18 December 2003

Jeans That Are Trying Too Hard

I remember many years ago... many, many years ago, people were saying jeans are just a fad and will go away. Years later, they take on all shapes and forms, making slacks and trousers look like they're going out of style.

You can have stone washed jeans, faded jeans, white-washed jeans, green colored jeans, white jeans, strategically torn jeans, bell-bottom jeans, boot-cut jean, low rise jeans, boyfriend jeans and the list goes on. Yet with all this variety of jeans, a girl just can seem to get a pair of jeans with the right fit no matter how hard she looks. They're too short, they flare too much, the waist is too big, the waist is too low, the crotch is too low, the hips too tight, too many flowers, great fit, horrible colour, blech. And if you find a jean you love, they discontinue it. So you decide to buy 2, and find out they don't make all jeans exactly the same and the one you just happen to not try on, doesn't fit. Discount stores, Retails Stores, Thrift Stores, Garage Sales, Outlet stores, High-End Brand Name stores and even Catalogue and TV shopping, as is popular in the US, all share one thing in common: jeans that try too hard.

17 December 2003

Conspiracy Against My Religion

While it's no secret to my friends that I am a member of the Church of Scientology. I don't believe I mentioned it here in a post on my blog, which I wanted to keep mostly about my viewpoints of all things feminine, and also post some links that are about my religion. However, while browsing around and reading up on the effects of Aspartame (because my cousin, a diabetic, is growing dependent on aspartame), I found this great website on conspiracies: http://members.austarmetro.com.au/~hubbca/conspiracy.htm. I feel now, I should "come out of the closet" and write a post directly about my struggle with the opposition against my religion.

This website features a whole section on the conspiracy against my religion (http://members.austarmetro.com.au/~hubbca/scientology.htm)as a concerted effort to suppress the population by eliminating groups like Scientologists, whose purpose is to help man improve conditions in his life. The website opens with a quote from an article by James P. Carter, MD, Dr PH.

"The Church of Scientology was on the "hit-list" of the AMA's [American Medical Association's] Co-ordinating Committee on Health Information (CCHI). From documents obtained during disclosure in the case of the chiropractors versus the AMA, the CCHI engaged in covert activities designed to eliminate or neutralise the efforts of Scientology and the founder, L. Ron Hubbard, whom the AMA considered to be working against their interests."

The article later documents the efforts of groups like Time magazine to squash the Church because of the Church's efforts to raise public awareness and expose the crimes of psychiatry and the drug industry.

The author further states "Although I am not a follower of Scientology, my observations of Scientology members would have me agree with Marvin Bordelon, President of the American Conference on Religious Movements: 'The Scientologists we are privileged to know are sincere, dedicated human beings, who are striving hard for the betterment of all'.

"I would also agree with the Reverend Dean M. Kelley, Counselor on Religious Liberty for the National Council on Churches, when he said, "I have found them [Scientologists] to be earnest, enterprising, public-spirited and committed people". Bravo to them for taking on legal drug merchants."

In all my encounters, I've got to say this about the website: Finally, somebody understands!

A religious scholar once said on the radio that a new religion generally takes 100 years to become accepted. Scientology has been in existance since the early 50's and so is half way there. Yet, sometimes, I feel that we are getting nowhere. The media continues or tries to crucify us with lies or convenient misrepresentations. Our struggles continue to be struggles, however, they are now at a different degree. To see an investigator such as the author of this website spend the time to document and make public what we Scientologists have been struggling against the past few decades, brings me great joy and comfort. Our presence obviously is beginning to show if an investigator from Australia (I believe) can see through the propaganda the obvious hidden agenda of these corporate institutions. This makes me truly feel "we're half way there".

Season of White

Last year, I decided to visit Hong Kong. I visited Hong Kong the summer before the hand over to China and I figured it was time to go back and check things out. I was very pleased to see that the communist regime has not suffocated the fashion sense of Hong Kong citizens.

While I was there I found a one of a kind cream coloured coat. At the time I felt it was an extravagance, out of date and very Jackie Kennedy. I bought it anyway. Then earlier this year, I saw a pair of white pants on sale and thought, who the heck would wear white pants other than little old ladies and nurses. I bought them anyway. Then I was browsing around in a department store and found a fluffy scarf in a sort of muted white. Same thought again, what respectable business person would wear a fluffly scarf that should be use to make a child's toy. I bought it anyway.

Now, there's snow and frost on the ground and all the shop and store displays are showing off cream and muted white tones in their fashion trends. Many manequinns were dress in off-white pants, cream over-coats and get this fluffly snowy-white scarves. So, my buy-on-a-whim turned out into quite a trend this Season of White. So, the next time you see something on sale you're not sure is in season, buy it anyway, it will one day be in style.

14 December 2003

Christmas Shopping Gone Me

I did a bit of damage today doing Christmas shopping. First, I decided to go to the mall to get my glasses fixed, unfortunately, the doctor wasn't available, so I decided to do some Christmas shopping.

First, I headed off to buy a watch for my daddy. Then, I decided to use up my Victoria's Secret coupons and bought 1 panty for $12.00 just so I can get a free one. So I essentially paid 6 bucks for a panty, when I otherwise would've had to pay $12. If I didn't love retail so much, I would just be quite annoyed. Heck, what am I saying? I'm quite annoyed. That's why I always by retail on sale or special, like buy 1 get 1 free.

Anyway, after that, my cousin took me to see the cute doggies in display by the pet store. They were too adorable.

Then, we went hunting for a mango flavoured lip gloss for his girlfriend. We settled on the pretty smelling Lancome Juicy Tubes. He got two. While he was paying, I wandered over to the eye shadow section and got myself entraptured by the multitude of new colours this season. The lovely sales rep happily tried on colours for me, which looked fabulous, so, I bought all them for myself. Bill came up to more than it should, given that Christmas is about giving others not myself.

That's my downfall: retail. Unless I exercise magnanimous discipline, my Christmas shopping always become ME.

11 December 2003

Power Shopping

I had to do some power shopping for a gentleman friend of mine, which was quite brilliant. We were visiting San Francisco and he forgot to bring a suit for an event we needed attend over the weekend. So, it was recommended that we check out the Macy's Mens Store to buy Zaq a casual suit.

It was quite a sight: a whole 5 story building just for Men's clothing. We were able to find Zaq a great light tan coloured microfibre sport jacket, white shirt, navy slacks, gold/blue irridescent tie, echo shoes and a belt in an hour. It was purrrr-fect.

The light tan colour brought out the natural sun bleached highlights in his hair. The gold/blue irridescence of his tie shimmered and brought out his fair complexion and enhanced his blue eyes depending the direction of light that bounced off his tie. His shoes and belt matched uncanny-ly and added rich colour to the outfit.

So you see, women do not necessarily take forever when they shop. They can get a job done effeciently and more importantly, FASHIONABLY!

21 November 2003

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Wednesday night was definately the sexiest night of television. The Victoria's Secret Fashion show really was a night of beautiful women and fancy lingerie. How many girls would like to wear a million dollar bra? I dunno, but I sure would like to be the one.

The thing that I liked the most was that I didn't find the fashion show degrading at all. Sure it was Women strutting in lingerie, but the colors and the streamers and the sparkles were actually aesthetic and was practically ART.

What I got out of it most was that women were not being glorified as "bodies" and "sex objects". Rather they were being magnified for their beauty and grace. They were being represented as inspirational muses that bring awe, adoration, reason to live and reason to make yourself and your own life beautiful.

It strengthened me to believe that no matter how bad your day went, or how bad you think your complexion looks, you can still be beautiful and that you can make the decision to be one of them. Because in the end, you are just as beautiful in your own right.

02 November 2003

Boots

Boots are such a great accessory to have. They can dress up any outfit and create a delectable look. Today, I wore simple khakis and a white shirt with sneakers. I needed to dress up for a night on the town, so I switched from my sneakers and zipped up a 3" heeled boot, threw on a scarf and I was all set for a dinner and a movie. Just love it!

01 November 2003

Happy Halloween

Happy Happy Halloween. It's the season of orange and black. Creepy crawlys. Black nail polish. Bright red lips and smokey eyes. You can go extreme and do the black lip color, white face and super black mascara and eye liners. For the office, I would recommend festive socks and jewelry. Go orange and black in your wardrobe. And paint on some cat eyes. Mreow!

25 October 2003

Winter Time is Here

Winter Time is here and the warm and fuzzy fashion is town. Faux fur boots. Suede Leather jackets. Sexy knits. Riots of autumn and winter colours on the shelves. Scarves and mittens flying. Hats galore.

It's a lovely time of year with the festive holidays and lots of parties to go to, each must have a different outfit. So lots of great shopping to do and excuses to have around.

Joyeaux Noel!

19 October 2003

Nail Colour

I found my latest favourite nail colour. It is called "Gladioli" by Essie. It's a pinkish nude colour with an opal finish and just sheer enough to see the with tips of your nails giving the illusion of a natural french manicure at the price of a regular manicure.

On the toes, I got "St Lucia Lilac" also by Essie. They don't quite tickle me pink like Gladioli. As a matter of fact, I'm of the opinion they paint me gray. hhhmmm.

14 October 2003

Lipstick

I've been looking for the longest time to get just the right icy pink glossy look. I still have not found it. I was first turned onto the look by Laurie Dhue when she was reporting on the bombings in Iraq. Since then, I've searched high and far to duplicate her look but to no avail.

Nevertheless, I've decided to switch altogether and find a rich glossy red, which I found. I first tried the Maybelline Wetshine lipstick in Cranberry Wave, which is nice, but it just doesn't have that high glossy shine that's been the rave these days. I did find the answer in a Neutrogena Moisture Shine gloss in Flirt. I also tried out the same gloss in Tickled. I doesn't have as much colour but it certainly gives you the glossy look.

09 October 2003

Look of the Govenor

I hope everyone watched the Arnold's acceptance speech for govenor, because that's a good lesson on suits. His suite created an excellent effect of making him look like the man for the job. He certainly didn't look like the Terminator or like he did on the twins. The simple black suit toned down that fact that he's former Mr. Universe and gave him an All-American look. He didn't look intimidating, rather he looked fatherly and inviting. He looked like he could get the job done and wants from the bottom of his heart to make Cal-ee-fohnia the best state of the best country in the world!

29 September 2003

Pajamas

Pretty pajamas have been quite the rage recently. There's a whole variety from sport to sexy to a hybrid of sexy sporty. The options are endless. When travelling on business, one should pack some decent pajamas to receive anyone at the door especially room service. Also, on a practical note, you should choose your pajamas based on your hot/cold tolerance. If can't take the cold, pack a pair of pajamas on the heavier side; it will save you in those hotel rooms that are either off or freezing. If you prefer the cold, pack on the lighter side or go nude if your brave enough.

23 September 2003

Business Trip

Well Guys and Girls. {* Chignon *} is gonna let out her hair and pack a fashionable trip to Jacksonville Florida. It will be quite an adventure to meet those quaint little Floridians, wearing pink trousers and dainty 3 inch heels. I'm so glad Pink came back in fashion. *sshhh! I know it's last season. I'm just milking it for all it's worth* Anyway, I'll start out my business trip nice and formal, standard black skirt and white pin-stripe oxford. Heels, of course. Then I'll graduate to my oh-so pink slacks and white twinset. And finally, I'll dress down to khaki's and a red 3/4 sleeve twinset. Can't voilate my colorus you know.

22 September 2003

Colours

Colours. Colours are a very important aspect in any girl's (or guy's) wardrobe... and life. I just got my colours consulted by Jill Kirsh, who is voted best in LA (So Cal, not Louisiana). But to my chagrin, I'm a bold cool color palette, meaning lots of bold primary colours and icy pastels.

So, say goodbye to browns, no more Mocha lipsticks, no more Copper eyeshadow. Toss all those colours out. Toss that brown suede leather jacket. Toss the teal scarf. And even toss the champagne car.

Bring in the Fushia and Red Hot lipsticks, Smokey eye shadows. Roll in that American flag bikini. Dress up in the Snow Queen costume. Trade in the champagne Accord for a Red convertible. Turn on the drama queen.

So what does this mean girls? Watch out Catherine Zeta Jones! Someone's going SHOPPING!

19 September 2003

Welcome

Welcome to Garters.BlogSpot.Com, where I'll be talking about fashion, lace and all things pretty.