Dress your head

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I am one of those unlucky people who suffers from bad hair day EVERY DAY! Thanks to my dry, flyaway, unmanageable mop of hair.

If I planned on partying on the weekend I always make sure I get my hair ready early in the day so that by evening it’s all nicely set. Otherwise I will end up canceling the night out.

For meet-ups with friends in the day, or shopping, I prefer my hair up. In the past I wear baseball caps a lot but the frequent use of these caps resulted in my receding hairline. So my hairstylist advised me to minimize wearing them.

While living in England I started wearing berets and hats and so I started a collection on them. All my berets and hats remained in the wardrobe when I returned to Malaysia, thanks to our weather. Some friends suggested I wear scarves but I hate feminine-looking headgear so scarves are out of the question.

I have however solved my “bad hair day” problem ever since I found this tubular headwear while shopping in Singapore. This, I think, is the best-ever created hair accessory as it is functional as well as trendy.

The different headwear from three labels.

To date I have found three companies/brands that market these headwear. Two of them are from Spain (Buff and Wind x-treme) and are marketed in Asia namely Singapore while the third (Mily&Cole) is a local brand (Malaysia).

Buff (www.buff.eu) entered the market in 1992 and its product is distributed in most parts of the world. In its website it says Buff’s multifunctional headwear is distributed in Malaysia but I have not seen any. The headwear is probably marketed in specialist stores like professional bicycle shops and sports stores. So if any of you has come across Buff’s headwear, please drop me a line here.

The other international company, Wind x-treme (http://www.zonawind.com) has been around since 1997 as a manufacturer and distributor of outdoor garments. It is mostly known for its multifunctional headwear. Its products are distributed in about 30 countries. Malaysia however is not yet in the distributor’s list.

Buff and Wind x-treme make their multifunctional headwear using 100% polyester microfibre, which is a highly breathable fabric. Their headwear is seamless, which makes it comfortable to wear. Labels/logos are printed as part of the design so you don’t have to deal with labels sticking out from the sides of the headwear.

Trendy eh?

Buff’s headwear comes in sizes that fit adults, teenagers, children and babies while Wind x-treme’s headwear comes in one size that fits adults and juniors.

The multifunctional headwear by local brand, Mily&Cole is distributed and marketed by Fun Creation (http://www.funheadwear.com). Their headwear is made from polyester cotton. Labels are stitched to the seam and because the headwear isn’t seamless it is not as comfortable to wear as those by Buff and Wind x-treme.

All other features of the headwear found on these three brands are almost similar to each other. Each label boasts various designs and colors. There is however a vast difference in price between the brands. Due to quality, Buff and Wind x-treme have a price range of between RM70 and RM100+ a piece. Mily&Cole’s headwear is priced at about RM30 per piece.

If you were looking for a multifunctional headwear for casual use or as part of your fashion statement, then Mily&Cole’s designs would suit you to a T. But, if you are into biking, rock-climbing, cycling or other similar active outdoor sports then it is best to get the headwear from the other two brands instead. Due to the material used you can be assured that when pursuing these activities you will be protected from wind, heat and cold.

The tubular headwear can be worn in different ways to fit the wearer’s needs. You can use it as a mask or scarf when you ride your motorbike or you can wear it as a Sahariane and Balaclava when you have your helmet on. But if you just want to look fashionable or to keep your hair out of the way then you can use your headwear as a cap, a headband, a neckerchief, a foulard or even a wristband or hair band.

Ways to wear your multifunctional headwear.

Polyester microfibres are soft and light and they have good elasticity, which is very important in giving a good fit. Small and light these headwear are easy to store in your bag or even pockets, so much so you can just whip them out when you need to use them.

Of the three brands I find Buff’s headwear the best in terms of quality. At the same time Buff supports Environmental Restoration worldwide by “funding measurable actions through the sale of a new environmentally friendly product”.

Buff also claims most of their designs “offer a sun protection degree of UPF 5-10. Its High UV version from its Summer Collection “blocks more than 95% of UV rays”.

I suggest you try one of these headwear and girls, don’t believe it if someone says they are only for the guys. Try one and see how cool you will look!

 
 

Talented young designers

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Fifteen of Carven Academy of Fashion students vied for top placing on their graduation night showcase, held on the same evening that designer Carven Ong celebrated his 18th Anniversary in the fashion industry.

Top winner Miki Lee also won a second award, for Best Visual Display. Miki's design, themed Transformation, featured a majority of women's favourites - the Little Black Dresses.

There were three award categories - Graduation Show, Wacoal Christmas Icy Desire Contest and the I Wanna Be Fashion Designer 2009.

The Wacoal Christmas Icy Desire Contest was given to only one winner. And that lucky person was Daniel Yap.

Ang Yee Ping was the main winner in the I Wanna Be Fashion Designer 2009 award followed by 1st Runner Up Ahroy Yap and 2nd Runner Up Fione Chin.

The rest of the winners for the Graduation Show were Karine Foo (1st Runner Up), Michelle Shia (2nd Runner Up and Best Drafting & Cutting Student), Janky Tham for Best Fashion Designing Student and Jozef Liew for Ifeel Best Cover Award.

My personal favourite was the collection from Jozef Liew of course. His designs were fun and vibrant, daring the wearer to be different and taking a new challenge in dressing-up.

His models walked the runway in funky tops made by matching diferrent materials in complementing colours.These fun tops were matched with super short shorts and slim-cut trousers in check fabrics.

Jozef believes in accessorizing but not in the traditional way.  Besides the layers of colourful chunky bracelets his models had on their arms, Jozef also gave them unique headgears - bathroom slippers, sexy mini dolls and super heroes.

But what's very significant is how talented the young designers are. As the Principal of Carven Academy of Fashion, nothing is greater to Carven than seeing the talent of his students.

"My students' success is my success," he said.

Here's a peek at some of the best outfits featured by the academy's students.

Snaking into 2010

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The year 2010 is just a few days away and my laptop decided to welcome it by breaking down. As a result these images of Carven Ong's Spring/Summer 2010 collection took a few days before I could post them.

Two of Carven's evening gowns in red.

Carven's latest collection is based on the characteristics of the snake - strong, bold and unique. The designer aptly called it his Snacas Spell collection (Snacas is an old English word meaning snake).

Each piece of evening gown from the collection has its own individuality - accentuating details using colourful beads, crystals and gems.

Bold and beautiful.

One main character that can be found in all the gowns is the snake-like design used as trimmings around the necklines, waistlines and the bodice.

Fabrics used are mainly silk chiffon, super crepe, duchess satin and lace. To keep the gowns looking alive and captivating Carven uses bright bold colours like red, magenta, gold, orange, turquoise, purple, yellow and royal blue.

Electrifying colours atract attention.

You might think grey and brown won't add "spark" on the runway but Carven proves you wrong when he sent the models down the runway strutting his long flowy gowns in colors of glossy grey and brown.

To Carven, "creativity knows no boundaries".

A night of fashion

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Carven Ong’s recent 18th Anniversary celebration highlighting his Spring/Summer 2010 Couture Collection was attended by some prominent personalities. One of them was Andrea Wicke who only recently arrived in Malaysia as the newly appointed Ambassador of Austria.

When asked how she’s settling in she smiled and said: “I have no problems whatsoever. It’s really nice here.”

Wicke (left) and Petra wait patiently for the fashion showcase to start.

Wicke was accompanied by Professor Emilia Petra, the spouse of the Ambassador of Romania, whom I met during last year’s Viennese Ball.

Celebrity model Amber Chia made a head-turning entrance in a beautiful green evening gown halfway through the show, signalling to friends she was late. The photographers went into a frenzy and turned their attention to Amber who obliged their requests to pose for their cameras. Phew! Good thing the main fashion showcase - Carven's - had just ended and the models were making their way to the front of the runway. Otherwise there would have been a lot of envious looks.

However, one person who attracted my attention most was a heavily pregnant Cherrie Chin. I love what she was wearing and how captivating and attractive she looked in a simple outfit complemented with simple accessories and a matching pale green shawl.

Showstoppers and head-turners at Carven's event.

She volunteered a: “I’m a housewife actually” to me and boy I think she is one heck of a stunning pregnant housewife. If she can look that good while pregnant I bet she can knock the socks off any man when she isn’t!

And before I forget, another drop-dead gorgeous looking lady that night was Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur’s Director of Marketing Communication, Shirley Hoo. Shirley had on a Carven Ong’s creation – a simple, straightcut overcoat in rich lace matched with a corset and loose straightcut pants in complementing colours.

Carven Ong and long-time friend Ace Tang (2nd from L) and their beautiful guests.

Well, the evening was fun. The 500 guests or so came dressed to the theme of Absolutely Chic. Some weren’t dressed to the theme but with the lovely cocktail dinner no one really cared who was wearing what.

Here are some of the snapshots I “stole” of the night.

18 years of passion

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Fashion is all about style and grace for Malaysian designer Carven Ong. His recently launched Spring/Summer 2010 Couture Collection featured elegant eveningwear fit for the modern brides, celebrities doing the red carpet as well as women who want to be the centre of attraction at a grand ballroom dance event.

A stunningly beautiful evening gown from Carven's Spring/Summer 2010 Couture Collection.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail dinner at the foyer of the Grand Ballroom of Prince Hotel Kuala Lumpur. There was no mad rush to start the fashion showcase as scheduled as a majority of KLites making their way to the function were caught in the Friday evening traffic congestion.

Models sashaying on the runway in Carven Ong's latest collection.

Carven shot to stardom after his debut appearance at the MODA Wanita Fashion Show 18 years ago. Today he is the principle of Carven Academy of Fashion, which opened in 1991. The designer opened Carven Ong Couture and Wedding Specialist boutique located at a prime location in Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur in 2004. The boutique has since moved to its new home at Prince Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

A beaming Carven Ong with one of his models at the end of the showcase.

Carven was in high spirits that evening, mingling with his friends and students from the Academy as well as his special guests made up of ambassadors and celebrities.

The evening was an extremely special one for the designer. The day of the event - Friday, Dec 11 marked Carven’s 18th Anniversary in the business. To celebrate this occasion Carven featured his latest Spring/Summer 2010 Couture Collection as well as highlighted his students’ creations.

Read more about the creations brought forward by the Academy’s students in my coming post.

Cute kitties

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An adorable print image of a smiling cat on a handbag drew me into newly opened store COSMOS on the Lower Ground of Ikano Power Centre in Mutiara Damansara.

There are prints of cute, smiley cats and kittens everywhere – on purses, handbags, totes and even umbrellas! They are so adorable they make you want to pick everything from the shelves and cart them home with you. But, one thing will stop you; the price of each item.

These are not cheap stuff. A simple canvas-like tote bag with a single print of an image or that of several cats sitting huddled together easily cost about RM200. And don’t be fooled into thinking that the smaller items might cost less. Wrong. You are lucky if you can find anything that starts at about RM30. The umbrella with prints of cats and dogs cost RM98 (small) and RM140 (large).

So how does COSMOS' General Manager Ivy Ng justify that?

“COSMOS is targeting fashion conscious female, working professionals and housewives, with disposable income,” she said.

While the working professionals buy COSMOS’ products to complement their massive wardrobe, loaded housewives said Ivy just loves shopping because they (lucky devils!!!) have “plenty of disposable income because of
their husbands”.

Well, whichever group you fall into there is no doubt COSMOS stocks some of the more unique and interesting fashionable items.

Cats however aren’t the only favorite theme at COSMOS. There are others since Cosmos brings to our shore the latest trends from around the world.

COSMOS retailers travel intensively to source for new and exciting products to house at this concept store.

This is the second COSMOS Concepts Store in Malaysia. The first is at Amcorp Mall. And by the time the business starts expanding extensively, Cosmos plans to have a bigger range of the latest and hottest collections brought in from international shores.

Currently what it has in store are mainly purses and bags but soon enough you will even find international brands for fashion accessories, cosmetics, skincare products, collectibles, Home&Living, chocolates and even stationery.

According to Ivy part of COSMOS Concept Store’s marketing strategy will be based on good location, meaning major shopping malls that enjoy heavy traffic. And what better way to spread the word that COSMOS is in town than advertising as Ivy wants to increase the target customers’ awareness of the concept store.
 

Don't leave it Ugg-ly

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I’m one of those people who own a pair of Ugg boots. My guess is everyone else who owns one actually bought theirs because it is trendy to wear Ugg boots in our sweltering heat. Mine was given by someone living in Australia. When he gave “Ugg” to me he said it would be great for keeping my feet warm in the freezing air-conditioned office I worked in.

My Ugg - fluffy, warm and nice.

Now that I don’t work in that office anymore, my Ugg boots is of no use to me. So I stashed it away in one of my cupboards.

One day as I was surfing the Internet I came across an article written by a filmmaker/writer Jonathon E. Stewart. And I thought his article was very useful for Ugg boots owners. He wrote on how to keep your Ugg boots clean. Well, my “Ugg” is still in a reasonably clean condition but if I were to soil it one of these days at least I’d know what to do.

Ugg boots is an Australian term for sheepskin footwear, which Jonathon calls “fuzzy wonders”.  Footwear made of sheepskin will last a lifetime if they are well looked after. And, watching Jonathon’s how-to video I would say it is really easy to do the cleaning yourself at home.

The thick and sturdy sole of Ugg boots make it great for walking in cold areas.

Look for a sheepskin cleaner meant for cleaning your sheepskin boots. They come in various types and prices so buy one that suits your purpose best. Normally a mild cleaner will be more than sufficient to do the job but make sure you read the washing instructions on the bottle.

First off, wet a piece of soft cloth in water. Squeeze out excess water so that the cloth is damp enough to do the cleaning without soaking the entire boots. Gently wipe the outer part of your shoe with the damp cloth until you have removed all the dirt on it.

Then get a sponge and dip it into the diluted cleaner. Squeeze out excess cleaner and gently scrub the outer part of the boots with the sponge in small circles. Continue cleaning until you have removed all the dirt. For dirt trapped in corners and hard to reach places, use a toothbrush dipped in the cleaner. When all the cleaning is done, remove excess cleaner with a damp cloth. You might have to rinse several times.

You can also wear your Ugg boots almost knee-high.

Your Ugg boots is now ready to be dried. Remember to keep your boots away from direct heat as this can cause your boots to pucker. To maintain the shape of your Ugg boots, stuff the inside with paper and let it dry in a warm and dry corner.

To have your boots smelling fresh again, sprinkle some baking soda into it, shake well and leave overnight. Finally, give your Ugg a good gentle brush using a suede brush.

If you are unsure of the step-by-step cleaning method, go to http://video.about.com/shoes/How-To-Clean-Ugg-Boots.htm. After this you won’t need to spend money sending your Ugg to the cleaners. Good luck.

No more mess

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We women need everything don’t we, even a little pouch to carry our sanitary pads! One brilliant mum has come out with this sanitary pouch for us ladies to store our sanitary pads.

The brilliant sanitary pad pouch.

The pouch is only slightly bigger than the size of our palm and it can fit two pieces of pads. This means it doesn’t take a lot of space in your handbag if you need to carry it with you on those dreaded days.

The pouch is made of plain cotton, mainly in floral prints and in various colors. Some of us might find the pouch useful but since it can fit in only two pieces of pads it can’t go a long way on heavy days. It would be a good idea if the pockets can be varied in size so they can also fit maybe two pads in a pocket instead of just one. There are two pockets to a pouch by the way.

Want a handbag organizer?

February, the daughter of this brilliant mum, helps sell the product for her mum at bazaars. This mum-and-daughter team also runs their business online – MnD52 (“Mum & Daughter” – Handmade Products: http://mnd52.blogspot.com

Another interesting item that they sell is the Handbag Organizer. What this organizer does is, what else, organize the way you store your things in your handbag!

The organizer is a string of pockets in varying sizes. There are about seven pockets in one organizer. All you need to do is to form the organizer into a circle and zap-on the two ends. Then place the organizer inside your handbag and throw in all the little (or big) things into the respective pockets.

This is how the organizer works.

If you have a bigger bag you can perhaps join two pieces of organizers together and have more pockets to store yout little things. When not in use the organizer can be folded flat and stored away. The organizer comes in five colors.

Well, this is one mum that doesn’t like mess around her.

From cars to clothes

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I bumped into Bernie Low at a fashion bazaar recently and was rather taken with her collection.

She was enjoying a steady stream of customers who never leave her booth without carting away at least a piece or two of her collection.

Bernie's tailor-made collection.

Her booth has a good mix of everything, from casual tops to shifts meant for the evenings. Cotton dresses with bright floral prints were also attracting a lot of attention from her customers.

Talking to Bernie I soon realized that this girl has no background whatsoever in fashion retailing or even designing. She used to do sales in an automobile company.

Some of the casual designs available from Bernie Boutique.

But Bernie went ahead to open Bernie Boutique at Dataran Pelangi Utama eight months ago.

As with the current trend, Bernie stocks on clothes from Taiwan and Korea, which she orders online as well as clothes she tailor-made to her boutique’s needs.

“I have a friend who is a tailor in Bangkok so I visit him regularly to get the clothes in my boutique done,” she said.

The fashion cataloge Bernie keeps at her boutique.

If you are looking for prom wears with a bit more of glam and sheen, Bernie has those too. However, you have to shop fast at Bernie’s boutique as she stocks a limited number of pieces for each design. The maximum she stocks of each design would be two pieces for each color she orders.

“There are no repeats,” she said.

Looking at the rows and rows of dresses she has on her racks, you would notice that Bernie loves colors. But, she said, blacks and whites are still the favorites among many women.

So it looks like Bernie now does a different kind of sale; the type that women adore, for business or leisure.

Commenting on the switch in her career, Bernie said, “ Girls love clothes so I thought why not try (the business).”

Bernie Boutique is also available online at: www.bernieboutique.blogspot.com

Cool tanks and Ts

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My favorite Ts at the moment are the ones from my favouritees, an online fashion site started by Jeremy Wong when he was about 20 years old.

He is a graduate and started his online fashion store as a part-time business about two years ago.

my favouritees stall at the bazaar stocks some great looking Ts and tanks.

I never got the chance to meet Jeremy when he ran a stall at the recent Fashionista’s Bazaar at 3K Inn in Subang. But, I chatted with his mother instead, Stephanie Wong who was helping Jeremy run the stall as he was away on a shopping spree to stock up on his online collection.

“He (Jeremy) loves fashion,” said Stephanie. “At times I would follow him on his shopping spree. He gets most of his T-shirts from Bangkok and Jakarta,”

Jeremy's T-shirt collection with the funny sayings.

The online fashion store’s hot sellers are its T-shirts and tank tops although Jeremy does have a collection of dresses and jewelry complementing the Ts and tanks.

Jeremy wants to someday open a boutique, says his mother.  Looking at his collection I don’t doubt that he can make a successful career out of it as he has good fashion sense.

My favorites - Marilyn Monroe big cotton tanks.

His T-shirts and tanks are have some crazy, hilarious sayings on them like student + dying = Studying and Life’s too short* to date ugly people. If you love the Beatles or even Michael Jackson, then there are several in Jeremy’s collections that you may want to remove from his rack.

I love the Marilyn Monroe big cotton tanks. I got a few for myself and I find them very comfortable.

Check out Jeremy's online store at www.myfavouritees.com