Somewhere over the rainbow…

2011’s top party dresses

2011 is drawing to a close and that means it’s time to reflect on this year’s fashions and figure out exactly what dress you should wear on New Year’s Eve. This year has been a feminine one; dresses enhanced rather than covered a woman’s form and lengths ranged from micro-mini to floor-length maxi as well as mid-calf and over the knee. Fabrics have been bold and bright, animal print and metallic. Fashion has looked to the past, with inspiration from the forties, fifties, sixties, seventies and eighties. This last season of 2011, autumn/winter, is just as varied as its predecessors, however, colours are warmer and less harsh, materials are more natural and shapes are even more feminine and girly. So, without further ado, here are 2011’s top New Year’s Eve party dresses, all available from Next.

The metallic panelled bodycon dress from Lipsy ticks so many boxes it’s unbelievable. Firstly, it’s a bodycon dress, which has been the number one party dress all year. It is not for the feint hearted mind you, as you need to have a decent body to start with as this little number won’t hide much, but if you have the figure for it, this is by far the most flattering and fun dress style out there. The metallic panels criss cross the body, emphasising a woman’s curves and the metallic material is right on trend this winter. Its bandeau in style and has an exposed zip at the back which gives a nod to the fetish styling seen on the catwalks of Louis Vuitton. Wear with eye popping platform heels, a few bangles and little else.

Next’s pleated one-shoulder dress is another winner. The dress is comprised of three bold colours, deep purple, navy blue and a fuchsia tie belt; therefore it includes colour blocking. The pleats and one-shoulder shape will also score you ten out of ten and the elegant shape will swing skirt gives it a forties feel.

For a really special, formal occasion, the black lace dress from Next is effortlessly chic. The lace sleeves score you points for the fashion industry’s latest fetish for lace and the knee-length skirt and fitted top are once again in keeping with styling from the 1940s. This dress is simple, yet capable of wowing. To spice things up, add a bold coloured clutch, some statement earrings and a pair of embellished platform sandals.

Two trends, one season: tips on what to wear this winter

Summer last a little longer than expected, but we are now well and truly into winter. Don’t look so disappointed however; this means a brand new season and along with some fresh new fashion trends to play with. As usual, there are several different trends to choose from and plenty of cross over through micro-trends to tie the whole scene together. However, to guide you through the sea of unknown outfits, we have summed up two of the season’s major trends so you don’t have to figure them out all for yourself. Dresses are key this winter; Next have various dresses to choose from so you can tap into each trend with style and ease.

Trend one: ladylike 1940s

The 1940s were symbolised by thriftiness but also very ladylike styling. Think of Keira Knightly in Atonement. Plenty of over-the knee high-waisted pencil skirts, flowing blouses, pussy bows, round-toe court shoes and Mary-Janes, polka dot cardigans and faux-fur stoles. The shape is what is important here. You want to emphasise your waist with skinny belts and fitted skirts and dresses. Necklines were high and sleeves were short and puffed or capped or long and loose.

Two dresses from Next spring to mind; firstly the black and white ‘puppytooth’ dress which looks like a black top and black and white skirt, but is in fact a dress. The skirt is pencil shaped, the sleeves are capped and the neck is soft and rounded; it’s perfect. However, if you really want to feel like Keira in Atonement and make everyone green with envy at your fashion choice, the Geri Strappy Maxi dress in emerald green is spot on.

Trend two: global traveller

This trend is rather exciting. It dictates that you should mix and match colours, materials and patterns. There is no such phrase as ‘that doesn’t match’ with this trend. Natural and traditional materials and patterns from Fairisle to Navajo inject the ‘global traveller’ notion into the trend. Wool, denim, shearling, leather and felt are all key materials. Flat boots, capes, ponchos, scarves and hats finish the look off.

The best dress from Next to tap into this trend is the cable jumper dress. It’s warm, comfy and bang on trend and comes in a range of soft, natural hues.

Furniture

I’m so busy trying to figure out what to buy for the condo, especially those furniture and stuffs which we don’t have in our existing house. Most of the furniture belongs to the landlord, so we don’t own them. Thus I have been looking around at those sales at furniture stores and getting out if I can get a good deal with red envelope discount codes or any reward points we have.

iFancee

I thought of waiting for iPhone 4, but it seems like I will have to settle with iPhone 3GS first. Justin dropped my phone, AGAIN!!! This time, the cover came off. Sigh…Can tape it back, but still, it would get loose after a while. Hubby said just tahan and wait la, since it’s coming soon, but I beh tahan jor.

I’m aware of the antenna issue about iPhone 4, but I think it’s cool to do video call. I would pass the iPhone 3GS to hubby, and get iPhone 4 later. Then, I’ll probably ask him to get another iPhone 4 since he is using 2 phones mah. Then only can we both do video calls! But I know my hubby la, he won’t do such thing wan. Blek…

I’m thinking of getting a iPad too, but that can wait. It’s not for me but for Justin. Hubby’s friend can help us to get one from US, but I’m not sure about that ipad warranty here. Is it worldwide?

Seriously, I think I’ve become an iFancee. Anything from the Apple store seems luring to me.

Food Fair

We went to a food fair last Saturday and ended up buying so much crisps, organic rice, box juice and etc. The price was way much cheaper than retailer as it’s a food trading fair, so most goods were selling off at wholesale price, on the last 2 days of the fair. If you are living in Bangkok, also check out these fairs which offer great bargains and good deals. And no, the food on sale is not expiring soon!

So here I am, blogging, crapping, chatting and working away with a pack of fried banana chips on my table. D*mn, these banana chips are really delicious! I should take some phentremene later to reduce my guilt.

Shopping for memory foam mattress

What I like about Bangkok is it’s a shopping heaven. Not only that there are a few good places to shop, there are a lot of great fairs throughout the year where you can get great bargains and good deals. We bought most of our household and furniture at these fairs now, and most of the items are sold at much cheaper price as comparing to the stores.

Too bad I missed the BIH and BIG sales again this year, so let’s forget about getting a new set of memory foam mattress for the kids. It’s not urgent, so we can wait. Things like bedsheets, memory foam mattress toppers, pillows and etc can be easily bought at these fairs. I think I’ve seen memory foam mattress selling there at previous years, but you really need to have time and patience to go through all the booths looking for the things in your shopping list.

Don’t worry about the quality. It’s the SAME thing, SAME brand, and SAME design, but selling at much cheaper price at these fairs. Don’t ask me why. To me, that it’s a bonus to shoppers!

Shopping for CNY

Celebrating Chinese New Year here is such a bliss. We don’t have to decorate our house because I’m too lazy to do so. Furthermore, our guests will only be here for a day or 2 and off we go to the villas in Hua Hin. So, why do I need to decorate my house? I don’t even have time to sweep the leaves in my garden.

Last Sunday, we went to Siam Paragon, Platinum Fashion Mall and Central Cheangwattana all in a day and make full use of the clearance sale everywhere. Frankly, we didn’t buy much as I have some shopping previously, so it’s more for Justin. It’s not easy buying things for him, and it’s best to let him pick what he wants. Needless to say, he chose all Ben 10 this time! Even the underwear is by Ben 10. LOL!

Anyway, the kids don’t have to dress in new clothes at all time as we will be in Hua Hin. So, they will most probably be wearing their swimsuits in the day, and then only change to their new clothes after the swim. See la, you don’t really need a lot of clothes if you stay by the beach.

Now, all I need to do is to buy some angpaos. Yeap, the little red packets!!!