Weekend at Brick Lane London

Brick Lane is popular for its markets. Various events run in Brick Lane month after month - some of these are the London Accessory Sale, Sunday Upmarket, Pop Up Arts and Crafts Market, CHili Crab Festival, Designer Sample Sale, Secret Sample Sale and many more.

Apart from the special events, Sunday is the liveliest amongst the days of the week. Huge Market halls offer a wide range of bargain fashion items sold by up and coming designers. The street vendors in Brick Lane are one of the popular ones because they are not like any other street vendors in other cities of the world. Most of them are young fashionistas raising cash through the sale of their unwanted fashion items. They sit along the pavements dressed in their fashionable outfits and accessories plus hairstyle!

Walking through Brick Lane is like in another world. From Osborn Street, one Indian Restaurant after another and then once you have reached the Truman Brewery... things change... London's finest and bravest fashionistas all over the place. Amazing hair styles and the London look that makes you "wow". No wonder many smart American tourists visit Brick Lane on a Sunday and bring back stories about London Fashion back in America.

On the downside, some are just too OTT (Over The Top) - as in too brave to wear funny things. Some do it because they want to start a fad but some are just simply weird. Anyways, the good ones still rule and count for the majority.

So to those who want a good peek of London Fashion, visit Brick Lane on a Sunday!

COCO avant CHANEL

Coco avant Chanel was finally screened in London from Friday. I watched it at the Barbican Theatre and it really moved me. Apart from her very inspiring determination, I didn't realise she had a very difficult and heartbreaking early life that I can almost relate to, although I can still say I am still luckier in my childhood days.

Gabrielle is considered to be one of the bravest women during her time, not just in fashion but in dealing with her whole life. She changed women's style dramatically in the 1900s and upto now, her style still cuts above the rest despite it's simplicity. Indeed, less is more!

I noticed though that it is quite common amongst designers or innovators to rise when their creation is worn by a celebrity, unless otherwise they are loaded and can spend a fortune on PR and Marketing. But then again, creativity is also important.

I guess Coco was lucky to have lived in the earlier era when there weren't a lot of competition as compared now. To be able to survive these days, there are so many things to remember and think about especially in Marketing, apart from being mega creative!

I can say though that Word of Mouth is still the most powerful Marketing tool that's been proven throughout generations. Remember, during Coco Chanel's time, there was no Facebook and Twitter! No such thing as Guerilla and Viral Marketing - lol! So, Word of mouth it was and it is still.

I don't remember buying any Chanel item other than cosmetics and fragrance because they were too expensive for me. But now I think I wouldn't mind owning something that was started by an icon, by a woman I truly admire.... Shall I get a wallet, clutch or necklace?

Michael Jackson Merchandise

Name it, they've got it! Shirts, mugs, scarves, keyrings, facemasks, socks, badges, plates and more shirts....

Although the Michael Jackson concert is no longer there, the merchandise will still be and more will be produced because they will be collector's items. Caching $$$ or even £££.... as they are delivered worldwide!

They are soo tempting especially if you are a Michael Jackson fan, but take it easy on the spending because none of them costs less than £10! Even the playing cards!

They are all so beautifully designed and its been predicted that Michael Jackson will take over the fashion scene as well.

If you had a quick browse on the weekly glossies and even the free daily newspapers - Michael Jackson style blazers, jackets and bling are all in this season's fashion.

I love this shirt but they don't have my size anymore, I guess they went by the second! Michael Jackson merchandise are very addictive... In Asia, CDs and DVDs are sold out... In Europe, visit a music shop and 95% of the people in the cue are either carrying a Michael Jackson DVD, Book or CD. I think there's a possibility his book will sell more than Harry Potter.

I grew up with his music, I remembered I had a Jackson 5 Vinyl which obviously my mum chucked away when the cassette tape was launched and more so the CD players! Now I regret it.

Speaking of addictive Michael Jackson purchases.... I just got myself a copy of Unmasked: The final years of Michael Jackson book... not satisfied with the book I also bought the DVD! God help me.

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.