UP Vs Twilight!

Most awesome love story told within 5mins….

Rihanna in Alexander Wang, Brooklyn Decker in Stella McCartney: The Battle of The Battleship Babes

The Battleship promo tour has officially set sail and landed on the shores of London town bringing with it gorgeous young stars, Rihanna and Brooklyn Decker. The film might be all about the fight between the navy and some pesky aliens intent on conquering Earth but for now it just looks like the battle of the red carpet. Rihanna and Brooklyn are the best of buds (?!) but a little bit of style competition doesn’t kill, does it? Bringing you – the style of two very different fashionistas.

Firing the first shot in this sartorial sortie, Rihanna! Her Alexander Wang dress (nabbed from his Pre Fall 2012 collection), the appropriately military shade of green suited her down to the ground, the swathes of material on the skirt softened it slightly but the cut-away top ensured it paid homage to the singer’s sharp style.

Brooklyn dressed her perfect pins in the final look from Stella McCartney’s Spring Summer 2012 collection. The cutaway detail kept the pretty pattern from getting too cute and Brooklyn’s strappy shoes is just so fabulous unique!

Rihanna held her own in the footwear stakes with her Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps but the claws?? Fit for fighting off aliens they may be but lest she snag her frock??

Sartorially speaking, these two girls are hardly two peas in a pod. Rihana’s usual uniform is edgy street style for day and uber-sexy for the red carpet (accessorised with her chameleon-like follicles which were a glam blonde for the photocall) whilst Brooklyn favours an all-American vibe made up of pretty frocks, classic colour blocks and a pinch of preppy.

Whose style do you prefer? Who’s more red-carpet chic? Personally I believe my style is more like Brooklyn, and her amazing dress just caught my attention instantly! Can’t wait for Battleship to arrive in cinemas here!

http://www.graziadaily.co.uk

Tocco Tenero: The Exotic Green that Steals Second Glances

Labelled as a fashionista at times (though I think I’m hardly up to it, I’m just a girl who loves fashion, and perhaps happen to have a little flair at dressing up) makes me feel validated as a fashion blogger who knows how to put together an outfit that reflects the latest trends (though not necessarily so) while flattering the figure, skin tone and the entire persona of a person. Not to mention that the looks created generate positive applause from onlookers.

Being crazy about fashion stems from my love for visually attractive things – and one of my “flavours of the year” definitely includes Italian brand Tocco Tenero – which draws its heritage from ToccoToscano of Firenze, Italy. It is birthed with the sole destiny of providing fine fashion-forward bags in genuine leather and quality materials. Consumers are accorded the best of both worlds, trendy fashion and quality materials in one embodiment.

I was absolutely thrilled when Tocco Tenero selected me to be one of the brand ambassadors to showcase their collections, including FALL/WINTER 2011 and SPRING SUMMER 2012.

I was so excited to visit the store to browse their wide range of colourful (yes, totally caught my attention) bags and accessories that are, obviously, very versatile for both work and play. It was timely too that I finally got tired of my basic black patent bag that I’ve used for couple of years and decided to try on a really bold or unique colour. Who says work bags have to be boring? ;)

I stepped into the Wisma Atria Tocco Tenero store with glee – it was brightly lit and feels like a fashionista’s wonderland with bags of all shapes, sizes and textures just waiting to be picked. I had a “hard time” selecting The One being spoilt for choice!

See what I mean? I just love the orange, red and yellow hues!

Pretty display at the shop front that’s so Spring and lovely.

I love the designs and bold colours – if they all belong to my wardrobe I would have such a joy matching them with my clothes!

I thought this selection is very interesting – combination of leopard prints and unique shapes and textures.

Check out the accessories too! They complement the bags well and matching the right colours and intricates will add a boost to your overall look!

Though this bag is a tad large for my petite frame, I thought the colour and shape adds a modern touch to any working woman’s outfit – depending on how you carry it, I believe it exudes personality.

“You’re a girl in a candy store – time to choose your lollipop!” Okay, a random “song” I just made up…

And here’s the chosen gift I received from Tocco Tenero – tada!

All nicely paper wrapped with a beautiful gold ribbon that makes you feel VIP :P I’M SPOILT!

The prize I’m revealing in the comfort of my room – a gorgeous pine green Carter (Retail Price: S$199)

Large tote bag with dual tube handles. Body is an emerald coloured pebble grain cowhide with a woven panel. Adorned with light gold hardware. Includes a gold and enamel lock trinket embossed with Tocco Tenero logo. Top portion of handbag can be folded over, where the long cowhide strap included can provide the additional options of shoulder or body sling.

It comes with a beautiful matching gold charm with the Tocco Tenero logo

The inside of the bag, with made of quality materials and multiple pockets and compartments

Proud owner of the bag of my choice from Tocco Tenero – THANK YOU! <3

Why I chose this bag

• Its unique pine green caught my attention immediately as this shade of green is rare, though it’s not too difficult to match with clothing, unlike lime green
• It’s relatively large yet not oversized, so it’s great for my lifestyle as a working adult who likes to hang out for dinner/drinks after office hours – to pack essential such as a small bottle of perfume, foot spray, make up bag, wallet, mobile phones etc.
• Its multiple compartments make it easy to organize the stuff in my bag – front, back and the inside of the bag you can see the various zippers and slots for small things like lip gloss.
• Its texture and softness of the material makes it fantastic for casual outings as well. I love fur on bags but it gets dirty quickly and it doesn’t feel so smooth after awhile. Practicality is a key!

Matches my work outfit really well!

Tocco Tenero’s full leather bags come very affordable too – nothing is priced above $199 in their stores! And we’re talking about 100% leather, awesome quality and design. Not to mention their excellent customer and after sales service! They provide leather maintenance services (e.g. cleaning, polishing) for every customer at no charge. Bring in your bags anytime for an on-the-spot “bag treatment”! Impressive!

Tocco Tenero’s brand mantra: Versatility, Functionality, Affordability, Quality

For more information on Tocco Tenero, please visit their Facebook page here.

Also take a peek into MyFatPocket’s interview with Tocco Tenero’s brand director Joseph Lor here.

TOCCO TENERO GIVEAWAY – MINI FACEBOOK CONTEST!

Like the Carter bag I’ve chosen? Here’s your chance to win it!

All you have to do is ‘Like’ their Facebook page and share this post (on their page) on your Facebook wall. Contest ends 2nd April. Good Luck lovelies! <3

15 Year Aniversary of fashiontv @ the MIP / Cannes‏

Manga & me! <3!

Have you ever thought of yourself as anime or a cartoon character – especially those who love Japanese comics? I always thought the drawings are amusingly exaggerated and oh so fantastical. Since they’re all sketches and drawings, you can literally have anything you want – it’s all left to the imagination. If you’re thinking about porn-ish stuff, yeah I kinda imply that too – huge boobs, slim, never ending legs and an impossible waistline.

Pardon me but I just had to show an example of what I’m talking about:

However so, I’ve always thought these anime hotties are more cute than hot because of their faces! I mean, look at their faces! Just too adorable for me to fantasize them as “sexy”.

Anyway, I’ve sidetracked a little.

A friend recently sketched a portrait of me! I think it’s pretty and cute, but maybe it doesn’t look quite like me?!

They’re my new friends who have started a business building art courses and manga illustration workshops for kids (check out Inkfusion). Recently they have an new venture, that is to create a new platform to showcase ideas and social networking through manga. So we had a photoshoot to capture some poses and expressions to convert or inspire the pictures into manga illustrations!

The other girl Amber was actually the main model, or lead, for this shoot with her own MUA. Not bad eh I did my own hair and makeup! Anyway yeah I was there to complement, and she’s pretty ain’t she! :)

Here’s the other model Erica Jade Lee – the tallest of us (she looks about 1.7m!) and she was accompanied by a doting boyfriend!

Apparently to search for us, Mike and the team took weeks of scouting around @ MM & Clubsnap for this “Manga” themed Studio Shoot.

So as you see we’re put together as 3 x freelance models, 2 x photographers (Mike’s colleagues) & 1 x make-up artist at

“The Studio Outfitters.

The full cast shot! Ahhhh why do I look huge :/ so that’s me, and I’m blocking half of Mike’s head, Andy, Amber, Silver and Syebvonne!

Okay, introducing the budding photographers! They’re freelance too and this is really a casual shoot I would think.

Darryl trying to shoot Erica (needs lots of adjusting of cameras and lightings)

Barry Allan! He’s also shooting for hobbies and weddings, if I didn’t recall wrongly. You may find him at ClubSnap for group shoots!

Syebvonne the MUA and Amber. Both really unique names :)

Just to end the post with 3 more photos! Pretty excited as I’m blogging this as the whole “cast” is going to meet for ktv soon!

yay~

xoxo,

Melissa Jane

Art Photographer Petrova Julian.

I’m absolutely mesmerized by Petrova Julian’s art photography! Just see for yourself – it’s simply a visual feast!

Which….makes me so inspired to plan a major themed shoot of my own! I’ve been thinking of that since last year actually…

It’s a broken world out there but just take a minute to look at it through my lens.

I wanna feel that glimmer of hope in the distance dancing in my colourful world.

The wind is my lover, and it swirls around me like a charm.

Am I the mermaid I’ve seen in my dreams?

You’re not allowed to enter my secret garden.

Beauty knows no boundaries, embrace it.

Play in the sun, graze in my shadows, my love.

If you only knew what’s on my mind.

In the wilderness I see myself, and the grass kisses my gown.

Mirror mirror on the walls, see my reflection above me. Don’t judge me but you’ll see.

Make the clock reverse.

Flower gleam and glow, let the power shine….

Angels brought me here.

Celestial sister, I see you.

Welcome to the lightness of dark.

The Return of Melody Gardot – THE ABSENCE out 28 May 2012

The Return of Melody Gardot

The Absence out 28 May 2012

The extraordinary Melody Gardot returns on May 28 (UK and Internationally) with a stunning new album The Absence. The follow-up to her 2009 critically acclaimed international best-seller My One and Only Thrill, this new album is steeped in Melody’s global travels and worldly influences.

The Absence reflects time spent in the deserts of Morocco, the tango bars of Buenos Aires, the beaches of Brazil and the streets of Lisbon. The twelve original songs encompass the sound and feel of all these exotic places and more. “A lot of the stories on the record came from my experiences but also from the observation of people, living with them, the sadness and joy that came about in little moments. It was really a mutual connection,” says Melody.

She returned to America ready to record and met producer, composer and guitarist Heitor Pereira. Best known for his work as a film composer (Despicable Me, Its Complicated, From Prada to Nada) and world-class session guitarist (Sting, Seal, Caetano Veloso), he proved to be the perfect artistic foil.

 Together with an all star band including bassist John Leftwich, percussionist Paulihno DaCosta, and drummers Jim Keltner and Peter Erskine they began the journey that became The Absence. Armed with a wonderful musical map, Melody Gardot is about to embark on a global tour in support of The Absence.

 

For more updates visit her Facebook page!