Red and Black

This season, its all about colours.... the vibrant meets the dark.

Black is the colour of authority whilst Red is energy, passion and love...In the Japanese culture, black is a symbol of nobility. In business, “in the black” means making profit! For the Chinese, red attracts good luck and in India red represents purity and integrity.

This month, JulyTwenty will sample its red and black collection at the Boiler House in Brick Lane London from the 9th - 12th of July 2009. The dark shade meets the Vibrant shade – the '60s vibe – in stunning hard case handbags and clutches, handmade from Buntal material, an expensive natural component from the Talipot Palms. Plus London inspired organic cotton tote bags for £5!

Upto 70% off on collections from Alexander McQueen, Ash, A Timeless Culture, Avalon, Ayten Gasson Lingerie, Balenciaga, Black & Brown, Blank, Belstaff, Burberry, Chloe, Chris & Tibor, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Grab, Hobo International, Ital shoes, JulyTwenty, Just Jewels, Jimmy Choo, Lama Peach Ltd, Luella, Miu Miu, Missoni, Mogil, Moda Italia London, Prada, Paul & Joes Sister, Ruthi Orlin, Sergio Rossi, Thomas Pink, Tods, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Made by Niki, Yas Silver & YSL. Plus many more! First day is always members only day.

Michael Jackson....the saddest news ever.

I have never felt so sad like this for someone I do not know personally and from this experience I now know what it feels like when people say someone "touched your heart".


When I first heard the news, I just couldn't believe it - The King of Pop died! Every time I turned my head and saw a newspaper with this headline, I felt a slight dizziness and I felt like crying. I kept convincing myself I shouldn't feel this way because it's not me. I am a light-headed person who will usually shrug my shoulders and say "this is life". But this one is totally different.


It's just so sad in the real world how people give so much emphasis to misconceived negativity but take for granted immeasurable goodness during a person's life, and then realise all the good things only after a person has passed away.

I feel angered with the heartless people who do not know him well but slag him off even after his shocking death. It is very easy for them to judge someone they do not know and yet they do not question their own imperfection.

He will be sadly missed. I am so heart-broken.


My heart goes to all the family and the millions of fans who feel the same way I do, and maybe even worse. Let's pull ourselves together because his music will still live. God Bless you all and Michael Rest in Peace!

When shopping for handbags......

Throughout my experience shopping (and selling), one thing I notice when women shop for handbags: Women more often ask their other half for their approval if they should buy it or not.

The answer: 95% say NO! Only a small admirable 5% actually support their female partners, girlfriends or wives with their purchase, and some would even go the extra mile and buy it themselves! But the sad part is there are only very few good men who will.

Why do you think men say NO? Well, these men do not use a bag at all, so for them a handbag is a useless object. Secondly, very few appreciate women's fashion so no matter how beautiful a handbag is, they will still say NO! One more thing... throughout the years, men never understood and will never accept the fact that women must have more than one handbag. They moan if you have three and yet they do not question themselves why they have different football shirts which usually cost more than a high street bag! Hello?

So ladees... when shopping for a handbag, ask a female friend or relative instead. If you are on your own, use your instincts. Because if we ask men if they approve of a handbag purchase, they usually say NO, some will say Yes... but they do not actually look at it... they agree just to get the shopping over and done with because they want to get out of the handbag section real quick. Hence, you do not get an honest and more appreciated opinion.

And to the few good men who support women's fashion.... I salute you and may God multiply you!

Trends in Shopping - City vs. Countryside

At the dawn of the credit crunch, city workers have stopped spending because of fear that they will be the next one to lose their jobs. This was very evident when high street sales slumped. However, I went to the countryside and people didn't seem to be affected. They spent as normal in terms of designer gear, horses, sports cars and loads of bits and pieces without having second thoughts. I said to myself, if people have the money, they won't be affected.

Recently, the hight street shops and a few designers have reported profits and improving sales. I have seen city people spending as normal and some were like deprived of shopping! Hurray! Shopaholics and Fashionistas prove to be brave and have somehow realised that the sensationalisation of the credit crunch is merely brainwash to stop buying.

A few days later I came back to the countryside to observe any changes in shopping habits. And guess what I found.... People have just started to absorb the effects of recession! Why? I don't know. It seems it is a trend where the city always knows about things first. Now that the city has recovered and have started spending, countryside fashionistas are now having second thoughts in spending. It doesn't worry me though because I know they will recover as the city have.

The Secret Sample Sale

The Secret Sample Sale rides again at the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane on 30th of April to 2nd May 2009. This time a wide array of different collections from Alexander McQueen, Ash, A Timeless Culture, Avalon, Ayten Gasson Lingerie, Balenciaga, Black & Brown, Blank, Belstaff, Burberry, Chloe, Chris & Tibor, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Grab, Hobo International, Ital shoes, JulyTwenty, Just Jewels, Jimmy Choo, Lama Peach Ltd, Luella, Miu Miu, Missoni, Mogil, Moda Italia London, Prada, Paul & Joes Sister, Ruthi Orlin, Sergio Rossi, Thomas Pink, Tods, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Made by Niki, Yas Silver & YSL. Plus many more!

Fashionistas make sure you have signed up for membership to make sure you can get your hands on the best lot on the first day. I am keeping my fingers crossed on runway shoes, with a bit of a wide fitting obviously. Pairs of shoes are usually less than £150 for a high-end designer pair. Not bad from £400!

This seasons must have clothes range from £10... yes I did not miss a zero there. They start from TEN pounds. from outdoor wear to glam party wear, the shortest minis to the longest maxis! These days when we can't afford the retail prices, we can always turn to the secret sample sale. Next stop will be in Chelsea in May or June so watch this space and get ready Sloane Rangers we are coming over!

Ready for Spring-Summer 2009?

Getting ready to ditch the winter clothes and do a wardrobe spring cleaning?

This season it's all about colours. Bright and bold and even neons. Fuchsia Red, Salmon Rose, Hues of Blue such as Aqua, Lemon Yellow, Vibrant Green and Citron. There are many colours to choose from.

Both high street brands and top end designers have launched or will be launching these vibrant colours in tops, trousers, skirts, dresses - and shoes!

Choose a colour that will best match your skin tone for that wow factor! Tip: do not overdo it and look like Joseph in the Technicolour Dreamcoat. The neutral greys and classic black should never be out of the scene as they balance the brightness of your frock.

Fine, silky and floaty fabrics are the thing to wear this season. Loose flowing pants, light frilly skirts and strappy summer dresses. Accessorize with summer floral handbags made from raffia or sinamay, colourful charm bracelets and bead bubble necklace.

For make-up, it is best to balance pastels on your face rather than brights to match your outfit. pastel coloured eye shadows with natural looking lip wear is very ideal.

Hair? Well, whatever suits you or makes you look and feel good. Whether short or long, layered or one length, straight or curly, it doesn't matter - as long as it is not damaged :)) and you wear a smile with it.

Hope that helps.

Michael Jackson at the O2

I know, I know... MJ is not really a good topic for discussion in a fashion and lifestyle blog. But let's face it, he is a legend! Sold out tickets for 44 shows till 2010. C'mon.

I am not a fan but I think it is a good experience to be a part of history. Although he was a boom in the 80s and 90s, a lot of new gen peeps have actually cued all night to get tickets.

I was lucky. I woke up at 7 am on Friday morning on the start of the sale, without a plan of watching it...... a sponsor came down from heaven (my aunt) and paid for 2 VIP tickets to see MJ live at the O2 which we got through Ticketmaster online in 15 minutes!

Free champers, hampers, pre and post show parties included. Not to mention the fast track red carpet entry! wow, really worth it! I have to wait though as this is in Jan 2010. The first 3 months is fully sold out.

There are people selling tickets on gumtree and ebay triple the face value, but beware as some of them are dodgers taking advantage of the hype and desperation of fans.

If you happen to get one... well, see you there!