vs. durability, extremely soft and extremely durable, generally very expensive. Pebble grain common. Soft touch and somewhat spongy in it's feel. Thickness is between 1.0 and 3.0 mm thick.
	Chamois - Is baby lambskin. Absorbent and naturally yellow in colour. This is the split section of the hide. Can be used in washable garments, stains easily, extremely soft to the touch and my dry stiff unless hung neatly to dry. Thickness is from .8 to 1.2 mm thick.
	Naked - This is a tanning process or lack of finishes giving it the Naked name. Any skin can be naked but most commonly you will find naked leathers in cowhide with all the durability and qualities of such. Generally a more expensive skin because they have to use choice skins (without markings and scars) for the leather to be used in manufacturing without waste.
	Distressed - A term used commonly these days as an uneven coloured finish. Most common in light brown naked buffalo leather (where each panel on a garment is rarely a perfect match due to the unique qualities of each and every skin). In the 50's though the 80's distressed leathers had been where the painted outer coat finish cam off or rubbed off during use. Some people still use words like "rub off" or "pull up" (pull up has extra oils in it for a similar effect). Distressed can come in a variety of thicknesses, textures, skins and even colours.
	Patch Leather - Random scraps of leather are sewn together and then pressed to make a large flat garment later cut into pattern parts to make things from jackets to bags. Generally any type of leather is used here. Most common is garment weights of .9 to 1.0 mm thick in a variety of pigskins, lambskins, goatskins, sheepskins and even cowhide.

Fabulista Appalled: With The Lack of Good Taste...

2009-09-11T17:29:00.004+08:00

That one should desire to dress up and accessorise appropriately when it comes to a public party is not surprising. In fact, it is a sign and gesture of good taste and breeding.

Unfortunately, this discreet gesture of the upper crust was distinctly missing at the recent YSL launch. The party was typically attended by the generally well-heeled, socialites, tai-tais and wannabes. However, what was missing was the attendance of the muse called Good Taste.

Splashed almost every tai-tai and wanabe’s arm was a Hermes Kelly or Birkin. Mind you, at 60cm wide, a Birkin is no tote – it really is a weekender*. Also, at an evening do, why would anyone be holding on to a handbag that looks more suited for the office than the ballroom? I would have thought that a clutch would be more appropriate for the occasion…

In the end, they were like handbag lemmings – all looking similar and have an appalling general lack of good and selective taste. So eager to set themselves apart, they end up looking identical, uniformed, indistinguishable, unremarkable.

The ironic part was, although it was a YSL do, there were more Hermes on swinging on the arms of the guests than there were YSL bags on sale. It was like the boutique opened its doors, promptly had diarrhoea and made Hermes.

For some ideas on what other bags might have been more suitable and still gestures towards one’s good taste while setting one apart, here are some suggestions:


Loewe - Amazona	Chanel - 2.55	Christian Dior - Lady Dior

Fendi - Spy	Bottega Veneta - Veneta	Louis Vuitton - Mahina XS

*The Birkin is an enlarged version of the Kelly as suggested to Hermes by the actress herself.

Faulista Runs: 10km in Public...

2009-08-10T11:44:00.001+08:00

It’s Monday morning.

At 11:35 a.m., it’s a bit of an odd hour to be contemplating things like work and stuff. I checked on the calendar and realise that, “hey, it’s the run this weekend!” Then with a dread, I contemplated again – yes; I seem to do that a lot, don’t I? I mean, contemplate.

I’ll be on the run this weekend with my village training school this Saturday next to the refreshing ocean. Hmm… it’s a while since I’ve been there. Wonder how’s it’s changed already.

But seriously, I digress. I should be considering if I had been practising enough to be in tip-top condition for the run. It’s my usual 10km, but still, I don’t want to take any chances.

See you there! Next to the ocean and taking in the bracing sweet air for the run!!

Fabulista Reiterates: The importance of proper pronunciation.

2009-07-07T22:09:00.004+08:00

While having lunch at one’s favourite democratic eatery at the Atrium, one was reminded of the importance of proper pronunciation. The anecdote below is a big blow to the head *ahem* and serves as an indication to the consequence otherwise…

The eatery is unfortunately, also the favourite of many, as they would pronounce themselves “so-fers-ter-catered” (sophisticated) local girls. You know the kind – the ones who sports a perennial tan that puts even Donatella Versace to shame; the ones with a penchant for wearing thin cotton wrap dresses even when they are shopping along the Orchard Road belt, with the ability to pile on cosmetics on their faces that even drag queens would feel embarrassed, who loves white flesh potatoes especially the ones imported from navy ships.

It was while one was lunching, that a group of them sat down next to one’s table, along with a sack of said potatoes (albeit rather good-looking potatoes *wink*). Midway through their meal, one of the “so-fers-ter-catered” girls, with legs that possibly begin at her neck, caught my aural attention. She pushed her dish away with limp-wristed hands and promptly declared, “Oh, I’ve had enerve… the food is rur-lee feeling me up…”

is this being felt up by food?

At this point, one nearly choked on one’s bite of bean curd in the mouth. How on earth is it possible for food to molest a diner? How on earth does food feel someone up? I am not sure if the sack of potatoes were as dense as their female equivalent seated opposite them, but they appear to comprehend their outrageous statement. Being the linguistically inquisitive individual that one is, one could not help but glance over in their direction.

With that one glance, all mystery was dispelled – one witnessed the “so-fers-ter-catered” girl who accused the food of molest rubbing her (non-existent) stomache. While trying to sound “so-fers-ter-catered”, she had accused the food of feeling her up (pity the food) while meaning stuffed – “the food is really filling me up”.

One tried to go back to one’s meal. Unfortunately, with my over-active imagnation and the very graphic accusation of food feeling up the uglier than Donatella Versace (if that was possible) super-tan “so-fers-ter-catered” female in an inappropriate cotton wrap dress, one had completely lost one’s appetite… for the next seven days.

Fabulista Reflects: On War

2009-06-22T20:32:00.001+08:00

Do not describe.
The necessities of war.
To me.
Please.

I am drowned.
In salty ocean drops.
Of sorrows.

The fabric woven.
In various shades of green.
Brings none of glory.
Nor of shame.

It weaves.
A heart.
A family.
And so a country.
Bereaves.

Fabulista Excited: The Retail Connection.

2009-06-22T19:54:00.003+08:00

Ever wished that one could saunter down the retail belt on the sunny island set in the sea without breaking into a sweat? Now you can…

Remember the massive road works down the junction of Paterson Road and Orchard Road? Apparently, part of the construction is an underground link way from the underground station to the building across the road. This means, it is now possible to visit one’s in-laws between Tangs, Shaw House, Wheelock Place, ION, Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City – all without breaking a sweat!

Ooh, time to do everyone else a favour and check myself out in fabulous wear and parade down the gorgeous air-conditioned corridors of the underground! Scarves! Longs! Shoes! Knits! Here I come…!


Ngee Ann City	Wisma Atria	ION Orchard


Wheelock Place	Shaw House	Tang Plaza

Fabulista Amazed: At Compensations.

2009-06-17T19:30:00.001+08:00

Many people have ego issues. Many compensate it. (Heard of the man with the extra large, extra powerful sports car?)

Many people are hit by the economy downturn and stressed out. Many people seek relief. (Heard of stress shopping?)

But the following is just over the top - a Russian billionaire lost 13 million in stocks went ahead and build himself a yacht. But it's not just any yacht, but one like this...

Yes, that IS the actual Eclipse, a 557-footer, USD490 million yacht complete with a missile-detection system, two helipads, a luxury spa, swimming pool and a miniature submarine. With those exaggerated specifications, it's more like a liner than a yacht.

That's quite a way to compensate and relief stress, no?

Fabulista Reads: For the Holidays

2009-06-17T18:04:00.001+08:00

Right after Nicholas Sparks' “The Lucky One”, one embarked almost immediately on Matt Dunn’s “From here to Paternity”. The former is a warming read that is good for Sunday mornings with honey (make it manuka) and warm toasts. The latter is like a combination of chocolate and banana – it’s funny but surprising good.

“The Lucky One” is essentially a love story of a returning American Iraqi war veteran. It journals his search for the subject of a photograph he held on as a lucky charm during his stint on the frontline. The search blossoms from a meeting that blooms into romance between protagonist and said subject. The journey is at once tender and heart wrenching in typical Sparks style. However, unlike his earlier works, this latest publication, like many of his recent ones ends with a pill that is not as bitter to swallow.

“From Here to Paternity” is best enjoyed for its near non-stop provision of witty one-liners, play on grammar and homonyms. Famous for his romantic-comedy tomes, this is his third publication that offers some insight into the male psyche. For Will, the story’s protagonist, we see a guy who is desperate to settle down with a family when he hears his biology clock’s tick escalating to one worthy of Big Ben’s proportion. So how does he try to solve his problem? Well, what’s better than good’ol fashion advertising? But it’s the hows and the ensuing process that makes the adventure. It is at once funny and tender with an ending that is as heartwarming as hot chocolate and (almost) as nourishing as a banana.

Read the above titles for an enhanced break while on holiday. Highly recommended.

Currently reading:

*Yes, I may found a new favourite author after Maeve Binchy, Nicholas Sparks, and Sophie Kinsella. :-)*

Fabulista Concerned: About the ION.

2009-06-14T17:14:00.001+08:00

Fabulista is about fashion and all for fashion. This is why one has been terribly excited with the reveal that the fashION IcON had been dripping to the public as it draws closer to its opening date.

Can you love fashion and be alive without waiting excitedly beyond bated breath for the ION’s opening? One thinks not. However, being a socially (if not globally) conscious Fabulista about town, one cannot but notice the yet-to-be-completed concrete and steel entity consuming more than its fair share of energy resources. Every evening, the site is a dazzling display of flashing lights bulbs, glowing LED walls and even a larger-than-life motion-picture screen. If this is how it is while it is still under construction, it paralyses even oneself at the thought of how the building might be, energy-consuming wise, when it goes full-up on the peacock dance.

What one likes to ask is whatever happened to the adage ‘fashion with a conscience’? In addition to the nightly flash dance, let’s not forget the full glass bubble that is the shopping mall. Can you imagine the energy needed to effectively cool what is essentially a giant greenhouse? The compressors will be working non-stop!

This could be potential public-relations nightmare once the (money-wielding) crowd realizes the possible horrors. Is it possible in this day and age of transparent-everything to ask the management for a reveal or report of their energy consumption? After all, unless the building comes with its own solar-energy power station, what started as a potential fashION IcON could quickly spiral into a IrONy pION.

Fabulista Excited: About the Release of Nokia N97

2009-06-03T18:27:00.002+08:00

Nokia N97 is shipping! Here's the visual proof!

Can't wait to get a set of my own...!

Fabulista Loves: Jean-Claude Ellena

2009-05-30T16:34:00.001+08:00

Jean-Claude Ellena: founder and creator of The Different Co. and range of perfumes. The current Nose of Hermes' house of perfumery.

Fabulista's personal favourite from:

The Different Co. - Bergamote.
Hermes:

Cologne - Pamplemousse Rose
Jardin - Un Jardin Apres Mousson

Creator of Hermes' exclusive collection of Hermessence range of EDT and the 'Jardin' range.

Latest project (May 2009): creation and relaunch of Hermes cologne collection.

Signature style of perfume blending: clean and minimal, allowing every note to develop to their fullest potential.

Fabulista Experiences: The New Hermes Cologne

2009-05-30T16:08:00.001+08:00

Hermes Pamplemousse Rose: notes of grapefruit, orange, rose, rhubofix and vetiver.

The house of Hermes had just released two new colognes to join in the foray of the singular D’Orange Verte. Pamplemousse Rose and Gentiane Blanche were released just a few months back and have arrived on the shores of the sunny island set in the sea.

Since this is a personal review, one has the liberty to do this – dismiss one and only mention the favourite. So while Gentiane Blanche is a floral/herbal blend of white gentian and musk, it will only receive the briefest of mention and end here.

On the other hand, one shall now wax lyrical about the other – Pamplemousse Rose. One loves refreshing fragrances and there is nothing quite as refreshing as the redolence of citrus fruits. In this case, fragrance maestro Jean-Claude Ellena employed the sparkling and tart notes of the grapefruit – the paradise citrus. The zesty head note awakes the senses and opens the olfactory gateway for the subsequent layers of the cologne. While the citrus fades away quickly, as most head notes usually do, it brings about the orange and rose heart notes. These are subtle and luscious, with the floral note reminding one more of a gentle geranium than an opulent rose. As the scent develops further, what one senses is a woody/musky scent of vertiver, with reminders of the earlier orange and rose.

Overall it is a delightful scent which needs to be over applied in order to extend its sillage (it is after all a cologne). Re-application is recommended halfway through the day, if it is intend as a whole day wear.

Fabulista Reads: Again!

2009-05-23T15:02:00.001+08:00

Just completed:

If you are a fan of Maeve Binchy, you would have been captivated by her warm and intimate style of writing. The prose that she weaves links you into the stories as one of the involved characters. You laugh, you hurt and you cry with them. Heart and Soul is no different – it made me cry as well.

The latest from Binchy weaves characters from her previous stories like Scarlet Feather, Quentins, Nights of Rain and Stars and Whitethorn Woods with new ones created for this new one. One of the main characters Fiona is from the previous NORAS and her story from the other novel continues in this one. Together with other new characters and set in a new heart clinic, Binchy tells of an Ireland in transition. It is a new place that is coming to terms with its budding cosmopolitanism. Without being didactic and preachy, the theme is introduced in a heart-warming and at times emotionally-charged tale.

Now starting on:

Fabulista Holidays: On the Sunny Island (set in the sea)

2009-05-23T13:58:00.001+08:00

“Congratulations ! Your reservation has been CONFIRMED.”

How wonderful! One’s hotel reservation has been confirmed - well-deserved break from everything after almost a year.

If you are going to be holidaying on the sunny island as well, how about a spot of Martini one of the days when one is there?

Fabulista Offered: A Bally good job!

2009-05-23T13:51:00.001+08:00

One had mentioned the virtues of loyalty shopping before. In one’s case, loyalty shopping happens to refer to one’s in-laws (see links on left). Apart from being in the know of latest collections, sales and preview sales, there are the occasional unexpected perks. Just the other day, yours truly, the Fabulista experienced one said unexpected perk.

After a fabulous tea/dinner with Jeane, one casually walked into one’s footwear purveyor of choice. Of course, Cat was there to offer a warm smile and updates on the latest collections (AW’09 is coming in a couple of weeks’ time), upcoming sales (preview is on in a week’s time) and new openings (a store six times bigger will open at the ION). We also caught up the latest adventures of her daughter (pulled out of nursery classes and enrol again next year).

Our conversations naturally steered toward the products and its raw material – leather. Apparently, Cat, the assistant store manager was so impressed with one’s vast and profound knowledge of the product and its varieties she wanted to hire me on the spot. When it was understood that she was serious, I expressed my forte and desire as a buyer rather than in upfront sales. Nodding sagely, one also informed her of my current three year contract.

“Oh yes, we’d definitely have a vacancy then, what with plans to expand nationally and regionally… we’d keep in touch.”

Imagine, Fabulista in the business of high-quality fashion leather footwear. Honestly, is it that hard?

Fabulista Quotes: Hong Lim Park Turns Pink

2009-05-17T17:47:00.002+08:00

May 16, 2009

Hong Lim Park Turns Pink
By Nur Dianah Suhaimi (The Straits Times)

THE green field of Hong Lim Park was awashed in pink on Saturday afternoon.

About 1,000 people dressed in various shades of pink turned up at the Speakers Corner there to participate in Singapore's first ever outdoor gay event.

Pink Dot Sg, a gay interest group, organised it.

The group was lobbying for a 'more inclusive Singapore' as well as the freedom to love, regardless of sexual orientation.

The event was peaceful and good-natured, with singing and cultural performances as well as groups of people picnicking on the grass. Many turned up with their dogs.

While the majority of those who came were young, not all were gay.

Sociologist Teo You Yenn, 34, came with her husband and 11-month-old daughter. All three were in pink.

Said Ms Teo: 'I believe there should be different kinds of families in Singapore. Gay people should have the right to public space and privacy, like everyone else.'

Local actors such as Timothy Nga, Neo Swee Lin and Pamela Oei were also there to support the cause.

The crowd started gathering at 3pm and dispersed around 6pm.

Read the full report in The Sunday Times.

Fabulista Attends: The Pink Dot Event (3)

2009-05-17T17:18:00.000+08:00

Fabulista Attends: The Pink Dot Event (2)

2009-05-17T17:15:00.001+08:00

Fabulista Attends: The Pink Dot Event

2009-05-16T21:03:00.001+08:00

Fabulista believes in LOVE. Fabulista believes that it comes in all forms. Fabulista believes that it should all be respected for it is all beautiful and real.

Fabulista celebrates LOVE because Fabulista celebrates all things beautiful from bags to booze, from Aigner to Zegna.

So step out from your closet and step into the light, the fabulous, warm and liberating light.

At the Pink Dot Event this evening at a park on the sunny island set in the sea, a crowd of people, from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the everybody’s right and freedom to love – love that comes in all shapes and colours, forms and aspects. And this evening, that shape is a CIRCLE and the colour is PINK. The form is BIG and it covers ALL aspects of love.

At about 5.30, the beautiful individuals at the park became one united people and formed one gigantic pink dot – a circular shape with no beginning and no end. It celebrates the all encompassing aspects of love. And one realized how universal and all encompassing love really is – words materialising into physical reality.

One saw familiar faces from one’s life - university professors, schoolmates, classmates, friends, military men, educators and more – all aspects from all circles. It really is a small circle. Small world and it is a world filled with love.

It has always been Fabulista’s creed – Love in any form is still love. There is no one to deny that.

“For if the creator creates out of love, than the one who denies love denies the creator and all things created including the self, for one was also created out of love.”

- Me (Fabulista)

Were you there at the Pink Dot Event?

Where people gathered, pretty in pink.

Celebrating love in all aspects.

Releasing hopes and dreams.

Fabulista Steadies: For the Great Singapore Sale 2009

2009-05-12T21:26:00.005+08:00

photos courtesy of Hermes, Loewe & Bottega Veneta

THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE

29 May - 26 July 2009

Whether you are in the main shopping belts of Orchard Road and Marina Bay or at the suburban malls, look out for discounts of up to 70% off the usual prices. That goes for just about anything, from designer apparel to jewellery, watches and more!

And whether you are pampering your loved ones or just rewarding yourself, MasterCard gives you more reasons to shop, so use your MasterCard for exclusive privileges this Great Singapore Sale.

On top of that, visitors to the island city during the Great Singapore Sale are entitled to exclusive promotions on selected retail and lifestyle purchases. So take advantage of the season’s tourist privileges and rewards to enjoy even bigger bargains! What’s more, there will also be attractive dining offers islandwide during the season to keep you and your companions thoroughly contented even when you’re not shopping.

Extract from THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE home site

Fabulista Makes: The Pink Dot

2009-05-12T18:54:00.002+08:00

Join the smart mob to creat the pink dot of inclusiveness and understanding...

Hong Lim Park
16 May 2009
4.30pm

Fabulista Loves: Special Long Weekends

2009-05-11T18:28:00.001+08:00

Fabulista loves the long weekends. One loves it even more when one’s relations stop by the sunny island for a visit (yes, one was not had from asexual reproduction and does have relations).

Over the long enlightening weekend, one’s godpaddy came for a surprise visit “to escape the dowdy weather back home”. Unfortunately, the island’s weather was not exactly bright and fabulous over the past three days either. In any case, we were able to squeeze in some shopping opportunities along the stretch of road along the district known as the fruit plantation.

We had lunch at the Atrium at a democratic eatery, which served our favourite beef dishes. I showed paddy the new mall that’s coming up right next to the eatery’s lookout windows. Even at its incomplete state, the building looks impressive what with all its LEDs and sweeping canopies.

After lunch, paddy mentioned his regrets that this year’s thanksgiving and Christmas periods would occupy most of his time and thus avail him not for visits then. The inconvenience resulted in this:

An early present from one of my favourite in-laws’ Spring/Summer’09 collections…

Don’t you just love long weekends and surprise visits?

Fabulista Excited: About ION Orchard

2009-05-11T15:57:00.001+08:00

Silly name. I know. Of all the words available to the human language, they chose one that seems to show no relationship whatsoever to the experience of the place. Oh well, it doesn't matter. It is not for posterity. It is likely to change once the management changes hands (case in point; Lane Crawford to Wheelock Place).

What one is more enthusiastic about is the promise of exciting and new concept shops that have never been to the shores of the sunny island set in the sea. More than 60 per cent of the mall will be taken up by flagship stores, new-to-market brands and new concept stores.

Some of the more established names include Burberry, Club 21, Mango, Muji, Richemont Luxury, Sephora, Starbucks Coffee, Swatch and Zara. Many of Fabulista's in-laws like Cartier, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Uniqlo, Topshop and Topman will showcase their collections in double-storey flagship stores.

The mall, situated on what was once the picnic ground of Pinoys in Singapore, is also bringing in brands like Bimba & Lola, Boss Selection, Chaumet, Christian Audigier, Dsquared2, Diane von Furstenberg, Just Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Patek Philippe, and Vivienne Tam, which are new to Singapore or having its own stand-alone boutiques for the first time.

Time to settle one's credit card bills to get ready for the next round of card flashing exercise come July.

Fabulista Treks: Where no person ahem has gone before

2009-05-09T22:45:00.001+08:00

The latest instalment of Star Trek is a respectful nod to its past and a promising hail to its future.

Live long and prosper on this one. Fabulista is not exactly a Trekkie. However, with the latest instalment, helmed by J. J. Abrams (of Felicity fame) and featuring a cast of eye-candy with sufficient thespian credibility, it promises to go far.

One dare not venture bold speculations that the new franchise will travel at warp speed to discover new frontiers, but if the current prequel is any indication, there is hope just yet.

Like the contemporary TV series, The Twilight Zone, one needs to leave logic outside the box and enter. The time warp, time-space continuum theories are wrought in every which direction possible. The plot, without giving away too much, revolves around the future seeking revenge by visiting the past where in the relativity of the time of the film is the present. Yes, one is deliberately cryptic. BUt that's what makes the film all the more wonderful intellectually (not mind-numbing though) and visually (effects by Digital Domain and Industrial Light and Magic).

If you are a trekkie, you need no encouragement. Otherwise, it is still enjoyable for non-SciFi fans. For the latter, go for the visual effects and the visual treats (read eye-candy).

Wink and warp.

Fabulista High: On Coke

2009-05-09T22:03:00.001+08:00

Hot on the heels of last year's (highly successful and popular) release of Beijing 2008 Olympics series, McDonald's have a new series - the contoured Coca Cola glass in colour. 6 different ones to be exact. Lime is the first in the series and was released into 10 markets simultaneously on Thursday.

The sunny island set in the sea is one of the 10 collective countries to experience the frenzy. Not surprising since it is globally famous for its Hello Kitty craze in 2000.

Embrace this new one... the Coca Cola Contoured Glass in Technicolor.

P.S. If you are one of the proud/speculating owners of the last Beijing 2008 series, the set is now valued at SGD70 on eBay.

Fabulista Creates: AWARE-ness

2009-05-04T22:31:00.002+08:00

In a rare moment, Fabulista is lost for words. The news clip speaks better... (click on link to watch the news).

The AWARE showdown

But is glad that the group has remained secular and fabulous.

Fabulista Hears: How a Heart Breaks

2009-04-25T19:14:00.001+08:00

Weekends can be strange. It gets on a twilight zonesque atmosphere when your close friend decides to tell you…

“When he left, I remember ourselves walking away from each other. I felt the distance between us growing wider and wider until I couldn’t see him anymore for the space that had taken over. I hopped on a cab, threw my bag and my heartache into the carriage, hoping that the road home would be swift. Then I can look at my familiar things and pretend that nothing had happened. Nothing had ever happened.

Recently, I began to think about him again. I remember him. Sometimes, when I sit at a café alone, I’d suddenly see him across the table. I remember his crew cut hair – he was in the military then. I wonder if he still is now. Is he still as infatuated as about the regimented lifestyle that he always went on about? They never seem to leave his lips. He always did seem to have a love/hate relationship with it. I was intrigued by the stories he told; I’ve never been in the military before. I lapped up his tales of adventure, hardship and the occasional joy and smattering of life-threatening danger.

He got on my nerves. I am not sure why, but he seems to get a certain joy seeing me blow my top with his deliberate nonchalance and indifference over everything. But just before my fuse completely trips, he’d put on the silliest grin and try to cheer me up. I just couldn’t be angry with after that. Nobody could ever really get angry with him. That was just the way he was; so full of charisma. I wonder if he was aware of it though since I don’t remember him ever trying to get his way with things by charming people’s socks off. In fact, if anything, he seemed to enjoy getting things done the hard way more than anything else. (Is this what they call the curse of beautiful people?)

We had a lot of wonderful times together. But one day after his duty he just announced that he was leaving this place. There was no point trying to stop him. He had been planning this for a long time, I know him too well. So I just hoped aloud that he would come back soon. I did so even when I saw him off last at the airport. What was I to do? Throw a dramatic tantrum? That might turn him away from me forever and his last memory of me would be that of a crazed maniac. So I decided to take the high and elegant road.

I knew at the gate of the airport terminal the flight that takes him from here would also be the flight that takes him away from me, forever. We never really did hangout anymore after that departure. I never regretted the decision to take the high road. I am glad I remained calm, refine and elegant right to the end.”

My close friend looked at me. A calm face. But I could tell the brimming emotions under the surface threatening to surge over, the reddening of the eyes, suddenly twinkling; the lips quivering. The face and the body were once again calm, refined and elegant…

Fabulista Welcomes: Spring Summer 2009

2009-04-19T21:01:00.003+08:00

There's nothing quite like a spruced up wardrobe. For Fabulista, it really happens only once a year - in spring and summer time. This is in credit to one's skin tone. Colours created at this time of the year, with its freshness and vitality is so much more in celebration of my colour.

So far, Raoul has seen to my sartorial thread needs, Prada for my carrier needs, Bally to shod one suitably. And the most recent addition to the accolade... the Zegna strappy sandal from the ZZegna collection for SS09...

Fabulista Sizzles: With Love and Sex and Magic sssss

2009-04-19T15:33:00.001+08:00

This video is WAAAAAAY too hot... it needs its own firestation. Oww!

Fabulista Well-wishes: Take the road less travelled

2009-04-14T20:00:00.002+08:00

Take The Road Less Travelled

Take the road less travelled
And that will make all the difference
Take the journey take with heart
Lined with silk and then depart

Knowing not the journey
Neither where the final ends
But journey then until thence
The road upon a better stance

Until our roads should
Converge whence
Journey my friend
Journey then

--
Fabulista, especially for dear Zanne

Fabulista Lives: Life, Love

2009-04-13T22:28:00.002+08:00

Love and Life are the greatest gifts of providence...

Fabulista Upset: About Bureaucracy...

2009-04-02T18:50:00.002+08:00

Apple Computers have a scheme for those in the education circle. Educators can purchase their products at a reduce price. Kind of like their community project, I suppose.

Previously only available online, they have since opened up the education purchase scheme to physical resellers as well. However, one is appalled with the policies of a company that set out as an anti-establishment.

One had been trying to purchase a new MacBook Pro for the longest time. With the advent of the open policy for education purchase, one thought it the best time to do so. Unfortunately, this is where there is a bureaucratic spanner in the works.

“We don’t have the stocks meant for education purchases…” came the reply since I had been calling the various shop fronts.

“You don’t have any computer stocks right now?” incredulous that a computer shop front should be out of their bread and butter product.

“Yes we do,” indignant reply, “but they are not for education prices… only for regular purchases.”

One wonders, is there a difference between an education price computer and another for regular prices? Is one supposed to perform better, thus explaining the clear segregation of stocks? Can the invoicing not be paper played to transfer stocks on the manifest later?

What is the point of telling the public that education purchases are now available when it is impossible to make a purchase immediately?

Despite being an Apple user for the past 12 years, one cannot help but be thoroughly disappointed with this supposedly alternative organization. It began with the techno-regressive iPhone, the spec-retard MacBook Air, the disappointing MobileMe and currently culminating in this… the anachronic-bureacratic policy.

One wonders, what’s next? Perhaps, we shouldn’t be surprised/disappointed anymore…? David hath become the Goliath.

Fabulista Acquires: A New Fruit...

2009-03-31T17:00:00.001+08:00

Behold the new MacBook Pro from Apple...

...everything else is self-explanatory.

Update: 15" 2.66GHz model out of stock till next week...

Fabulista Explains: The Ponzi Scheme Sesame Street Style

2009-03-24T18:53:00.001+08:00

A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors from their own money or money paid by subsequent investors rather than from any actual profit earned. The Ponzi scheme usually offers returns that other investments cannot guarantee in order to entice new investors, in the form of short-term returns that are either abnormally high or unusually consistent. The perpetuation of the returns that a Ponzi scheme advertises and pays requires an ever-increasing flow of money from investors in order to keep the scheme going.

The system is destined to collapse because the earnings, if any, are less than the payments. Usually, the scheme is interrupted by legal authorities before it collapses because a Ponzi scheme is suspected or because the promoter is selling unregistered securities. As more investors become involved, the likelihood of the scheme coming to the attention of authorities increases.

Fabulista Asks: For Sarah Mclachlan's "Answer"

2009-03-22T03:18:00.005+08:00

I will be the answer at the end of the line
I will be there for you while you take the time

In the burning of uncertainty I will be your solid ground
I will hold the balance if you cant look down

If it takes my whole life I wont break I wont bend
Itll all be worth it worth it in the end
Cause I can only tell you what I know
that I need you in my life
When the stars have all gone out
youll still be burning so bright

Cast me gently into morning
For the night has been unkind
Take me to a place so holy
That I can wash this from my mind
The memory of choosing not to fight

If it takes a whole life I wont break I wont bend
Itll all be worth it worth it in the end
Cause I can only tell you what I know
That I need you in my life
And when the stars have all burned out
Youll still be burning so bright
Cast me gently into morning for the night has been unkind

Fabulista Says: Goodbye.

2009-03-22T00:28:00.001+08:00

I wanted to write about K.

I wanted to write about K’s infallible love for his God.

I wanted to write about K’s excitement when I showed I shared the same beliefs.

He was always excited about anything that has anything remotely connected to his God.

He even finds the strangest ways to link every fascination to his God.

Perhaps now K will know if his God exists and how much the entity loves him.

I could not write anything about K.

There’s too much to write.

So I asked Sarah to help me.

I hope Sarah approves and K appreciates it.

This is for you K.

Rest well.

You’ve always needed it.

I will remember you, will you remember me?

Don't let your life pass you by,

Weep not for the memories

Remember the good times that we had?

I let them slip away from us when things got bad.

How clearly I first saw you smilin' in the sun

Wanna feel your warmth upon me

I wanna be the one

I will remember you, will you remember me?

Don't let your life pass you by

Weep not for the memories

I'm so tired but I can't sleep

Standin' on the edge of something much too deep

It's funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word

We are screaming inside, but we can't be heard

But I will remember you, will you remember me?

Don't let your life pass you by

Weep not for the memories

I'm so afraid to love you

But more afraid to lose

Clinging to a past that doesn't let me choose

Once there was a darkness

Deep and endless night

You gave me everything you had, oh you gave me light

And I will remember you, will you remember me?

Don't let your life pass you by

Weep not for the memories

- Sarah McLachlan

Fabulista Sympathises: A Singular Item...

2009-03-21T18:43:00.001+08:00

In a recent meeting with my fellow compatriot of impeccable taste cum long time friend, the topic of my departure from WTS inevitably came up. Inevitable, because Gin is an alumni; a WTler. I was very frank with Gin since Gin is one of those rare WTlers who does does have a blind and insufferable infatuation with anything and everything WTS.

“It’s the head fashion editor and his assistant,” I confessed, “the latter runs rings around him while the former willingly let’s her.”

“Seriously? How does the school allow her to do that…?”

“She’s alumni… in that fashion school, alumni means EVERYTHING!” I gestured a big, full circle to drive the point home.

“Alumni? Hmm… names, names, give me names,” Gin implored, thirsty for juicy tidbits, “I remember names, not characters.”

“Geekay” at which point both of us broke into (elegant) guffaws at the mention of her name. The pronunciation of her nomenclature is a homophone for “singular item” in a local dialect.

“She was my fabric literature trainer!” exclaimed Gin.

“I know her!” exclaimed Gin, putting on a serious face, as if something had suddenly clicked in his mind, “She was my fabric literature trainer!”

For the uninitiated, fab-lit in our circles refers to the understanding of the finer intricacies of the language of fabric – its colours, patterns and weaves. Anyway, I opened my eyes in surprise, echoing a Disney song. It’s a small world after all!

“Oh she sucks big time as a trainer!” Gin continued, “NOBODY could stand her! Everybody falls asleep during her lesson – she can’t teach to save her life!”

Gin’s sentiments, while personal and singular, appears to echo the many comments about her that I’ve come across her on fashion blogs by her ex-trainees. Gin’s was considered mild compared with others who makes comments about a certain part of her (hmm-hmm) anatomy or asking after her mother’s (ahem) well-being.

There are a few factors that make Gin’s comments all the more significant. Gin is by nature, laid-back and usually nonchalant. Also, Gin loves fab-lit and when I say love, I mean you can lay Gin on a bed of well made cloth and you can see sex in action. So to fall asleep during a fab-lit lesson and to condemn a trainer is so unbecoming of Gin than one has no choice but to listen and pay attention.

Imagine. Sixteen years after Gin’s dismal experience with Geekay and the memories is still so horrific that it can be recalled with all the negative, gory details. It can’t be good.

How would I be remembered sixteen years down the road?

I am a fashion trainer, though I hesitate to compare myself to the ‘singular item’. As I see batches of wannabes become the fashion-savvy doyennes that they are, I should feel a sense of accomplishment. I should feel that a part of me is now pulsing through them – the thoughts that I have tried to impart, mixing colours, patterns, fabrics and cuts should now guide them to influence the next generation to good taste. They should be the future purveyors of beauty, culture and art.

However, I should be so saddened, if my existence seems never to have been any part of their lives, as if my presence was no more than a spectral entity to their consciousness. As much as I hope that it does not come to that, only time will tell.

Fabulista Feels: Amissed...

2009-03-20T01:03:00.004+08:00

Strange things transpire over coffee. If you thought alcohol opens people up, you haven’t seen the power of coffee and the stimulated mind yet.

I was having my usual at my usual with Vic. Staring out of the full glass panels, we had a panoramic view of the street outside. I saw vapour forming on the glass where Vic’s face was near.

“A penny for your thoughts?” I asked.

“Just a penny?” came the reply, “baby, you know my thoughts are worth more than that…”

It’s true, Vic has one of the more brilliant minds I know amongst my circle of friends. “That’s beside the point,” I retorted, “you know what I mean.”

Vic gave a wry smile. “I do… and that’s the ironic part.” Pause. “Damn. I wish I wasn’t so smart and I wouldn’t think so much.”

I knew instinctively Vic meant more than what was said. They were words spoken out of despair than of pride. “Tell me… talk to me Vic…” I gave a look that said I’m listening, “you know I’m good for it.” I smiled and Vic appeared more relaxed.

There was a heavy sigh and a droop of the shoulders and Vic picked up the mug of coffee and stared out dreamily into the distance, across the street and traffic as a sip was taken. Vic squinted as the sun suddenly veered through the clouds.

“I’m afraid I’ve missed my chance,” Vic sighed.

“Chance? Chance for what?” I pressed on.

“Chance to find happiness with a partner… look at me, I’m in my thirties and I’ve just realized I want a partner.”

I looked at Vic. I was puzzled.

“My brain had just decided that I want someone permanent in my life,” deep breath, “but my age and my body says ‘too late!’”

Vic tells me how ironic the whole thing feels. I felt the same way too. Sometimes, our mind and body appears so out of sync with each other, we wonder if they belong to the same entity at all.

I am on the opposite side of the same boat. I’ve always wanted a partner. But my partners have always been distant. Not mentally or emotionally mind you, but physically – they come from lands faraway, across oceans, in another country. I always hear the same thing, it’s like a broken breakup record, if there’s such a thing…

“Yeah, we’re wonderful together, but you know, we’re in two different places…”

“You are such a wonderful person, you’ll find another one…”

I’ve been served those lines above, including other variations on the same theme. My currently single status belies my experience in failed relationships. I’ve had my fair share of those… to last me two or three life times. It has come to a point where I am tired. Maybe I just want to sit and enjoy the view, so to speak. It is certainly easier and less traumatic. Or maybe I am sitting around, being passive because I just want to be picked up.

That’s probably why I keep hanging out at the café where beautiful people frequent – waiting to be picked up. The café as a modern day bar or pub…?

Whatever it is, I was intrigued and inspired by Vic’s words.

I picked up my mug of coffee.

I joined in the leaving of vapour on the café’s glass panels…

Fabulista Feels: Protected...

2009-03-14T19:18:00.001+08:00

A trainee at the village fashion school was disciplined the other day. The fashion elite trainee was disrespectful to an established sartorial doyenne.

“It is my duty to make sure you are beautiful inside and out,” the headmaster of the fashion school remarked before giving the trainee a sound reminder on the posterior.

A disrespectful trainee being given a verbal sound off is never heard off in my previous employment at WTS; a physical, on the posterior no less, exist only in their version of science fiction.

One felt blissfully esteemed when moving under the leadership of one who safeguards your respect and integrity.

Once again, one is NOT unhappy having made the decision to move back home…

Fabulista: M and the people passing by...

2009-03-14T18:55:00.001+08:00

As M sits, bathing in the warm sunshine streaming into the café through the glass panels, a thought enters the mind, “How many times have I sat in here and waited? Waiting for the right one to come along…? Is it going to work? Does it work this way?”

As M considers this, countless pass by. They are passing by the pavement outside the café, the one running along next to the street. The people’s faces are plastered with blank stares that seem intent on looking nonchalant to who or what is ahead of them. They walk by, evanescing into the distance.

To M, they look beautiful, most of them filled with a natural beautifying essence called ‘youth’. “Wasted on the young…” M sighs. They are filled with so much potential, so many possibilities that are so often ruined by the wrong choices.

As the sun sets, the profiles of the passer bys become silhouettes. Their features, beautiful or otherwise form a beautiful grotesque in the warm colourless glow of the sodium streetlights, like orange spectres crossing to the other side.

M. goes back the book that is meant to be read.

Fabulista Considers: The Truth About

2009-03-07T19:32:00.001+08:00

Kavornica, Kav to friends, is not envious of the situation they are in. From the way horror stories flows from their tongues and mouths, Kav made the right decision to leave the island of Morosé. Kav left the island for better prospect in a nearby village that is setting up a new market for potential entrepreneurs. Kav is glad of the decision to leave.

Nevertheless, hearing the ceaseless flow of heavy taxes and endless daylights on that island isn’t making things any easier on Kav. Old friends are still struggling on the island – struggles and hardship that Kav is all too familiar with. It wasn’t too long ago when the same things were tormenting Kav’s days and nights.

“I wake up saying ‘shit’, dreading to face the day ahead”

“The people are crap…”

Those are only some of the words that flowed as coffee is poured into demitasses. Days with sunrises were created and promised to hold hope and joy. Kav thinks in the mind while the heart aches at the thought of his friends languishing in the same pain that allowed an easy decision to leave when Kav’s mind was first made up.

There isn’t much Kav can do, the mind knows that much. But Kav is more determined to treasure what is in the hands even more and to be even more thankful. Kav is thankful for making the right decision to come home.

Fabulista Finds; The Soundtrack to One's Life...

2009-03-04T20:15:00.001+08:00

Dear Sophie,

Thanks for writing about me. I am so glad to be used as THE inspiration for your collection of novellas. Love them, darling!! XX

I have to ask, were you consulted for the collection of songs used in the movie and featured on the soundtrack? They are just ADORABLE and is just ME ME ME to a T! Lurve the songs!!

I am such a fan of the series of books! When is the next one coming out (and can I get an autographed copy from you)?

Lotsaluv,
M. Fabulista,
self-confessed shopaholic.

*The movie is coming out on 26 March in the sunny island set in the sea... guess who's going to catch one's bio-epic...? No prize for the correct guess...

Fabulista Loves: The Glass Vase (Royal Copenhagen)

2009-02-28T19:16:00.001+08:00

P.S. - Thanks Terry... XOXO

Fabulista Loves: The Pearl (Royal Copenhagen)

2009-02-28T19:15:00.001+08:00

Fabulista Finds: Beauty...

2009-02-22T02:03:00.001+08:00

Last year, sometime after the New York Fashion week but before the French Fashion Week, one of my wannabe-trainees from WTF gave me a pot of miniature orchids as a token of appreciation.

This year, its first bloom presented eight (8) individual buds which flowered on the first day of Lunar New Year. This is a good omen. It shall be a good year this year.

Fabulista Finds: Joy...

2009-02-22T00:06:00.001+08:00

Eventful. That should be the heading for this week. It’s been one hell of an eventful week, what with assignments and tasks at the Fashion School and stimulating the economy, one still manages to find time for self-repose and relaxation.

The fashion school, charming with its Provençal vibe, has started its afterschool lessons. However, from the look of some of the students, one is confounded at the actual benefits they can glean from the extra lessons. After all, one is not optimistic about the possibility of mainlanders learning how to execute the perfect sashay and chante.

Anyway, it was fabtastic how one was finally able to obtain the rarefied commodity otherwise known as the BVLGARI Save the Children Charity Ring. One ACTUALLY managed to find the exact size that fits. One feels that much more benevolent and philanthropic in a beautiful way – there is no other way to be so.

BVLGARI Save the Children Charity Ring

One was also able to catch up on one’s hobby of shopping – there isn’t a more elegant way to catch up on the dreaded but au neccessaire exercise. The happy people from the land of fairytales, manifesting as Royal Copenhagen had a sale over the weekend on the sunny island set in the sea. I couldn’t help but visit them at NAC and picked up a few objets d’art along the way. Tea by candlelight; there isn’t a more beautiful way to light up the night if you ask me.

	Glass Collection Tealight Holder (bought the opal model)
	Pearl Glass Tealight Holder
	Blue Fluted Plain Mug

What has been truly shocking this week that, amongst all the frantic hyperactivity in school and out, one was still able to catch up on:

Regular jogs (on two days);
Catch up on the movies that have been on one’s list!

Shockers!

I managed to catch The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (beautiful but missing the point of the original story); Valkyrie (another Hollywood ‘based on true events’-type movie, if you know what I mean…) and On the Other Side on the Line (try analysing that from a World Lit/Feminism/Orientalism point-of-view)…

	The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
	Valkyrie
	The Other End of the Line

What a wondrously eventful but fulfilling week it has been! Cheers to that!!

Fabulista Says: Look... then DIE!

2009-02-14T19:37:00.001+08:00

Fabulista Excited: About N97

2009-02-14T18:26:00.001+08:00

If we can believe Mobilecity, then N97 might be released in Asia soon. According to the site, which is taking pre-orders of the hotly anticipated flagship mobile phone, it is slated for a March 26 release.

However, as mentioned in an earlier entry, the phone will also be released in Asia and Europe before the rest of the world. This could mean that the phone will arrive sooner than later... and very much sooner too... (wringing hands in hot anticipation).

Fabulista Learns: Perpetrator is a Caucasian

2009-02-14T17:39:00.001+08:00

Here’s an update on the N95 theft incident.

An update from my friends at Starbucks™ confirms that my phone was indeed stolen while I was reading at my favourite café.

From the video capture on the CCTV, here’s the description of the perpetrator:

Male, Caucasian looking, mid-forties;
Clothing – checkered brown shirt with jeans;
Carrying a large black backpack.

Apparently, he had used the backpack as a cover while committing the crime.

The police helping me are going to have useful visual evidence when I show them the new materials from the helpful people at Starbucks™!

Fabulista Feels: Like a Trainwreck

2009-02-09T23:23:00.000+08:00

Don’t know what it is, but I can feel myself going slightly off kilter this evening.

And I hate the sensation. It just feels weird getting all anxious and moody without any conscious reason.

It’s probably something at work, tutorials not going too well tonight, the lost of my mobile… or a compound reason of all the above.

I just want this to be over…

I’ll just get the homework for the tutorial over and done with and I’ll be fine I. Yup, that’s what I’ll do.

Fabulista Reports: Stolen Mobile Phone

2009-02-08T13:02:00.001+08:00

If you are holding a secondhand Nokia N95 mobile phone, do check its IMEI number (by dialling * # 0 6 #).

If it reveals the number 354835010373331, it's a stolen model.

It is strongly advised that you return the phone to the nearest police station and tell them how you got the phone BEFORE the police trace you via the phone first.

Fabulista Relieves: Bad Karma

2009-02-08T11:53:00.002+08:00

Karma (Sanskrit - कर्म) is a part of many world beliefs. I am not inclined to argue with millenniums of wisdom. I intend to use it to understand why things happen.

As fabulous as one is, one is NOT perfect. One's actions and deeds does accumulate karma, both good and bad over time. It comes to a head in a burst of wonder - beautiful and good or nasty and bad, depending on the energies accumulated.

One said goodbye to BAD KARMA the other day when one's N95 was stolen, taken literally, from right under one's nose. Sitting at one's favourite Starbucks, one moment it was next to me and then the next when one was about to check on one's messages, it was GONE!

I've since gotten a temporary replacement until my dream phone is released. So my dearest fabulous friends can still contact me. But what one was thinking about, is the karma as accumulated. If getting a possession stolen is bad karma, then the creature who took it away had just done a bad deed and at the same time helped relieved of one's bad karma.

So, it's actually double (or quadruple even) the accumulation of bad karma for the perpetrator! Oh, how silly of the evil one! All of one's BAD KARMA off to YOU!! Shoo!!

Fabulista Awaits: The N97

2009-02-08T11:22:00.002+08:00

Word on the Net is that the Nokia's latest flagship - the N97 is due for a European (i.e. Britain) release in March. Since earlier punters revealed that Europe and Asia is slated for a simultaneous release, it means the sunny island set in the sea is getting it around then too.

Finally and not a moment too soon what with my recent (mis)adventure...

Fablista Finds: A Cause For Beauty

2009-02-08T01:26:00.001+08:00

As part of its impressive 125th Birthday in 2009, Bulgari is committed to raising €10 million for Save The Children’s “Rewrite the Future” campaign. The Italian jewellery brand designed a beautiful silver ring with the engraved Bulgari logo which will be available from February the 1st at the price of €290 (SGD550), with €50 from each sale being donated to the charity. Moreover, at the end of the year, 15 pieces of high jewellery and 8 high-end timepieces will be available at an auction in New York with all of the proceeds going towards Save The Children. A truly beautiful ring and birthday it would be!

Fabulista Finds: Beauty in a Tiffany Moment

2009-02-08T01:10:00.001+08:00

Thoughts for Christmas 2009

The Tiffany Grand in White with Crocodile

Fabulista Feels: The Loss and Yearning

2009-01-28T17:08:00.001+08:00

Is there a way
Where I can be
Where you are.
Winter is already here
The chill of the winds
The darkness of the night
Echoes the longing in my heart
Sometimes I feel
I can just reach out and touch you
I can just reach out and feel you there
But all too soon I know
But all too soon I learn
I am touching the emptiness
I am feeling my loneliness

- Fabulista

Fabulista Recommends: Doubt

2009-01-27T02:01:00.001+08:00

It's 1964, St. Nicholas in the Bronx. A charismatic priest, Father Flynn, is trying to upend the schools' strict customs, which have long been fiercely guarded by Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. The winds of political change are sweeping through the community, and indeed, the school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller. But when Sister James, a hopeful innocent, shares with Sister Aloysius her guilt-inducing suspicion that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald, Sister Aloysius sets off on a personal crusade to unearth the truth and to expunge Flynn from the school. Now, without a shard of proof besides her moral certainty, Sister Aloysius locks into a battle of wills with Father Flynn which threatens to tear apart the community with irrevocable consequence.

Coming to cinema soon.

Fabulista Discovers: Louis Vuitton F/W'09

2009-01-26T12:03:00.001+08:00

Click on invite to attend...

Fabulista: And the Mini-Me

2009-01-24T19:30:00.001+08:00

Even the best of people get under the weather sometimes. It therefore isn't any wonder that the Fabulista hasn't been tip-top the past week. The lethal blend of strong winds, cold temperature, a prolonged monsoon all trapped in a newly-built, dusty building isn't helping.

Anyway, the result of such a hiccup is one losing out on the usual liberating doses of outdoor running. Unfortunately, as motivating as some widgets are, they have no sympathy.

Case in point, the Mini-Me Nike+ Runner widget on the right.

Fabulista Speaks: Tongue in Cheek

2009-01-24T19:21:00.001+08:00

One is not often startled; you can blame it on the residual success of finishing school. Having been previously employed at the WTS (Wannabe Training School), where school ties are touted to be stronger than a 50 pounder nylon fishing string, it had been generally assumed that all WTlers (pardon the homophone) are dying to maintain ties with their alma mater. After all, hasn’t it been touted from the silken fabrication room to the gilded runway halls that “once WTlers, forever WTlers”?

So you can forgive (not that I am asking for it) my surprise when I met a WTlers Alumni at the Village Fashion School, my Village Fashion School, MY ALMA MATER! The Alum had deliberately in a subconscious way, let slip that “I am WTlers”.

Being the Fabulista that one is, it is only natural that one asks the ONLY question worth asking in a situation like this…

“Since you’re WTlers… haven’t you thought of going back to your alma mater to be a trainer?”

Without missing a beat, the response came, swift and concise, “not worth it – Wtlers are not a particularly grateful bunch. They are not as appreciative…” the trailing in ellipses.

Well, there go the school ties. I guess even the strongest fishing nylon can and do snap.

Sometimes.

Fabulista Amused: By Peasantries

2009-01-24T18:59:00.002+08:00

Ever since one’s arrival at the village school, one question has been on everyone’s minds and lips apparently, “is the Fabulista or isn’t the Fabulista?” It’s a very strange affair. Never has one’s personal affairs been so hotly speculated, discussed and dissected.

The state of being that is referred to is the very personal matter of one’s marital status of course. Over here, I am inclined to assume the cause of its greater concern all boils down to Maslowe’s theory on the hierarchy of needs; they are still very motivated by basic things, clinging on to the very feudal, very regressive, very archaic notion of marital bliss – how quaint, charming in a peasant and village serf-like way.

Of course, there have been some who had dared ventured and asked. The respond one feels is most appropriate is a polite, “one is fabulous, in a superlative sort of way and engaged to it.”

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a full time affair and more than enough, thank you very much…

Fabulista Asks: How do you tell a child

2009-01-20T21:41:00.002+08:00

How do you tell a child
With a twinkle in the eye
That life isn’t pink elephants
And yellow daffodils

How do you tell a child
Reaching out with hands
That life isn’t pony rides
And unending carousels

How do you tell a child
Toddling towards the light
That life isn’t fairy dusts
And singing bumbling dwarves

When a twinkle is a tiny spark
Reaching out to nothingness
The tunnel leading
towards a train’s headlight

- Fabulista

Fabulista Finds: A Thong of Beauty...

2009-01-18T15:54:00.001+08:00

... is a joy forever. So say John Cleats (sorry Johnny, couldn't resist the pun...).

If the above is the truth, how wondrous is it when one finds three all at once?

Check out the latest open styles from Louis Vuitton's open styles from SS'09. Please meet:

The Breeze

The Chess

The Harold

Being the Fabulista that one is, it is only natural that one already has one's name on it... fancy a guess which...?

Fabulista Applauds: Swatch and Tiffany joining hands

2009-01-14T23:26:00.004+08:00

Swatch Group and Tiffany & Co., have entered into a pact to develop, produce and distribute Tiffany watches, worldwide. The scope of deliverables of the Swatch Group includes setting up a new watch-making company in Switzerland, which will manufacture an entire line of Tiffany watches. Swatch would use Tiffany's trademarks and operate under its name. This unit will be wholly owned by Swatch, with one Board seat allotted to Tiffany.

Tiffany's Chairman and CEO Michael Kowalski, said that, "Swatch Group is the best conceivable strategic partner for Tiffany’s long-planned re-entry into watch distribution.” The watches will be distributed via the Swatch Group network and Tiffany stores. The Swatch Group affiliates will be allowed to establish and operate Tiffany stores in certain markets outside the USA.

According to Swatch's President and CEO Nick Hayek Jr., "Tiffany & Co is a true luxury brand with a long-standing heritage in watches. The two companies will collaborate on design, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, distribution and service”.

Abstract from DiamondWorld.net

Fabulista Fears: Not Being Unhappy

2009-01-14T19:32:00.001+08:00

I dare not say anything. I am so afraid that I might lose it, that the ‘honeymoon’ period might be over too soon. Maybe in some obscure recesses of my subconscious, I suffer from a symptom common in all humans – that one does not deserve to be happy. Any chance of it when it does occur is an absolute fluke – a cosmic coincidence that is gone too soon.

And then there is the other part of me that says, “Dammit! You’ve suffered long enough! Now is the time for you to rise to the surface and breathe the rarefied air of bliss, joy and happiness.”

So can I just say that I am in a brand new place and I am not feeling unhappy. I am afraid of stating the obvious, I am so afraid that if I say it, it will be taken away from me, like the belief, however vain, that the Devil only takes away beautiful babies. So perhaps I should not say it. Perhaps I should grasp it in my two hands, hiding it, shielding it from the light of day and cold of night. Perhaps then no one would know of its existence and it would slip away from notice and I would get to keep it longer, enjoy it more… perhaps into forever.

So afraid to lose it, so needing, wanting to keep it forever…

Fabulista: La vie Nouveau!

2009-01-10T16:44:00.001+08:00

Life is now filled with busy-ness. It is filled up waking up and getting ready for the new day ahead. It is having breakfast on the dining table; a luxury never experienced before. Then it is off to work at the Village Fashion School.

It is a surreal sensation WALKING to work from home. Leave the house, start walking. Five, maybe ten minutes later, you’re at your workplace. And then, the familiar routine – grind, brew, whisk and voila! Fresh brewed latte!

I meet the local future fashionistas from my community at approximately 7:05 in the great hall of brocades. And then, the day of training future apparel experts begins… intervals of hectic and lull, hectic and lull and then the day ends…

I try to get home by late evening; after all, it’s only a ten-minute walk. I clean up myself and it is time for dinner…

And then I go to sleep again…

Fabulista Awaits: The New Anne (II)

2009-01-10T13:16:00.001+08:00

I am coming for you, my Anne (II).

Thanks to your sibling who had accompanied me through the days of extreme prejudices, I will come home with you now...

Be patient. The days may be searing and burning and nights be cold and lonely, the wait is worth it for the sweet redolence at the end.

Wait for me, my Anne (II).

Fabulista In: A New Beginning...

2009-01-01T15:59:00.001+08:00

It’s the New Year. So many adventures lined up. Am in a jumbled up mood with a curious mix of anxiety and anticipation.

New school term for me. Starting on World Fashion next. From Middle Eastern to Eastern to Asia – world fashion. One of the texts used for this module was featured heavily as a motion picture – think Devil Wears Prada blockbuster-type feature. The rest…? Well, will have to depend on extensive on my part. Maybe I should hangout more with the SPGs and learn more about them from them…

Am in a new office too – being back home now, in my alma mater in a village school for fabulistas – Village Fashion School. New faces, new expectations, new challenges. By the way, fashion expectations are a bit more on the traditional side – think more Dior and Dunhill than Gaultier and Galliano. But I still foresee fashion forward possibilities. Will just have to wait and see. Perhaps a happy marriage like Jacobs, Lagerfeld and Mizrahi?

By the way, new office does not allow Internet connection with personal computers. How pish is that? Totally! So have signed up on mobile Internet access plan and am totally using it now. Absolutely brilliant. It is on UNLIMITED ACCESS so please help me maximise my usage and ping me (MSN, FB, BLOG) as much as possible.

Well, tomorrow’s a new day and tomorrow’s a new beginning, a new chapter – for so many everything…!

Fabulista Adores: A Valediction Forbidding Mourning

2008-12-31T23:44:00.001+08:00

AS virtuous men pass mildly away,
And whisper to their souls to go,
Whilst some of their sad friends do say,
"Now his breath goes," and some say, "No."

So let us melt, and make no noise,
No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move ;
'Twere profanation of our joys
To tell the laity our love.

Moving of th' earth brings harms and fears ;
Men reckon what it did, and meant ;
But trepidation of the spheres,
Though greater far, is innocent.

Dull sublunary lovers' love
—Whose soul is sense—cannot admit
Of absence, 'cause it doth remove
The thing which elemented it.

But we by a love so much refined,
That ourselves know not what it is,
Inter-assurèd of the mind,
Care less, eyes, lips and hands to miss.

Our two souls therefore, which are one,
Though I must go, endure not yet
A breach, but an expansion,
Like gold to aery thinness beat.

If they be two, they are two so
As stiff twin compasses are two ;
Thy soul, the fix'd foot, makes no show
To move, but doth, if th' other do.

And though it in the centre sit,
Yet, when the other far doth roam,
It leans, and hearkens after it,
And grows erect, as that comes home.

Such wilt thou be to me, who must,
Like th' other foot, obliquely run ;
Thy firmness makes my circle just,
And makes me end where I begun.

Fabulista Has: So Much to Say...

2008-12-31T23:22:00.001+08:00

So much
Lying out there
Lying in the wind
Lying in the dessert, barren land
Tried to reach out
Swept and scorched by the merciless sun
Eyes seared by the brightness
Blinded by the light
With too much to see

Absence of light
Tried to say
How much is appreciated
But the wind swept it away
Buried in the dessert, blizzard snow
Tried to stay
Frozen and lost in the unending cold
Mouth bitten and numb
With nothing left to say

- fabulista

Fabulista Wishes: The Newly Weds Well

2008-12-30T00:15:00.001+08:00

for the beautiful couple

turning to a new page

stepping into a new chapter

for a beautiful journey ahead

congratulations...!

Fabulista Cannot: Sleep

2008-12-29T00:53:00.001+08:00

Can't sleep. Am totally freaking out. Is now 1:30 in the morning and am supposed to get up at 6:30. Is no joke going to a new place of work. Experts have claimed is absolutely one of most stressful event in person's life - second only to death of a close one and moving house. So am totally entitled to be in freak mode.

Am suppose to wake up in 5 hours time... but am too nervous even to shut my eyes. Am so totally unsure of what is going to happen next... aurgh... what can't everyone be clairvoyant or whatever ability it is that allows one to peer into the future...

Right, am being paranoid, but it doesn't mean I am wrong... maybe everything will turn out fine... maybe... fingers crossed.

Fabulista : The ACM Wallet

2008-12-28T20:12:00.001+08:00

Finally, a wallet to help those who perennially overstuff their wallets into a chiropractor's nightmare...

Fabulista Discusses: Layering

2008-12-27T18:58:00.001+08:00

As promised in a previous post, this is a discussion with tips on how to layer scents. Why do we need to layer our scents? Layering, as the term suggests, reveals the subtle but important layers of a fragrance. It is what separates the sophisticated urban fragrance user to the generic one who simply splashes on the aftershave or cologne that’s on the bathroom shelf. More importantly, layering a scent extends the tenacity of a fragrance, reducing the need to lug a glass bottle around even when one is on a half-day-about-town trip.

First, we start with clean skin. In the shower, preferably warm, as it opens the pores for better infusion of scents, use a fragrance-neutral shower gel or perfumed shower gel to gently exfoliate with a buff or sponge. Dead skin cells hinder the infusion of the actual EDT and should be eradicated as much as possible. Also, if one is using a perfumed shower product, it should be the same as the EDT. Complementary scented showers are for the experts only. You don’t want to risk the possibility of smelling like a hospital – imagine pine soap with sweet geranium notes. Not a good thing.

Next, moisturise thyself. Fragrance products adhere best and last longest on hydrated skin. In fact, there are oil based perfumes available for people with severe dry skin. For the rest of us who stick to alcohol based products, keep the body moisturised with unscented or same-line perfumed body lotion. As with before, complementary scented lotions are for experts only.

Finally, your body is ready to wear the fragrance. Remember, you are supposed to wear the scent, NOT the other way around. It is not ideal when people know you are in the midst... from a mile away. To make sure the latter does not occur, use this two-step method:

Cloud: produce a fragrance cloud with three to four spritz of the EDT into air and walk into it, allowing the vapours to douse itself on your body.
Pulse points: spritz on ONE of these two areas, neck OR wrist.

Resist the urge to spritz fragrance on clothes. Perfume evaporates quickly from fabric and without any skin chemistry reaction, the resulting sillage can be a dull, one-dimension fragrance. Besides, some fabric reacts with the alcohol carrying the fragrance to leave an ugly stain – not desirable.

Here’s a final tip. Most fragrances fade and do not last a whole day. Recharge if necessary after every 6 – 8 hours depending on tenacity of fragrance. Do this well (it really is simpler than it sounds) and you’d have people turning heads as you walk; the greatest compliment is when some stranger comes up to you and asks, “You smell great! What are you wearing…?” without a hint or sarcasm.

Fabulista On: The Rise of the A-Gay

2008-12-27T17:23:00.001+08:00

They're smarter, sexier, and far more successful than you'll ever be. And they definitely don't speak with a lisp. Meet America's new ruling class—the Alpha Gays.

by Mike Albo
(abstract from Details)

Last month, sailing off the southern tip of Capri, a group of men including a prominent Manhattan gallerist and a former pro soccer player made for quite the postcard. In fact, the scene was more like a glossy advertisement for an expensive chronographic timepiece: As the 42-foot Norwegian yacht tacked into the wind, the rugged master-of-the-universe types scrambled to adjust the jib. To the casual observer, they appeared to be active men of means on some kind of luxury bonding excursion. And they were. But they also happened to be homosexual.

Make way for the A-gays. Moneyed, successful, educated, and comfortable in their own skin, they're fast becoming the new archetype of cosmopolitan masculinity. The urban man's man. They don't own yappy miniature dogs or time-shares in Fort Lauderdale; they own Labradors and four-bedroom summer homes in Sag Harbor. Instead of cruising in gay clubs, they jet to Gstaad or the TED conference, and party at Sundance with Zooey Deschanel. They don't want to be part of any kind of closeted group or velvet mafia. Their Savile Row suits are impeccable (A-gays tend to go custom rather than buying off the rack), and they furnish their homes with collectible pieces by designers like Claude Lalanne. They drive to Krav Maga class in Lexus hybrids and read four newspapers a day, including the Wall Street Journal, because they're bosses and entrepreneurs, not employees. Often athletic, they're never steroid queens. And they can pull off having much-younger boyfriends without looking creepy. Artists and photographers approach them with new works. Charity committees beg them to cohost their benefits and sit on their boards—and they have portfolios of philanthropic interests that aren't just gay- or AIDS-related. Some, like one couple in New York City, a lawyer and a chef, aren't just avid operagoers, they're benefactors. Others travel in Wasp circles.

What they're not are the guys running around in torn jeans and leopard-print tops telling women what not to wear. "They have actual power that even straights can't deny," says one veteran of the New York-Los Angeles power-gay media scene, "and usually an imposing sense of style and grooming." A-gays supplant the prevailing media cliché: those irrepressible reality makeover icons, style experts, and fashion minions who have thrived throughout the naughts. They are the antitheses of the Carson Kressleys and Steven "Kojo" Cojocarus—they don't want to talk about how to hide your chunky sister's hips or brighten up a bedroom with colorful pillows. They will never say "Just wear it with a belt!" They own the company that manufactures the belts.

Even those A-gays with kids are able to find the time to perfect themselves, becoming the healthier, more stylish, more popular version of you that might have been. The cultural barriers that once held them back have largely eroded, but instead of waving rainbow flags, they maintain a subtle privacy about their sexuality. Out but not loud, proud but discreet, they transcend gayness in much the same way that Barack Obama is said to have transcended race.

"A-gays mark measurable societal progress," says Laura Gilbert, editor of the pop-culture website lemondrop.com. "People can now be out without being expected to swish. It's the Neil Patrick Harris/Portia de Rossi brand of gay."

Those of a certain pedigree have a tendency to stick together, and A-gays are no different. While they don't shun B-gays or C-gays, they tend to move in rarefied circles, and are apt to be found at upscale restaurants among their straight peers—not at bars with names like Rawhide. For the most part, they have opted out of the gay scene and its social networks and eschew the theme parties and bathhouses of the lower castes. They also steer clear of the typical pink vacation destinations; you will not catch an A-gay shirtless in South Beach or at a foam party in Mykonos.

"My favorite A-gay has to be dragged to gay bars," says Gilbert, adding that she sees the breed as a unique torment to straight women: "At first when we meet one, we feel a glimmer of hope for the existence of funny, charming, debonair, clean-shaven men. Soon, though, the reality sinks in."

But for straight men, the A-gay is even more confusing. The average guy might have a gay friend or two, but they rarely represent a challenge to his heterosexuality. The A-gay's success—with personal style, in business, with friends—has a gravitational pull. Often straight guys hope that some of that A-gayness will rub off on them and, before you know it, they've developed a man crush. And that's when their wives start giving them looks.

Fabulista Gets: Insomnia

2008-12-27T01:51:00.002+08:00

Craig's latest single Insomnia receives a wonderful production with an updated sound. Although, I have to admitted it does sound a lot like Ne-Yo's Closer (especially at the chorus). Nevertheless, a thoroughly enjoyable song...

Fabulista Thinks: She's None the Wiser...

2008-12-22T17:03:00.002+08:00

Despite reports of her recuperation (alleged) from all of her crazies, she still can't sing. What she has though is a team of very good, very competent marketing and production crew. She's just a brand and the visual of the final product. In the end, she's a huge success because she does what she is suppose to do best - entertain.

Her best stuff comes out when it is parodied - and there is so much potential in that...!

Here's one from MadTV:

Fabulista Yays: McAvoy, Blunt Are Gnomeo & Juliet

2008-12-22T02:02:00.001+08:00

As my regular readers know from my previous posts here and there, I am such a fan of James McAvoy! With The Last Station in post-production, read on to find out what the beautiful actor is up to these days...

E! Online - What's in a name? Well, James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are about find out, as they're in talks to lend their voices to the title roles of Gnomeo and Juliet, a 'tooned-up version of the Bard's tragedy from Miramax and Elton John's Rocket Pictures.

Even with its comic, computer-generated spin, Gnomeo is a garden-variety adaptation of Shakespeare...sort of.

McAvoy and Blunt will play two star-crossed gnomes, whose love for each other is complicated by the fact that they're from opposite sides of the veggie patch.

Kate Winslet was tapped two years ago to voice Juliet, but she was forced to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.

Producers originally hoped to secure Oscar-winning lyricist Tim Rice, who teamed with Sir Elton on the score for The Lion King, to write original tunes for Gnomeo. But now, per the Hollywood Reporter, it looks like the film will mainly feature a number of John's classic tunes ("Don't Go Breaking My Heart," "Sad Songs" or "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues," perhaps?). John might still write a couple of new tracks for the flick.

The Rocket Man will also coproduce the film, which his company originally pitched to Walt Disney Feature Animation and later Pixar, both of which passed. Disney chairman Dick Cook saved the day, however, resurrecting Gnomeo for the studio's Miramax specialty division last year. It's now slated for a 2010 release.

Fabulista Hisses: About 'The Hobbit' postponed until 2012.

2008-12-22T01:27:00.001+08:00

Digital Spy - Lord Of The Rings prequel The Hobbit has been postponed until 2012, WENN has claimed.

The movie, to be released in two parts, was due to shoot in New Zealand this winter but has reportedly had its start date shifted to 2010, resulting in the release being pushed back to 2012.

Guillermo del Toro will direct the fantasy epic, with Lord Of The Rings trilogy helmer Peter Jackson serving as producer.

Sir Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis are expected to reprise their roles as Gandalf and Gollum respectively.

Fabulista is thinking, "what!? no pretty gay elves...?!" *exasperated, indignant...*

Fabulista Wonders: What on Earth...?

2008-12-20T16:24:00.002+08:00

I know the Japanese are avant garde and all that, but the description of this product is just BEYOND me...

What on earth are you suppose to make of this...

"It's a cupping in the anxious part. Let's beautifully tighten the body."

I don't know about you, but I do not want to cup anything, anywhere on my body... ESPECIALLY when it is or I am anxious, no matter how beautiful the results promise to be... eee...

Fabulista Considers: About Dreams and Reality...

2008-12-17T19:20:00.001+08:00

At the WTS, I was once asked, "You are so fabulous...". My trainees understand that a flattery is mandatory before I even consider acceding to their request. It's terrible when it falls flat; I can sense insincerity from a mile away. In this case, it's true, I am fabulous beyond words... mortal ones anyway.

"You must know what it's like to be in love." I glared at the enquirer, incensed at the possible insinuations, daring an exposition before I decide on a suitable death ray.

"I mean... how do you know when you are...?".

Tchee! Such trivia, such... silliness!

But on reflection, there is some validity to the question even if it is trivial. Indeed, how does one know...? So many people go through life without ever searching for it. Some try to philosophise about it. Others write songs about it.

I know of some who hope to find it, thinking about how it could be, should be or even might be for them. Some of them end up spending their lives ever thinking, dreaming about it. Perhaps then, for these thinkers and dreamers, the answer to knowing when they find it, lies within their search for it.

In their ever searching and ever dreaming, perhaps they know that they have found their love when they find it difficult to fall asleep, or even unwilling to fall asleep.

They feel so because for the first time, their reality is much better than what they've been dreaming about...

Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moonlight have all pass'd a way!

Beautifil dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng,
Beautiful dreamer awake unto me!

Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea
Mermaids are chaunting the wild lorelie;
Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.

Beautiful dreamer, beam of my heart,
E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Stephen Foster (1826-64)

Fabulista Refuses: Her Mess...

2008-12-17T18:41:00.001+08:00

I have often stressed to my circle of fabulous friends, how important it is to speak properly. This is especially so if you represent a particular organisation. What's worse than an inability to communicate fluently in the service (or indeed, any) line? In my opinion , it's actually mispronouncing that particular organisation's name...

As mentioned in an earlier blog, I have fallen in love with Hermes fragrances. Terre d'Hermes is one of them and Orange Verte being the other. After shopping around town for the product, I thought I'd see if I can get it at a shop, famous for selling discounted toiletries. For ease of reference, let's call it Zaza.

"My I hep chew..."

I ducked, thinking that someone was going to sneeze into my face. Instead, what I saw was an earnest, albeit heavily made up visage in front of me. Talk about a rude shock! Isn't there a convention or guideline on how much makeup a person can put on before it hits the legal limit? If there is, I am sure it is way before the product starts to cake.

"Oh... erm... do you have Hermes fragrances...?"

Blank stare from the promoter...

"Hermes...?"

"Huh...?". Pause. "Oh, you mean her mess...?

My turn to get wide eyes.

"No sorry, we don't carry her mess..."

Faster than you can make up a toilet joke, I was out of the shop, stifling an all out laugh fest.

Fabulista Inspired: By Dr Seuss...

2008-12-17T00:29:00.001+08:00

A person’s a person

No matter how small

A person’s a person

No matter how tall

A person’s a person

No matter what they do

A person’s a person

Even when they’re not like you!

Fabulista Awed: Not Sure How to React... snigger snigger

2008-12-16T04:09:00.005+08:00

Here's the raw footage of the incident (AP)

Here's Bush trying to give it a spin...

Oh please! Georgie, give it a rest already, YOU are the one getting dizzy trying to make a positive spin out of that one. The world on the other hand is sniggering...

But honestly, I think it is waste of a pair of good shoe... I certainly hope it wasn't a pair of Ferragamo or Tod's... the cow would have died in vain...

Fabulista Enjoys: A Good Laugh...

2008-12-16T03:55:00.001+08:00

Here's Justin and Beyonce hamming it up on SNL... farh-nee...!

Fabulista Loves: People who Makes Scents...

2008-12-15T00:23:00.001+08:00

Ever since I discovered Terre d'Hermès, I have fallen in love with it. Then I discovered the creator of the scent is behind the exclusive range of fragrances in Hermès - the Hermessences as well as the garden series "Un Jardin".

I have always loved Hermès newer fragrances. A whiff of it and you can immediately tell; they are quiet sophistication bottled. It is subtle yet present, beautiful and elegant, minimalist but rich. In a word - marvelous.

You know the fragrances, now meet the man; or as they are known in the industry, le nez, Monsieur Jean Claude Ellena...

Fabulista Congratulates: The Fabulous Couple

2008-12-13T21:27:00.002+08:00

It's the culmination of one chapter of their lives and the beginning of another.

All the best dah-links! Even if the road ahead is a roller coaster ride, remember the ups will always be worth it while the downs make the journey a thrill!

Congratulations!!

Fabulista Forgot: To Ask...

2008-12-13T21:12:00.001+08:00

It was wonderful - the fun, the laughter, the joy and everything else. But in the midst of all the jollity, something slipped all our minds - what happens when the laughter stops and we run out of jokes and the lights go out when the party's over?

We should've asked those questions, we should have considered them. Now that the lights are out and the fun is over, there is nothing to say and do. Nothing more to say to each other.

We forgot to ask...and now it's too late.

Even for goodbye...

Fabulista Loves: Phonography.

2008-12-13T20:55:00.001+08:00

Not gonna mince my words. I love phonography, the technology that sends vibrations up and down my spine. I love the heat, I love the buzz of the fabulous fax, the tweeter of senseless violins and gratuitous sax. I love it on a platter, spinning round and round and round.

Not gonna apologise for my fetish, obsession, addiction; whatever you may call it. I love the different intensity, vibrate mode, jingle mode, extended *69. Whatever it is, just gimme a buzz.

Fabulista Zones: At Kwala...

2008-12-13T20:15:00.001+08:00

Breeze. Light. Friends. Laughter.

Fabulista Says: It All Came True with You

2008-12-13T15:55:00.005+08:00

"I wish you a happy birthday, baby", Yan said.

"Thanks, baby..." Bren replied and turned towards Yan.

They held each other, foreheads touching and under a midnight sky, accompanied by a million sparkling celestial diamonds.

"Make a wish!" Yan encouraged and continued chirpily "It's customary...!"

Bren looked up at Yan and recounted a memory from childhood, "I've always had a list of ten wishes I carried with me while growing up..."

Bren unfolds a yellowed piece of paper from his jacket. On the paper, was a list in handwriting that ranged from childish to mature script:

always be happy;
always choose wisdom;
have something to look forward to every new day;
have something to look forward to every night;
hold something pure at least once;
behold the most breathtaking view in the world;
to know what's real and what's not;
always be able to tell the difference;
find contentment in life;
find the love of a lifetime.

"Then I found you..."

"You are my number ten that helps me find all my other nine..."

Yan understood.

They held each other tight, embrace by the night, warm with the radiance of streetlights, cloaked by a sky with a million sparkling delight.

Their lips found each other as their hearts found each other.

Fabulista Adores: Terre d'Hermès for Men

2008-12-11T20:37:00.000+08:00

I can tell you about the component fragrance of Hermès' latest eau de toilette for men - vegetable and mineral juice, orange (specifically for Hermès by Albert Vieille), grapefruit, flint, pepper, bay rose, geranium, patchouli, benzoin and vetiver with Atlas cedar as its central note.

But that is underselling this fine product.

Each breath of Terre is pure terracotta - the colour and the element. Layers of fruity spicy and woody scents reveal themselves progressively and simultaneously to create the ultimate fragrance that is at once clean and crisp as it is enveloping and sophisticated.

It transports you to an orchard of Seville oranges with cedar wood smoldering in the background. It is as delicious as it is smoky. The scent is a wonderfully earthy masculine concoction for the modern, urban male - sexy; sensual; confident.

Terre d'Hermès televsion campaign

Fabulista Feels: Confused.

2008-12-11T18:47:00.003+08:00

Went down to a private preview of Zegna sale in town today in the shopping heart of the sunny island set in the sea.

There was a massive, if short lived jam, caused by a ridiculously proportioned limousine, which raised both temperatures and cab fares. I was told by my driver that the king of the state up north is paying the mall a visit. Apparently, he is being driven in that aforementioned crazy vehicle.

Strange... I thought.

If your kingdom is "Truly Asia" and "bagus" (bahasa for 'good' or 'excellent') as you put it, why come down here for your shopping? I am sure the small island is grateful to you for stimulating its economy, but shouldn't you be helping yours first (Fabulista in an altruistic mode)?

Unless, hmm, dare I venture, being truly Asia means there are no western designer goods available (except Jim Thompson and Jimmy Choo?) or perhaps being 'bagus' does not include descent shopping places?

But I am just truly guessing, of course...

Adventures of M. Fabulista...

How to layer a scent (to create a lasting impression)

Dress Sense: Wear clothes that fit you; not the other around

Layering a scent. Creating lasting impression

Fabulista is BACK!!

Fabulista anticipates: Voyage d'Hermès

ZZegna SpringSummer 2010: Concept VIDEO

Fabulista Presents: The New Gentleman’s Manifesto.

Fabulista Adores: Leather

Fabulista Appalled: With The Lack of Good Taste...

Faulista Runs: 10km in Public...

Fabulista Reiterates: The importance of proper pronunciation.

Fabulista Reflects: On War

Fabulista Excited: The Retail Connection.

Fabulista Amazed: At Compensations.

Fabulista Reads: For the Holidays

Fabulista Concerned: About the ION.

Fabulista Excited: About the Release of Nokia N97

Fabulista Loves: Jean-Claude Ellena

Fabulista Experiences: The New Hermes Cologne

Fabulista Reads: Again!

Fabulista Holidays: On the Sunny Island (set in the sea)

Fabulista Offered: A Bally good job!

Fabulista Quotes: Hong Lim Park Turns Pink

Fabulista Attends: The Pink Dot Event (3)

Fabulista Attends: The Pink Dot Event (2)

Fabulista Attends: The Pink Dot Event

Fabulista Steadies: For the Great Singapore Sale 2009

Fabulista Makes: The Pink Dot

Fabulista Loves: Special Long Weekends

Fabulista Excited: About ION Orchard

Fabulista Treks: Where no person *ahem* has gone before

Fabulista High: On Coke

Fabulista Creates: AWARE-ness

Fabulista Hears: How a Heart Breaks

Fabulista Welcomes: Spring Summer 2009

Fabulista Sizzles: With Love and Sex and Magic *sssss*

Fabulista Well-wishes: Take the road less travelled

Fabulista Lives: Life, Love

Fabulista Upset: About Bureaucracy...

Fabulista Acquires: A New Fruit...

Fabulista Explains: The Ponzi Scheme Sesame Street Style

Fabulista Asks: For Sarah Mclachlan's "Answer"

Fabulista Says: Goodbye.

Fabulista Sympathises: A Singular Item...

Fabulista Feels: Amissed...

Fabulista Feels: Protected...

Fabulista: M and the people passing by...

Fabulista Considers: The Truth About

Fabulista Finds; The Soundtrack to One's Life...

Fabulista Loves: The Glass Vase (Royal Copenhagen)

Fabulista Loves: The Pearl (Royal Copenhagen)

Fabulista Finds: Beauty...

Fabulista Finds: Joy...

Fabulista Says: Look... then DIE!

Fabulista Excited: About N97

Fabulista Learns: Perpetrator is a Caucasian

Fabulista Feels: Like a Trainwreck

Fabulista Reports: Stolen Mobile Phone

Fabulista Relieves: Bad Karma

Fabulista Awaits: The N97

Fablista Finds: A Cause For Beauty

Fabulista Finds: Beauty in a Tiffany Moment

Fabulista Feels: The Loss and Yearning

Fabulista Recommends: Doubt

Fabulista Discovers: Louis Vuitton F/W'09

Fabulista: And the Mini-Me

Fabulista Speaks: Tongue in Cheek

Fabulista Amused: By Peasantries

Fabulista Asks: How do you tell a child

Fabulista Finds: A Thong of Beauty...

Fabulista Applauds: Swatch and Tiffany joining hands

Fabulista Fears: Not Being Unhappy

Fabulista: La vie Nouveau!

Fabulista Awaits: The New Anne (II)

Fabulista In: A New Beginning...

Fabulista Adores: A Valediction Forbidding Mourning

Fabulista Has: So Much to Say...

Fabulista Wishes: The Newly Weds Well

Fabulista Cannot: Sleep

Fabulista Treks: Where no person ahem has gone before

Fabulista Sizzles: With Love and Sex and Magic sssss

Fabulista Awed: Not Sure How to React... snigger snigger