non-pretty how town

Milan SS 2012 Highlights II

PRADA:

Miuccia is a genius. And one of the reasons for that is the subtlety of her use of thematic inspirations without ever being tacky. This collection was risky, verging on being a bit too LITERAL. Pattern of cars on skirt? Are you sure Miuccia, is that really something you had to do? Okay last year Celine Phoebe Philo was also inspired by cars and I thought that was a literal take on cars. And now this is REALLY literal.

BUT Miuccia will never disappoint me. Her use of jewels were spot-on, perhaps even better than Dolce and Gabanna's (and that is a big statement.) Her silky jackets, coats, florals, and blouses hit the right pulse, in all of the pieces.

JIL SANDER

was a conglomeration of metaphors. First, many of the critics spoke of the modern classic housewives of the suburbs. Some spoke of the veils and restraint etc. etc. What about Picasso? Raf Simons' use of Picasso motifs were... hmmm... beautiful. They were not only in the few of the sweaters, but all throughout. As an aspiring Art connoisseur, the check-patterns definitely read as subtle homage to Picasso's harlequin motifs.

Then, what about Richard Prince Nurses (paintings at the very bottom)? It is surprising that not so many people have mentioned this blatantly. You tell me. Am I stretching the art inspirations a bit too much, or do you see the connection as well? Thanks for reading this petty discussions. -Cathy

Milan SS 2012 Highlights I

These are some of my highlights from the Milan Spring Summer 2012 collections.

Let's start with

DOLCE & GABANNA:

A fabulous, shimmery, and vibrant collection this one was for sure.

Jewel (and colorful ones, too) tone and actual use of jewels for pattern is prevalent in this show (which we will also see in PRADA). And a bit of fruitiness was there too, which seems a bit redundant with the last year's Stella McCartney. But who cares, they are different enough.

Next up is Missoni. Not my favorite from Missoni... considering the lines were a bit 'messy' (I am quite wary of using this word, but I just had to spit that one out.)

BUT, the accessories and shoes are. Just. Fabulous.

The use of fringe with the coloring of Missoni is very wearable, surprisingly.

Emilio Pucci is becoming a bit of my personal favorite nowadays.

Sexy, sultry, a bit over the top, and classically Florentine.

The gypsy theme was very feminine, sexy, and a bit gothic (with the use of crosses).

The accessories are just too good to

This green shirt will be mine. yes.

September Favorites

School has started and its October again. Time does fly.

Let's start with

Makeup Favorites:

CHANEL

Illusion D'Ombre in Fantasme (crazy frosty white. only wear this at night)

Illusion D'Ombre in Illusoire (taupe purplish brown. everyday color.)

The texture of these eyeshadows are just fabulous. Kind of creamy and souffle-like, but long lasting and powdery at the same time.

Giorgio Armani

Face Fabric Foundation in shade 1.

Sheer coverage foundation that has a very creamy texture (not liquidy at all)

It does not last on my skin too well, but I almost wear this as a tinted moisturizer. I would like to try more Armani foundation. Maybe the lasting silk something (:P) next time.

NARS

Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow base

This is brilliant. Best eyeshadow base ever. I used to use the Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen, which was too thick and creamy...(and it dries up a little bit, but keep in mind that I have dry skin) and this is so lightweight and long-lasting at the same time. Just awesome.

Sugarland Duo Eyeshadow

My immediate response to this duo e/s was "I love the champagne color!" but it turns out that I love the lavender purple shadow as much as the champagne color. The lavender appears more gold than purple. perfect for day time. The champagne is very very glittery (silver glitters) but it doesn't migrate too much when I use the NARS e/s base.

Fashion Items: