Hottest women in the world? Here’s 10 of them!

Without further ado, here’s no. 1 (in no matter of ranking) :

MAGGIE Q.

Picture courtesy of http://www.maggiequigley.com

The Die-Hard star blows me away with her never ending legs and tone physique. But what makes her different is her exotic features and sophisticated demeanor. Love her eyes and and facial contours!

Parentage: American father of Polish, French Canadian and Irish descent, and a Vietnamese mother.

ADRIANA LIMA.

Image courtesy of http://www.zanimacije.com

One of my favourite Victoria’s Secret Angels, the Brazilian model has also been known as a spokesmodel for Mabelline, Guess, Vera Wang, Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Ralph Lauren and Valentino. Her eyes remind me of Bollywood beauty queen Aishwarya Rai – seductive, mysterious and alluring.

A phrase to describe her besides sexy, sexy, sexy after receiving the numerous titles of FHM’s “100 Sexiest Women 2007” list, and voted #1 as the Most Desirable Woman in 2005 by visitors of the men’s lifestyle website, Askmen.com: bootylicious va va voom!

ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO.

Image courtesy of wallpaperbase.com

Her daughter is barely a year ago, but what does it matter? Alessandra Ambrosio is best known as a Victoria’s Secret Angel with the stunning face and angel-like features, especially with the VS fashion show signature “wings”. She was the first spokesmodel for VS PINK line (my favourite!).  Described by Tyra Banks as “The future of the modeling world”, Ambrosio was chosen as one of People magazine’s annual 100 Most Beautiful People in the World, in May 2007 along with fellow ‘Angels.’ She is among the world’s top-earning models.

DOUTZEN KROES.

Image courtesy of fizzoficial.hi5.com

Sometimes compared to Denise Richards, the Victoria’s Secret Angel (yes, it’s another long legged beauty but who can blame me for admiring the Angels?) is the combination of sweet, sexy and beautiful. Not that any one of these descriptors cannot be used by the other Angels, Kroes is the perfect embodiment of classic and innocent beauty, all captured in her wholesome good looks, sensual full lips and intelligent eyes.

Doutzen Kroes received the Lifetime Achievement Award, part of the Dutch Model Awards, that she has won in Amsterdam, on May 12, 2009. The jury praised her achievements at her age.

BAR REFAELI.

Image courtesy of http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com

Known for her status as Spots Illustrated (cover model of 2009’s swimsuit issue) and her relationship with Titanic megastar Leonardo DiCaprio (although they have recently broken up), Refaeli is an Israeli model who also works with Fox Fashion and unleashed a series of publicity campaigns under its name. She was recently in town for a fashion show and ST Urban interviewed her. Surprise surprise, this sporty, outgoing beauty actually prefers to be au naturale and opts for minimal makeup and casual clothing so that she can be herself, carefree under the sun.

On March 5, 2009, Refaeli was awarded in the “World Style” category at the Women’s World Awards, an event honouring women for achievements in various fields and for contributions to furthering the elimination of discrimination of women.

MEGAN FOX

Image credits to thecheapgirl.com

How can I leave her out? She’s not only named the ‘sexist woman alive’, she’s the hottest HOT THING that has set the media and Hollywood itself ablaze. The Transformers star has been compared to Mrs Pitt – Angelina Jolie – regarding her sex appeal and tatoos, of course. It has even been rumoured that she might be replacing Jolie in the next Lara Croft movie. Why am I not surprised?

KELLY BROOK

Image credits to monstersandcritics.com

English model, actress, swimwear designer (New Look), author and television presenter. If that’s not enough to wow about, I simply love her curves and confidence, the way she carries herself and the natural smile and beauty she possesses. Go Kelly!

SONG HYE-KYO

Image credits to korean4vn.com

This south-korean model and actress is the perfect embodiment of Asian beauty and charisma, with international appeal. Some very popular drama serials that she has starred in include Full House, All In, Autumn in my Heart and Hotelier. Song endorses many beauty and lifestyle products, among which is the popular cosmetic brand Laneige and Levis.

BERNICE LIU

Image credits to blike.net

The  Chinese-Canadian actress, singer and commercial model based in Hong Kong is a popular covergirl on the glossy pages of famous glamour and fashion magazines. The ‘sunny’, bright-eyed beauty is today’s Barbie girl and hot favourite to endorsement contracts. Liu secured the #2 spot amongst TVB’s top-earning artists of 2006 – and in the summer of that year, she earned a contract with Nike, and became the first Asian spokesperson for the company. Her posters are now all over Asia promoting Nike yoga products. What can I say? I’m charmed by her pan-asian looks!

JESSICA ALBA

Image credits to lijeyeshaveit.livejournal.com

I remembered that back in junior college I was really motivated by Alba’s toned yet curvy figure in Fantastic 4 and Into the Blue. I was really excited to watch Sin City because of her, but back then I was still underaged to be admitted into the theatre, but well you get the picture. An actress who wants to be taken seriously and not just for her killer looks and beautiful body, I admire her character and attitude. You have my respect, Jess.

Loungewear that’s too PRETTY to just wear them indoors.

Image credits to hush-uk.com

Loungewear is so popular this season, it has become a trend to wear them out to the malls, beaches, to the pool and light exercises at the neighbourhood parks and gardens, for yoga lessons, even chill-out sessions with your girlfriends at an ice-cream bar! It’s really your personal preference (that’s what I tell customers), and the styles have gone beyond hoodies and sweats. Think empire dresses, leggings, hotshots, jumpsuits and oh-so-cute rompers! Even Topshop is starting to stock up on these :)

Striped cardigan* from TOPSHOP. Pair it with black, white or grey leggings/leg pants/yoga pants for a chic yet relaxed look!

Image credits to topshop.com

*comes in navy blue too!

Gold Heart Hoodie* from TOPSHOP. This long line hoody with gold foil motif on front is so adorable and sweet! Contrary to the usual way loungewear is worn, I recommend accessories to spice up the whole outfit! Wear the hoodie on its own or with sheer stockings and flats, and double the wow factor with chunky earrings or a heart necklace! Just don’t pile it all up like a Xmas tree!

Image credits to topshop.com

* comes in white too!

Terry Convertible Dress from Victoria’s Secret. Look casual, laidback yet stunning in this convertible dress. Be especially alluring in slightly tousled hair like Ambrosio’s. No accessories is fine, but a smile is completely necessary to complement the dress.

Image credits to victoriassecret.com

French terry pleated tube dress from Victoria’s Secret. Be at home and yourself while exuding innocent and girlish charm in this comfy tube dress. It’s slim-fitting, so allow it to hug your curves while cosying up on your couch. Pair it with a cardigan if your shoulders look/feel too bare (as pictured). Who says looking sexy is too much effort?

Image credits to victoriassecret.com

Terry romper from Victoria’s Secret. As described in its online shop, “The perfect post-swim piece. Battenburg lace front. Drawstring at waist.” Enough said! Oh but I have to add this: how about this pair of floral etched disc earrings and chain trim fabric bracelet (both from forever21.com) to match?

Image credits to victoriassecret.com & forever21.com

It’s a personal sin not to promote La Senza, of course! I love the Canadian brand that uses so many beautiful fabrics in their loungewear! My soft spots: modal, nylon, polyester and spandex. I heart their Lola and Coco collection and here are just some pieces that I heart!

Image credits to lasenza.com

Topshop’s style advisor says…

Image credits to Topshop!

That’s all for now! Up next: 10 hottest women whose bods you’ll die for. Stay tuned!

Adapt, or die trying. PLUS, the Fashion Oscars!

It was rather busy in the shop today, with the GSS and friday evening and all. The new girls and I get along fine, but somehow there is something empty inside me, and a large part of me wants to go back to that comfort zone when I’m a junior girl with minimal responsibilities, and when mistakes/negligences are less magnified. But no. So overnight, I’m a “senior”, only 1 month old, to teach the newcomers stuff like hanging the correct underwear with the correct dress, basically correcting the little mistakes here and there. This reversal of roles made me feel a little stressed, plus during the busy periods I am torn between clearing the mess in the changing rooms and serving. Small incidents add up, and before I realised it the emotional point hit me and I found myself tearing out of the blue. The store manager saw my reddened eyes and thought I just yawned. But I told her that I just miss the senior girls. I’m really glad she understands, and she was very patient with me after that. Things got back to normal afterwards, except that one of my customers was “stolen”. Heehee. Oh well, it happens all the time and I’ve learnt to swallow it here and there. Oh, and I had KFC again. Now I really have no idea if all these KFC meals are going to offset the calories I burnt standing for 7-8 hours on the job, plus the detox program I’m on. Ok, be sure that I still have to strike a balance! Not too much sinful food, enough to sustain me, that’s the secret I guess. As far as I know, I AM losing a little weight! Hope it’s not just my imagination!

Work tomorrow is afternoon shift before my off days on Sunday and Monday. I can’t wait for the breaks!

Let’s drift, happily, to another topic now altogether. My favourite, of course!

The CFDAs (fashion Oscars)! Just a few significant highlights…

– Francisco Costa, Thom Browne and Tom Binns are the top fashion designers of the year, taking home the big prizes at Monday night’s Council of Fashion Designers of America awards.

– Blake Lively and Coco Rocha wore Michael Kors, Rachel Zoe opted for Louis Vuitton in support of her long-time friend Marc Jacobs, and model Doutzen Kroes was glammed up by Zac Posen.

– Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders and Italo Zucchelli for Calvin Klein Collection tied for the Menswear Designer of the Year Award

– Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler won Accessory Designer of the Year

– The Swarovski awards for emerging talent, went to Alexander Wang for Womenswear

– Anna Sui was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

– Newly engaged Marc Jacobs picked up the International Award for his work at Louis Vuitton – which no doubt he’ll be adding to the fireplace he’s just purchased for his new vacation home.

– Ralph Lauren scooped the first ever Popular Vote Award and Michelle Obama accepted her special tribute award via video link from the White House.

– Janet Jackson, Jessica Simpson, Chloe Sevigny, Sandra Oh and Sean “Diddy” Combs were in the crowd in addition to top fashion designers Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg and Donna Karan.

A few of my favourite outfits at the awards –

Blake Lively in this hot pink strapless number from Michael Kors. LOVE PINK.

Image credits to graziadaily.co.uk

Diane Kruger in this custom made Jason Wu gown with mini military-style epaulettes. Love the unique flower shaped sleeves and matching clutch. Simple but absolutely red-hot!

Image credits to graziadaily.co.uk

Kirsten Dunst in Womenswear Designer of the Year winners Rodarte. The Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and matching chunky booties finish up the chic and fabulous look. Dunst’s porcelain complexion suits the colour of the dress just perfect too! Love her smoky eye makeup ala la!

Image credits to graziadaily.co.uk

Lydia Hearst in an ethereal white Marc Bouwer gown is a super elegant choice for the socialite, and the asymmetric cut is oh-so-trendy. I am intrigued by the toga-cut and pixie like details at the hem of the dress. Sweet, innocent and completely stylish. Notice the matching gladiator-heels too?

Image credits to graziadaily.co.uk

Molly Sims in Autumn/Winter 09/10 Dolce & Gabbana. So Marilyn Monroe and so classy in swept back hair and simply peep-toe heels. Honestly, it’s difficult to pull this dress off because of its shape and weight. But Sims sure did!

Image credits to graziadaily.co.uk

Rachel Zoe supported Marc Jacobs by wearing Vuitton, celebrate this nude Grecian style dress she wore with vintage Chanel earrings and Louis Vuitton shoes. So surreal, so queenly. Love her quite charm in this picture :)

Image credits to graziadaily.co.uk

Lake Bell in this Louis Vuitton show-stopper. An obvious lack of jewellery and loud screaming hair-do but her dress speaks volumes about her. Hell yes, just look at the sleeves! What is most striking, however, in my opinion, are her piercing eyes/gaze and confident pose. Leggy and gorgeous beauty for admiration, any takers?

Image credits to graziadaily.co.uk

*CFDA’s content credits to graziadaily.co.uk and cbsnews.com

Next entry: my fashion faves and items of desire. Where is the money?!

Fashion Dreams…or Reality?

It happened overnight, and suddenly my workplace seemed like a strange new environment, unfamiliar, cold and unfriendly. I was just getting familiar with my colleagues, especially the 3 of them, my seniors, when, because of an odd and unexpected incident, they were dismissed and I’m left with a “new” store because it was revamped (things were shifted around and in new positions) and 2 new permanent staff came in. I miss them, even though it has only been a month, the moments when we just ‘slack’ around, joking, chatting, bitching, laughing. Heehee. That made time easier to pass. But that’s gone gone gone. History.

I was struck with a sense of loss and uncertainty. What’s going to happen next? Things were just going to be like normal again? What am I expected to do? And I thought she was picking on me, like being particularly sensitive when it comes to serving customers and ‘accusing’ me of not helping out enough at the changing rooms. Well that felt terrible. I don’t wish to work with a colleague who doesn’t like me or who intends to pick on me or vent her frustrations on me. However, things suddenly became better when I was told by the store manager to help her out in replenishing stocks. Like she became more smiling and spoke more politely to me. We just started unpacking the new clothing from the plastic wrappers and tagging and I did all that steaming. It was fun, actually, but not when you burn your fingers with piping hot steam. :S

Then something that Fiona, La Senza’s visual merchandiser, said that struck me. All these while I had set my mind on the fashion industry, and she actually advised, “Work harder! Don’t get stuck in retail.” I guess that as a graduate I would be better off in a field where the money is. What she mentioned was that she was in fashion all her life and she’s not earning much, unlike her husband, who’s in banking and finance. How about Wing Tai? Apparently it pays lower than FJB. Having such a conversation reminded me of my status as a year 2, going on year 3 undergraduate who needs to struggle to get a second upper Honours, if I choose that 4 year route. Then what’s next? What Fiona said – is it true? How about brand manager or something? Can’t imagine being stuck at a pathetic pay all my life, I’m certainly not one who will depend on my husband, financially, because it sucks to wait around for money to fall into my pockets. I simply hate asking for money, even from my parents.

Fashion is my life, sometimes I think I just live for 2 things. Love, and Fashion.

What am I to do without either?

Quote of the day: “Time doesn’t stop for me, but I can choose to be Timeless.” – Melissa Jane

Lunch with Ex Ambassador Sothirak

Lunch with

H.E. Pou Sothirak. Cambodian Ambassador to Japan

Darling, myself and Yuan Long had lunch with Ambassador Sothirak and his nephew at Siam Reap II, The Asian Civilisations Museum. It was an enlightening lunch because we talked about many issues concerning the world, especially Cambodia and Singapore. Sounds so political and all that but it was really a time that I broadened my perspective and view of the problems and challenges facing the world right now, particularly issues with our charity project, which is forced to come to a halt because of the many constraints like getting permits, donors and support from the government, organisations and the community at large. But anyway, I’m especially interested in Ambassador Sothirak’s views on alleviating poverty from Cambodia, small scale or otherwise, but within his own efforts, that is, reaping the benefits and profits from organic farming. More about that in future, if we ever collaborate with him on this massive, meaningful project. We hope to have another gathering with Ambassador Sothirak at a wonderful place none other than his impressive abode, The Sail @ Marina Bay. Yes! Hopefully! a time to mingle, BBQ and talk about real stuff with a respectable figure like him!

Just so it’s all believable and memorable, here’s a picture of all of us after our wonderful meal and traditional Vietnamese coffee :)

From left to right: Me, Eric, Mr Sothirak, Mr Sothirak's nephew, Yuan Long

In the evening, it’s Terminator Salvation. Christian Bale is hot! He looks a little like Tom Cruise to me! But what captured my attention more was Moon Bloodgood, who plays Blair Wiliams in the movie. Well, if I had been saved by a half human, half machine like Marcus Wright, I would have risked my life to save him too :P

Feast your eyes on Bloodgood’s hotness! :)

Bloodgood, ranks on Maxim’s “Hot 100″ and also stared in the movie “8 Below” and TV show “Day Break” as Taye Diggs girlfriend. Her Dutch-Irish-Korean looks give a special touch to her glowing complexion and exotic features. Ain’t mixed-blood people lucky! Even though I get a zillion questions about my race/ethnicity – anything from Eurasian to Indonesian to Malay to Peranakan to Chinese-Malay, I’m still Chinese and proud of it. But Caucasian traits are extreeeemely desirable. Oh, how I want a sharper nose!

Mirror, mirror on the Wall…

Reflections…

I had this sudden urge to start a blog because I had so much to think about today, which reminded me of my days in New York exactly a year ago, when I was thousands of miles away from home and had no one to talk to, in a way, and that had made me confide in a private blog I share with Pups! It’s such a wonderful feeling to sort of “record” everything down, all the days’ events and stuff, so that in a way you’ll remember them forever…

We had temp staff training today at La Senza Paragon. It was the first time I met Joyce, the Brand Manager and it was so exciting! There I met Ying Sze and Alexis, and we both listened to the various advice on how to wear the correct bra, which apparently relate to how the bra straps should look like, how it affects the posture, the fit, how to select the correct cup etc etc. I never knew there was so much to wearing a bra and I used to actually wear a bra the way I wear a pair of shorts! Speaking of being clumsy around bra straps and I’m actually promoting bras myself now :P Anyway, I think sales is really a great challenge, which I also enjoy, because there’s this sense of achievement I feel when the customer leaves the shop happy with her purchases. Shopping is an experience that is not simply a browse, pay and go, but a journey that includes the product, the service, the experience of selection, elimination, thought-inducing decisions and pure bliss and contentment, not to mention confidence and support, especially with compliments from the service crew. There is so much to learn in this job and yes, every bit of time spent accumulating knowledge in the world of fashion, beauty and retail, to me, is an investment for a promising career in the future :)

Close Shave

Late late late. That’s my habit too but I always chide Pups for that. So I was just in time for the training at Paragon but only because I jay walked across the road outside Takashimaya and nearly got knocked down by a cab. AWWWW. All the cars had stopped at a red light but it changed to green pretty soon and I still hadnt the opportunity to cross the road. Because I didnt want to be late, I took the risk without thinking and briskly made my way across the road, winding around stationary cars but when I got to the second late a white cab just zoomed past me, inches from knocking me down. gOsH. This is what I get from gambling with life and I have to remind myself to think twice before doing that again :(

BrAzilian Waxing Virgin

First time I’m doing a brazilian wax, or any kind of wax for that matter. It was really scary and I didnt know what to expect. Pups accompanied me down to Fabulous Wax at Cineleisure for my virgin experience (prior appointment is required) after the training and brunch with Alexis and her friend (whoops I forgot her name! sorry!) After filling in a form with my particulars and stuff, I was led into a bathroom to clean myself up before proceeding on to the frightful part. OK, it wasn’t so scary because I was trying to be brave but I still, it’s like something alien is awaiting me but I dont know what it’s going to be like. I was told to just remove my clothing and climb onto a bed (like one in an operating theatre just that it’s simple and narrow with a towel on it). I shall not elaborate further on some “very private moments” with the waxing therapist (is that the name for it?) but I must emphasize that for first timers it can be quite traumatising. Imagine hot wax and hot caramel on ur bare skin (ok, with some powder and rose oil or something) but after that it’s like STRIIIIPPPPPPPP!!!!! and all your hair comes out but each strip feels like a slap on the face. The pain did not make me scream out loud but I have to admit the shock did seep into my bones. I have no idea what Strip offers but my verdict is that at Fabulous Wax, they do their job but the experience wasn’t very comforting/soothing. So, I did not sign the package that is like $249 for 6 sessions including a free area (anywhere on the body, eg underarms – and by the way I did BOTH brazilian and underarms on my first time). Apparently we’re not allowed to shave anymore on the waxed area and the only option is to either do it yourself when the hair grow out or go for subsequent waxing sessions (continuous waxing may actually result in hair reduction in the affected areas, so it’s good). Thus my next destination: Strip, though I’m expecting to pay more. This first session costs $35 (brazilian) + $15 (underarms) = $50. An investment for smooth, baby skin? I think so, despite the trauma!

5pm. WORK!

yes till closing and I have grievances to share but you know what, I’m going to swallow it all, including my pride, and start a fresh day tomorrow preparing to smile again, at least from 2 to 10pm. CHEESE!

Quote of the day:

“To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness.” – Benjamin Franklin