guide me to the stars, that's where you are

2008 has been a good year, and a crazy year. It seems as though with hindsight, each year gets more... intense and colourful. Interpret that as you will. Or maybe I am just maturing. So I thought I'd cover some of the highlights and lowlights, and just plain lights of the year. I've missed lots out, as politics and wars and invasions and the like don't interest me. They should, and I should care, but I don't. I've got time to care about that in the future.


So.. Petrol hit crazy prices, indicating a real need for alternative sources of fuel that are actually feasible and can last longer than they do currently. Nuclear power is a solution: I've studied this extensively in the past, and I think it can be a real solution, but all people care about is creating nuclear weapons and showing who is strongest and who can spend the most on defence. It's dangerous, but we CAN harness it and use it. The thing is... people don't want to. They're worried about the dangers and side effects, a là Chernobyl. Petrol is also overused unncessarily. People drive everywhere: especially in the land of the obese (America) and often don't carpool or carshare or whatever it's called. People use taxis for short journeys, when they could walk or take public transport. We need an alternative energy, as the fossil fuels are running out soon, or there might be years left, depending which reports you read and believe today.


This brings me onto the topic of the Manchester Congestion Zone. I personally support congestion charging, because it seems to me to be a very effective way for me not to get run over as easily. Its arrival will also bring better and more extensive public transport, so I am not really sure why people are complaining. I understand that people can't possibly spare money, in times such as these, to pay for crossing the two zones, but what is right is not always the easiest way. We could always use fossil fuels, until they run out or we can't get to anymore, and everyone could drive their cars into town. But what a lot of people don't care about is that we're damaging our planet: it's our responsibility to make sure it's a safe and liveable world for times to come. So what is easiest is that they ignore the problem. But what is right is that we try and do something now.
The same goes for that in London... although Boris Johnson's removal of the Western CC Zone will only add more havoc.


Speaking of which, tell Boris Johnson to get his hair cut. I don't think he is a very good Mayor, or has not shown signs of being so yet. I did not exercise my right to vote, as I didn't believe any mayor would make a difference to me.


Something 2008 will be remembered for will be the tipping into the recession. I have no doubt we will recover from it: people are too intent on spending and the VAT cut of recent may or may not help: it is yet to be determined. Interest rates are very low, and it's very possible some of our major banks will become bankrupt very soon. I think it's something waiting to unfold, and when it happens, we can't really say. But... people are more frugal then ever before, buying things online, at the likes of Amazon, online supermarkets, and the like, waiting for the sales (many of which are starting on Boxing Day)... and it seems to me that whilst 2007 was a really good year spending wise, 2008 has been a year of keeping change in your pocket and actually caring about it. Although, if you visit some places, the credit crisis (or whatever fashionable name there is today) is not apparent. Like Selfridge's, where there seems to BE no credit crisis. You don't need to be rich to go in, and you don't need to be rich to buy (most things).


Wars of politics have long been fought, but I think they might soon become futile. After all, if fuel becomes scarce, you need to USE fuel to have a war.


There's also been a food crisis, with rising prices in basic foods. It's had a knock on effect here too, although we don't notice it; after all, what's an extra 10p on your favorite cereal? But we should stop buying cereal, as it undermines the economy in supplying countries: they don't get any food, so we can. This didn't seem real to me a few months ago: news generally does not feel real to me. It's like I'm hearing a story about something, listen and then soon forget. And I suspect a lot of people feel the same. It isn't directly affecting me, why should I take it into consideration? Why should I be the one to put myself out, when others aren't? Well... the knock on effect of the food crisis may hit us harder, and soon people may have to choose between food or fuel. And a lot of British people, who don't carpool, who don't use public transport, who don't recycle and the like, they'll find it hard to choose.


It's been said that most people would forgo a healthy diet, and the basic necessities, in favour of entertainment and having a good time. But fuel... or food? Which means more to you? There may not come a time where we need to choose, but if you had to.. go on, really think about it. Fuel means less to me than food in London, as I can walk to most places, places a lot of people haven't heard of, as they're using the Tube all the time. But people who drive everywhere...


I think the Government was wrong to lower fuel prices, because I'm not just thinking of the people now, it's the effect on our planet, and the fact that if we didn't need so much fuel, there would be less political controversy. Whoever owns the oil can get rich from it, yes?


I've been one to strongly advocate for the increased taxing of fuel. Cars seem now to be merely a symbol of status and wealth. And smoking. Though making cigarettes illegal would make their demand greater.


But there have been some highlights: the Beijing Olympics showed the world what a developing country can do, if it uses its resources and manpower. I think for the Chinese, it is about the honour, not about the money. It was a grand display, even though I watched about five minutes of it. As a second/first world country, it does not have all the money that the US does, but it doesn't need to. It has the potential, and the thinking power. It stems down to the Chinese work ethic, and just... culutural values in general.


That's why when you look at a typical school, or even uni, you can see (sorry if I stereotype or get racist: I don't mean it) the home kids clubbing/partying and acting like it's cool to be dumb, even though it's not.. and the foreign kids who have parents who don't speak English as their first language are working away in the background (unless they've had a hard upbringing, in which case, they tend to rebel).


But I am so very embarrassed for my country, the next host of the Olympics in 2012. We are not going to put on as good a show as China, and EVERYONE is going to compare it to China. I know they will. As I, as a British citizen, will be embarrassed for my country. We have no culture, we have nothing recent to celebrate. A lot of people here are from overseas, or second generation overseas. So we can celebrate our multicultural-ness. Woo. I've signed up as a volunteer, in the hopes that I can in some small way make our Olympics better. What did we send to the closing ceremony of the Olympics... David Beckham and Leona Lewis????? How do they in any way represent us? Football and X Factor mad? Is that the kind of message the Olympics Committee wants to send out?


The first African American president was elected in 2008; that's something this year will be remembered for. It's a great step, because I'm sure even now, a lot of Americans are racist. There was a poll of Americans, and many of them believed Obama was Muslim, and not Christian. But Obama has a way of instilling confidence in people, and he makes us believe that the damage done by George Bush can be solved. And after what we've seen the past 8 years, I'm sure the change is very welcome, and secretly, maybe George Bush is glad that he's relinquishing the reins.


But Obama has got a tough time ahead of him: right now, he seems very popular, as everyone is comparing him to George Bush, but time will tell if Obama delivers on his promises. He will not be this popular for always: no one can have 100% popularity. One of his policies, according to his youtube channel, if I get round to watching them, seems to be "throwing cash at the problem", even though he insists this is not what he is going to do. I may actually watch them... change.gov indeed.


The inauguration of what seems like a very capable president represents how far we have come: how the majority of Americans can get past their racism, and their belief that they are superior. Obama will no doubt be a major player in foreign politics in times to come, but he is not the only major player. And I think a lot of Americans forget this.


And so.. I forget what other important news has affected me this year, so I turn to the media... I know a lot of people have a love/hate relationship with gossip and celebrities... who are in the public eye, so their actions can be commented on. Heath Ledger sadly passed away in January 2008, due to what is thought to be an accidential overdose. He leaves a daughter, who inherits a lot, and hopefully will not grow up to be a rebel child. I have long spoken of my theory, that playing the Joker was what made him have dark thoughts. He stayed in a hotel room, writing a diary of the Joker, and perfecting the voice. And his efforts made a very good villain, but I'm not sure the cost was worth it. The events surrounding his untimely suicide are still not well known, and I'm sure it will remain a mystery. He played his part well, and he had other notable roles, such as in A Knight's Tale and Brokeback Mountain.


Britney Spears, made her comeback this year. I always KNEW she would make a comeback. She went a bit crazy, had to be hospitalised and lost a custody battle. But the person she must have been rebelling against was herself. There is only so much one can go off the rails. She won awards and the like, and somehow her new album just appeared. But it begs the question: how did she live a crazy lifestyle and still produce Blackout? Is there some misrepresentation?


But to me, 2008 was a very good year. I've stayed in a relationship for the whole of it, and learnt that compromise is not to be underrated. There have been some major friendship politics, principally revolving around the relentless holding onto a friendship, that may or may not be worth the trouble. I can't think of anything else to say except to conclude. The holidays have been good: had fun at home. The gas and electricity went off because of a gas explosion near where I live, and 18,000 people were without gas, but it's mostly back on now. So that took up two days. Then there was Christmas Eve and Day, and Boxing Day. I'm ill now, so can't see friends as I thought I would, because I need to recover, and also gain weight.


~~ So if I don't write before, have a happy New Year: I hope it brings you love and joy, and your heart's desires xx

sleek black and maxi prints

[tFS]

Hana at the Return to Glamour Launch.

(I love black, Hana certainly proclaimed it loud and clear as evident in her outfits (I'd roughly estimate 92% of the times). But I also love maxi dresses, I've found myself trying lots on lately but haven't seemed to find the perfect one! They say you have to be tall to pull off this floor sweeping look. I'm 174cm but I still struggle to make sure my dress hasn't become a voluntary ground sweeper as soon as I leave my front door...

Hi lovelies!

Merry Christmas! Hope everyone had an awesome Christmas and Whoo with New Year around the corner. This is just getting too exciting!!

Sorry for the lack of updates/laziness recently, I haven't had a chance to reply to the comments and check out all your lovely sites like I normally would. Besides been preoccupied with catching up with friends, seeing the boyfriend, and working - I've found myself stripped from any spare time whatsoever. Oh how I missed posting and reading all the beautiful blogs!

In the short amount of time that I have on my hands right now, I have to go to bed since I have to wake up at 8am tomorrow morning. Sucks to be me right now hey? I'm so sleep deprived, I had work today and could barely stay awake!

Oh and of course the Boxing Day sales..who can forget those! Sadly I was working but I managed to have a quick browse before work and bought...

- 2 sass and bide dresses
- some pleasure state and elle macpherson lingerie
- a something top

Hmm.. something else but i can't quite remember right now. But I might pop in tomorrow and buy some Ksubi or Superfine jeans I've been eyeing for the past week.

Oh and I just purchased a massive TV today too, maybe I'm cursed but technology always seems to fail around me - my TV right now after only 3 years has changed to a wierd, off - yellow/orange tone. I rant so much!

Update ASAP ;)
Xx

lolita.

[tFS]

Gorgeous much?

all things cavalli and erin

[tFS]

Erin + fellow models at the Roberto Cavalli for H & M launch.

do you remember when...

[tFS]

As cliche as this sounds, but this pic almost seems to have a surreal quality - captivating my senses into realms of the familiar. An experiences that brings back old memories that makes me sit here and smile. Oh how I used to be such a naughty little kid, in my own little world with no boundaries believing everything is tangible, while I of course had to be invincible.

Oh good times.

feline lines

Source: Harpers Bazaar UK Jan 09

So dreamy, so artsy, too good to be true.

It's that time again

Russh Jan/Feb 09 Issue. Oh I can't hide my excitement. I'm so lame, I know - but I have a mag obsession where prior/on the day of release I remain in a positively fanatic state where I can't hide my enjoyment and the only thing on my mind is the wonders of crawling back into my bed with a few issues of my fave magazines piled up.

The smell of the newbies, almost as good as a pair of Bally heels. Which I have been eyeing for the past week now. Due to my failure to get my hands on the round toed, M by MJ patent pumps in nude or black. I came across these Bally ones the other day and my heart skipped. It was exactly what I'm looking for. I cringe at the thought that almost all of my pay would go to the creation if I were to take them home with me.

So has everyone finished Christmas shopping? I don't understand why the shopping centres are open til 12 Midnight lately, how absurd is it to think we would go shopping then, I guess besides the few benefits of parking and shorter queue ups, it's understandable.

I'm going on a road trip (precisely camping) next week, for 3 days only. I went last year to the same place and came back all bronzed and healthy. I haven't been getting enough of the beach, perhaps due to my bikini splurging obsession right now (I just bought a few more, A black Mambo one 2 days ago... It's cheap but I love their designs - the frilly ones and the printed ones are too cute to resist - but as luck would have it they didn't have a 6 or an 8. So I ended up with a plain black one with gold trimmings/drawstrings).

Got to go, new day awaits - I'm going to finish off the easiest part of my X'mas shopping - buying chocolates. Yum.

Oh the weather is pretty descent today as well, beach, beach, beach. But no, that can wait.

Enough of my rants. Hope you're all having a wonderful week.

Xx

with my sleeves rolled up...

Source: tFS

Donaldson with artist Tom Sachs @ V Mag Launch Event, Dec 8, 2008

burberry, kaleidoscopic

Source: Same source as previous post.

How amazing does Huntington look? Her look has effortlessly transcended into the spotlight. Wearing almost head to toe in Burberry 09 creations, sharpened with a black satin tux jacket, this girl sure knows style. With a killer body and accessorised to perfection - the python clutch looks ready to kill. I would wear everything here. Sense a hint of jealousy much?

spirited away

Source: Hapers Bazaar UK Jan 09

Bellows in the wind.
Sheer wonders.
Melt your heart out.

affordable tailoring

The new H & M issue.

Yep, you probably guessed it - no H & M in Australia. As wierd as it sounds, I sometimes find myself mindlessly staring at prev H & M campaigns while pondering what the actual attires are like...the fabric, the texture, the cut, the feel, the make...the entire lot. Due to the absence of owning a single piece of H & M clothing - I wonder if it is really that affordable and well-made. I think I like Zara better though, in comparison only.

clear oceans

I'm not so sure if everyone is familiar with Seafolly but for those familiar with it, what do we think of the bathers? I think the campaign has gained wide recognition featuring Catherine McNeil but the actual swimwear itself is pretty normal for my liking. Am I being too critical?

this christmas...

1st Dress: Zimmermann Zimbo Print dress. It's a must buy - I'm nuts over the print.

2nd Dress: Far from Winter now, but this Stella McCartney wool jersey belted dress is a beauty.

1st Top: I'm pretty into Stella, I've just realised. This silk jersey top/dress fits perfectly in my mood for matted neutrals right now.

2nd Jacket: Ahh, it's Mike and Chris. Overrated much? But I want this leather badly nevertheless.

1st Skirt: Fendi Honey Comb knitted skirt. Edgy but a perfect interesting mix of Winter attire.

2nd Dress: herve Leger bandage sequin mini dress. I would keep this forever sparkling.

1st Pic: I love these cutesies they are from Stella M again...a pack of 7 day underwear.

2nd Dress: Perfect for the beach too, this versatile dress is from Maje - the Elyna silk dress

1st Bangle: Marc By Marc Jacobs Hinge bangle. It's so cute and won't break the budget. Clean, simple but effective.

2nd Cuff: A splurge, but to die for! Chanel Lace cuff in gold.

1st Necklace: I've wanted this for a LONG time. Karen Walker bow pendant necklace. I have a bow obsession too.

2nd Ring: Again I probably wanted this in the beginning of 2008, Swarovski ring.


1st Lingerie: Anything Elle Macpherson boudoir would be marvellous.

2nd Lingerie: I love La Perla Lingerie. Their Indomitable range is purely devine.



1st Top: Sass and Bide Ladies of the Canyon. The top is so cute! $140

2nd Dress: I'm quite a big Sass and Bide fan, inner beauty tunic dress $299


1st Dress: Sass and Bide, Her Own Way Embroidered dress $350

2nd Dress: Friedrich Gray front pleated black mini. I love basic lines.

1st Leggings: Sass and Bide Rats of course. $170

2nd Jeans: Cheap Monday Jeans.

1st Sunnies: I need a new pair. Anything AM eyewear, D & G...garh just any... Les Specs would be fine too!

2nd Bag: Longchamp Les Pliages. I know so many people have them now, but I need it for Uni - it's the perfect size/carry-all.

Ahh my wishlist! There's many more but pictorially-wise this is an edited version of what it should look like. Oh if only!

What are everyones plans for Christmas/New Years?

I still haven't fully decided what to do this NYE. Pretty last minute aye?

Xx

Ps: Pics courtesy of Mycatwalk/net-a-porter

extremity of cuteness

[tFS]

Sarah Stephens, she's totally adorable.

loubs and short dresses

[tFS]

I'm so into a matted palettes right now. The neutral dress is just so basic, so good, and sashayed with a black ribbon. Defined with Louboutins.

abundant luxury

[tFS]

French Vogue. Model: Natalia Chebanenko

Blatantly, that diamond cuff she's wearing is to die for. I must admit have a cuffs obsession right now.