Petro Zillia

I first noticed Petro Zillia on Marissa in the OC and then she propped up again last weekend when I randomly bought a t shirt from them at Billion Dollar Babes- I was intrigued.

Looking at Nony Tochterman's collection, its no wonder! Her designs are feminine in an edgy kind of way. They are all very unique and different from what you'd find elsewhere. In fact, they're really "out there."

Naturally, not head to toe Petro Zillia. That would be way too out there. I'm saying to take a piece from Nony's collection and match it with the basics. Like the floral shirt in the first row middle. It would look awesome with jeans. Of course, this is not a brand for everyone. This is a brand for girls who are confident and girly, but want to be different.

Military Jackets

Inspired by the Balenciaga AW 05-06 runway, military styled jackets are all the rage. Their structural and rigid cutting instantly gives you a very well put together look as blazers do but with more of a twist.

I mean, who wouldn't want to look as ladylike and french chic as this model here, on the Balenciaga runway?

My top pick for military jacket is this one from Zara. The buttons and detailed structure gives it the military flair while its relative simple cutting and color makes it that much easier to match. With a flared flowing skirt maybe to counter the structure?

And this one here from Intuition is awesome too, because while the button gives it a military touch, the velvet material, the collar and feminine cutting can easily pull off the Victorian old english look as well! 2 trends in one jacket-what a bargain!

For those in colder climates (like moi) and can no longer wear thin short jackets, here are some more wintery coats to keep us warm and stylish. This double breasted one from BCBG with the round buttons is great (well maybe not green, go for the black one). Whats great about the jackets mentioned above is that they are so subtley military that you'll probably be able to wear it again next season!

But if you want to go all out for this trend, you cannot beat this denim cropped jacket from Top Shop. It practically SHOUTS military.And then there is this wool/cashmere/nylon coat here from Ll Collezioni at Bloomingdales, making a relatively more subtle statement.

Christmas Beauty Goodies

Ooo already in Week 7 of my school term, I can sense Christmas approaching! And I'm excited -especially after I went browsing around and saw so many fabulous Christmas gift sets. Now obviously a lot of these 'limited edition' gift sets are repetitive or have many not so great products in them, so I've picked a few that I really like (or new products I simply must mention!) They all make lovely Christmas presents *hint hint*.

Dior DiorPlay -What can I say? No brand does cute, attractive packaging better than Dior. This diamond-studded dice contains a simple pink lip gloss. While it is overpriced for such a simple lip gloss, one must remember that Dior lipglosses never fail to disappoint. And if you're one of those Dior addicts, then no doubt you will need this in your collection!

YSL Multi-usage Palette -This golden charm braclet contains a lip stick colour, lip gloss and highlight powder. While I think it would look super cool has a keychain on your handbag, I really don't think it's such a good idea to actually wear it. I thought you weren't supposed to put makeup near hot things (your wrist?)

MAC Holiday Luxuries -It's like Wow. The colours and products are so dazzling! I love these gift sets. Not only are they pretty to own, but they're actually useful!

MAC Holiday Luxuries Delight -Out of the collection, I think the eye palettes are the most fabulous. I've already bought this one (Trendy,) and am loving it! The colours are really versatile and I think we all know MAC makes excellent quality eyeshadow.

Bumble & Bumble Big Hair Set -60s hair-dos are big this season, and how to get that? It's all in this gift set, which includes the volume shampoo, conditioner, thickening spray and Do-it-all spray. I've tried the first three products and would definitely recommend them. The small bottle sizes are perfect to bring on Christmas vacations. Also, there are actually instructions on how to achieve that mystic perfect 'big hair' inside the box!

Philosophy Holiday Treats -Yum! Talk about sweetness! Philosophy makes absolutely delicious bath & body products. I usually don't care much for bath products, but after smelling a few Philosophy products over the weekend, I'm hooked! If you're stuck on what to get your sweet-tooth friend and love her enough not to buy her Dessert beauty products, then pick up something from Philosophy.

Philosophy The Gingerbread Man Suitcase -If you know which smell you like, then there are such box sets available. The three products included are the shower gel, shimmer body soufflé and lip shine -all in gingerbread flavour of course!

British Fashion Awards 2005 and ACE Awards 2005

Last week had two fashion-related awards: the British Fashion Awards (BFA) 2005 in London and Accessories Council Exellence (ACE) Awards 2005 in New York. There were some great winners, but also some rather weird ones...

The BFA 05

Star of the night, Christopher Bailey well deserved the British Designer of the Year Award for his amazing work at Burberry. He, together with the CEO of Burberry transformed the droopy, old-fashioned English label into a stylish, coveted brand. I loved the SS06 Burberry collection. And from everything I've read about him, he seems down-to-earth and nice. Brilliant man.

Roland Mouret really stood out this year with his Galaxy dress. Another well deserved award (the Red Carpet Award). Such a pity he will be leaving his own label soon.

Karen Elson won the Model of the Year Award. I must say, I don't really get this. I know that as a model, she's relatively famous and she's got a famous husband but what brilliant modelling has she done this year to deserve this award? What about other british models: Kate Moss, Lily Donaldson or Lily Cole?

The ACE Awards 05

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen won ACE Awards, esp for their role in making accessories so big. And think back, if it wasn't for them accessories wouldn't have become such a big trend. Remember wearing all those necklaces and beads just a few months ago? They def deserved the awards. At the ceremony, Ashley wore a sleek, sophisticated Calvin Klein dress while Mary Kate wore a beautiful Dior chiffon piece. I was like,WOW when I first saw Mary Kate's photos since the dress didn't seem like her usual style. And see how fantastically she matches jewelry? That gold necklace is GORGEOUS. And if you look very closely, both have rings at their thumbs.

Jessica Simpson wore Oscar de la Renta to the ceremony to recieve the Fashion Icon Award. I know, it's like WHAT? When did she become a fashion icon? She hardly dresses stylishly or fashion- fowardly. I guess you only need big blonde hair and a song about boots to win the Award.

Billion Dollar Babes in Chicago

After seeing Harrods Girl have so much fun last week at the Billion Dollar Babes in London, I simply couldn't resist going to the one in Chicago. So yesterday my friend and I set off to the sale having mapquested the location and was hard core shopping ready. I've heard that sample sales were usually in inconspicious places, but 1956 W Grand Ave is a seriously inconspicious place. We were 15 minutes early and we drove by the block 3 times until we found it (or until they put up the huge billion dollar babe sign by the door).
Anyway, once inside it was not exactly as laden with accessories as we'd hoped. There were like NO SHOES besides Mukluks and I don't think they should count! Up the stairs we were pleasently surprised by a whole collection of Theory.

Personally I don't exactly LOVE them. But I admit, they do make the best suits and pants in the contemporary designer world. And I DO need some kind of business-y clothes. Too bad I couldn't find a black suit and pant set in my size. I DID find this cardigan for $89. Unfortunately my practical mind got the better of me and reasoned that its too cold to wear it anymore and chunky cardigans is not exactly what Theory is known for.

The rest of the clothes were not exactly my style. In the end, out of the fact that I simply MUST buy something after spending so much effort going there, I bought a victorian styled black top from Petro Zillia. I am rather fond of her, since I remembered that Marissa once wore something from Petro Zillia on the OC. Overall it was an interesting experience. I think that if they become more established in the Chicago and more brands would participate it has potential to become a shopping heaven.

Self Defense

Us girls cannot always expect prince charming to come to our aid when we need it (he and his white horse might be stuck in traffic), we got to have a few tricks up our sleeves just in case (traffic is so unpredictable these days). Besides its the century for kick ass girl power right? Anyway, here are a few pointers I've gathered from kick boxing classes with a professional boxer and multiple self defense lectures:

• The first tip of course is to plan ahead, be aware and to run if necessary so as to avoid any situation where self defense is needed. That includes not listening to your ipod while walking alone in dark seedy areas and making lists in a car in the middle of nowhere by yourself (even if its locked!)-make your lists somewhere safe! Walking in threes is also a good idea. Statistically pairs are as likely to be attacked as singles, its when you get to 3 where safety really heightens.
• Appearance is everything (also true for situations beyond safety). Walk with a purpose-which means back straight and stare straight ahead (this also gives you better posture, making anything you wear look better). Muggers are more likely to pick an "easy" unaware unconfident victim. You might also trying to scream BACK OFF very fiercely at them. However this is harder done than said. I tried it last night and its hard to scream like a shrew when you're trained to be a lady.
• Then there is the funny walk. If you feel threaten you might consider doing a wacky funny walk. Muggers are less likely to attack a crazy loonie walking around the street. At least thats what they told me, but it may also be because they just wanted to see everyone in the room "practice" their crazy walks. . .
• Oh yes, when running away and calling for help, scream "FIRE". When someone screams help people tend to want to stay out of the way or hide in order to avoid trouble. But when someone screams FIRE, people are naturally curious and would come and take a look just in case it was their own property on fire. Yes, its a sad world we live in.
• And when mugged, just give them your valuables. Nothing is worth your life afterall. And chances are they're not out to kill you anyway. Throw your valuables on the floor and run in the opposite direction screaming fire!
• Ok, so those were common sense. Now for the action-but only when absolutely needed. Contrary to Miss Congeniality, the groin is actually very difficult to attack (They're the first area a guy protects when attacked). Instead aim or the eyes, throat, shins and any hoops or piercing they might happen to have-ripped skin is painful. For eyes, flick your fingers hard into it. 4 fingers are better than 2 when poking someone's eyes. For throat, grab the neck and squeeze hard, choking the air out. For shins, stomp really hard or graze down the calf with side of your shoes. Heels are especially effective!
• If you have a stick like weapon (like an umbrella or rolled up magazine) don't raise it over your head and try to hit. You can be easily disarmed in a battle of strengths. Instead give them a well aimed hard poke. And hold it with your hands on top of handle for a better grip and its that much harder to disarm you.
• When asked to put your hands up, don't put it up too high. Then you could try a disarming move where you clutch the wrist of the attack with weapon to your chest for dear life, side step and bend down sideways. This supposedly should dislocate their wrists. .
• Not that I recommend that move. When all else fails, run. An attacker only shoots their target 4 out of 100 times due to stress and tension. You could always be the lucky 96. Thats why police have training!

Wow that was quite an essay. Anyway, at the end of the day, use your common sense and stay safe and gorgeous. Remember- appearance is everything!

Stella McCartney for H&M

Rejoice! Today is possibly the most anticipated fashion day of the year -Stella McCartney's H&M fashion line is out!
Last year I was disappointed by Karl Lagerfeld's H&M collection -I spent an hour looking through the small collection but I didn't actually like anything. I thought the clothes were frumpy in an old lady sort of way. So this year, I decided not to get my hopes too high. But boy, was I suprised. Stella McCartney's H&M collection is Kate-Moss-stylish, trendy and m0st importantly, actually looks like it was designed by Stella.

Stella's signature look of effortless chic with a hint of rockstar glam.

I love this silk chiffon blouse. It's elegant, comfortable and versatile. I managed to buy this top when the second run of stock arrived at the Covent Garden store.

This gorgeous oversized trench is seriously oversized, but the volume it creates makes you feel like a supermodel on the FW05 runway. Alas, I think only tall people can wear this trench without looking like a potato sack.

To be fair, not everything was stylish. Like this long sleeved top, I thought looked cheap and too common.

These crystals bikinis were the most unpopular item from the collection -they were actually available in the stores! Not suprising though, since it is getting colder...

This bow jacket is great for the young, working woman. While it may look weird with jeans, it would look great with a skirt (as seen above) or with working pants. At first glance I didn't like how stuffy it looked, but I saw someone try it on and it looked great on the girl, so don't let first impressions stop you from trying on potentially fantastic clothes.

I WANT this satin blouson! It looks so amazingly casual yet not trashy. I can totally imagine wearing this with well, almost everything: from jeans to work pants and skirts. I am definitely going back to H&M to check if they have this in stock before I go to Geneva tomorrow!

If for some odd reason you still haven't gone to H&M yet today, go before it's too late!