Crack That Sense

M-IFW is back!!!

2009-10-24T13:56:00.002+08:00

click for larger view

Yay! THE fashion shows and fashion awards that Lily and me been waiting for. The most prestigious event in Malaysia is on from 4th -8th November! I hope we can get our hands on those visitors seats. Fingers cross! Come back for more info from us at the event (if we are lucky to be there and be in it).

Coco Chanel 2008

2009-10-10T12:39:00.002+08:00

Coco Chanel

Synopsis:
COCO CHANEL begins with the fashion icon (deftly played by Shirley MacLaine) in her twilight years, steeped in wealth and fame, still issuing game-changing designs and collections. From here the biopic looks backwards to the woman's upbringing ... an orphanage, and traces her path to ubiquity as it winds through poverty, wars, doomed romances, and rather glamorous betrayals.
"Coco Chanel" is the rags-to-riches tale charting the rise of one of the most influential fashion icons of the 20th century. From her humble childhood in a French orphanage, through her early days as a young dressmaker's assistant, to her passionate and tragic love with a dashing Englishman, and ultimately to her success as a pioneering icon, "Coco Chanel" is the story of a glamorous woman who was hard to love and harder to ignore. This epic true story stars Shirley MacLaine, Malcolm McDowell and Barbora Bobulova.

Premiered: September 13, 2008

Coco Chanel Cast
Shirley MacLaine: Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel
Barbora Bobulova: Young Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel
Malcolm McDowell: Marc Bouchier
Olivier Sitruk: Boy Capel
Sagamore Stévenin: Etienne Balsan
Valentina Lodovini: Adrienne
Maggie Steed: Adrienne (1954)
Mary Petruolo: Manon
Marine Delterme: Emilenne D'Alencon
Daniele Savoca: De Nexon

Coco Chanel Credits
Carrie Stein: Executive Producer
Christian Duguay: Director
Matilde Bernabei: Executive Producer
Simon Vaughan: Executive Producer
Andrea Guerra: Composer
Enrico Medioli: Screenwriter

Genre: History | Romance

Tagline: She conquered with style.

Awards: more on www.idb.com and search for Coco Chanel

Shirley MacLaine as Coco Chanel

picture from the movie

Coco Chanel

2009-10-10T12:29:00.002+08:00

Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel was a pioneering French fashion designer whose modernist philosophy, menswear-inspired fashions, and pursuit of expensive simplicity made her an important figure in 20th-century fashion. She was the founder of the famous fashion brand Chanel. Her extraordinary influence on haute couture was such that she was the only person in the field to be named on TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

Whenever I heard her name, I can still remember that I've spend my high school year (well technically not all the high school years but there were certain times when I was in higher secondary), writing essays about her. Be it my idol or the person I look up to or when I grow up I want to be, I would definitely choose Coco Chanel. Thanks to my school library having an autobiography about her, I manage to spend all my free time just by reading and memorizing her story and how she can be so successful to have her own label and her empire.

Therefore, whenever I wrote essay about her in my examination, I scored A+. I couldn't ask for more and be so happy because my essay about the woman I idolize and adore and even worship scored me well! It's her compassion and determination that make me feel she is the best example that I can follow through to achieve whatever I strive for. However, this post is not all about my A+ essay about her but the lady herself that had been struggle for quite long to finally have her own high end fashion label.

On her ever successful Chanel empire, Coco Chanel once told Harper's Bazaar in 1923 that 'simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance'. Coco Chanel always kept the clothing she designed simple, comfortable, and revealing. Unlike most designers in Europe, she kept the woman inside the clothes at the center of her creations. "I gave women a sense of freedom; I gave them back their bodies: bodies that were drenched in sweat, due to fashion's finery, lace, corsets, underclothes, padding." She took what were considered poor fabrics like jersey and upgraded them. Chanel's style is popularly associated with the image of the 1920s flapper, a "new breed" of self-confident young women that challenged the established concept of socially acceptable behavior.

Chanel came out with her first signature fragrance, Chanel No. 5, in 1921. The perfume was the first to have a designer's name attached to it, and it has enjoyed tremendous success since its introduction. In this way, Chanel set the standard for successive designers to do the same.

On her death, Coco Chanel died of a heart attack in her private suite at the Hôtel Ritz Paris on 10 January 1971, at the age of 87. She was buried in Lausanne, Switzerland and her tombstone is carved with lion heads representing her birth sign, Leo.

Let's take a look at all of the artwork that artistes created to honor her as the superwoman of the 20th century.

Film depictions

Chanel Solitaire (1981), directed by George Kaczender and starring Marie-France Pisier, Timothy Dalton and Rutger Hauer.
The American television movie Coco Chanel debuted on 13 September 2008 on Lifetime Television, starring Shirley MacLaine as a 70-year-old Chanel. Directed by Christian Duguay, the film also starred Barbora Bobulova as the young Chanel, Olivier Sitruk as Boy Capel, and Malcolm McDowell.
There is also a film starring Audrey Tautou as the young Coco, titled Coco avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel), which was released on 22 April 2009. Filming on the project began 15 September 2008.
Another film concerns the affair between Chanel and the composer Igor Stravinsky. Chosen to close the Cannes Film Festival of 2009, Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky is directed by Jan Kounen and stars Anna Mouglalis and Mads Mikkelsen. The film is based on the 2002 novel Coco & Igor by Chris Greenhalgh.
Two more projects are said to be in the works: one directed by Daniele Thompson; and one to star Demi Moore.

Broadway production Coco

Chanel was portrayed by Katharine Hepburn on Broadway in the 1969 musical Coco, with music by André Previn, lyrics and book by Alan Jay Lerner, musical direction by Robert Emmett Dolan, orchestration by Hershy Kay, and dance arrangements by Harold Wheeler.
After 40 previews, the production opened on 18 December 1969 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it ran for 329 performances. Hepburn was nominated for a Tony Award.

Literary depictions

Coco & Igor is a novel, written by Chris Greenhalgh, which depicts the affair between Chanel and Igor Stravinsky and the creative achievements that this affair inspired. The novel was first published in 2003.
In 2008 a children book entitled Different like Coco was published it depicted the humble childhood of Coco Chanel and chronicled how she made drastic changes to the fashion industry.

Depiction in song

British singer Ana Silvera has written a song inspired by the life of Coco Chanel called 'Notes from an Opera'.

Now after all the research that I've done, I am sure that I will want to get my hands on all those that involved the lady, Coco Chanel. But do check out the latest 2008 movie about her entitled Coco Chanel. It is a television movie so it is not available in local cinemas but they do have DVD in DVD store.

* More details on the movie is at the next post.

Charles & Keith

2009-09-29T14:36:00.004+08:00

LOVE it?

classic yet chic

It was last month when my I was walking with my bf at The Gardens, MidValley. We were on the way up from the lower floor by escalator when I caught on something fabulous. An advertisement. Not just any ordinary ad but a fashionable and stunning ad promoting its fashion store. At first look, I thought to myself that ‘oh, it’s just another high end fashion brand like Versace or Gucci’. But I wanted to make it clear that I’m not wrong. Yes. Though I’m dating, I’m still pretty much will observe the fashion around me. Fashion is always my first priority. And so back to the topic, I took a look closer to the ad and surprised that the ad it’s not what I thought it was.

It was written on top of the stunning model, Charles & Keith. I was like ‘Whoa’ and ‘Wow’. For instance, I fell in love with the brand. They’ve got the looks that I love and were very high end product. Are they high end fashion brand? Well, for me, they can compete with those big names in the industry. Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Versace, you name it. I’m very impress.

This is why I want to post out one of my favorite brand (from now on). In fact, I’ve done some research on Charles & Keith. Though they do not even know who on earth are we the Crack That Sense chicks and do not pay us to post an article or story about their line but still we are very proud and happy to do so. After all our fashion blog is to share our love and passion in fashion industry. So no points harm to post and let the whole world to know that we love Charles & Keith!

As I know from my updates, the brand or line is from Singapore which is neighbor to Malaysia and fantastic piece of work by the Wong brothers, Charles & Keith. Founders of the international shoe and accessories label Charles & Keith, the brothers would be the first to confess that their eponymous label had humble beginnings. The label started out in a modest 46.5sqm shop in Amara Shopping Center, Singapore, and 12 years ago with only five staff members. Thanks to sheer dedication, farsightedness and a profound belief in their product, the company now has 1,280 staff members in 130 stores in 20 countries spanning South-East Asia, Australia, Asia and the Middle East, as well as manufacturing plants in Malaysia and China.

“I always wanted to do well in business to make up for my lack of academic performance,” said Charles, 34 “We established Charles & Keith, not because we wanted to be seen as entrepreneurs but because we hoped to develop ranges of products that were unique to the consumers."

“We realized that shoes from foreign wholesalers were expensive and unsuitable for smaller Asian feet. It was the perfect opportunity to introduce our own line of contemporary footwear through Charles & Keith.”

The brothers believe in hard work, teamwork and constant improvement, as well as investing in training, research and development. At Charles & Keith, “our people are our greatest asset”, and going the extra mile where customer service is concerned is a big deal.

Today, Charles & Keith annually churns out 750 designs for women’s footwear, and 300 designs for women’s handbags and accessories, with customized designs for each regional market, thanks to an able R&D team of 70 people, and a production capacity of over five million units.

The brand is targeting a growth of 500 stores and an increase of over 200 new staff members by 2012. By 2009, they hope to conquer the market in more than 10 countries, including Romania, Switzerland, Israel, South Korea, South Africa and Mexico. Incidentally, the brothers launched their range of men’s shoes, Pedro, in 2005. Charles & Keith opened its first store at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in 2008. This is their second store in the country. Their first opened in Sabah in 2005.

On the brand’s success in Malaysia, Charles and Keith are optimistic. “There is still a lot of potential for growth and, so far, the results have been rewarding,” he quips.

*Charles & Keith is located at Level 4, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. For details, call 03-21425511

shoes and bags are their area of expertise

wide range of accessories available

from CTS

2009-09-07T21:23:00.003+08:00

It's September now! Time passed by so fast. In a couple of months, our blog is going to be launched officially. That is the moment that I will wait for..patiently. I am thrilled to even imagine how this fashion blog can survive until today and hopefully in future as well. This fashion blog means a lot to me and I really want to thank the admin who have been working hard to maintain and continuously giving their best contribution in this blog. I love you guys!

Anyway, there is an idea that popped up in my mind a couple of weeks ago that somehow made me feels that it's beneficial as to the main purpose of this blog. I think it will give such a good opportunity to the younger ones that are interested in fashion to show their skills in writing for this blog and sharing their fashion sense as well.

Miss Vain Boss is trying to find new young people to contribute partly in this blog. Most probably, they will be labelled as junior fashion writer. But for now the admin is trying their best to make things work. We encourage more feedbacks /comments and young people to try out polishing their writing skill in such interesting fashion sense that they wished to share with us.

That is a little bit of update from us.

Can’t get enough of denim?

2009-09-05T10:49:00.004+08:00

When it comes to jeans, everybody including me will have in mind that it is a timeless, classic yet everyday-chic kind of piece suitable for everyone. No matter you are skinny, plus size, middle age, young or simply different status, jeans is practically for everyone! Me myself own not more than 50 pair of jeans and I have to admit that I am still craving for more if each time the jeans market introduce more new and latest design or style.

But while a pair of jeans is literally for anyone, there are some jeans that suit your own style and body better, compared with others. Gap executive vice-president of design Patrick Robinson totally concurs with that. "Denim is so personal. When it comes to jeans, we're not of the one-size fits-or-flatters-all mindset. We dedicated ourselves to perfecting a variety of iconic shapes, one of which will appeal to each and every person. We recognize and respect the fact that everyone is an individual."

So, this fall, Gap offers the 1969 Premium Jeans Collection; the name is borrowed from Gap's debut year. Both the men's and women's fits were reworked at every level; from design to production, fabric to fastener – transformed into the premium version of their iconic jeans – all at RM259. To vary the choices, unique patterns were developed for each and every wash, in all silhouettes. Classic rinses come in a spectrum of hues, from darkest ink to light distressed finishes with flat brass rivets. For the women, blue oxford shirting lines the inside waistband giving it a nice tailored touch. The jeans manage the screaming all by themselves as the words "Gap 1969" in subtle silk screen as a discreet label is embroidered on for women and heat stamped for the men.

For the women, there are five updated fits: Always Skinny (my favorite!), Real Straight, Sexy Boot, Curvy and Long & Lean. Each fit comes with its own color palette and new washes are introduced.

Which kind suites you best?

Always Skinny - five-pocket jeans sits low on the waist and cuts slim through the hip for a slender and rear lifting look, available in saturated dark.

Real Straight - It is slim through the hip and thigh giving the appearance of longer, slender legs. Sitting low on the waist!

Sexy boot - is also a five-pocket low-waister and is straight through the hip and thigh with a boot-cut leg opening, which balances proportions and creates the long legs illusion.

Curvy - sits low on contoured waists and is curvy through the hip and thigh with a small boot-cut leg opening. It lifts the seat and gives a feminine sexy fit. Tones are medium and dark.

Long & Lean - mid-rise fitted at the hip and slightly relaxed through the thigh. With flared leg opening and a deep hem to create a long, lean silhouette, it comes in medium tints.

With some local celebrities to promote Gap in Malaysia, I am sure that those stylish jeans are definitely selling like hot cakes so do not wait for too long okay? Lily and I would absolutely check out at our favourite Gap store at The Gardens, Mid Valley. I am sure that you all would love us if we show some pictures of some local celebrities wearing their comfortable pair of jeans:

Azwin Andy in Authentic Jeans, long- sleeve two-pocket shirt in green, pocket T with logo in white and smooth roller square belt.

Jonathan Putra in Straight Jeans, short sleeve perfect V in white, long sleeve Heller plaid shirt, New Gar hoodie in grey.

Diana Danielle in Real Straight Jeans, logo hoodie and plaid scarf Gap 1969.

Stephanie Chai in Always Skinny Jeans, sculpted shell top in purple and skinny belt Gap 1969.

*Gap Born To Fit Road shows hits the road till Aug 31 in the Klang Valley. You can also go online for an interactive Facebook experience. For details, log on to
facebook.com/gapmalaysia

With that, Miss Vain Boss and I know that we are BORN TO: SPREAD THE LOVE OF FASHION!

Merdeka in style

2009-08-29T09:23:00.008+08:00

With our National Day around the corner (which is on 31st of August. Yay!) and in conjunction with that special day for our country, why not we all fashionista...fashion lover...fashion author or just simply a citizen in our own country, we celebrate Merdeka (freedom) in style?

Let's talk a look into what our local designers have to offer us. Why am I doing story on local scene? Why not? After all, we are proud to be Malaysian. And do not forget to support your local industries especially in fashion. They have grown quite a lot and they deserves to take a bow at the world stage in fashion.

Watch out, Paris and Milan! Our designers are ready to take the scene by storm. Hell yeah!

pictures courtesy of tongue chick

ALWYN CHUAH aka "THEATER LOVER"
-inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Alwyn creates pieces that are dreamy and edgy. With his "more silhouette" philosophy, Alwyn has charmed the local fashion scene.
CONTACT: +6012 3616 767 / alwyn1122@yahoo.com.hk

RIZMAN RUZAINI aka "THE DYNAMIC DUO"
-nicknamed the local Dolce & Gabbana, this duet adds as much flash to their creations as they do substance. Ruzaini is known for his undisputed technical abilities, while Rizman adds the dazzle and glam to the pieces.
CONTACT: +6127 4766 004 / rizman_ruzaini@yahoo.com

ALEXANDREA YEO aka "ANDROGYNY INSPIRED"
-leave it to the only girl to create designs with masculine appeal. Her designs fit her well as they both bold and demure, just like she is.
CONTACT: +6012 2882 522 / d_3rd_sex@yahoo.com

HAZWANI OSMAN aka "DRAPING MESSIAH"
-his talent with fabric married with his flair for men's wear has catapulted his creations in the spotlight of the local circuit, making him one of the most derived designers in town.
CONTACT: +6012 3682 673 / hazwanieosman@gmail.com

NIK ERWAN ROSELI aka "THE NEWBIE"
-he may be the freshest face here, but his colossal leap into the fashion industry is no 'new' idea. Ingenious and beautiful, his creation, like him, are something to look out for.
CONTACT: +6016 2500 935 / nikerwanroseli@yahoo.com

HATTA DOLMAT aka "EMBELLISHMENT PRINCE"
-over the top and elaborate, Hatta's embellishment and patterns make his pieces memorable.
CONTACT: +6017 3033 091 / hattadolmat@gmail.com

KHAIRI SUFI aka "THE MOD"
-simple yet chic, Khairi's signature is volume.
CONTACT: +6013 3755 892 / khairisufi@aim.com

ANIZAM YUSOF aka "THE ROCKSTAR"
-he prefers the basics to edgy melodramatic pieces. With a flair for designing both clothes and shoes, his choice of metal studs and shiny fabrics, make for more street chic than red carpet ready.
CONTACT: +6017 2029 418 / jhkancil@yahoo.com

ZERY ZAMRY aka "COUTURE"
-creating pieces exclusively for the who's-who of the scene, while simultaneously reflecting both client and designer's wishes isn't easy, but Zery makes it seem so. Inspired by Malay traditional costumes, he is bold and gallant with his designs.
CONTACT: +6017 6519 056 / zerry84@yahoo.com

WINSON TAN aka "THE ZEN MASTER"
-his creation are the perfect balance of Yin and Yang. Taking home the coveted title in the M-IFA competition 2 years ago is not only achievement-he is also cute! Don't ya think so?
CONTACT: +6012 4200 303 / winson.tke@gmail.com

*story above is inspired by Seventeen Malaysia magazine 2008.

Carven Ong Couture and Wedding Specialist

2009-08-29T09:07:00.003+08:00

Do you ever dream of being a princess or queen for a day? In your own favorite and comfortable and timeless wedding dress that you plan to get oohs and ahhs from people who attend your wedding? I’m sure every woman will include me. In this post, we are going to take a brief look into one of my favorite local renowned fashion designer who specializes in wedding dresses.

He believes, “Wedding day is the most beautiful day in one’s life” that’s the reason why Carven Ong Couture and Wedding Specialist has been establish in November 2004 to make every girl’s dream come true. Ranging from gorgeous wedding to evening and ballroom gown of high quality with the feminine touch, Carven's design is most sought after by brides who yearn to shine on their very own red carpet. Every bride-to-be will be spoiled when come to choose a gown.

Quoted “creativity knows no boundaries” where he creates sophisticated, elegant and yet contemporary classic design as a high benchmark for his creation. Who will understand what us bride-to-be (if you’re one, not me just yet) feels when it comes to finding a suitable wedding dress than this wedding guru? Carven Ong is too good to not to make a fashion story about him. Every detailing of what a bride will want or dream of will eventually come true when he just simply touches it. One more thing that makes me go ‘aww’ is… ”We want to change the perception by encouraging tailor-made rather than rent – this way, they can keep their once-in-a-lifetime outfit; something they can cherish and perhaps pass onto future generations”. Count me in, Carven!

One more thing that surprises me was the DIY or Mix & Match is offered to those bride-to-be whom she thinks would like to call the dress her own creation by adding on the accessories or mix & match the items off the rack and voila a new design is created for perfection. Explains Carven “There is uniqueness in every gown as it comes in classic clean lines with a fusion of traditional details for the modern brides to match their personalities and preserved individuality”. Extra point there!

Just one more thing, besides Carven’s exquisite gowns, the team and he provide one stop solution to the bride-to-be and her groom on their wedding day. Everything will be taken care off from A to Z with no hassle but just sweet memories. And guess what? Details such as hotel to floral arrangement, hair styling to make up and even Feng Shui master and Tai Kum service are included too! How fabulous is that? After all it is Carven Ong Couture and Wedding Specialist! Now I am sure to have my own piece of Carven someday…my ‘that special once in a lifetime day’.

For more info, log into www.carvenong.com.my or visit Carven Ong Couture and Wedding Specialist at:

Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur

Jalan Conlay

50450 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

The designer, Carven Ong and his model

Peek into his evening gowns. Wow. Lily and me will trade our iPods for that

Chic and modest

Clean cut

Drama drama

when fashion goes GREEN!

2009-08-20T21:08:00.004+08:00

Who say we can't promote our love to Earth through fashion? It's the easiest way to create awareness among the people because we just love fashion! Everywhere! I can see lots of people becoming more stylish nowadays. That's good because it shows that people are in the fashion sense. The Earth is changing, same goes for the fashion world as well. Thus, we should take the chance to show that we care for the Earth.

German fashion brand hessnatur and US eco-lifestyle TV network Planet Green are giving a chance for the go-green fashion lovers to participate in a design competition to boost the organic style factor. I think this is a great chance for the readers. The reason is because the winning design will be a part of hessnatur's collection and to be sold worldwide. The T-shirt's proceeds will go to the Grameen Foundation, an anti poverty organization founded by Nobel peace Prize winner Dr Muhammad Yunus. It will be an extra incentive to ethically minded designers who promotes eco fashion as to the purpose of this launching of green t-shirt design contest.

The brands are looking forward well-designed graphics to print on hessnatur's organic cotton t-shirts. If you are interested, you can enter your design provided that it is "original, bold and criminally good-looking." as stated in the contest website.

It's never too late for you as the contest date is opened until 1st of September 2009 only. Submit your creative design and who knows you might be the winner!

For more, log on to hessnatur and planetgreen.

What to wear when you're broke

2009-08-19T15:56:00.004+08:00

"In fashion, 1 day you're in and the next day you're out." That's what Heidi Klum from Project Runway will tell during the show. When you've got money to blow, you're totally in for fashion industry. But getting that fresh-from-the-runway look gets tricky when you're short in cash. Here's how to look good for less in a materialistic world:

What is sale?
Sounds basic, but to really save a bundle on clothes you have to be willing to pass up enticing promotions and hold out for the hard-core sales (40% off is good; 50% and up will land you a buy for almost what it costs the retailer).

Don't stop buying
Satiate the fashion lover in you with a very small treat: you set the amount and frequency (how many times in a month to shop). IMPORTANT: Pay with cash.

Shop during sales season
Sure, stuff is cheaper when bought at the month of sales, like during our Mega Sales in Malaysia. But if you love fashion (and you do, or you wouldn't be here), you should shop as close to the sales as possible. Otherwise you'll just waste your money on trends that will be out of style by the time the next year rolls around. Fashion comes and goes according to Coco Chanel and that's very true. You can't keep up with the fashion itself when you're just a ordinary fashion lover.

Swap with your girlfriends
Friends that wear your size (and share your taste) are a gold mine. You can even go large scale and organize a swap meet where everyone can switch shoes, clothes, etc.

Get rid of your inner snob
Pass on second-hand and discount stores. Buy basics from the warehouse where you buy your paper towels in bulk. If vintage is your thing, haunt flea markets and garage sales.

Become a DIY genius
Learn to whip together a new outfit on the sewing machine or simply turn old jeans into a new skirt. Recycling is an easy update: self-paint art on last year's vintage t-shirt, long jeans into a pair of brand new hot pants.

Last but not least, do not be afraid to go bold and a little wild with fashion or style. Comfy and smart are the main key to the fashion and style smart.

Fergalicious by Fergie

2009-08-19T15:38:00.007+08:00

"I'm fergalicious...it's hot hot...so delicious..." Yes, that was a line from her (Fergie) hit single, Fergalicious. Does that song have anything in common with fashion you ask me? Yes. There is. I'm not surprised. It's our babe, Fergie and her shoes line. (We are terribly sorry that we feature her shoes line story now because there are just too much fashion story that we want to share! So many story but so little time...)

Anyways, let's get into the story.After months of working with the designers and watching ideas and sketches come to life, it's time for the fun part - wearing and modeling the shoes to the world!

"Both lines capture the essence of my style, and I'm looking forward to the reactions as women begin seeing the shoes on the shelves and deciding which ones to add to their closets. I know I have quite a few pairs in mine!" said Fergie.

Brown Shoe created 2 namesake footwear lines to fully capture the talented Fergie who is an award winning singer, songwriter and actress - from her on-stage fire rockin' performance to her red carpet killer heels to her low-fi hang out-in-LA flats.

Fergalicious captures the multi-platinum artist's confident, individual style in a line of what she is, sophisticated, sexy footwear with a glam rock influence. The line of shoes have a fun, funky attitude inspired by her outstanding pop rock persona.

Both lines incorporate their own subtle iconic personality and details to represent symbols of importance to Fergie that her fans will recognize, such as her signature tiara emblazoned on a metal button.

Trend setting trend I would like to call, also capture both collections include fashion-focused athletic shoes with a edgy sense, platforms, wedges, flats, gladiator shoes and wood platforms. Materials such as under-glass patents and waxed and burnished leathers team with metallic details and hardware to create "that" special look for each line's unique customer.

"I love fashion for how it makes me feel. A night out becomes even more exciting when I feel sexy in my shoes. This was the right opportunity to share my fashion flair. My husband (Josh) is very tall. That's why I love to rock the heels."

Fergie footwear, which is currently available in America only, is priced between US$69 and US$129. Reasonable? I'd say hell yes to those magnificent pairs of shoes after scanning some of it.

Oh great. If you are or ever in America, what are you waiting for? Grab one and shot some photos and send them to us to make us drool over those fabulous shoes.

At the launch in Las Vegas

Photo shoot time!

Simply fabulous

Jolene's fav: Women's Maxim Sandal
Lily's pick: Women's Maxim Sandal because it's so beautiful!

Fashion gone brow-less!

2009-08-15T11:09:00.006+08:00

What happen if 1 day you woke up and found that your eyebrows have completely gone? Do you go berserk over it or blame on your little brother or sister or even blame yourself for sleepwalking and had done the most bizarre thing, but it always involved weeks of mortification as said brows grow in again.

But, if this season's high-fashion runways are any indication (and the stories that ran in both Thursday's New York Times and Sunday's Guardian), the accidentally brow-free have nothing to be embarrassed about. Note: only high fashion runways. Models and stylists are now bleaching or shaving eyebrows on purpose. Everyone from Agyness Deyn to Linda Evangelista is doing it. Note again: only models and celebrities doing it. And if only you're that daring chick or else stick to your natural beautiful eyebrows. I was wondering why the heck these trend even exist? Do make-up artistes have gone all lazy to even shape up the eyebrows and models willing to say bye bye to the their small line of hair above their eyes?

Well, according to makeup artist Pat McGrath -- who gives eerily similar quotes to both the Times and the Guardian -- it's all about the recession: "The current economic troubles open people up to be more daring and willing to don cutting-edge looks." Huh?!? Recession?!? Well, as for me, I would like to think more on it's just another crazy things that in the fashion industry people will do. Either expressing theirselves or plainly to set the trend where they want us fashion lovers to all go brow-less! Yeah, but not for me. I love my eyebrows to death and cannot live without my eyebrow pencil.

But nevertheless, I have to assume the trend has something to do with the current mania for all things vampire ( thanks to Stephanie Mayer). The women pictured in both articles tend to be fair-skinned and dark-haired, with wide eyes and wine-colored lips. In the photo that accompanies the Times article, Adriana Lima (in a new Givenchy ad) could be Marilyn Manson's long-lost twin sister (no?).

Despite being a fashionista or a fashion lover or this blog's author, I'll skip this trend for good. Besides, as Lisa Oxenham of Marie Claire tells the Guardian, brow bleaching or shaving "is not advised if your face is round, long or if you're hungover." ( Hungover?!) And then there's the following FDA warning: "Never dye your eyebrows or eyelashes. This can hurt your eyes. You might even go blind." So perhaps -- like corsets and hot killer stilettos -- bleaching is nothing more than the new way to suffer for fashion.

But again FASHION RULES!

Model for Vogue Italy

Model for Vogue Paris

Models for Gucci

black is beautiful.

2009-08-12T19:40:00.006+08:00

Naomi Sims was born on March 30, 1949 in Oxford, Mississippi. She's the daughter of Elizabeth Sims, married to Michael Alistair Findlay and her child is named Pip. Her education in Fashion Institute of Technology and New York University had made her what she was in her striving career in modelling and her business interest in perfume and a line of prestige cosmetics. Nonetheless, she was the member of Board of directors, Harlem Northside Center for Child Development, NAACP, Sickle Cell Anemia Drive and Play Schools Association NY.

She became one of the first successful black models while still in her teens, and achieved worldwide recognition from the late 1960s into the early 1970s, appearing on the covers of prestigious fashion and popular magazines. The pioneering black model who opened the white-dominated industry to African Americans has died in her battle of breast cancer on August 1, 2009 at the age of 61 in Newark, New Jersey.

Indeed as what we see today, she succeeded in creating a real place for black women in the modelling industry that once discriminating African-Americans.

Her awards:
Model of the Year Award, 1969, 1970; Women of Achievement, Ladies Home Journal, 1970; New York City Board of Education Award, 1970; Key to Cleveland, 1971; Women of Achievement, American Cancer Society, 1972; International Best Dressed List, 1971-3, 1976, 1977; Modeling Hall of Fame, International Mannequins, 1977.

Rest in Peace to Naomi Sims.

FALL IN LOVE WITH COLOR.

2009-08-10T21:38:00.007+08:00

Donna Karan New York or in short, DKNY has came up with a collection of colourful clothes for this season. DKNY is finding many ways to fall in love with color, and one of those ways is by spreading the color on the streets of New York. In partnership with the DKNY Chari.Tee initiative, they are working well with CITYarts to continue enriching the lives of the NYC youth through artistic expression and continuing the tradition of colorful sights throughout the city.

You can check out this project in DKNY in Facebook! or simply go to DKNY to see the beautiful clothing line for this season.

A Pea in the Pod

2009-08-10T10:36:00.006+08:00

Stylish Maternity Clothes. That’s what A Pea in the Pod does. The art of maternity apparel takes center stage at A Pea in the Pod. In their website, www.apeainthepod, you’ll find maternity clothes from your favorite designers - Diane von Furstenberg, Lilly Pulitzer, Splendid, Velvet, Vince and more. From trendy maternity blouses to classic maternity skirts, you’ll maintain your sense of style throughout your pregnancy. Other than outfits being featured, mamas can learn more on looking fabulous during pregnancy, suitable sizes for fitting and so on. Do not be surprise they even have swimwear for hot mamas to dip in the pool! Other available are: tops, bottoms, dresses, lingerie, sleepwear, active wear, outerwear and suiting collection.

Fabulous mamas make sure do not forget to check out Nicole By Nicole Richie for more boho look or simply so Nicole Richie!

We love it so much though we are not pregnant.

See? How’s the collection influence us?

Mango Fall/Winter 2009 Catalogue Ft. Daisy Lowe

2009-08-10T10:17:00.009+08:00

Let us take a look at Mango’s latest fashion catalogue shots featuring Daisy Lowe, Leigh Lezark, Marie Ange Casta and Riley Keough shot by Mariano Vivanco. Clothes are available all ranges of types to suit your style. Go chic, stylish, bold, and sexy and just everything you wanted to look good. Chunky and rocking accessories are also available to spice your outfit up! What are you waiting for? Head to the nearest high street shopping mall near you today and check out yourself those fantastic-must-have pieces. Tell us what do you think of those or simply share with us your experience with those dresses or tops! I’m sure we are way jealous of those who share their amazing story with us. Last but not least, our favourite Mango store to shop? KLCC at Jalan Tun Razak.

Daisy Lowe

Leigh Lezark

Marie Ange Casta

Riley Keough

*Click on the picture for larger view

Scarlett Johansson for Mango Fall/Winter 2009 Ad Campaign

2009-08-10T10:05:00.014+08:00

Here’s a look at the final images shot by Mario Sorrenti for the ad campaign. Wouldn’t you just want to grab all those fabulous outfits that she wore at the shoot? We know we want those so bad that our fashionable head and eyes got bleed just to look at it!

House of Harlow 1960

2009-08-08T13:48:00.009+08:00

House of Harlow 1960 Jewelry Collection by Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie the TV reality show star, girlfriend to rock star Joel Madden from Good Charlotte and hot mama to Harlow Winter Kate Madden had launched her own favorite creation jewelry months ago but were seen on a lot of today’s famous celebrity already. To name a few were: Paris Hilton, Madonna, and Ashlee Simpson.

Richie launched her collection with Mouawad. “The collection is targeted at girls in their teens to women in their 30s who admire her and the prices range from $30 to $150. Mouawad is aiming to put Richie’s pieces, which feature fabric, leather, silk strings, chains, rivets, feathers and gold-plated metals.” The jewellery is said to be influenced by Nicole’s love of the 60s and 70s. The collection debuting in the new Kitson store on Melrose available now and on ShopKitson.com.

An interview with shopbop

This gold plated sundial ring with leather (pictured) was inspired by African jewellery.

"Any diamonds I own my mom gave to me. I don't wear diamonds out all the time,
but I like elegant, dressy jewelery dressed in with edgier pieces."

Diane Caroll by Arthur Yen

2009-08-05T19:48:00.006+08:00

This time me and my best friend are going to introduce evening gowns as you can see from the photo I've posted. We look so elegant and sophisticated! Even though I have low self-confidence at times, but when it comes to trying out this piece of beautiful wine-berry red dress, I was stunned at how it fits into my body and turning me into a confident person instead. Such a wonder of how a piece of design can change me so much in a shortest time possible. I fell in love with this evening gown immediately just by looking at it. The design attracts my attention and its fabric is awesome. Besides, being priced at around RM200++ is quite affordable for its quality and brand. Soft, smooth satin with such romantic colour makes me feel as if I never want to take it off once I wore it!! You couldn't imagine how I felt upon that time itself because it left me speechless. It's really beautiful.

While my friend's creamy white dress made her looks as if she's the bride of the day! Creamy white is the symbol of purity and innocence which is used to design wedding dress. But hers is not wedding dress but a simple evening gown that you can even wear to dinner and parties. If I didn't tell you this, you might even think my friend is going to get married aren't you?

Fashion is all about creativity where no rigid rules apply. These evening gowns can be worn in engagement function or social gathering as well. These gowns are designed by Arthur Yen who is a local designer who has won several awards in Singapore. Other labels include Joan Allen, Joan Sports, Joanna Miller, Anne Kelly, Yen By Arthur, Arthur Yen, Diane Caroll and Yen Men from Classy work wear to sporty co-ordinates to contemporary menswear are designed by artistic Mr Arthur Yen. No wonder I got confused of why I found two labels on the tag. Mine is under the label of Diane Caroll by Arthur Yen while my friend's, Arthur Yen.

You can find these gowns in Arthur Yen clothing stores or under the label of Diane Caroll itself. I love his design not just because it makes me classy but also comfortable. This is very important when you choose your clothing piece, your comfort will show the beauty of what you are wearing.

Diane Caroll tailored for modern woman who love indulging in rich fabric.
Appreciate opulent outfits.
Posses excellent taste for ageless elegance and chic refinement.

The perfect fit for woman!

Exquisite evening wear for woman whom wants to look their best for the night!

Check out arthur yen for more!

Jessica Simpson - Janey

2009-07-31T11:46:00.007+08:00

all about Jessica Simpson :
Jessica Simpson handbag and Jessica Simpson footwear lines define Americana of today: an iconic, fashion forward image - accessible, comfortable and timeless. The collections are American and feminine, forward but classically familiar, approachable yet inspirational, sexy yet sweet, flirtatious and whimsical, vintage at times, but always of-the-moment.

Jessica Simpson’s career continues to inspire and entertain! Her fun and friendly personality has led to legions of fans that look up to her as a fashion icon. Jessica Simpson handbag and Jessica Simpson footwear collections are inspired by her lifestyle and love of fashion! The collections deliver trends born from great design and high quality materials that celebrate her All-American style. Glamorous, and comfortable, edgy and versatile, Jessica Simpson handbags and Jessica Simpson footwear put the fashionista in the every day!

Jessica Simpson says: “I am every girl, I want my clothing to be accessible and fun…I want women and girls to feel comfortable and confident wearing my products.”

Janey Jessica Simpson
(about $46.00)

I want to introduce Janey to you. It's such a beautiful pair of wedges. Obviously, it caught my attention and made me speechless on the fine details of the shoes. A little bit about this shoes, the lustrous patents contrast with earthy espadrilles in the Janey and made with patent leather at the upper part. Besides, I love the ribbon ankle wrap and peek-a-boo toe. Other than being fashionable, you can actually walk comfortably with the lightly padded footbed. What else you could ask for than 2 in 1, fashionable and comfortable?

I love wedges! Always do, I think. Shoes are woman's weakness and also strength. Women are willing to spend in branded clothing line and shoes as well. With expanding fashion industry in 20th century, shoes are more than just a necessary item because shoes are labelled as fashionable. Come on, ladies. Walk out to the street with this gorgeous pair of wedges! You'll definitely make heads turn to you with wonder.

song of her heart

2009-07-28T20:31:00.005+08:00

looking at the simple design of the wedding dress, you will know if it is the right one.

her designs are so beautiful and romantic making you out of breath when you see her whole collection

one of the wedding dresses in her collection
(probably, it's my favourite so far!)

details:
JASMINE WEDDING DRESS

The asymmetric bodice has re-embroidered French lace finishing in a scalloped edge. The A-line skirt is in organza over silk dupion.

Visit her website for more information about herself and take a peep into her awesome collection as well at Lyn Ashworth the Wedding Dress Designer.

Janice Dickinson

2009-07-25T15:17:00.006+08:00

What's the runway all about without a supermodel like her?

The well-known supermodel, Janice Doreen Dickinson was born in February 15th, 1955 in Brooklyn, New York. She's an American model, actress, author, fashion photographer and agent. She appears as a judge in America's Next Top Model for four cycles. Her career strives further when she opened her own modeling agency which was named, The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, in short, JDMA.

I adore Janice Dickinson. From her painful, abusive early life into her successful career in modeling and fashion industry, she is an absolute self-claimed first supermodel. Nobody could think of taking the title away from her. She has strong character in herself and her determination is what made her today. It's undeniable. She ruled the runway since the first day she pursued her career as a model and recognized both in modeling world and fashion industry.

Let's cross our fingers and hope that her modeling agency will bring in more successful models like her on the runways.

greetings.

2009-07-24T14:55:00.009+08:00

Howdy! Another blog that I've created in respect to fashion world that I always admire and adore. It's a never-ending fairytale when it comes to style and fashion. This fashion blog is dedicated to all fashion designers and freelance designers as well. Thanks to them for bringing up those fashion sense to the eyes of the world. It opens up our creativity and free-spirited energy in fashion sense.

Why I named this blog, 'Crack that Sense' is because I want to remember that it will always be a part of my fashion portfolio which has the same name as this blog. It shows that I have stepped ahead aligned with the technology in sharing the fashion sense to you. That's how this fashion blog was born today.

A bit about 'Crack that Sense', this name is given by my best friend in my high school and an absolutely fashionista as well, Jolene Yam . Well, I was clueless in finding a proper name for my fashion portfolio upon that time in late 2007 and when I asked her about it, she told me, "Why don't you come out with 'Crack that Sense'?" That's it!! Since then, I used that name for my fashion portfolio and have the full rights for it. Now, you know how Crack that Sense came about in my fashion portfolio and this blog as well.

I welcome all comments/views from my readers because fashion is universal and wide. You can criticize or praise my writings, feel free to do that. I hope my readers enjoy reading my newborn blog and share your fashion sense with me as well!

Thank you. =)