Articles filed under Fashion & Beauty

What’s your bridal hairstyle?

March 11th, 2010 by Fay Khoo | Posted in Fashion & Beauty | No Comments

bridal-hairstyles

The pitfall of too many brides when choosing their bridal hair is opting for something that has absolutely no bearing to their everyday look. While you understandably wouldn’t want to look like ‘everyday you’, you should never stray too far from home, so to speak. Go for a glamourised version of your normal look, so that you will still be comfortable with it, and not have a stranger staring back at you from the mirror! Do also keep your dress in mind when selecting your hairstyle; if your dress is long and dreamy, loose curls with flowers woven through them will not only suit the look, it will add infinitely more charm and beauty to the overall presentation.

Henry Golding on love, girlfriends & weddings!

February 25th, 2010 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Fashion & Beauty, Wedding | 8 Comments

henry-1

Google Henry Golding and you’ll find an accolade of blogs by (female) fans from all over, declaring their ‘undying love (or I should say lust) for Asia’s latest hearttrob. From his early days hosting 8TV’s prime show The Quickie, this British boy has now moved on to the regional stakes as a host on ESPN. So whilst jetsetting here and there, interviewing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and what not, I got Golding to sit down and answer a few questions about love, proposals… and oysters!

So who is Henry Golding?

Well, my mother is from Sarawak and my father is English… and I was born on the island of Borneo but grew up for the most part in Surrey, England. I always found learning in classroom environments a little tedious so as soon as I finished my GCSE’s at the age of 16. I found a calling as a hairdresser and as luck has it, was accepted to work in an amazing salon in a prestigious part of London, Sloane Square. But after moving up to London and spending about 5 years in the industry, I felt the need to spread my wings a little. I always thought that it would be such a shame if I went through life with just the one story and didn’t venture to other possibilities. After working behind the scenes in television, doing hair, I was extremely excited to try my luck in front of the camera. On top of that, I thought that I would love to live somewhere completely new and different, hence the move to KL! So I booked a one-way ticket, packed a bag I was on my way!

The rest is history as they say…

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You were based in Malaysia but have now shifted to sunny Singapore. How’s life in the lion city?

Quickie was an amazing platform and it taught me so much about presenting and working in television, it was such a huge learning curve. I’ve always been one to learn quickly from mistakes and in live TV you can’t make all too many!

But if I were to advance in my career I would need to work on a regional program, and by being in the right place at the right time, ESPN came calling. I’m doing a lot of work in Singapore at the moment, but also have a big project with 8TV on a travel show shooting mid-March. So a lot of the time I’m at the airport or cooped up on a coach traveling between KL and Singapore. It’s become very common practice so am pretty used to it now, just as long as I have my music or a good film to watch!

You’ve been in the limelight for a couple of years now but we haven’t seen you step out with an official girlfriend. Still waiting for ‘the one’?

Ha! If only love were so simple… I’m always open to falling in love – I just haven’t met someone who has taken me by surprise just yet. But at times I do feel like a bit of a commitment-phobe as I spend a lot of my time traveling and aspiring for bigger and greater things… meaning at this point in time I’m a little bit selfish. I think to have a good relationship you need patience, commitment and attention, some of which I cant give in equal proportions… not right now anyway ;)

single-arm-up

Do you have a ‘perfect woman’?

Wow my perfect woman… I don’t think there is such a thing as a perfect woman and nor would I want one, I find the most beautiful attributes are the small imperfections or vices. If someone was too perfect; where would the fun be?

But the qualities that I do find attractive in a woman are… sex appeal and sexual awareness, two very important things to make woman appear confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Also, intelligence and social skills – there’s nothing worse than not being able to have an intellectual conversation with someone!

But most of all I want my future wife to be my best friend, someone you trust and count on when things are tough, to share the happiest moments with and to be able to look back on it all and laugh with the coming of old age.

And how would you propose?

Hmmm… it would have to be on holiday somewhere beautiful like a Polynesian island and after a day of staring into each other’s eyes, drinking wine and eating oysters (afrodisiac!)… I would then slip a ring into an oyster and once she finds it – get down on my right knee and propose!

How romantic Henry – I hope she doesn’t chug down the ring though! What about your dream wedding?

My dream wedding would be simple yet classy and fun… I would have all of my best friends and influential people from my life there. Perhaps overlooking the sea at sunrise, to mark a new beginning. And of course I would help, its very stressful organizing those things!

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Collection for spring 2010

February 12th, 2010 by Samira Albana | Posted in Fashion & Beauty, Wedding | 1 Comment

Think bridal gown and it seems the mind immediately leaps onto Vera Wang and her fantastic designs. I did a wee bit of research and discovered that already renowned Monique Lhuillier (famous for designing countless gowns for the who’s who of Hollywood) is a pretty amazing wedding gown creator herself.

Lhuillier describes her collection as “Inspired by the use of lightweight fabrics, this spring is soft and ethereal. Layers of delicate silk organza and tulle have been used to create romantic silhouettes…my favorite part of the collection is the light quality to it. It makes you feel as if you’re walking on a cloud.

So without further adieu:

ML-1

This traditional strapless gown has a feminine sweetheart neckline with a a full skirt (excellent for swishing about while dancing the night away!)

ML-2This dress is for the daring and fashion-forward bride who’s willing to try something different. With intricate detail and a ruffled skirt, there’s absolutely no chance you’ll be outshined.

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Simple materials and designs sometimes are the most flattering.

If you’re having doubts about whether or not a Monique Lhuillier gown would fit your allocated budget, fret not! Tip: Try surfing online as you can usually save 10 – 15% off the retail price :) Or, alternatively look to rent a designer gown for your big day.

xx

Nail the nails – get a bridal manicure

February 11th, 2010 by Fay Khoo | Posted in Fashion & Beauty, Wedding | 1 Comment
bridalfrenchmanicure

Courtesy of Nailart gallery

Apart from your hands, your nails will be most on display when you’re showing off the rock on your finger. With that in mind, here are some indispensable how-to tips for tip-top nails:

Always wear gloves when cleaning the house or washing dishes

Shovel on the hand cream at bedtime and wear loose socks over your hands to let the cream work its magic while you sleep


If you’re a nail biter, use anti-nail biting polish of the most bitter kind to ensure your mouth stays away from your fingers for at least six weeks prior to the wedding

Let your nails breathe for a bit before the wedding and only use a nail-building top-coat but no nail polish until the day before your wedding day

Get a manicure a couple of weeks before the wedding, and follow their example in keeping nails looking tip-top, remembering to schedule a follow up the day before the wedding

5 mins with… Dato’ Professor Jimmy Choo

February 1st, 2010 by Sylvia Tan-Jong | Posted in Fashion & Beauty, Wedding | 3 Comments

Jimmy-Choo-solo

I will never understand how a pair of five-inch stilettos can make you feel ten-inches taller. With a good pair of shoes you feel a little more confident, that bit more luscious and a whole lot more gorgeous! Perhaps that is why shoes are so important to women?

Here at TWG, we understand how vital it is for a bride to have that perfect pair of shoes on her wedding day. Hence, when Dato’ Professor Jimmy Choo (OBE) agreed to share his wisdom on bridal shoes, TWG jumped at the opportunity. Famed for making shoes for the late Princess Diana, Mr Choo’s shoes are exquisitely crafted and his beautiful creations have adorned the feet of royalty, celebrities and socialites. Here’s what he has to say:

Jimmy-Choo

What should a bride look for in wedding shoes?
Bridal shoes have to be feminine, elegant but most importantly, comfortable.

Is it worth splashing out for the perfect pair?

Yes definitely. Most brides feel that it’s very important to have a beautiful pair of shoes to complete their wedding outfit. Some even come to me to design the shoes even before choosing the dress!

jimmy-choo-2
Are there any key trends for 2010?
Wedding shoes do not necessarily follow trends. Most brides tend to have a very personal choice and different styles will suit different brides.

How should one match the shoes to the dress?

When choosing bridal shoes, it is important to take into consideration the details of the dress and accessories. For a traditional costume (e.g. kebaya, cheongsam), you can think about incorporating the design and material from the wedding dress to make matching shoes.

How far advance should a bride buy her shoes?

At least six months. Brides need to remember that heel height is required for the dress designer to set the length of the hem.

jimmy

Last words…
There are many styles when it comes to bridal shoes. All it takes is a little bit of imagination to make a stylish pair of wedding shoes. Consider adding different details like Swarovski crystals, diamantes, bows etc. but most importantly, have fun with it!

Dato Jimmy Choo has since sold the Jimmy Choo, London (ready-to-wear) and is now concentrating on Jimmy Choo Haute Couture (made to order). For those lucky brides who would like that special pair of custom-made Jimmy Choos, here are his details:

Jimmy Choo Couture
18 Connaught Street
London
W2 2AF
http://www.datojimmychoo.com/
By appointment only
Tel: +44 (0)207 262 6888
Fax: +44 (0)207 262 8388
Email: jccouture@btconnect.com

The devil’s in the detail (Pt 3)

January 26th, 2010 by Fay Khoo | Posted in Fashion & Beauty | No Comments

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As soon as you thought about wedding venues, the sun-sea-surf combination was a non-negotiable must-have for you; you’ve always dreamed of getting married by the sea, with your guests all shoe-less and dressed in linens as the fairylights twinkled in the palm trees.

Is Your Look Happy Hippy Chic?

If your style star is Mary-Kate Olsen or Daryl Hannah, chances are your look will be natural, flowing and one with nature. You’re opting for simplicity, and a few well-selected accessories will heighten your look and complete it.

blue-beach

Since your hair will most likely be loose and flowing around your shoulders, a good stylist is essential to help give you the natural curls you need to create the right effect. Do consider putting tiny flowers through your locks, or even opt for a simple floral wreath for understated drama

A bit of preparation before will go a long way: get a light, healthy tan in the weeks leading up to the wedding and stay far away from bottled tans!

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For your arms, do consider a beautifully sculpted silver armlet, or try substituting your bridal bouquet with a wrist corsage. A hand-painted henna tattoo on your hand will draw attention to this little, but all-important, detail

The devil is in the details (Pt 2)

January 19th, 2010 by Fay Khoo | Posted in Fashion & Beauty, Wedding | 2 Comments

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If your idea of a perfect wedding day entails you looking like something out of a fairytale, then just-right accessories will be an absolute must-have to achieve that picture-perfect Cinderella look.

Is Your Look One of Classical Beauty, Where Romance Rules Supreme?

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If your style star is Anne Hathaway or Nicole Kidman, then you’re looking for a dreamy, perfectly put together look that is evocative of a modern day princess:

As befits a princess, do consider an intricate tiara; it will truly add the finishing touch to your already swoonworthy dress

A princess always has her hair in a perfectly coiffed updo. Make the most of this romantic hairdo with ornate hair combs, or complete the look with Swarovski-jewelled hair accessories and matching drop earrings

Satin shoes are ideal for the modern-day princess. Try some with beaded crystal details to put that extra zing in your step

Don’t overdo it: if you’re going top heavy with accessories (hair and ears) then keep arm accessories to a minimum. Or opt for a dramatic vintage necklace to focus the look

5 mins with… Hollywood star and Asian supermodel Daniel Henney!!

January 14th, 2010 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Fashion & Beauty | 11 Comments

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Years ago when I was modeling in Bangkok, I remember seeing an ad of Daniel at my agency’s office. My booker Pluem was showing everyone their new male model in town and asking me what I thought of him (well, no complaints for sure!). The next thing I knew, I was reading about him in the magazines as a rising star in Asia. It could be said that with his movie star looks, the dashing Daniel Henney was destined for the movies. Growing up in the States, this Korean/American model seamlessly went from Asian supermodel to Korean superstar to Hollywood actor as Agent Zero in Wolverine.

So how did I, a wee lass from Malaysia, end up interviewing Daniel? Well, it started like this… I was having a think as to which celebrity TWG should interview next… and recalled that I had a friend in New York who happened to know Daniel. So a few FB messages later, I was given Daniel’s (secret) facebook alias and sent him a long-winded message. A month passed with no reply. However, never one to take ‘no’ for an answer, I messaged the poor guy again:

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Hours, days and then weeks passed… when finally! A message in my inbox!!

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At last contact with DH! After ringing my closest girlfriends (who proceeded to scream in my ear), I very happily went on to type up this much awaited interview.

Why save this post for 2010? Because there really can’t be a better way to start the year then with a bit of Daniel Henney :)

Three rivers

As 'Dr. David Lee' in Three rivers

Your breakout role in Hollywood was playing Agent Zero in Wolverine. What’s cooking nowadays?

These days I’m busy working on my medical drama “Three Rivers”. It’s a show that focuses on the subject of donated organs and organ transplant surgery. There are so many amazing stories that are begging to be told from the field of transplant surgery, so it’s an extremely amazing experience to be a part of the show. I play Dr. David Lee. It airs on Sunday’s on CBS here in America… not sure when it will be shown overseas.

Chilling out with friends in LA

Chilling out with friends in LA

You’re the dream guy for girls around the world, but what would your ‘dream girl’ be like?

My dream girl? Haha… I’m not really sure if I have a specific type to tell you the truth. The most important quality that I search for in a woman is definitely a great sense of humor. I grew up watching SNL and tonnes of wonderful comedy films, so it’s pretty important for me to find that in a woman. Looks will fade, as well as a lot of other things, but a great connection between two people can stand the test of time. Physically – I’m not really picky. I like it when girls look very natural… the less make up the better.

I guess that’s about it!

As Agent Zero in Wolverine

As Agent Zero in Wolverine

Do you think you’re the settling down type? Hollywood has that rep for singledom…

I am the settling down type, but I’m not sure when it will happen. I think that a lot of actors are the settling down type, its just that their work is so unpredictable it’s hard to be. For me, even dating is incredibly difficult. The minute I meet someone I’m interested in, it seems like I have to leave for months, or relocate to a different city. It gets annoying sometimes.

If you did walk down the aisle, give us an idea of your perfect wedding (big, small, Vegas?!)

Definitely a small wedding. I would love to get married in Michigan. There are so many beautiful places in northern Michigan to get married. The lakes that surround the state are really breathtaking, especially in the summer. So I guess, maybe at a cabin by the water, with a few of my close friends and of course my family and hers. I have a pretty hectic life, so my wedding will have to be the exact opposite.

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I must ask the question on everyone’s mind… *ahem* are you attached?

I’m not attached….wish I was!

So there you go ladies, that was my short but wonderful chat (well, email!) with Daniel Henney. Now back to planning your wedding ;)

How to choose your bridal gown by Celest Thoi

January 11th, 2010 by Stephanie Chai | Posted in Fashion & Beauty, Little White Book Blog, Wedding | 4 Comments
Courtesy of Murphey's law blog

Courtesy of Murphey's law blog

When Carrie finally got her proposal from Mr. Big she also landed the dress of her dreams, a beautiful Vivenne Westwood creation, which true to  SATC form was delivered straight to her door. For the rest of us though, our dream dress may need a little bit more old-fashioned hardwork and research. TWG spoke to LWB vendor Celest Thoi from bridal boutique Pretty in White to find out the dos and don’ts of choosing your perfect bridal gown:

Courtesy of Wiki: Bodyshapes

Courtesy of Wiki: Bodyshapes

Celest’s advice:

Choosing your bridal gown is a lot like finding any other evening dress. You simply want one that suits you and makes you look the best you can be. Remember these body charts? We are all different shapes and sizes so it’s important to find out your body type and start from there.

Banana:

Gown 2

A sheath dress with a trail

The Banana is a straight-down figure which is less curvy but somewhat evenly proportioned. For a girl with the ‘banana shape’ she can opt for the Princess or Sheath dress. The Princess has an A-line shape which helps to enhance the bust-line. The Sheath looks good on slim figures as it’s body hugging – also if you’re petite, it will make you look taller!

Pear:

Ball-gown
The ball gown dress

Pear shape women are smaller on top and heavy on their bottom half. To balance out their figure, we’ll try to have feature embellishments on the top of the gown to help draw attention more towards the upper body. A ‘ball-gown’ dress poofs out at the bottom looks great on pear shaped women as it hides full hips and accentuates the waistline.

Apple:

Princess

The 'Princess' cut

The apple shape is the opposite of the pear shape – instead of being heavy on the bottom, this figure has a broader top body and narrow hips. For this shape, you will want to make your hips look larger and your top half smaller. Consider a princess or empire gown but with a bodice that will create the illusion of a narrower top body while the A-line skirt makes your hips appear bigger (in a good way!)

Hourglass:

mermaid

Mermaid gown

The figure all women crave for, a narrow waist with evenly proportioned bust and hips. For this lucky girl – any dress suits you! You can opt for a mermaid or bias cut gown to accentuate your figure.

Photo credit:
Photographer: Jenny Sun
Gowns: Pretty in White

The devil is in the details (Pt 1)

January 5th, 2010 by Fay Khoo | Posted in Fashion & Beauty, Wedding | 2 Comments

Bianca & Mick Jagger - Saint Tropez, May 1971

Bianca & Mick Jagger - Saint Tropez, May 1971

Don’t be fooled: you may have the dress of your dreams in your hot little hands and an appointment with the top hair and make up consultant in town from your little ‘white’ book, but that doesn’t mean your mission to look a zillion dollars is completed. The devil, my dear, is in the details, and by that we mean accessorising to give your overall look that je ne sais quoi oomph. Lucky for you, we have some fab tips to send you on your way to stunning-ville.

Is Your Look Eclectic Bordering on Quirky?

If your style star is Chloe Sevigny or Zooey Deschanel, chances are you’re already a whizz at accessorising, but just in case you’re at a loss:

Courtesy of Phillip Treacy & Not Empire

Courtesy of Phillip Treacy & Not Empire

A sensational Philip Treacy hat will ensure that nobody but nobody steals the limelight from you. If budget is a worry, consider vintage alternatives: a deep violet top hat sheathed in velvet would add flourish to your outfit and height to your frame

Use the “something borrowed, something blue” tradition to incorporate your own signature touch into your outfit, whether it’s an antique cameo brooch or an antique blue lace choker

What about… faux fur capelets, a fur-fringed bolero, or even a stole to add drama to your dress? You’ll certainly stand out from the rest of the (yawn) white-clad brides

Take it from style icon Bianca Jagger – Her wedding ‘gown’, was a suit paired with a wide-brimmed hat, covered in a veil of white tulle. Always the contrarian, Bianca ditched the traditional bouquet and instead donned a wrist corsage of white flowers with a diamond bracelet.

However, it may be wise to ‘cool’ down Bianca’s revealing neckline to accommodate our Asian climate :)