Centralia, a spooky ghost town

Centralia, Pennsylvania.
It all started in 1962 with a fire...

"... started by five members of the volunteer fire company when they were hired by the town council to clean up the landfill... The landfill was located in an abandoned strip mine pit and as the firemen had in the past, they set the dump on fire, let it burn for a time, and then extinguished the fire, or so they thought." (source)

They fought the (underground) fire for twenty years. It just kept on burning (it still burns today). With carbon monoxide levels continually rising and risks such as the ground suddenly sinking (in 1981 a 12-year old boy fell into such a sinkhole but was saved), the inhabitants started to leave in the 1980s.

It's now an abandoned ghost town, apart from the 9 or so inhabitants who refuse to leave. It's hard to find because it's been taken off the map and does not officially exist (the US Postal Service has revoked Centralia's zip code.). But it's real. It's a town where streets lead to nowhere. Streets that have no names, nor houses because they have now either been burnt down or demolished.

But wait... was this town allowed to die for a reason? If it doesn't exist, it can't have mineral rights. And it's sitting on some rich coal deposits... That's what some people believe. 

Is Centralia haunted? There have been no known related deaths. But many visitors have talked about the 'strange feeling' that they get when they're there. There are two stories that you can read about here. These people heard a voice out of nowhere... and footsteps in an abandoned house. To believe or not to believe? Sony thinks so... they developed Silent Hill - a popular video game (Playstation) and film - which was inspired by Centralia.

I think... I sort of believe (I want to!) that it's haunted... at least enough that I will stay away from the place. But many go there for that reason! Would you want to visit a ghost town like Centralia? (click for map!)

Happy Halloween! 

Fashion Design Graduate Show

The fashion highlight this week in Brisbane, was the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Fashion Design Graduate Show. I attended the second show of three, which was a packed house at QUT’s creative industries precinct in “The Block” at Kelvin Grove. The events started on November 22 and conclude on the 24th. If you wish to find out more information about attending the last event, get more information here. View the Fashion Photography photos I took here.

This event is a showcase of the work of students from the only Fashion degree in QLD. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Fashion) program has had great success over the years where some students having gone on to win renowned competitions nationally and internationally.

There was a combination of Womenswear, Menswear and Swimwear on show. The highlight for me in terms of presentation was the Oliver Twist theme shown by one of the students, where the models/actors put on a bit of a show for the audience.

I got myself a cosy spot at the back left in front of the catwalk, where I was shooting from an elevated position to try and shoot over the heads of those in the front row. Once again I shot without a flash, using an 85mm on Canon 20D. This gave me an effective reach of about 136mm which was ideal. The down lights over the stage caused some shadow to occur in the model’s eye sockets. Not much I can do about this besides use a flash, which I rarely want to do. Feel free to check out the photos in my Fashion Photo Gallery.

There were a few models working that night I had done photoshoots with, they included Kristin Parkinson (whom also modelled at the Swimwear from Oz launch party), Diana Rodriquez and Carmen James, all of who are part of the Vivien’s Models agency.

Make sure you check out the photos and let me know what you think. If you say something nice, I’ll send you one of the yummy snakes I got in the goody bags from the night… only yellow ones left.

Kate Middleton style

Kate Middleton seems so nice and down-to-earth... and I really like her style. She looks elegant in dresses and hats, and stunning in evening gowns. Her casual look - often jeans and boots - is simple but stylish. Nothing too fashionable... but she always looks good. Which is how a Princess-in-waiting should dress, no?

Here she is with William. I used to think he was cute - when he was what, 10 years old or something - but now I don't find him all that attractive. But what do looks matter when he's a Prince, right? 

Because they will get married, I just know it! I hope so! 

Princess Kate... Queen Kate... can you imagine?! Would you want that (kind of life)? 

All via Google Images, Last via.

Rose chandeliers

It's always nice to have flowers around the house... but as lights? These rose chandeliers and round hanging lamps (made to look like a bouquet) are made with Swarovski crystals. I can't decide if I like them or not. Would you like to kiss your significant other under one of these?

More information here.

Milan Fashion Week Wrap Up III

So far, I think these Milan shows must have been my favourites. The general message seems to be loose and casual, but the thing you got to love about the Italians is that they always manage to make it look flattering and chic.

Gianni Versace
A departure from her previous season's form fitting trimmed style, her interpretation of this season's loose and casual style is inspired. Donatella updates the Versace woman while keeping them looking expensive and chic.

Tailored yet still loose and casual. Any one of these coats will do to keep us looking chic next season. Although I especially LOVE the black double breasted one on the left. You'd think we'd be bored of them by such a classic design by now, but Donatella just makes it look new again.

I also loved how she injected these vibrant colors into the collection. Also note the use of skinny belts here.I'm thinking I really need to get a long cardigan and belt!

Some more typically Versace cocktail dress designs.

And of course, we must not miss the gorgeous dresses. While structured on top, the skirts remain a flow of elegance.

Giorgio Armani

You know loose and casual are "in" when even Armani, the king of sleek and chic, embraces it.

Of course, he still manages to make it look very Armani.

I am especially loving these three outfits. But, WHAT is with the hat and make-up? They make the models look like they are 50, which is ridiculous when most of them are barely legal.

Although in some cases, I thought he took it a little overboard. Like these one, they just look frumpy. And no matter how much tailoring you put into it, that black/white stripe (esp at that thickness) will always look like a prisoner's outfit to me.

More pretty dresses with a bubble skirt twist. It was a different from the norm collection and it isn't too bad, but I thought the collection was too big and many of the pieces just looked really similar and boring.

Gucci

I am loving this collection. Although I was a bit sceptical about it at first since the first outfit looked so rigid and uncomfortable. But as I looked through the rest, I couldn't help but be impressed. The outfits are sexy and sophisticated without being too revealing, everything was very put together and just sooo gorgeous!

I especially love the first look here with the layered jackets, belt, 3/4 pants, boots and big bag. And the red and black coats accentuates the body and just looks so sexy.

Patterns, especially floral prints, seems slightly out of place in such a structured collection, but somehow Frida strikes the perfect balance and makes it work.

Fabulous, glamorous outfits for the evening.

Although I'm not too inspired by the evening gown portion of the show. Its not particularly interesting nor gorgeous.

Can't wait to see what Paris has in store for us!

Beach Party Wear

This weekend I went to a beach party that goes from day to night and onwards into the next morning. Personally, I've never been to a huge beach bash before (I can't even remember the last time I stepped foot on a beach), so I was actually really excited to go. I imagined it to be similar to the beach party scene in Princess Diaries, minus the public humiliation bit of course. As the date approached, I was increasingly thinking about one question- what does one wear to a beach party? Beach wear? But its a party.....supposedly like a nightclub moved to a beach.....how does one recouncil the two?

Some thoughts. As I didn't plan on getting myself wet or anything, the first thing that popped to mind was a pretty summer dress in bright colors like these two from Free People shown here. Just imagine what a pretty beach pic these dresses would make! And the thin material and relatively cheap price is perfect for the beach, as you wouldn't have to constantly think about ruining it.

Ultimately though I ended up wearing cropped jeans as the practical side of me pops up, with the fear that skirts may be blown by the wind and it could get messy. You always want to wear pants when things get messy. Of course, shorts work too, but I was also scared of mosquitos too since it was night- I know I think too much! (Both from Forever 21)


Topwise, I suggest a pretty floral top that would also make a pretty picture (left: UO, right: Forver 21).

And if you're worried about a tan line (as I'd be if I'd went in the afternoon), tubes are a great option like these two from Forever 21 (left) and UO(right). I especially love the white tube, because its so simple but elegant and fun.

Then came shoes. These are the times when sandals/flip flops become your best friend, as heels will sink in and are impractical and sneakers are too hot. Remember to get super cheap ones, as you wouldn't want to ruin your fancy pair on the rough sandy shores of a beach (above from UO). I bought a pair of flip flops for less than $3 especially for the occasion!
Then came a bag to put all your stuff in. At that moment, I wished I had my white Le Sportsac huge tote with me. But alas it is in Chicago. But really, just stuff everything (mat, sunscreen, food, water, shades, umbrella etc) into a big beach bag like the one above from UO. And just in case you want to head over to the bar for a while and don't want to bring everything with you, consider bringining a small clutch like this one also from UO to put your valuables in. Leaving valuables anywhere is not a good idea. Plus, it'll look more chic then holding your wallet around.

And lastly, don't forget to bring a cardigan. It CAN get cold at night on a beach- think OC beach parties with everyone putting on college sweat shirts and cardis. And that is my whole thought process prepping for this beach party. I know, I think too much. LOL. Hope everyone has a fun weekend as well!

Trend: Blue Eye Shadows

The ballots are in. All the make-up houses agree. Blue is the shade this season.

As one of their new fall looks, Mac came out with this Blue Storm look.

Created with their new Matte² highly pigmented eye shadow, you can tell from the look above that the effect is very intense. This would be perfect for a dramatic look for a night out. Personally though this is a bit too much for my taste.

Laura Mercier also came out with a Stormy collection (I guess rain and wind is trendy this season). The ad is much more dramatic than the Mac, but the blues are still quite intense.

Their blue sky quad was actually what inspired this whole post. If you've been reading this blog for a while, then you will know that eye shadow quads are my weakness. Isn't this quad sooo pretty? After much admiration on the internet, I finally got around to trying it out the other day at the counter. Unfortunately it seems that blue really isn't my color. I tried, I really did. Usually when something looks nice, I can tell straight away. But this time when the sales lady tried it on me and I took a double take and had to cover my other eye in an attempt to find the beauty in it. The sales lady tried to help by adding eye liner and more of the darker shades for the more "full effect" saying that the blue takes some time to get used to, but no matter what she did/say and how much I tried, I still looked like I'd been punched. It is really too bad, I was fully prepared to buy it! The shades are just too blue! But the thing is, the sales lady looked perfectly fine with the blue shades on and she has a very similar skin tone as me. I don't know what went wrong there.

And then of course there is my darling Bobbi Brown with their limited edition metallics collection that comes in Midnight Metallics.

Isn't this palette so pretty too? I was torn between this and the Laura Mercier. But ultimately, I think this is the better blue palette around, because the two grey/silver blue colors are the perfect compliment to the dark blue, easily creating a whole smokey eye effect with a blue tinge.

Incidentally, I also love their Forest Metallics. The greens are just sooo rich and lustrous that it has blown away all my previous reservations about green eye shadows ever since my friend told me they looked slutty and I saw a middle aged lady wearing lime green eye shadow over her heavy powdered face and very red lipsticks, which really scared me. Those are lime green. But this is much richer and the effect is much classier and more elegant. I absolutely LOVE this palette. Hmm... so I guess at the end of the day, I just can't get away from Bobbi Brown.

Chanel also has an eye shadow quad with blue shades as well, though it is not new. HG has it and the effect looks great, all smokey blue eye with a very pretty sparkly undertone.

Perfect Halloween snacks!

How would you like a chocolate covered scorpion that is "similar to Kit Kat in texture"?
Or BBQ worm crisps that "taste similar to popcorn"?
Or toasted ants that have a "nutty, bacon-like taste"?

Or maybe a "crispy and crunchy" oven-baked tarantula? (Mmm look at those long, hairy legs)

For more yummy snacks, visit their website. Don't miss the photo on their recipe page... of something that looks like mashed potato with ants!

I bet you're hungry now, aren't you?!! You have to admit, these would be perfect for a Halloween party. You must let me know if you try any of these!

What's in my bag...

Bag: Dior (remember I showed you that big Dior box? This is what was in it.)
Wallet: Chanel
Cosmetics bag: Accessorize
Key case: Louis Vuitton
Hand cream: L'Occitane
Pen and case: Mont Blanc
Car key: Mini
iPhone: not pictured but always in my bag!

Grain de Rose by Terry

Do you know who Terry is? She developed YSL's famous Touche Éclat. She then launched her own line, By Terry, in 2000. I'm already a fan of her luxurious lip balm, Baume de Rose (it is seriously good, you must try it). So I picked up the Grain de Rose scrub.

"Enriched in ultra-gentle Rosebud extracts, it removes surface impurities, eliminates dead cells deep down and absorbs excess sebum with an extremely gentle, comforting action." 

It's nice to have and use... : 

* I like exfoliators with beads that do not dissolve, this way I can concentrate on 'problem areas'. 

* It smells lovely (if you like roses). 

* It's all pretty in pink (the packaging as well as the product itself). 

But has it improved my skin? Frankly, I don't know... I haven't seen any changes (after two months) so I don't see why I should repurchase this particular product. I'm not an expert on exfoliators, though, because I've relied on on Clinique's clarifying lotion for years (which I do swear by). 

Have you tried this? Do you exfoliate regularly?