It's been a stressful few weeks for US auto makers. Last week, they handed in their proposals to be reviewed by Congress. I'm not sure about the details, but it was along the lines of major cut backs, and the Ford CEO vowing to work for $1 a year if Ford had to take money from the government (they are currently only asking for a loan line for emergency). At the beginning of the week, the senate approved a bailout. On Thursday, it was blocked by opposing Republicans, who thinks that it will be better for the big 3 to pursue a prearranged bankruptcy instead and also because the Unions wouldn't back down from a wage cut (beggars really can't be choosers...). Supporters argue that no one wants to buy cars from a bankrupt car company, which is a very valid point (think of the warranty/repair issues!). On Friday, Bush had to step in vowing to save the automakers from collapsing, with the TARP money (which they originally didn't want to do). A lot is at stake. The automakers claim that 1 out of 10 jobs in the US is connected to the auto industry. That would be devastating to the already weak economy.
A very good example of this trickling effect, would be GMAC the auto financier, which just got approved to become a bank holding company last week. Unfortunately, becoming a bank holding company is not as easy as GS and MS makes it out to be and they're struggling to raise the capital needed to do so. They are trying to renegotiate with debt holders to swap the debt for a smaller amount of debt, cash and preferred shares. If this doesn't work then they are highly likely to go into bankruptcy.
The other big news this week was Bernie Madoff $50 billion fraud. This former chairman of the NASDAQ stock market and Wall Street legend, is allegedly the perpetrator of a $50 billion giant ponzi scheme. According to Wiki, a ponzie scheme is a fraudalent investment operation that pays abnormally high returns to investors using the money coming in from subsequent investors. Apparently lots of the super wealthy have been fooled by this scheme. It is amazing how much you can get away with, with a good reputation and an affable character!
It appears though that the markets is already immune to these scandals, because the markets ended (by a tiny bit) up this week!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
FW08: Fancy Tights
Ever since I saw these stockings on the Chanel FW08 runway, I knew I wanted them.
They are refreshing, fun and elegant. I especially love the black stripe at the back- it is super slimming!
Luckily for me, this trend finally made it to high street. Urban Outfitters have almost the same contrasting colored ones (left: and it's not true what they say on the website about it being online only. I just got mine from the store today!). They are also just simple enough that you can wear it with almost anything.
Urban Outfitters also offer a bit of variation with the bold black/gray stripes (right), which are still cool and slimming. But since this one is so much more striking than the other one, I'd be much more careful matching this one because these ARE the statement.
If you want something even subtler, I'd go with these stockings with a seam at the back. It is almost like regular stockings but with an interesting twist at the back that is both sexy and slimming (a very important attribute), what more can you want?
I'd always thought that lace was slutty, but HG turned me around and now I"m a convert (or maybe I'd just confused them with fishnets?). It adds just the right subtle touch of girliness to an outfit (and it is very popular amongst the models this season). This mini diamond printed tights (right) gives a similar textured effect in a less girly way. Just remember not to choose any print too densely populated or wide (like wide diamond prints or plaids!), because they'd just make your legs look uneccesarily wide.
And also, not fishnet footless stockings or v print red ones (above), please. They are just tacky tacky tacky. But otherwise, have fun with this trend. I know I will :)
Image Source: Urban Outfitters, Style.com, Accessorize and Express
They are refreshing, fun and elegant. I especially love the black stripe at the back- it is super slimming!
Luckily for me, this trend finally made it to high street. Urban Outfitters have almost the same contrasting colored ones (left: and it's not true what they say on the website about it being online only. I just got mine from the store today!). They are also just simple enough that you can wear it with almost anything.Urban Outfitters also offer a bit of variation with the bold black/gray stripes (right), which are still cool and slimming. But since this one is so much more striking than the other one, I'd be much more careful matching this one because these ARE the statement.
If you want something even subtler, I'd go with these stockings with a seam at the back. It is almost like regular stockings but with an interesting twist at the back that is both sexy and slimming (a very important attribute), what more can you want?
I'd always thought that lace was slutty, but HG turned me around and now I"m a convert (or maybe I'd just confused them with fishnets?). It adds just the right subtle touch of girliness to an outfit (and it is very popular amongst the models this season). This mini diamond printed tights (right) gives a similar textured effect in a less girly way. Just remember not to choose any print too densely populated or wide (like wide diamond prints or plaids!), because they'd just make your legs look uneccesarily wide.
And also, not fishnet footless stockings or v print red ones (above), please. They are just tacky tacky tacky. But otherwise, have fun with this trend. I know I will :)Image Source: Urban Outfitters, Style.com, Accessorize and Express
All Bundled Up - Literally
I love bundling up to keep warm. It's cozy and makes me happy. What I love a lot right now are cowl neck scarves! I'm such a fan! I knitted my sister a burgundy/mauve/maroon cowl neck scarf that she can wrap around her head, shoulders and neck about 20 times over. I then went onto Etsy to discover that they were all over the place!
In winter, always welcome wonderful bright colours. Cowl neck scarves by Croska (yellow) and Happiknits (orange).
Some darker tones for Fall. Blue cowl neck by YarnOverMoment, and brown cowl neck by Ozetta.
SUPER HUGE AND COMFY! I want one of these for myself! By Yokoo.
In winter, always welcome wonderful bright colours. Cowl neck scarves by Croska (yellow) and Happiknits (orange).
Some darker tones for Fall. Blue cowl neck by YarnOverMoment, and brown cowl neck by Ozetta.
SUPER HUGE AND COMFY! I want one of these for myself! By Yokoo.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Pull Yourself Up By Your Boot Straps
I own a pair of 2 year old Seychelles boots. They're absolutely brilliant in the sense of comfort, practicality and style. I'm so attached that I refuse to believe that the sole is slowly wearing away, that there is hardly any grip left, or that the zipper is removing itself from the actual boot.
But in these harsh winter months (HELLO, yesterday was frigid!) we need to make sure our feet are warm and that we don't slip (that is, if you are fortunate enough to live in a place with the joys of black ice, hail and snow... If not, I apologise for my not-applicable-to-life post).
Here are some boots that I found, sadly prices are much too high for my liking - then again, investing in a good pair of hardy boots is a good idea. Forget the heels and give me those rubber soles, please! Buckles are great on boots, they give them some character and add a little something to your outfit. &those Tory Burch boots with the bi-colour leather, how excellent.
I like to have boots that have zippers up the leg, they are more shapely and much easier to put on, especially when you want to tuck in your trousers.
And for all our sakes. Please DO NOT wear these, I beg you.
Image Source: Seychelles, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom
But in these harsh winter months (HELLO, yesterday was frigid!) we need to make sure our feet are warm and that we don't slip (that is, if you are fortunate enough to live in a place with the joys of black ice, hail and snow... If not, I apologise for my not-applicable-to-life post).
Here are some boots that I found, sadly prices are much too high for my liking - then again, investing in a good pair of hardy boots is a good idea. Forget the heels and give me those rubber soles, please! Buckles are great on boots, they give them some character and add a little something to your outfit. &those Tory Burch boots with the bi-colour leather, how excellent.
I like to have boots that have zippers up the leg, they are more shapely and much easier to put on, especially when you want to tuck in your trousers.
And for all our sakes. Please DO NOT wear these, I beg you.
Image Source: Seychelles, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom
Sunday, December 7, 2008
More Sweaters
As I'm virtually filling up my shopping cart (it is SO much fun), I realized how everything I choose was either a dress a cute delicate top or a cardigan. Nothing practical that I can wear on a daily basis (besides maybe the cardigans). This is probably why my winter wardrobe is so monotonous year after year. It occurs to me that maybe I should change my approach a bit and focus instead the basics- like sweaters! 
I am loving these two very simple sweaters with a twist. The jeweled collar of the Rebecca Taylor cashmere sweater (left), gives this somber gray sweater just the feminine touch it needs to be pretty. The twist on this cowl neck Marc by Marc Jacobs (right) sweater is cool and refreshing. And the beauty about both of these sweaters is that, while they are interesting, they are still simple enough to be paired with anything, from simple jeans to printed skirts- in fact, I think printed skirts would be a brilliant idea!
Moving along, we have the stand alone sweaters that makes a statement by itself. The Juicy Couture criss cross sweater (left) is cute and preppy. And I love the little lambs on the black LAMB sweater- it provides a very cute contrast to the stark black/white. 
Finally, you can never go wrong with a classic quality sweater. My personal favourites are Ralph Lauren cashmere sweaters (left). They feel divine. I want one in every color! And of course, you can get even simpler ones like this one from Bop Basics (right). In fact, many of their classic Bop Basic cashmeres are on sale right now! I have my eye on that black cashmere turtleneck!
Image Source: Shopbop, Saks and Ralph Lauren
I am loving these two very simple sweaters with a twist. The jeweled collar of the Rebecca Taylor cashmere sweater (left), gives this somber gray sweater just the feminine touch it needs to be pretty. The twist on this cowl neck Marc by Marc Jacobs (right) sweater is cool and refreshing. And the beauty about both of these sweaters is that, while they are interesting, they are still simple enough to be paired with anything, from simple jeans to printed skirts- in fact, I think printed skirts would be a brilliant idea!
Moving along, we have the stand alone sweaters that makes a statement by itself. The Juicy Couture criss cross sweater (left) is cute and preppy. And I love the little lambs on the black LAMB sweater- it provides a very cute contrast to the stark black/white. 
Finally, you can never go wrong with a classic quality sweater. My personal favourites are Ralph Lauren cashmere sweaters (left). They feel divine. I want one in every color! And of course, you can get even simpler ones like this one from Bop Basics (right). In fact, many of their classic Bop Basic cashmeres are on sale right now! I have my eye on that black cashmere turtleneck!Image Source: Shopbop, Saks and Ralph Lauren
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Luella
Love love love love love love love love LOVE Luella.
LOVE LUELLA JEWELRY.
Add one of these gigantic string of pearls, and you churn out a piece of art - YOU!
How utterly exciting is all of that? Put together with a blazer or even a t-shirt would make you look (and probably feel) fabulous. A tad late but - Luella had, by far and in my opinion, the best accessories that I spotted on the runway!
LOVE LUELLA JEWELRY.
Add one of these gigantic string of pearls, and you churn out a piece of art - YOU!
How utterly exciting is all of that? Put together with a blazer or even a t-shirt would make you look (and probably feel) fabulous. A tad late but - Luella had, by far and in my opinion, the best accessories that I spotted on the runway!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Little Crafty Gifts
I should have started my Christmas shopping a long time ago. In fact, I still haven't started, but here are some ideas.
Crafty little things are definitely something I'm a fan of. Handmade? Good quality? Yes, please! Check out these little finds of mine on Etsy. Etsy is so fantastic, you support people who create their own things and you always find awesome and wonderful creations. What better than to give a gift that's made with a lot of love? Not only is it unique and fun, it's something to remember you by!
I posted about Etsy creator Alliebeans in a post I did about my make-up. basics I can honestly say that the quality of these products is tops, it's excellent! And I also have that little coin pouch (bottom picture), it's perfect! I have already bought several to give to friends.
This is not an Etsy maker. These wrist warmers are designed and made by Sandra Juto, I found them on her blog. How adorable! They're very Victorian; beautiful and definitely useful.
Decorations! I love Christmas decorations! Perfect for a gift for someone else - or yourself! I'm about to go order the cute little needle felted acorn trees from truLuxe. And the adorable little penguins are from Skunkboy Creatures.
What could be more fitting during the wintery months than a pair of mittens? And then Moocow went to go add some pom poms. I'd be happy to receive this, and I know a lot of people who would be too.
What are you thinking about getting for your family and friends?
Image Source: Alliebeans, Sandra Juto, truLuxe, Skunkboy Creatures, Moocow, Etsy
Crafty little things are definitely something I'm a fan of. Handmade? Good quality? Yes, please! Check out these little finds of mine on Etsy. Etsy is so fantastic, you support people who create their own things and you always find awesome and wonderful creations. What better than to give a gift that's made with a lot of love? Not only is it unique and fun, it's something to remember you by!
I posted about Etsy creator Alliebeans in a post I did about my make-up. basics I can honestly say that the quality of these products is tops, it's excellent! And I also have that little coin pouch (bottom picture), it's perfect! I have already bought several to give to friends.
This is not an Etsy maker. These wrist warmers are designed and made by Sandra Juto, I found them on her blog. How adorable! They're very Victorian; beautiful and definitely useful.
Decorations! I love Christmas decorations! Perfect for a gift for someone else - or yourself! I'm about to go order the cute little needle felted acorn trees from truLuxe. And the adorable little penguins are from Skunkboy Creatures.
What could be more fitting during the wintery months than a pair of mittens? And then Moocow went to go add some pom poms. I'd be happy to receive this, and I know a lot of people who would be too.
What are you thinking about getting for your family and friends?
Image Source: Alliebeans, Sandra Juto, truLuxe, Skunkboy Creatures, Moocow, Etsy
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