Accessory Trends : Rigid bags

A mix of elegance, professionalism and restraint

 

Ellie Saab

Bottega Veneta

DSquared2

 Emporio Armani

Etro

 Ferragamo

 Enrico Coveri

Miu Miu

Tory Burch

[Source : Vogue Italia]

80's Cookbook

One thing you should know about this cornflakes pancakes from Emily of Fuss Free Cooking is despite these are called pancakes, the recipe doesn’t contain any baking powder and bicarb. Therefore don’t expect these to be fluffy like your usual pancakes. The batter (you’ll see it in the photo below) is a crepe-like batter. Therefore, these will turn out like thicker-versions of savory crepes which will go FANTASTICALLY AWESOME with bacon/beef bits, smoked salmon or in this case with sunny side up eggs.

Cheesy Cornflakes Pancakes 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes (less if you make bigger pancakes)

Serves 3-4 people

Ingredients

1 cup corn flakes
1.25 cups milk
2 eggs
2/3 cup plain flour
1/2 tsp salt
oil to grease pan
1.25 cup shredded cheese
1 spring onion, thinly sliced
 

Method  

1. Add corn flakes, flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Use hand to crush corn flakes while combining with the flour.
2. Add eggs into milk and lightly beat to combine. Make a well in the middle of flour mixture and pour in the egg-milk mixture.
3. Use a fork to gently stir to make a smooth batter.

4. Heat a little oil in a frying pan over low heat.  Use a soup spoon to spread a spoonful of batter onto the pan when the oil is hot.  Try to spread the batter as thin as possible.
5. Sprinkle some spring onion and cheese on the face side up of the batter (like photo below).

6. Cook and turn pancake to brown both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter. 
7. Best served hot with relishes and toppings.

[Source : Fuss Free Cooking]

Nine precious tips

Don’t give up, just slow down a little. You have to stick with it to get back in shape!

No-one can resist the temptation to make New Year’s resolutions, not even the most cynical or nonconforming.

Not that this is a bad thing! But most of the time, our resolutions are too ambitious, and we soon give them up, ending up even less motivated than we were last year.

Especially when the resolutions regard weight.

And so a number of fitness experts, including Mandy Ingber, Jennifer Aniston’s yoga teacher, have come up with some good advice to help and encourage you when you're ready to give up.


1. WRITE IT ALL DOWN
A bit like Bridget Jones. Write a diary of your resolutions, intentions and conquests. And, of course, your weak moments. It will help you visualise your commitment and consider your new lifestyle a normal, everyday thing rather than an exception to the rule.


2. PURE WATER 
In the detox phase, drink two or three litres of water every day to eliminate all the toxins in your body. Especially ionised alkaline water, which purifies the body of acids and reinforces your immune system. A glass of warm water with lemon juice or sage tea in the morning will add an extra boost to any diet.


3. VEGETABLES
There are vegetables that should be added to every meal for their purifying, curative properties. These include squash, carrots, cabbage, asparagus, beetroot, celery and potatoes. Make them more flavourful (and healthier) with ginger and garlic.


4. MEALTIMES
Never have breakfast before nine o’clock in the morning. Don’t eat carbohydrates after five in the afternoon. Eating late will block up your digestive system, and your body needs time to digest complex foods. You may end up feeling weighted down until the next day.


5. DON’T GIVE UP
Fitness is a long-term thing. Many people are tempted to give it up. But it’s better to exercise less, go to the gym one less time a week or change the type of exercise you do. Your motivation is also a muscle that needs to be strengthened.


6. MASSAGES
Reward yourself with a good massage once in a while: a moment of relaxation which will also serve to release deposits of toxins in the tissues and drain the blood, improving your circulation.


7. TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME
Fitting into that skirt at the back of the wardrobe, losing half a kilo every week, looking a little bit better every day: little goals will help motivate you. And overcome your laziness.


8. GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
 Sleep is one of the best beauty creams there is. It smoothes the skin and gets the circulation and the nervous system going. There’s nothing better than a nap to pick yourself up.


9. BATH SALTS
In the evening, enjoy the luxury of a relaxing hot bath. But before you get into the tub, dissolve a handful of Dead Sea Salt in it. Give your body and mind a true break, and get rid of all the toxins accumulated during the day. One of the most effective, easiest remedies there is.


Photo by David LaChapelle, from Beauty IN Vogue, November 2004

Marika Surace

[Source : VOGUE Italia]

Men's : First look at Spring trends

With these twists on classic trends, we’re championing an added edge to some of fashion’s greatest traditions: the suit, the sleeve, the print, the pack, the cut.

Photography Kai z Feng      Styling Tom van Dorpe

 BACKPACK TO BASICS

Christian wears
Shirt and pants Comme des GarÇons Homme Plus
Backpack Y-3
Backpack below 3.1 Phillip Lim

Vlad wears
Shirt Comme Des GarÇons Homme Plus
Sweater Y-3
Pants Balenciaga by Nicolas GesquiÈre
Backpack G-Star
Backpack in hand Z Zegna

Reid wears
Shirt Z Zegna
Top Kris Van Assche
Pants Comme Des GarÇons
Backpack in hand Louis Vuitton

 RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS 

Reid wears
Shirt and pants Emporio Armani
Vest Balenciaga by Nicolas GesquiÈre
Belt Gucci

Vlad wears
Shirt Raf Simons
Vest and pants YSL Belt Tom Ford

 THE GREAT WIDE WAY

Reid wears
Jacket Marc Jacobs
Top Richard Chai
Scarf HermÈs
Pants Raf Simons

Christian wears
Jacket and pants Salvatore Ferragamo
Top Tom Ford
Scarf HermÈs

 SHORT AND SWEET

Christian and Vlad wear
Jacket and pants Calvin Klein Collection

 BLUE BROTHERS

Christian wears
Cape Rag & Bone
Shirt Diesel
Shorts G-Star
Hat Early Halloween

Reid wears
Shirt, tie, top, and shorts Prada
Hat Early Halloween

Vlad wears
Shirt Diesel
Tie HerMÈs
Jacket Gucci
Shorts Thom Browne
Hat Early Halloween

 CHECKED MATES 

Vlad wears
Jacket and pants Dries van Noten
Shirt Emporio Armani

Christian wears
Jacket, and pants Lanvin 
Shirt Z Zegna

Reid wears
Jacket and pants Versace
Shirt Marc Jacobs

 SPOT ON

Reid wears
Hat Y-3
Jacket Duckie Brown

Vlad wears
Hat Y-3
Shirt Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci

[Source : VMAN]

Bloggers share their Fashion Week prep secrets

We asked some of our favorite bloggers to let us in on their Fashion Week prep routines. Find out their must-haves, from the sublime (Valentino heels, Birkins) to the practical (Wet Wipes, cigarettes); their outfit inspirations, which range from "minimalist witch" to "yeshiva chic," and much more! 

By Véronique Hyland.

  photo credit: Scott Schuman

Garance Doré

Three essentials: My camera, a pair of ballerina flats rolled in my bag and several other essentials that all go in one of my other essentials: a good bag.

Go-to shoes: Wedges are fantastic for a long day. They are so comfortable but still very chic and feminine! My favorite are my Chloés.

Biggest fashion week faux pas: I don't believe in fashion faux pas, everybody should feel free to experiment, especially during fashion week. It's a celebration of creativity!

photo credit: Eddie Newton

Fashion Week partner in crime: Scott Schuman.

Most anticipated shows: This season, I am looking forward to being surprised.

Who are you looking forward to seeing? My friends from London. I live between New York and Paris but I don't go to London enough! Fortunately Fashion Week brings us all together and we are already planning lunches in Paris.


Post-Fashion Week plans: I put everything in place, go through the thousands of em-ails I've been unable to read during the whole month. Then once that's done and I feel I've gotten a hold of that, I make long phone calls to my family and friends. Then I'll go spend two days in the mountains....And hopefully there is a spa not too far. Oh, but my ritual with Scott is to end fashion week with a wonderful Thai Massage at the Espace France Asie in Paris.

Do you pre-plan your outfits for Fashion Week? I would love to and I've tried in the past, but it's just not me. I just take my favorite clothes and do my best.

Favorite spot for last-minute shopping excursions: Scott's closet.

photo credit: Derek Blasberg

Bryanboy

Three essentials: Camera, laptop, and a carton of cigarettes.

Go-to shoes: Lanvin sneakers.

Biggest fashion week faux pas? My existence is one big faux pas. I can't name one!

photo credit: Dan Lecca

Looking forward to: Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Preen, and Altuzarra.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing? The usual suspects of well-dressed editors who treat the streets as their personal runways.

Describe your inspiration for your Fashion Week look in five words or less: Eccentric, eclectic, fun, and frivolous.

Do you pre-plan your outfits? Nope. There's no time. I travel so much that I'm limited to recycling whatever I have in my suitcase. I go to Fashion Week to see the new collections and not to be admired for wearing my (old) outfits.

photo credit: Getty Images

Fashion Week partner in crime: Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast.

Favorite spot for last-minute shopping excursions: Barneys!

How do you unwind after a long day of shows? A glass of white wine, cigarettes, and Skype video chat with my partner.

photo credit: Courtesy Image

Susie Bubble

Three Fashion Week essentials: Wet Wipes (you never know who's going to be spilling drinks all over you), an extra charged BlackBerry battery because somehow my phone depletes in energy faster during Fashion Week, and lots of pens for taking notes (I have a preference for Uni Ball black roller ball pens).

Go-to shoes: Definitely my TUK creepers — they're a little odd looking but they are comfortable and give you a bit of height. 

Fashion Week partner in crime: Phil Oh of Street Peeper — he's a New Yorker, I'm not — therefore he's my aid when I'm in need of restaurant recommendations after shows.

photo credit: Sean Cunningham

Looking forward to: Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Marc Jacobs as always. I'm interested in Rodarte's development too as last season was such a turning point. Suno, Mandy Coon, and Jeremy Laing are the newer names that I'm excited about.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing? I'm just looking forward to seeing friends again — people like Tommy Ton from Jak and Jil and Maya from Turned Out and designers like Michael Angel and Tim Hamilton. 

Describe your inspiration for your Fashion Week look in five words or less. Mix-up, juvenile, colors, prints, messy.

How do you unwind after a long day of shows? I'm addicted to the Food Channel when I'm back in my hotel room. Or if I'm up to it, a drink downstairs at the Soho Grand where I normally stay.

Do you pre-plan your outfits for Fashion Week? I do for New York only because I have to pack to come over so it's easier that way — but I always seem to pick up things when I'm in the city so my outfits end up veering off course anyway.

Biggest fashion week faux pas: Running late for the Y-3 show, huffing and puffing as I entered and nearly knocking over the seating section sign...could have knocked out Vanessa Friedman from the Financial Times!

photo credit: Courtesy Image

Leandra Medine, The Man Repeller

Three Fashion Week essentials you can't live without: My MacBook, a velvet bowtie, the NYC transportation system...though it is more unstable than a newly heartbroken woman.

Go-to shoes: My Proenza Schouler FW 2010 wedge booties. They are torture to my ankles but too badass not to wear. Every day.

Fashion Week partner in crime: Rachel Strugatz, the online editor at WWD.

photo credit: Dan Lecca; Courtesy Image

Looking forward to: Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone and the Rachel Antonoff, Timo Weiland, Pamela Love and Dannijo presentations.

Describe your inspiration for your Fashion Week look in five words or less: Yeshiva chic travels to Mongolia.

Do you pre-plan your outfits for Fashion Week? No (yes).

Favorite spot for last-minute shopping excursions: Barneys.

Biggest fashion week faux pas: A little black Kimberly Ovitz dress x Veda leather jacket. While they're amazing pieces separately, Fashion Week is the Olympics of man-repelling and therefore the perfect excuse to turban out, drop that crotch, and elevate them shoulder pads.

How do you unwind after a long day of shows? Oh you know, same as anyone...listening to the Gipsy Kings while drinking a teacup full o' whiskey.


For more of your favourite bloggers check out Harper's BAZAAR.

Fashion Trends : Wedding Guest Dressing Guide

Got a wedding to go to this year? Whether it’s a traditional country do or a more formal evening bash, we’ve got a wedding guest dress for every occasion. Plus InStyle’s Fashion Editor Natalie Hartley shares her top styling tips.

City Wedding Guest

Throw on the pillbox hat, palazzo pants and towering shoes for the ultimate in city wedding chic. Go for sleeker silhouettes, cinched-in waists, and plenty of sparkling accessories.

Colour palette: The city is the place to get away with wearing black. Monochrome works well for cocktail occasions, while you can’t go wrong with colour-blocking. Strong, striking colours will carry you from day-to-night in style.

Wedding Guest Dresses: Body-con dresses, galaxy dresses, sleek separates, palazzo pant-suits, and skirt suits.

Go for heels as it’s unlikely you’ll have far to walk.

Celebrity Wedding Guest: Kate Middleton

InStyle’s Fashion Editor Natalie Hartley says:
“People tend to wear black a lot for city weddings, so if you’d like to stick to this then step outside the box a little and try it in a glamorous jumpsuit. You'll be surprised as it actually flatters all heights and sizes dependent on the cut.

“Wide leg trousers give the appearance of a long skirt, so it still feels feminine, and if you feel confident enough, throw on a strong coloured heel as brights are a big trend for this season.”

Country Wedding Guest

Whether an afternoon on the lawn or an evening occasion, the key to dressing for a country wedding is to be a little more laidback with your style. Silhouettes can be softer, waists can be loose, and layering is a great way to build up an outfit to take you from day-to-night.

Colour palette: Light and bright. Go for pretty prints, feminine shades and plenty of accessories.

Wedding Guest Dresses: Floral tea dresses, detailed shifts, floaty chiffon gowns, maxi dresses.

Avoid wearing heels during the day - you wouldn’t want to get those Louboutins stuck in the grass!

Celebrity Wedding Guest: Sienna Miller

InStyle’s Fashion Editor Natalie Hartley says:  “Even though you are in the country you can still dress up, but maybe a cooler way to do it is to go for a maxi dress but wear with flats for a more laidback approach to the outfit. Try stacking up bangles and play with accessories, even going for the 70s wide brim hat as an alternative headpiece”.

Beach Wedding Guest

Not always the most common of wedding venues, but perhaps the easiest to dress for - the maxi dress was made for a beachfront wedding. Go for loose fitting, flowing fabrics, with plenty of bright prints and laidback vibes. Add accessories for extra detailing and give form to floaty fabrics with statement belt.

For far-flung destinations, skip the shoe splurge and slip into the trusted gladiator sandals. Floral wedges are a big trend this season so style up your look for the evening with a pair.
Colour palette: Go for plenty of fun, lively patterns, brights and even a touch of fluro.
Wedding Guest Dresses: Maxis, floaty chiffon gowns, pretty sundresses, detailed kaftans, Grecian style gowns.

Celebrity Wedding Guest: Olivia Palermo

InStyle’s Fashion Editor Natalie Hartley says:
“The orient is a big trend for the summer and is a great inspiration to use for a beach wedding.  Kimono style sleeves are great cover-ups on the arms and use a kimono as a cardi-coat over a dress or belt it and wear as a dress. Alternatively find a dress with an oriental print.

“The simplest update is to find an obi belt and use over a plain, simple dress to add detail and also gives shape to something boring!”

Informal Wedding Guest

If the bride has chosen to say, “I do” in an intimate, laidback ceremony don’t worry so much about traditional wedding-wear such as fascinators or florals. Instead go for something that’s a little more neutral and a little more you! Trousers make a great alternative to frocks, while accessories can transform a dress you already have.

Wedding Guest Dresses: Mix and match separates, try this season’s palazzo pants or other wide-leg trews, throw on a blazer over your outfit to give it a laidback edge, go for sandals or flats for a dressed-down look.

Celebrity Wedding Guest: Cate Blanchett

InStyle’s Fashion Editor Natalie Hartley says:
“No frills rules are not as strict for weddings and even trousers have become acceptable to wear - but smarten them up and go for a full trousers suit look.  Stick to luxury fabrics if you’re doing this to smarten the look, and wide leg trousers always seem more glamorous and sometimes are the most flattering shape.

“Stick to neutrals for day and navy or black for night and make sure the trousers touch the floor with shoes, as it will make you look taller!”

[Source : InStyle.co.uk]

Blog Shop : Dr. Pizzicato

Dr. Pizzicato

Are you guilty of last minute Chinese New Year shopping and hoping to avoid the large shopping mall crowds and city traffic? 

Don't fret because Dr. Pizzicato has got just the cure :)

With prices slashed to their lowest and stylish pieces to match, their pre Chinese New Year sale should help you cut back on your spending this festive season.

Velours Mag's Picks

Blair's Charm bandage mini dress at RM38 (from RM50!)

Tan Brown Suede Booties at RM49 (from RM63!)

Ancient Motif skirt at RM30 (from RM45!)

Urban Denim shirt-dress at RM39 (from RM49!)

That's not all because Dr. Pizzicato is currently taking restocking orders for this best-selling item of theirs!

Sky High high waisted skirt at RM39 only!

Perfect for any outing and even the office, this is definitely a must-have for all you girls.

And with a price tag that's definitely not going to leave a burn hole in your pocket, not getting one should be deemed a sin :)

And bag these lovelies as well while you're at it.

9 to 5 briefcase/work bag at RM55 (exclusively imported - last 2 pieces available in black and grey!)

Classic Doctor's Satchel at RM62 (exclusively imported - last piece in mocha brown!)

Got more time on your hands, drop by their preloved site for a looksee.

Pizzicato Closet

As they all say, one man's junk is another man's treasure!

Blog Shop : Clothes For Fun

Clothes For Fun

Browsing through Clothes For Fun, I couldn't help but feel like a little girl in a candy store. True to it's name, Clothes For Fun certainly brings the word FUN back into shopping.

From the ever trendy jersey dresses to one of my personal favourites, high waisted skirts, they're nothing short of variety. With affordable prices to boot, Clothes For Fun is definitely a must visit for all you fashionistas who'd love a bargain or two.

Velours Mag's Picks

Scallop black high waisted skirt at RM50 (restockable in peach)

Uzi top at RM40 (available in blue, white and grey)

Garage Black aviator leather jacket at RM55

Binche off white lace printed tank dress at RM35

Opulence military front denim dress at RM46 (available in black, dark blue and light blue)

Purple basic stripe tank dress at RM35 (also available in cream, pink and black)

Dreamcatcher black crochet vest at RM38 (sold out!)


Just a few among my 101 favourite pieces :)

And if these aren't enough to get you all excited, they also have another site for gorgeous imported shoes which range from flats to killer heels.

Shoes For Fun
 

Frontera gold studded platform heels at RM160 (available in white, blue, purple and black)

Bole studded clogs at RM160 (available in white, black and brown)

Snake flats at RM75 (available in off white, red and black)

Want more? Check out their site now!