A moment with Trish McEvoy

~Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures ~

Henry Ward Beecher

Trish McEvoy, Dante Goodrich and myself

Trish McEvoy, acclaimed makeup artist from the U.S., is well known for her professional brushes and her unique makeup planner which she was the first to create. I have been using her signature planner for the past 6 years and I can honestly say that it is one of the best I have ever used.

Last week at a Master makeup class in London I met with Trish, a gracious lady who radiates a wonderful energy. She seems to have a boundless enthusiasm for life and people. I was glad to receive a lot of useful makeup tips and techniques from Trish and her talented makeup artist Dante.

It is very interesting that Trish catagorizes makeup users on the amount of time spent applying cosmetics. For example:

Level 1 – Simple and natural look –A woman who would wear only foundation and lipstick. Duration10 mins

Level 2 – A woman who would require makeup everyday and who wants to look good but doesn't want to look made up. Duration15 to 20 mins. Most women are in this category.

Level 3 – A woman who would concentrate on every detail of makeup. Duration 30 mins or more ....hmmmm that sounds like moi!
More interesting details can be found in Trish McEvoy's book 'The power of makeup'.

Here are some of her products I like and would highly recommend:

Foundation and serum

Skin treatment foundation SPF15 - Light and sheer...feels like second skin.

Beauty Booster serum contains hyaluronic acid, dual action peptides and powerful antioxidants. it is an instant line minimiser and complexion enhancer.

Eye Base

Eye base is a must in order to hold your eye shadow throughout the day. I discovered that its best to apply your eye shadow immediately after application.

Flawless Concealer

I have used many products but I have to say that this is a sure winner!

(Covers dark circles under the eye or pandan eyes - skin discoloration that surrounds the eyes). I use flawless concealer for the under eye and eye base for eye socket.

Mini Makeup Planner

Never travel without one!

Blushers and eye shadows

Left- Duo blusher in peony pink and reflect natural gives a radiant look.

Center - Cream eye liner.

Right- The colors for my eyes are Tawny and Arabian Nights for day.

Midnight Diamond can be added to achieve a glamorous evening look.

A list of Trish's amazing brushes

If you like to know more on Trish's makeup philosophy, check out this great book.

An appeal for urgent humanitarian aid in Philippines

Pictures from Reuters


Picture from internet

On September 26, Typhoon Ketsana (locally known as 'Ondoy') hit Metropolitan Manila, capital of Philippines deluging it with 445 millimeters of rain in 12 hours affecting 24 provinces and placing them in a state of calamity.
The present toll of people killed are 246 and 38 still missing. A massive rescue operation is underway to help the displaced and find the missing.
The country has appealed for foreign aid to help deal with the disaster which has affected more than 1 million people. 375,000 have abandoned their homes and taken refuge in evacuation centers. The situation could become worse if aid supplies run out.
A second storm is threatening the country.

Please help and provide aid to the PHILIPPINES NATIONAL RED CROSS and/or UNICEF at the following websites:

http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/wtd.aspx

http://www.unicef.org.uk/

Sprinkles, Gourmet Cupcakes in Beverly Hills

Started in Beverly Hills by a husband and wife team, Sprinkles is America's most famous cupcake bakery and a favorite amongst celebraties in Hollywood. Oprah has also featured Sprinkles in her magazine, such is its popularity.
The best selling is the red velvet with cream cheese frosting and is made with dark callebaut cocoa. It has an interesting deep rich flavor to it and I love how moist the texture is. To my taste, the frosting could have a little less sugar thought some people regard the sweetness of the icing as complimenting the cupcake.

Cupcakes at Sprinkles are baked fresh throughout the day. Its best to eat it the day you buy it as it has no preservatives.
They sell for US$3.25 per cup cake.
More often than not, be prepared to line up!

http://www.sprinkles.com/
Pictures courtesy of Cher Lim

Lulu Guinness -' Afternoon De-Light'

Macaroon with organic raspberry

Cookie with marzipan in the shape of a lip

Blueberry and Vanilla cup cakes

Cucumber Jelly smoke salmon

Carrot mouse with rocket salad

Roasted beef with watercress foam

Muffin baked in olive oil

Scones served with organic strawberry jam and crème fraiche instead of clotted cream

Lulu Guinness Designer tea pays tribute to London fashion week at the Metropolitan Hotel from the 18th to 26th September 2009.
I love my grubs, especially my afternoon tea, but these days I can't help feeling guilty watching my waistline expanding and my weight fluctuating. When I learnt about Lulu Guinness' no bread sandwiches and gluten free afternoon tea, I took the plunge to indulge in this contemporary twist to a traditional tea.
Served in a tiered cake stand, a colorful spread decorated with Lulu Guinness' edible accessories was presented before me. It was almost too beautiful to eat but upon the first bite there was no stopping me after that!
Flour substitutes, fresh fruit purees instead of refined sugar and olive oil instead of butter were used. Her cake decorations were a reflection of the colors in her bag collection exhibited in a glass case at the lobby. I really liked the one with the British flag designed on it and with 15% off the price tag …..I think I may just drop by Lulu Guinness.

Everyday Harumi

Harumi Kurihara, Japan’s most famous housewife, a cookbook writer, restaurateur and a T.V. chef.
Author of 40 cookbooks, she has sold over 20 million copies of her books and magazines worldwide.
Her first major cookbook that was published in English, 'Harumi’s Japanese cooking' won the best cookbook of the year in 2004 at the 10th Gormand World Cookbook Awards and also won for the best world Asian cuisine book.
She is married to Keiji Hurihara, a former t.v. news anchor and has 2 children.
She has a line of home ware, cookware and clothing all labelled under her name. She also has 60 outlets and cafes in Japan which is over seen by her husband and son.
'Everyday with Harumi' has 60 home style recipes using simple, easy to prepare methods. She shows you basic sauces you can make at home and the essentials you can store in your cupboard. Some recipes can be made using left over food without needing to buy specialized ingredients or at great expense.
Harumi believes that eating healthy is essentially the principle in Japanese cuisine. It may not be vegetarian but it is low in fat and she rarely uses dairy. Overall she creates balanced meals.
For a woman who has become so successful during her 20 year career, which is relatively short, it illustrates that small endeavors can build great empires through perseverance.
I had the pleasure of meeting with Harumi who is such a humble, down to earth lady and she kindly autographed a book for me.

'Everyday Harumi' cook book is released in London on September 7th and U.S.A on September 22nd

Harumi is also currently presenting the show, 'Your Japanese Kitchen' with NHK World T.V.

~If you can look into the seeds of time and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then unto me~William Shakespeare

" Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs,

Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes,

Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears.

What is it else? A madness most discreet,

A choking gall and a preserving sweet."

"My bounty is as deep as the sea,

My love as deep; the more I give to thee,

The more I have, for both are infinite."

William Shakespeare

"Her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love "

Hermes scarf salon at Liberty of London

This fall, Hermes and Liberty produced a limited edition scarf and tie using Liberty’s Tana Lawn cotton. It is designed by Hermes' creative director of Hermes silk, Bali Barret. The result is a very interesting combination that speaks to the elegance of Hermes and the wearability of Liberty. What's more, for ladies who's wish list is a Hermes scarf, now is your chance to own one and perhaps a tie for your other half at such a reasonable price!
Visit http://www.liberty.co.uk/ for further information

A daily scarf-tying workshop hosted by an in-store stylist will help you create a look and a photographer is available three times a week if you wish to have your picture taken as a keepsake.
There is also a monogramming service in collaboration with Hand & Lock, the world’s finest provider of hand embroidery since 1767. The company specializes in monograms and gold work for the military, fashion and couture, saddle cloth or leather, theaters and west end musicals. Celebrities like Michael Jackson have used their services. Further examples of their fine work can also be found in movies such as The Last King of Scotland (the lead character, Idi Amin's military uniforms benefitted from the fine embroidery) and many more. For an additional cost, this service is available for clients who wish to personalize their own scarf/tie or initial a scarf/tie they bought as a gift.

I had the privilege to speak to Meg, an embroidery specialist who had her initial training in Japan and has been working in London for the past four years. Unfortunately, in Japan and throughout the world, embroidery work is slowly becoming a dying trade.
I decided to have my initials embroidered onto the scarf I purchased. Half an hour went by swiftly as I watched Meg sewing so effortlessly with her delicate hands. This will be added to my collection of pieces I hold dear.

For further information on Hand & Lock company do browse their website at:
http://www.handembroidery.com/

Christopher Kane- Scotland's Hottest New Fashion Designer

Picture by Style.com

Only 27 years old, Christopher Kane graduated from Central St. Martin's College of Art & Design 3 years ago and already he has become one of the biggest names in fashion. The Glasgow born designer has his own label working in partnership with his older sister Tammy, who studied at the college of Textile Design.
He worked for designer Russel Sage and Giles Deacon. Anna Wintour has ordered his dresses and Donatella Versace commissioned him to work on some pieces for her even before he graduated. He also designed a collection of accessories for Donatella Versace's Versus line. Yet what fashion enthusiasts are anxiously waiting for is his latest collaboration with Top shop for their fall line, to be unveiled on Friday September 18.
I love the studded pieces, a blend of feminine and rock chic. I especially like his jacket and mirror mesh leggings but I have a feeling it won't stop there! Bright and early on Friday, before the crowds descend, I shall be there likely burning a hole in my pocket!


Rihanna wearing Christopher Kane's Gorilla Dress from his own label.
Picture from internet

Christopher Kane's designs for Top shop at affordable prices - LAUNCHING SEPTEMBER 18, 2009, LONDON







All pictures from internet

Vogue's Fashion Night Out in 13 countries

NEW YORK
Victoria Beckham at the Bergdoft Goodman store wearing Giles Deacon promoting retail charity




Natalia Vodianova at the Burberry party


Limited Edition T-shirts designed for Vogue
All pictures here are from the internet.

Singapore Airlines...its a great way to fly

Singapore airlines, widely regarded as the best airline in the world and I would completely agree with that assessment.



Inflight entertainment
On board the superjumbo jetliner A380, I was spoilt for choice with over a hundred movies. One of my favorites was "The young Victoria". As a footnote Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson was the executive producer of this movie. If you like a good love story, this one's for you.




The movie "The young Victoria" follows the story of the early years of Queen Victoria who succeeded the throne at the age of 18 upon the death of her uncle King William. Prior to her attainment of the throne, Victoria was locked in conflict with her controlling mother and her scheming uncles. As queen she had to contend with power struggles during the early years of her reign. The soul of the movie lies in the romantic courtship and marriage to her cousin Prince Albert who was an enormous support to her. Unfortunately, Prince Albert died at the age of 42 after an attack of typhoid fever. Devastated by his death, Queen Victoria had her late husband's clothes laid out everyday and wore black,mourning him for the rest of her life.
Emily Blunt was outstanding as the young Queen Victoria.

What is Birkin, the world's most desired bag

Whitney Houston

The return of Whitney goes deeper than the music.
She may not have sounded like she did from 1986 but the core of the voice is still there. Everyone falls and everyone stumbles but what matters is how we pick up the pieces and rise above it all. Having risen from her many struggles, she is an inspiration to many.
My favorite song "I look to you" speaks for Whitney. I have not heard a song that touched me deeply for a long time. The other rendition of a Carpenter's song "A song for you" is also a gem of a song.
Looking forward to her interviews with Oprah (part one) airing on September 14th September.