Author Archives: Barneys Girl

Art HK 10: Part II

02 Wednesday Jun 2010

Posted by in Art, Hong Kong, Lifestyle

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One of my favourite things about modern contemporary art is how it is open to interpretation.

Sometimes it may just look like a blob of paint, but if you look closer, it is actually something more. Can you tell what this painting is?

It is an lady sitting sideways on the left, facing a window! The blob on the upper left is her head (tied up in a bun), followed by her body. If you look closer, you can even see her hands with five fingers at the lower center of the canvas.

This painting is one of my absolute favourites! From this angle, you can see a nude lady standing up proud on the left and another clothed lady kneeling down on the right. It’s a bit faded in this photo, but she’s there inside the third arch on the right in the background.

From another angle, their status of clothing is exchanged and the lady on the left is clothed, while the kneeling lady on the right is nude. How cool is that? I believe the message here is that clothing does not define a woman. The woman herself and how she carries herself is what defines her. The positioning of the audience is also an interesting choice.

From a distant, it looked like a regular portrait of a girl with a black background. But if you step closer, it is actually a black canvas made out of lots and lots of tiny holes! Pretty neat!

A photo of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange from back in the days. There’s nothing very artistically intriguing about it besides the perfectly symmetrical diamond shape it creates. But the subject matter just warms my heart- probably because I grew up seeing this image everyday on TV and it brings back childhood memories!

It’s a fairly simple portrait, but clearly this is Karl Lagerfeld. It’s the suit with the skinny tie, the shades and the white hair. It’s always amazing to realize how iconic one man has become.

Drawings of a cute little Japanese girl with a message. Isn’t she adorable?

Hmm… I think I need another post to show you everything I loved about the HK Art Fair.

Art HK 10: Part I

31 Monday May 2010

Posted by in Art, Hong Kong, Lifestyle

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This weekend, I stopped by the Art HK 10 fair at the convention center. It is an annual 4 day event, showcasing pieces from modern and contemporary art galleries all over Asia. The pieces ranged from $1000USD to $10 million USD. Though I reckon most people were just there to absorb the cultural atmosphere, which is soarly lacking in Hong Kong.

One of my favourite things about Hong Kong is that no one is camera shy- even when there are “no photography” signs all over the place. So here are a few pieces that caught my eye:

This interactive piece is a glass platform that viewers are invited to stand upon. Taking a closer look, this platform is supported tonnes by identical little figurines with their hands raised above their heads. Maybe it is demonstrating the power of the many? It is pretty cool.

On a side note, I’ve still not managed to get the mark off my shoes, but from a distance it still looks pretty!

Sweet and simple. Though I’m not sure I’d want it in my apartment. Maybe a restaurant.

We couldn’t find the descriptions, but from the smell of it, it appears to be a car made of flour! I wonder how they got it here………

A plastic black dog at the entrance. See all those cameras in the background? It really wasn’t just me!

Can you see the owl? The stripes of color also reminds me Paul Smith!

A rather disturbing bronze sculpture of Mickey Mouse/Jesus Christ. The only thing that would make it even more disturbing is if  the water squirting out of the body was blood red. I wonder what the artist is trying to say…….. that Mickey is humanity’s new salvation? Or perhaps it is another message about society’s idolization of pop culture taking over good old Christian faith.
I just cant get over how smart and neat this armor/dress made of Chinese ceramics is! Can you see the bowls and plates? To top it off, this is a well made dress with a design too. There’s a defined bodice, a waist and little frills at the hem. Isn’t it absolutely awesome?
Stay tune for more on the exhibit later this week!

Hauls?

28 Friday May 2010

Posted by in Blogging

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I’m a bit slow on the news, but apparently hauls are the next big thing since blogs. Hauls are basically a Youtube version of your conversation with your girlfriends after a shopping spree. They are approximately 10 minutes long and their makers are typically attractive young women. Some of the more popular vloggers have over half a million viewers, and with advertisement partnerships with Youtube and sponsorships, can earn up to$1000USD a month. Some vloggers have gotten so big, they have their own agents and dropped out of school to be “home schooled” so they can concentrate on their vlogs.

When I first found out about all this, I was intrigued. There is something to be said about seeing something in motion instead of looking at its still picture and reading about it. But then I saw a few hauls by the Fowler sisters and was baffled. I just couldn’t relate to them and failed to see the attraction. It struck me as a 10 minute video of a teenage American girl babbling on and on about well… nothing in particular. And by teenage American girl, I mean the “omg!-Mean-Girls” kind. I thought it was just a stereotype people overdo to make fun on TV, but I guess they really do exist!

Don’t get me wrong, as a teenage fashion blogger in my not so distant past, I do get that cheerful ditzy-ness sells. And admittedly they present themselves very charmingly. But I’m just not very interested in knowing that they got scented candles and shower gel for their birthdays and what they have in their bags- not in such a babbling long winded kind of way anyway. I personally prefer it fun but straight to the point. I do have more constructive things to do with my time, like watch a video teaching me how to put my hair up into a complex French braid nest.

On the other hand, I can definitely see the symmetry between hauls and blogs. At the end of the day, bloggers too blog about random things in our lives, like virtual birthday presents, things we bought, what’s in our bag and how we clean our brushes etc. We’re not all fashion insiders after all. Maybe I’m just getting too old to appreciate hauls or I’m watching the wrong hauls.

What are your thoughts on hauls?

Pop!

24 Monday May 2010

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If the Alexander Wang rockin’ high tops were a bit too grunge and cool for your tastes, might I suggest these very “pop” high top sneakers? They are colorful, cute and super fun!

You can show them off the easy way with some black leggings, like they did here with these Lanvin sneakers.

Or you can have some fun like they did on the Marc by Marc Jacobs SS10 runway!

I just love how it adds a hint of a tomboy to this otherwise super girly and sophisticated outfit.

It looks nice paired with ankle pants too. Obviously, the point here is to pair it with anything that will allow you to see it. No point hiding it underneath long pants!

Even though they’re not exactly as cool and summery as sandals, at $195USD, I’m tempted to buy some “pop” for my wardrobe!

Image Source: Shopbop, Style.com and Net a Porter

ANTM Cycle 12: Spoiler

20 Thursday May 2010

Posted by in Fashion

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It never ceases to amaze me how captivating ANTM continues to be despite having repeated 12 times. Not all shows can say the same *cough*Project Runway *cough*. I thought the production this season was well done as usual, but the quality of the girls seem to be deteriorating. None of the girls were terribly memorable, besides the few who were terribly annoying *cough*Alasia*cough*. There wasn’t much real competition, and it was pretty obvious since episode 8 who was going to win. They must be running out of potential models in America. Girls who were eliminated first round in previous seasons, just keep coming back,  eventually making it into the house. Girls are so desperate to stand out from the crowd that they told the world about getting  pregnant the first time they had sex! FYI, that is not a personal achievement and frankly we don’t want to know about it.

But anyways, congratulations to Krista. She deserved the title. I totally didn’t see it coming from the first few episodes, but clearly when she “got it” she got it, because it obviously wasn’t luck that led her to winning the best picture (and challenges) week after week after week. She knew what she was doing and once she got all the free clothes she even started looking remarkably like a model. I was even impressed by her cutesy performance at the Anna Sui runway, since her walk is usually much more cool and high fashion than that.

Raina Raina. I was surprised the judges didn’t call her out for relying on her pretty face, because honestly, I think that’s what got her so far. She kind of just hid safely in the pack week after week, and suddenly she just popped out of nowhere. I don’t even recall her winning a best picture! Admittedly though her features are pretty striking. But as bitchy as I thought Krista and Alexandra were, I think they were right saying she was fake. She does get overly excited and cheerful, and sound kind of scripted sometimes.

As much as I didn’t like Angelea’s confrontational personality, I was surprised to see her fall behind week after week. She was doing so well, and she seemed so hardcore! I was actually routing for Jessica. I thought she was very pretty and sweet, with just a hint of bitchiness that kept her from being too fake. Except she did seem to have lost her touch towards the end, and I wasn’t surprised to see her go after the sheep shot. The rest of the models were all just very mediocre. I remember Alasia being super immature and a lot of whining from Brenda and Anslee about their babies. I was also surprised that Ren got to skip the first round. It doesn’t seem very fair for the other models, even though she was eliminated early.

The best part of the show remains with the fun challenges, cool prizes and creative photo shoots. Essentially, they’re teaching and doing the same thing every time, but it’s interesting to see them doing it a different way. Learning about timing by doing a runway through moving pendulums,  learning to move with a dancing themed shoot, doing a live commercial at Times Square and expressing their personalities at a drag show, it was all very fun to watch. I especially enjoyed seeing the land of the sheep through the eyes of ANTM. I had no idea there was so much fashion in New Zealand. The clothes that Angelea and Krista won were a HUGE improvement and much needed for the two of them. I’m already berating my friend for not taking me to the hobbit holes last time I went.

This season they also switched Paulina over for Andre Leon Talley, which I thought was a great coup. He’s one of those intriguing characters in fashion that you see around all the time and yet have no idea what he does and what he’s like except that he likes to wear big capes. It was interesting seeing him on the show unveiling part of the mystery and sharing ‘drecktitude’ with us.

So kudos to the production team for another good season. Just one thing though… is it just me, or is your budget getting lean? A personality challenge with Nigel on a Ferris Wheel and a runway challenge on the aisle of an airplane on your way Queenstown …. a bit weak, no?

Image Source: CWTV

Rockin’ High Tops

18 Tuesday May 2010

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With this hot humid weather, the last thing on my mind are sneakers. But then I saw these displayed so deliciously on the table at Lane Crawford and couldn’t help but be drawn to them, even though rocker chic is totally not my style.

Of course, they have to be by Alexander Wang. They are a hybrid of everything cool in high school- Doc Martens and high top Converses- with a stylish twist of the unexpected. I especially love the folded down detail complete with the zipper edge. These shoes will go so well with the current legging trend where the high top and the details will be on full display!

The peep toe is a bit odd for high top sneakers (and maybe a little uncomfortable in the summer?), but I guess it is no more so than peep toe boots. It’ll look awesome with some bright colored socks/tights popping out of it though. Come to think of it, I am really loving them more as a fall/winter footwear then spring/summer.

But hey, I guess that makes them all the more versatile all year round. See how it toughens up a prim outfit, gives a playful edge to a sophisticated evening look and just adds an extra omph to an everyday outfit? They’re really quite genius.

Image Source: Alexander Wang and Net a Porter

Help Save My Flats!

16 Sunday May 2010

Posted by in Fashion, Random Musings

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Meet my new Miu Miu white patent bow flats. Aren’t they lovely? The bow is pretty and cute, while the metal buckle reminds one of the Roger Vivier buckle, which gives it a bit of sophistication. The design itself is simple and versatile, making it incredibly easy to wear. Indeed, I’ve been wearing it everywhere. White just looks so good with everything!!!

Meet my Miu Miu white patent bow flats one month later.

I figured that it’s pretty tough to mess up patent leather…. but somehow somewhere, I have an ugly red/brown scuff on the left shoe on the side facing outwards! I’ve tried rubbing it with water, and by the recommendation of this forum, also tried toothpaste, Vaseline and nail varnish remover. The only thing I haven’t tried is Magic Eraser, and that’s only because I don’t think we sell that in Hong Kong. But NOTHING has worked. Not even nail varnish remover, which everyone has said is a miracle worker. It didn’t even fade a little!!! *tear* I can’t imagine where I could’ve gotten that scuff from. What IS it??? Not even permanent marker is this permanent! Maybe I really do have a tendency to ruin pretty shoes- if not the soles than the sides. I really need to go to walking school.

Anymore ideas on what I can try to save my flats??????

Dearly Departed

14 Friday May 2010

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When I departed Chicago, I had to throw you guys out to save space for my Hunter boots and Grace sandals. But please know that you have not been forgotten and that I will always remember you all fondly.
C Label Gold Flats (top left): I fell in love with you as soon as I saw you at Bloomingdales and had to immediately take you home. That was how  my journey with C Label started, leading me to make the acquaintance of Chaz Vasquez. Like the prized possession that you were, I was careful at first and kept you in your original box most of the time in fear that your intricately woven sequins will fall off. But I eventually got over that fear, and took you out into sunlight more frequently. But alas, in the end the weave  at the tip started to unwind and it just wasn’t practical anymore to wear shoes with a gaping hole out in public. Out of sentimental reasons I kept you in my closet. But I hope you understand why I can’t bring you the extra thousand miles home with me.

Grey Ankle Boots (top right): You were my “prize” from my Paris study abroad trip. I remember stalking you at Bon Marche and the many hours I spent thinking about you before I finally made the purchase (with tax refund!). Back then, ankle boots were just starting to get popular and it was quite an adventurous buy for me. But I loved your unique color and the folded over detail. Since then though, I’ve realized that you’re actually not that comfortable at all (a little cushioning at the foot wouldn’t go amiss) and that your uniqueness stands out just a bit too much amongst my wardrobe. Between the choice of my very similar looking black suede folded ankle boots that I wore for almost a whole winter and you, I hope you understand why I left you behind. We’ll always have Paris.

Burberry Denim Flats (bottom left): To be frank, I didn’t like you much at first. But you were a quick alternative that day, when my mom and I were shopping around Alexander House, to the shoes that were giving me so much pain. I don’t remember which ones they were, but in comparison, you were much more comfortable, practical and versatile. Since then, our relationship blossomed and I took you with me everywhere. You were sturdy too, staying with me well after college. I remember one particular night when I walked home from work in the midst of a heavy rain storm and I walked you right into a huge deep puddle. You were soaked. But you were a trooper, and in the end literally half your soles were gone and I was wearing into the fabric. I would’ve made a hole if you weren’t so well made! I think  I walk weird and ruin my shoes. I really need to go to walking school and learn how to walk properly, so that I don’t hurt anymore poor soles!

Miu Miu Beaded Flats: You’re the youngest of the shoes here, and I want you to know that you are gorgeous and I adored you even though you were incredibly delicate. The outermost bead came loose when I climbed out of a cab, and I spent a considerable amount of time continuously superglue-ing it back on and trying to figure out the wirings. Eventually I figured it out  and all was well… except that it hurts like hell. The back of the shoe scrunches, and since it is made of hard patent leather……. it is not friendly on the heels! I thought I “broke” into you when by the end of summer it didn’t hurt me to wear you anymore. But it turns out that my heels had just toughened up against you. By next spring, you were hurting me again. I hope you understand why I had to get out of this abusive relationship. On the bright side, I will always think of you whenever I see a pair of shoes that scrunch at the back and wonder just how painful they are.

Goodbye and farewell my dearests!

BG

Happy Mother’s Day

09 Sunday May 2010

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Happy Mother’s Day!

This Polaroid software totally saved my carnations picture from becoming like my food pictures– artless and devoid of its original beauty. I highly recommend you giving it a try when you need to beautify your pictures. It even gradually “appears” like real Polaroids, and during this time, you can save as you wish, capturing the different effects.  Afterwards, you can also rotate it as you see fit. And the best thing is, it’s free!

Long White One Shoulder Dresses

08 Saturday May 2010

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This year’s theme was American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity. Frankly, I’m not quite sure what that involves, but everyone looked amazing! Here are some that actually inspired me to save post their pictures on my hard drive.

I was impressed with Oprah’s Oscar de la Renta, simply because it fits her SO WELL. It looks incredibly flattering on her, bringing out the best of her assets, while also being age appropriate too!

Anna Wintour and her daughter Bee defined  glamour within their respective age groups. Anna in an elegant Chanel outfit, and Bee in a trendy Balenciaga Bee carries the nude/black lace thing very well.

Of course Milla Kunis looked great in Vera Wang’s frothy creation. But more importantly, doesn’t Vera look amazing in her own design? If I didn’t know better, I’d almost believe that Vera was actually a model/actress and not a designer!

For the next few photos, I noticed a trend. Apparently this season, I have an unconscious obsession with long one shoulder white dresses. I love this dress Kirsten Dunst is wearing from Rodarte for Gap. She looks incredibly pretty and youthful in this dress. I’ve already checked the Gap website, but didn’t see anything close to this! Maybe this is something coming out later. If so, I think I might just get in line. Though hopefully there is a shorter version of it. It might look a bit wedding gown-esque on me otherwise.

Aw…….. our little Hermione is all grown up! Emma Watson looks sophisticated and edgy in this Burberry dress.

See what I mean by the white (ish) long one shoulder dress trend? This is a surprisingly elegant piece from LAMB.

Maybe everyone decided to play it “safe” this year, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that everyone at the gala looked amazing. There wasn’t anyone in particular that was so awful that I couldn’t resist but report them to the fashion police. That is, until I saw Blake Lively, but that is only because I have high standards for Gossip Girls. This overworked Marchesa gown just doesn’t look great on her. In fact, this dress drags her down, which is quite a feat for the effortlessly cool looks great in everything S!

Image Source: Style.com