Resisting Discouragement:

Don’t get tired of doing what is good.

Don’t get discouraged and give up,
The realization of our dreams might be just around the corner.

There are many things that work to keep us from completing our vision of life (read: life-time dream). At some juncture of life, we can be put off of our life missions; obstacles and hurdles may allure us to simply quit altogether.

Do you ever get tired of chasing your dreams?
Do you feel exhausted with doing what’s right? I think we all do.
Sometimes it seems easier to do the wrong thing than the right thing.

When we’re discouraged, we become ineffective.
When we’re discouraged, we work against our own faith.
When I’m discouraged, I’m saying, “It can’t be done.”
That’s the exact opposite of saying, “I know I have the capacity to do it and I can do it!”

Ask yourself these questions:
• How do I handle failure?
• When things don’t go my way, do I get grumpy?
• When things don’t go my way, do I get frustrated?
• When things don’t go my way, do I start complaining?
• Do I finish what I start?
• How would I rate on persistence?

If you’re discouraged, don’t give up without a fight. Nothing worthwhile ever happens without endurance and energy.

When an artist starts to create a sculpture, he has to keep chipping away. He doesn’t hit the chisel with the hammer once, and suddenly all the excess stone falls away revealing a beautiful masterpiece. He keeps hitting it and hitting it, chipping away at the stone.

And that’s true of life, too. Nothing really worthwhile ever comes easy in life. You keep hitting it and going after it, and little-by-little your life becomes a masterpiece.

The fact is, great people are really just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of determination.
Great people don’t know how to quit.

A Beautiful Mess...

You've got the best of both worlds.

You're the kind of girl who can take down a man,

and lift him back up again.

You are strong but you're needy,

humble but you're greedy.

And based on your body language,

and shoddy cursive I've been reading.

Your style is quite selective,

though your mind is rather reckless.

Well, I guess it just suggests that this is just what happiness is...

And what a beautiful mess this is...

It's like we're picking up trash in dresses.

Well it kind of hurts when the kind of words you write,

kind of turn themselves into knives

And don't mind my nerve you could call it fiction.

But I like being submerged in your contradictions, dear.

'Cause here we are, here we are...

Although you were biased,

I love your advice.

Your comebacks they're quick,

and probably have to do with your insecurities.

There's no shame in being crazy,

depending on how you take these words I'm paraphrasing;

this relationship we're staging.

And what a beautiful mess this is.

It's like picking up trash in dresses.

Well, it kind of hurts when the kind of words you say,

kind of turn themselves into blades.

And kind and courteous is a life I've heard.

But it's nice to say that we played in the dirt, oh dear.

Cause here we are, here we are...

We're still here,

What a beautiful mess this is...

It's like taking a guess when the only answer is yes.

And through timeless words, and priceless pictures;

We'll fly like birds not of this earth.

And times they turn, and hearts disfigure.

But that's no concern when we're wounded together.

And we tore our dresses, and stained our shirts;

But it's nice today, oh the wait was so worth it.

Song Title Beautiful Mess

Singer Jason Mraz

Songwriters Mai Sunshine Bloomfield, Rebecca Emily Gebhardt, Jason Thomas Mraz, Chaska Lela Potter, Mona Tavakoli

Album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

Just a Lil' Note

Sometimes too many words
are useless,

Sometimes all you need
is just a little note.

And you're well ready for the day,

be it a happy-sunny one,

or a gloomy-cloudy...

No matter how hard it's going to be...

Put a smile on your face,

You're way more beautiful that way.

HAVE A NICE DAY!

*Revolutionary Road

In the hopeful 1950s, Frank and April Wheeler seem to be a model couple: bright, beautiful, talented, with a starter home in the suburbs. Perhaps they married too young, perhaps they started a family too early. Maybe Frank's job is dull. Maybe April never did see herself as a hosewife. Yet they have always lived on the assumption that greatness is only just around the corner. That certainty is crumbling...

This film is reality in its purest, yet magnificently artistic form – the anger that is portrayed repetitively and in various occasions reminded me of the wrath I myself occasionally experience, from the overture of an argument to its climax; the screaming, the furious need to verbally and physically harm, punch, kick, no matter how much affection is felt towards the recipient. Even during the scenes that are meant to be tranquil, there is anxiety and tension hidden in their smiles, a sort of counterfeit politeness that should never be present in a happy relationship.

It is all a depiction of two genuine lives that have the potential of existing in complete harmony, yet cannot because of the stereotypical environment and situation they find themselves in. They both crave change, an alteration in their monotonous state of being, but because of the lengthy period of time that they have spent in such a circumstance, their mentality is differently modified. April (Kate Winslet) finds unreserved determination to leave to Paris and although her character seems at times erratic, we gradually come to understand that she is in fact the stronger personality of the two; she truly finds change favorable, whereas Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) seems to find the idea of change more flattering than change itself.

Each choice a person makes can change a life, and that life is not always theirs. This film shows us just how wrong something right can be, as well as how right something wrong can be.

Malgosia for Chanel

Malgosia Bela is back as the face of new Chanel Cosmetics range. With a dark eye-makeup and lipcolor, she is looking absolutely stunning and gorgeous in new Chanel Noirs Obscurs’ campaign. The modeling veteran was repealing face of last season’s ads too.

Miss Dior Chérie

Miss Dior Chérie, a sweet and pretty perfume, was launched this year by haute couture and womenswear designer, John Galliano. The perfect timing -coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Christian Dior's birth, for a new reinterpretation of the original Miss Dior. It paved the way for a new generation of fans.

The Fragrance

This is a modern fragrance that captures the timeless couture spirit of Dior. A new interpretation of the original fragrance, Miss Dior Cherie combines pure couture spirit with the audacity of youthful, playful notes for a fresh approach to a timeless classic.

Notes of chic, green tangerine, violette, and pink jasmine mingle with soft patchouli, musk, and delectably sweet strawberry leaves and caramelized popcorn for a delicious scent that's truly irresistible.

Pure. Precious. Modern.
What a chic and impertinent new classic!
It'll sweep you off your feet and fly yourself away....

Behind the Scene
It is Coppola's first-ever commercial, and stars Belarusian beauty Maryna Linchuk, who takes over from Riley Keough and Lily Donaldson. The ad features Linchuck floating over Paris, while clutching onto a bundle of balloons, all to the soundtrack of Brigitte Bardot's song,"Moi, Je Joue".

Midnight Musing

The most important relationship you have in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself."
-Diane von Furstenberg

I'm realizing more and more that only when I give myself love first, can I truly radiate love. Only then can I fully create space for others to fill themselves with love.



I'm at that point in my life, where I let go of a lot of things that I have been holding on to. I let go of a few situations that upset me the past few months and years, and for some reason, my life became clearer afterwards.

I've had my battle on whether or not to let go of someone that I deeply cared about. And I did. It was strange that I was no longer afraid of being alone. I have always been in a relationship, or close to a relationship; and for the past years of my life, I have been so concerned about making sure everyone is OK, I never really took the time to make sure I was happy. And I pretty much wasn't.

I'm learning day by day to make choices from my heart, without fear that this is selfish. At times, it will ask me to stand in front of others, to fill my own cup; at other times, it will ask me to act with total altruism.
But I'm believing that whatever it tells me is best and for the benefit of all.

I'm seeing through this perspective now: that love for myself builds love for all. Love for others, without love for myself, is running -running from what I really am, no matter how noble it feels.

All freeing choices start with love for Me.
Before I can run a successful business, before I can open my heart to love someone; most importantly, I've got to love myself. And when the time is right, everything will fall right into place...

Pictures via Anja Rubik

Just Not Yet.

. . .The Princess hesitated,
for she did not want to see her true love,

not yet, not just yet,

he was the end of stories not yet begun,
and she did not want to make magic Forests,
she wanted to see real ones.

So she watched the old lady pick up from the grass the end of what appeared to be one of those long, trailing gossamer threads left by baby spiders traveling on the air in the early dawn. But it was as strong as linen thread, and fine as silk, and when the Old Woman gave it a little tug it tugged tight and could be seen to run away, out of the orchard, over the meadow, into the woods and out of sight.

'You gather it in,' said the Old Woman, 'and see where it takes you.'

The thread glittered and twisted,
and the Princess began to roll it neatly in,
and took a few steps along it, and gathered it,
and rolled it into a ball,
and followed it, out of the orchard, across the meadow,
and into the woods, and. . .
-From "The Story of the Eldest Princess" A.S. Byatt.

> Stop Press: GG's Back!!!

It's been a long summer. But it was worth it! They're back......
We've seen plenty of previews and promos for the premiere, as well as pictures, and Gossip Girl spoilers galore for this episode and beyond are posted everywhere...

All that's left to do is sit back and watch "Reversals of Fortune" unfold.

Tonight, Gossip Girl kicks off its much-anticipated third season with "Reversals of Fortune." on the CW. New relationships and plenty of new drama will be running high this evening.

What do you think and hope will happen on Gossip Girl?

Chanel, Fall 2009 Couture

In the fading light of a Parisian evening, Lagerfeld presented a staggering array of looks that defied the divide between day & night, long &short, modern & historicist.The Chanel couture for Fall, shown in the Grand Palais on a stage set with giant white N° 5 bottles, had a comparatively toned-down atmosphere.

Lagerfeld's single conceit was a play on graphic proportion—dresses with a longer flyaway panel in the back, all shown with lace tights and stiletto-heeled booties. He offered up some remarkable looks: a crinolined dance dress; pretty, light chiffon dresses in nude or midnight blue with ruffled trains.

Backstage Beauty
The outstanding make-up: black-bold eye-liner, Egyptian style; understated the magnificence in a thoroughly modern way and creating a sense of mystery. Top models, such the like of Siri Tollerød and Toni Garrn, instantly transformed into striking beauty.

All the Chanel craftsmanship was there, of course, and impeccably achieved. For all that, Lagerfeld didn't manage to outstrip the genius of those previous two shows. That's the annoying thing when you're competing against yourself.

Pictures via Style/Vogue.com

Coco Mademoiselle, le Film

Chanel is continuing to be inspired by the glamor of the movies to promote their products. The most recent: we are sent special and gorgeous invitations around to preview the Coco Mademoiselle site and film.

Chanel artistic director, for over 40 years, Jaques Helleu picked the British actress and Academy Award nominee Keira Knightely to add a new role on her resume as the star and new face of the advertising campaign for Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance.

One is first literally led by the hand by an invisible guide for a virtual tour of Gabrielle Chanel’s daytime apartment (she really lived at the Ritz). You start by climbing the famous Chanel mirrored staircase up into her den, located 31, rue Cambon. The visit aims to be realistic, complete with the sound of muffled footsteps in the thick carpet and crackling fire burning in the fireplace. You are even invited to look up-close at certain objects like the Coromandel screens and antique crystal chandeliers, almost as if your nose were touching them.

Then there is the film Coco. Keira enters the apartment from the window dressed in a white men’s shirt and bowler hat and then cheekily throws her hat on a console, undresses, and chooses a dress while making a pout of indecision. She also chooses here jewelry and whimsically tries her necklace on her foot first, then meets her beau, kisses, and slyly dab his neck with Coco Mademoiselle. All the while the enchanting Joss Stone's L.O.V.E is playing. The movie ends on Keira walking in the streets of Paris at night and on a big visual of Coco Mademoiselle. It is a big production for a short movie.

Finally, one can take a good look in the picture gallery at behind-the-scene features and the making-of the movie.

From Fashion Capitals...

My current crushes which I spotted at FTV: Tres adorable!
Tough choice it is, but my most favorite of the four is Francesco Sconamiglio...

If you're hot, don't stop! The buzz around Christophe Decarnin's Balmain is a smack in the eye for fashion doom-mongering. With vintage Madonna on the soundtrack, his Spring show—all bling and rock-chick fabulousness—gave the opening of Paris fashion week a shot of pure adrenalin. For a girl looking for an instant backstage pass, this is the wardrobe that will send her sailing past the heaviest security on sight.

From New York, Preen "Power" dress has been popping up more and more on young Hollywood starlets, and its snug fit, cutouts, and ultrahigh hem provided a continuing template for a sexy, spot-on Fall collection that designers Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi said was influenced by Quadrophenia and Blade Runner.

A series of little white dresses (bracelet-sleeved, one-shouldered, or strapless, decorated with sculptural rosettes or ruffles) showed Scognamiglio at his best: just this side of flamboyant, but relevant at retail, too. When he starts thinking more along these lines, he'll start drawing the crowds that his technique deserves. As the kids say, Francesco Sconamiglio has mad skills. He can cut a lean, mean suit with the best of them!

It's all go in London, especially at Giles Deacon's studio in Brick Lane with his Resort collection... Deacon was buzzing on the news that he's
a) got a new Italian licensee, and
b) won the French ANDAM award, which means not only oodles of euros, but also that he'll be showing in Paris in the fall.

# Behind the Birkin Bag

Yep, yep, yep.... It's the legendary Miss Birkin: One magnificent fashion icon on the top of my list of fashion goddesses. No wonder she's muse behind the iconic Hermes Birkin bag. She had a chic, timeless sensibility.

Like the bag, her look is very simple but very well put together; as portrayed in the picture below, which is perfectly elegant and real. "Jane Birkin" by photographer Norman Parkinson in US Vogue 1966.

Picture via A Life More Fabulous

Everything Will be Okay...

It had been a quiet transaction enough;
There was no explosion of passion, no loud altercation, no dispute, no defiance, no challenge,
no tears, no sobs.

A few words had been spoken;
a calmly pronounced objections to the relation;
Open admission of truth had been uttered.
And all was over.

Then I was in my room as usual, just myself without obvious changes.

Nothing had smitten me, or scathed me, or maimed me.

And yet, where was the "I" of yesterday?

Where was my life?

Where were my blissful prospects?

I sat down:

Till now I had only heard, seen, moved;

following up and down where I was led or dragged;

watched event rushed after event; disclosure opened beyond disclosure;

But now I thought:

What necessity is there to dwell on the Past,

when the Present is so much surer -the Future so much brighter?

Now I acted, and I knew Everything will be just Okay.

The Best Kind of Love:

Maybe, I was HEARING but not really listening,

Maybe, I was just oblivious...

Maybe, I simply took you FOR granted

after all the things that has happened.

Maybe, I was TOO HARD on you

Maybe, I was trying too hard?

Maybe, I was just EXPECTING too much

Maybe, I became really unreasonable

all the little things, all the SMALL stuffs

maybe I was always expecting something in return

MAYBE and just Maybe....

Now, I completely get it... This is what I decide to do: When I love you,
and if you wanted it, I’d wish for nothing in exchange.
No fits. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion.
Nothing; but knowing you loved me too.
Just your heart, in exchange for mine.

Now the question is: How do you love?

Edon Manor, NY

Directly across the street from the menacing tower of Citibank’s downtown headquarters sits a one-of-a-kind boutique exuding luxury and calm.

Edon Manor
391 Greenwich St
between Beach and N. Moore Sts;
(212) 431-3890
Tues—Sat noon—7pm; Sun noon—6pm
www.edonmanor.com

Edon Manor, a recently-opened Tribeca shop that sells shoes and accessories, is as dedicated to presentation as it is to Proenza Schouler python pumps. An original, first rate accessories shop with a nod to English style.

It is that rare relationship between London and its countrysides, where the city fades and the rolling pastures begin, which has been the heart of this vision. Edon Manor certainly brings that distinctly English mood: comfort, tradition and eccentricity to New York City

Designed by the prestigious Kramer Design Group, the boutique is a study in graceful elegance. The interior is a cheeky take on an English library, where the shelves are spilling with feminine accessories, from the smart and the discreet to the loud runway cult pieces.

The footwear, handpicked by store owner Davinia Wang, is artfully displayed throughout the space. Valentino, Givenchy, Vivenne Westwood, Rupert Sanderson, and Sergio Rossi are among the designers offered, and many pairs were plucked straight from their runway shows. The selection ranges from demure (Carmen Ho ostrich ballet flats) to straight up sex-on-legs (Givenchy patent open-toe mules).

>Edon Manor is a down-town where to go for hard to find ready to wear shoes and nondescript, effortlessly cool British staples. It's a place where women can find all the trimmings of the season in one place!

What more can I say, books and high heels... two of my favorite things in the world!

Inside the Loop:

Everyone can see who I appear to be...

But only a few would recognize the real "me"

You're only seeing what I am in the outside,

Well, there's so much more inside the loop you just don't know.

If you care enough to linger a while, you might find a beauty.

Or else, you'll never know...

Picture via Coco's Tea Party

~ Fun Fall with Kate Spade

Are you a woman who appreciates a fresh sense of style? A girl with fashion sense of your own, quirky personality and not afraid to stand out in the crowd?

Then listen up because KateSpade is right for you!
Official website: www.katespade.com

This cheerful clothing collection from renowned fashion accessories label Kate Spade is the loveliest thing I've seen for some time. For the current fall season Kate Spade launched 60s retro French style looks with a very feminine and optimistic feel.

Bright, joyful colors like mustard yellow, tomato red, cerise pink, as well as shiny sequins or graphic details such as contrast buttons and black-on-white oversized polka dots cheer up quiet neutrals.

Fall 2009 looks from Kate Spade online collection have charming evoking names like "dashing into the office" or "off to the opera" and embrace some of the ongoing season trends such as the sweater dress, the bow-front blouse, the wool pencil skirt, the sequined shift dress, the military styled coat or the cropped faux-fur jacket, all with a discreet, timeless appeal. Take a look for yourself.