Fashion Hookup

Keeping You Up On The Latest Fashions

Gucci? Pucci? Dukki?

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The decision between buying an original and a fake implies that one actually has the power or financial clout to buy a designer handbag if they wish. There are some times during the year when this is true. In the January sales quite a few designer bags are reduced to the price of ordinary top-end, high-quality non-designer handbags and so are affordable. There is also birthday time when payouts from various relatives mean a big cash injection that one can blow on a designer bag. In these circumstances (because they occur so infrequently) one can be forgiven for having that ‘must get’ attitude.

Splashing out on a signature designer handbag is a good feeling. Especially as it’s been a year since you bought your last one. This bag will help define your fashion year and has the power of making you look like your worth a few bob. Carrying round a £1000 Gucci bag gives one an air of respect and perhaps an illusion of financial security to others at the office, on the train or even at the dentist’s. In short, for a women, it is the secret to happiness…..

Fake handbags do not quite carry that same air. If they are obvious fakes, they make the owner look like someone who does not care for accuracy or proper fashion accessories. This is in varying degrees depending on the age of the owner. For a teenager, one can be proud that they are aware of the importance of good-looking handbags at such an early age, despite having a small budget.

For grown women, fake handbags are simply unattractive. Carrying round a Pucci handbag or worse Dukki handbag (as I saw yesterday on the bus) does not look good. Save up and spend or stretch the budget to a better looking fake. Better still, buy a non-branded handbag.

Winter Beauty Tips

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Lotion_Bottle_Shampoo_Bottle_Shower_Bottle_Body_Lotion_Moisturizer_Day_Cream_Case_Night_Cream_Jar_body_wash_It’s STILL winter and don’t we all know it! I know most of you are probably yearning for some place sunny and warm, but hey, if you can’t do anything about it, so be it. Did you know, though, that your beauty routine should be adjusted to the winter weather? Here are some tips that can help you look fantastic despite the cold.

Don’t go easy on lotions and creams. The winter months are bad for the skin in that the cold dries it up even more. As such, don’t hesitate to use more lotion or facial cream than you normally would. Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize some more.

Don’t forget your sunblock. But it’s winter, right? Yeah, but that doesn’t mean that the sun is not emitting UV rays – that’s something that doesn’t disappear. So when you’re going outside, don’t forget to put on some protection.

Don’t forget your lips. Your lips are probably chapped because of the cold. I know mine are – that is if I don’t use lip moisturizer or balm regularly. In case your lips do get chapped, use an exfoliant to get rid of the chap. You can make one at home using brown sugar and olive oil (or honey if you wish).

Don’t give up on a glowing look. It’s winter and you think you look like a pale fish. You just might be right but that doesn’t mean that you have to go on looking like one. Put foundation on. Better yet, mix some highlighter in with your liquid foundation – you’ll see a world of difference!

Victoria Beckham’s Inspiration: The Brit School Teacher (From the Archives)

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I suppose it makes sense when you think about it, with those pencil skirts, high-heeled stilettos and trademark tight-lipped facial expression.  Posh Spice once claimed that she never even owned a pair of flats, but was busted this summer when she was caught in flip-flops at Disneyland. Far from dressing like a relaxed Californian since her move to the States, Victoria has gone the other way, dressing more un-laid back like ever before in tailored, tight pieces that scream “uncomfortable”.

When asked about this change in style,  the Essex-born Victoria told Company Magazine in an article out this week:

“It hasn’t, not at all. I am very British in my style. Think school teacher…..I love pencil skirts and fitted blouses, classic cut dresses and well fitted jeans mixed with classic tailoring.”

Hmmm. Having lived in the UK, I can honestly say that most British girls are actually some of the most relaxed dressers I know, bordering on the scruffy, especially if they spend a lot of time in the Country. Victoria, I believe has a style of her own, purely made for the pages of the tabloids.  Why the woman sold 400,000 copies of her book on fashion, The Extra Half an Inch is completely beyond me. The Guardian newspaper sums it up rather perfectly.  Here’s a bit of it:

I have no qualifications to write this book; that’s why I’ve got someone else to do it for me. But let me share my insights anyway. First I’d like to knock something on the head. The idea that, once you have a bit of money, you start wearing couture and stilettos all day and live on caviar and champagne is just nonsense. They’ve both got far too many calories.

My own inspirations come from Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis and Giacometti sculpture, but this book is not my attempt to tell you what or what not to do. It’s my last chance to cash in on what remains of my fame before David retires.

I am grateful for the possibility of being close to Victoria’s credit card” – Roberto Cavalli.

Ice Cream And Fashion (From the Archives)

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shopping6What have ice cream and fashion got to do with each other? You might not have heard about it, but in the Philippines, a recently concluded fashion show highlighted “angelic” creations inspired by one of the best comfort foods around the world – ice cream.

Dubbed “Heaven by Nestle Ice Cream presents Premier C,” the fashion show featured some of the most popular designers in the country. Those familiar with the Philippine fashion scene will recognize names such as Arnold Galang, Dita Sandico-Ong, Enrico Carado, Happy Andrada, Tina Daniac, Raoul Ramirez for ESAC, and Lyle Ibañez for ESAC Plus.

I have to say that Nestle does have some delectable ice cream flavors, and they chose their premium flavors to serve as the theme for the show: Belgian Bliss, Strawberry Dream, and Vanilla Secret. Obviously, Belgian Bliss is all about chocolate – as rich as you can get; Strawberry Dream greets your mouth with a burst of fruity flavor; and Vanilla Secret brings a new twist to the ordinary vanilla ice cream with caramel and almonds.

So how did the designers infuse these flavors into their creations? Short of using ice cream on the designs themselves – though I know some people who just might NOT mind this – the artists chose to follow the individual themes of each flavor. Belgian Bliss equals sensual yet sophisticated; Strawberry Bliss equals fresh, fun, and feminine; Vanilla equals elegantly classic.

The theme may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it does make for an interesting small talk topic.

From the Archives: Holiday Shopping: The Dressy Pump

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These days it all seems to be about the impending holidays, from my friends’ dreading opening the “Christmas List” on Facebook, to stores and malls already decked out in Christmas displays, to signs everywhere telling me its time to shop, shop, SHOP!  Not that I need my arm twisted to do the latter, but it’s a fact of the holidays, and the sooner you start, the less overwhelming the season becomes.

So let’s start with footwear.  Whatever the occasion, be it a party for the office, with friends or a romantic rendezvous, a new pair of shoes will do wonders to put you in the festive mood.  Normally, the word dressy comes to mind, and we all know that dressy usually equals = heels. Yes, we all feel sexier in them, but I’d say that the average woman, would most welcome a break from them – but only if the affair does not entail having to wear a long gown.

Flats, or should I say, “dressy pumps” are perfectly acceptable for all your December affairs, provided they are dressed up with the required sparkly embellishments that scream “holiday season”. Take these oh-so-pretty silver be-jewelled flats ($100) from Zara pictured above.  Unless you’re truly vertically challenged, they should take you through most of the season in relative comfort and safety (think slippery, wet roads due to climate change), and the object of envy from your friends and colleagues in their sexy but pain-inducing (and expensive) golden Jimmy Choo heels. Or for a more flirty look, I’d go for these sweet pink sequined Kate Spades, on sale from $275 to $165 at ShopBop.

While dressy thongs are okay in the summer months, I’d stay clear of them in the holiday season, whether or not you live in a warm climate. I just feel too much foot doesn’t work this time of the year, in the evenings at least.