A Fan Affair at Le Ann Maxima

When I was with the magazine, Le Ann Maxima was one of my favourite brands to loan from for photoshoots. The loaning process can be a real pain in the ass especially when you're working on a tight and busy schedule and some brands have very long procedures (emails, approvals, loan letters, driving through traffic...etc etc) just to loan a few pieces of clothes and shoes.

But not Le Ann Maxima. They were a doll to work with! And it helped that their concept store at Jaya One was literally a stone's throw away from my office then.

That was why when a friend invited me to their Fanfare Party last week, I thought "Free food! Hey, why not go to show some support?" After all, they have been nothing but supportive of me when I made last minute requests to loan clothes...

And how often does a brand throw a party exclusively for their customers and fans to show their appreciation?

Top left: Senri hard at work. Check out her blog yeah!

In light of the holiday season coming up (read: parties!), Le Ann Maxima featured their Fall Holiday collection as the highlight of the event. And after seeing those pretty designs and fashionable attires, it made me wish that I was working again just so I could buy them and have a place to parade them around at.

(L-R) Modelled by Wafa de Korte, Josephine Chin,
and Miss Malaysia World 2011, Chloe Chen

A casual favourite of mine was this lacy pastel blue range (above) that adds a bit of spring to the year-end holidays. (See what I did there. Spring in the Fall collection...No? Okay, moving on)

Keep it simple in green and white

Dresses for casual and formal wear

 Another favourite (below). Despite looking like satin, the material is actually cotton which allows it to hug your shape nicely. I especially heart the heart patterns and the best part is you don't need to accessorize too much with this range.

Fierce green chiffon, a definite eye-catcher. 

Va-va-vroom red.

Glamourous black and gold for parties.

Toga dresses in green and nude

Sexy maxi.

Of course, as we all know, fashion always goes hand-in-hand with beauty and Le Ann Maxima had invited makeup sifu Jil Yong from Amber Chia Academy to give a makeup demo. Ask her any question and Jil was more than happy to answer to the best of her abilities. The makeup tips she shared with the audiences were definitely helpful as she pointed out how people often underestimated the uses of brushes for makeup application and the colour purple as an eyeshadow.

Beauty demo with Jil Yong.

 Le Ann Maxima also conducted fun quiz sessions where guests stood a chance to win vouchers, accessories, shoes, bags and even a dress. It was fun and amusing to see how well the ladies know the brand and I dare say they are indeed hardcore fans. Even I took a chance at answering a question.

Q: What are the three clothing ranges that Le Ann Maxima carry?
(Que for mad scramble around the store, looking for the answers. I feel like a kindergarten kid again)
A: Essential, Signature and Maxima (yes, apparently Maxima is a range name. Tricky bugger)

And I won a bag. This limited edition Le Ann Maxima tote bag! 

 .

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

I am just kidding.

I went home with this gorgous emerald green bag instead!

Thanks, Le Ann Maxima!

On top of winning a new bag, meeting my fellow bloggers really made my day. I had the pleasure of finally meeting Tammy and Reiko whose blogs I have been reading for sometime now. They were really nice and approachable especially to a noob blogger like your truly.

Before I end this post, I would like to wish Alexio Yeoh of Le Ann Maxima, HAPPY (BELATED) BIRTHDAY!! (as this party fell on his birthday). Talk about hardworking and dedicated.

The Birthday Boy

Have a happy day ahead!

Le Ann Maxima:

Jaya One (Concept Store),

C-31-G, Block C,

No. 72A, Jalan Universiti,

46200 Petaling Jaya.

Selangor D.E

Tel: 03-7957 3811

website: http://www.leannmaxima.com/

Amber Chia Academy PJ:
 Jaya One,

B-23-6 , Block B

No. 72A, Jalan Universiti,

46200 Petaling Jaya.

Selangor D.E

Tel: +60 3 7960 8010

Website: http://www.amberchia.com/academy



I love me some Green Tea @ Starbucks

I finally got a chance to try out one of Starbucks' Christmas dessert addition, their Caramel Green Tea cupcake and on account of the cold I was recovering from, I ordered a Green Tea Latte to accompany it. Yes, I know I did go overboard with the green tea theme....

I have tried green tea cake with red bean but never green tea cupcake with caramel on top. The cupcake was a real treat as it was moist and rich with green tea flavour. The caramel adds an unexpected nice kick to it as it is squeezed on upon ordering so that the flavouring doesn't overwhelm and affect the green tea-ness.

Green tea everywhere!

Hm, I wonder if I can ask the barista to top up caramel in my green tea latte next time. Their green tea drinks are just wonderful, whether cold or hot. Most places usually offer diluted green tea, often from a tea bag but Starbucks' green tea comes from powder form, a fact evident in its strong taste.

 

While the green tea latte has become my non-caffeinated hot beverage, for my ice-blended option, I like my green tea frappacino with chocolate chip. Lots of it. Give it a try. You won't regret it!

 

 

Have a great week ahead!

Roxy Madness - Clubbing Essentials for Girls.

So a few weeks ago, I received an sms invitation by Roxy for their Family and Friends' Sale that took place on a Saturday at the Midvalley outlet. I was there at 10am to beat the crowd...which I didn't because there was already about 15 people rummaging through the racks. I guess 50 % discounts on expensive beach wear do bring out the early bird in people.


source: Roxy Malaysia website

Roxy's collection was extensive, offering more bags, dresses, purses, skirts and shirts compared to five years ago. I was drawn to their brown Native America-inspired shoulder bags but as I was on a budget, I really had to ask myself, Shopaholic-style:
"Do I need this?"
No.

But I did need a clutch purse for clubbing for various reasons so I got one. And here it is. Along with a loose T-shirt.

50% off everything.

 If you have read my earlier post about clubbing on Halloween, you would know I have a thing against girls bringing huge ass bags to clubs. If you're one of those girls, just stop it. Stop bringing your overnight bags/pitless handbags to crowded clubs. It is inconsiderate and annoying. Get a clutch purse that can fit these important items:

But what about your makeup, you ask. Well, if you're good, then your makeup should last you at least 4-5 hours of clubbing. If not, I suggest investing in waterproof or long-wearing makeup. Take only the small items like eyeliner or lipstick with you.

Back to clutches: Go look for one at Roxy. Or Jusco. Or at a blog shop. Or Asos.

Just get one.

Make life easier for you, the people around you and your boyfriend who now doesn't need to drag your bag around. Oh, and another thing. Don't let/make your boyfriend carry your handbag. Have the decency to preserve his masculinity in public because you know people will be sneering at him for being your whipping boy and at you for being too lazy or frail to carry your own bag.
(whoopse, went on a rant there...)

Redundant facts about the writer: in my college years, my friends and I went on a Roxy craze where the only birthday prezzies we would accept from each other were Roxy items. That year, I got a handbag, a purse, a shirt and a pair of slippers, all from Roxy. Looking back now, I realised how spoiled we were. First world problems much?

Peace out.

The Power of Fandom

Have you ever walked out of the movies or finished reading a book and wondered what if the ending had been different or if a character from another universe had been in it?

For instance, what if Buffy the Vampire Slayer had been in Twilight? Okay, we all know the answer to that one. The book would have ended in Chapter 2 and we would have been spared Bella's constantly stoned state.

And Buffy shot them both dead. The End

Or what if Jeremy Renner's Aaron Cross and William Brandt from Bourne Legacy and Mission Impossible 4 were all part of Clint Barton/ Hawkeye's many secret identities in the Avengers movie-verse?

Jeremy, you have been type-casted....

Yeah...I have definitely been giving that one way too much thought.....

So anyway, there is a website called Fanfiction.net where just about anyone can contribute their own stories featuring characters from their favourite movies, anime, TV series and etc etc. You can get a wide range of stories, parodies, poems and crossovers from all sort of writers and storytellers here and some of them are pretty damn good writers. Better than published writers even.

I am not going to namedrop any authors because I don't know what rocks your boat. I am merely sharing with you a site that I have been following since high school that has helped expand my imagination....and caused me to flunk half of my subjects during my finals.

Or if you prefer something along the lines of a parody, watch HISHE (How It Should Have Ended) videos. The animation is awesome, scripts are hilarious and the voice actings  are just spot on! Just watch the Batman spoof below:

Or for something of a musical, do check out the Hillywood Show by Hilly and Hannah. Their production work is just amazing considering that their videos are funded from their own pockets. Kudos to these talented sisters!

If you like fan-made manga, comic and anime, then I would suggest checking some doujinshi works over the Internet or even from some of the local talents at Comic Fiesta 2012.

There will be cosplayers, doujinshi artists, fan-made merchandises and video games. The dedication and effort these fans put into their work is just impressive as you'll see Final Fantasy, Bleach, Naruto and Dragonball characters literally come to life. Those with DSLR cameras, this event is the best to put your photography skills to good use because you will have ever ready models always prepared to strike a pose for you!

It's a two-days events with tickets available at RM20 per day or RM35 for both days. For more info, go to their website at http://comicfiesta.org.

And before I sign off, here's a little random redundant fun fact:

The Fifty Shades trilogy was initially written as a Twilight fan fiction, originally titled Master of the Universe (insert He-Man theme song here). It was published on fan-fiction websites by E.L. James under the pen name "Snowqueen's Icedragon". Now over 60 millions copies have been sold worldwide. (source: wikipedia.org)

The power of fandom, not to be underastimated.

Teehee! (dammit, Ryan Higa!)

Also, HAPPY DEEPAVALI!

Kardashian Kollection @ Dorothy Perkins

 

If you're a fan of Kourtney, Khloe (like me) or Kim Kardashian, then you will be happy to know that an entire line of sexy and fierce clothings designed by the sexy trio can now be found at Dorothy Perkins, Midvalley as of yesterday.



Kardashian Wave in stores.

The Kardashian Kollection (yes, that's collection with a K) introduces hot leopard prints, hints of overlaid laces, sultry dark colours with classy hints of gold in the form of body-tight dresses and formal, versatile wear.

Still-models

And the best part about the range, the designs and cuts caters to women of all walks and sizes! Skinny, petite, voluptuous, curvy, booty-filled.... There is something for everyone! I will credit this to the fact that the Kardashian sisters themselves aren't the typical model sizes. Khloe is my favourite because like majority of women around the world, she has faced criticism on her weight and has proven that you don't need to be stick thin to be sexy.

"I have moments of weakness, but mostly I brush the criticism off… Who cares if I’m not a size zero? I don’t want to be. I love my body; I’m healthy, I work out...I am who I am. I can’t do anything about it, and I love who I am."
-Khloe Kardashian.

And we love you for that, Khloe. Even the Malaysian celebrities was not spared the craze as they shared their favourites from the Kardashian line at the official launch at Dorothy Perkins, Midvalley yesterday.




L-R: Daphne Iking, Poova Plachciak, Belinda Chee and Sazzy Falak,
wearing the Kardashian Kollection.



Loving the new collection.

 I love how most of the pieces are statement pieces and can make all the difference in your fashion style. And frankly speaking, Dorothy Perkins clothes aren't at all that expensive as they are really good quality and beautifully designed. The Kardashian line is not different with prices starting at RM150 to RM350. Make a fashion investment, be stylish for life (gosh, that's corny).



One of the first few to own a Kardashian piece.

Photo inception!

DP Midvalley is the first store to hold the collection although other DP outlets in Malaysia will have them on the shelves by Monday, 12 Nov.

Fierce prints and sexy laces.

On a side note, DP's other lines are worth having a look at too. These tan Pu Hi Tops caught my eye despite not being a part of the K-Kollection. Me likey... especially for dancing...

For more info on the Kardashian Kollection, log on to the Dorothy Perkins website or head down to their outlets in Midvalley, Sunway Pyramid, 1Utama, Bangsar Village II, The Curve, Empire Shopping Gallery and Pavilion.

Happy shopping!

M.A.C goes Glamour Daze

With the festive seasons around the corner, I can imagine a lot of you ladies will have your schedules filled with parties and gatherings and undoubtedly, you want to look your most glamorous. M.A.C (not the maker of iphone, mind you) has just launched its annual holiday collection yesterday with an event befitting of the new range's name; Glamour Daze.



The Holiday collection.

Held in the spotlight of KLCC center court, the event was attended by the likes of media members, very loyal customers (coughdatinscough), celebrities and....your truly (who was a friend's plus one). As soon as we entered the area, we lunged  helped ourselves to macaroons, sandwiches and mini tarts being served by very cute waiters. Several makeup stations were set up for guests to touch up their makeup or try out the new collection with the help of a professional makeup artist.



M.A.C launch at KLCC.

The Glamour Daze collection features soft pastel colours and subtle shimmers that radiates classy and elegance which is perfect for all occassions from day to night.

The fastest touchup I've experienced.

Got a tea party in the afternoon? Then opt for the all-natural brown or light blues for your eyeshadows and nude lipstick for finish the look. For a dinner function after, just darken your eyes with purple hues or jazz it up with silver and accentuate your lips with a darker but still natural tone.

The new collection also makes the ideal Christmas gift as it also consist of an adorable leapord print makeup bag/purse in light teal and pink. MAC also offers a complete brush kit that comes in a matching pouch.  



Photo-taking fun with old friends.  

To kick off the launch, the Glamour Daze dancers took to the stage and performed a French-song-and-dance which no one actually knew what the song was but was nevertheless mesmerised by the ladies and their 60s hairdo and 'puffy' dresses. After the performance, we were given the opportunity to take pictures with them...which your truly did.

Glamour Daze performers.

To end the night, M.A.C generously gave us a small goodie bag each with random products of the new range which my friend and I immediately tore into as soon as we reached the car.

M.A.C eye and lip range.

Just what I needed. A new purse and eyeliner. Thanks, M.A.C!

For more info on the Glamour Daze collection, head down to your nearest M.A.C outlets or check out their official website.

For more event pictures, head on to my M.A.C Glamour Daze Launch album on FB.

Christmas is here...at Starbucks!

The Starbucks X-mas collection has finally reached our shores and stores!
(Haha. Get it? Shores and stores. *insert crickets chirping* Right, moving on...)

Starbucks Amcorp. Thumbs up to Barista Jason for the decorations!

For a country that doesn't have winter, we're awfully excited about a coffee brand's X-Mas collection, aren't we... Anyway, Starbucks fans (like me) have much to look forward to as Starbucks have brought in two limited edition cards (can be purchased with a reload of RM30 minimum), a variety of red, white and silver tumblers and mugs, new desserts and three fan-favourites drinks.

 

The long-awaited Starbucks 2013 planner has also arrived but I didn't get to snap a picture of it. It did seem bigger and simpler though compared to last year.... I wonder what vouchers they have inside. Like previous years, you'll need to purchase 15 handcrafted drinks by 15 January in order to redeem your planner. Alternatively you can just buy it over the counter at RM138.

 

On to the Christmas collection!



Cupcakes for the season.

Instead of cakes (or maybe they have yet to bring it in), there were sweetly decorated cupcakes on display: Black Forest Cheese, Choc Cheese Minty, Carrot Coconut and Caramel Green Tea. Priced at RM5.50 each. I wanted to try the Caramel Green Tea but because I am still recovering from a 3-week long cold, I had to pass. For now.

Pretty red, white and silver collectibles.

My family and friends always complain that they don't know what to get me for my birthday or for Christmas. Here's a hint: a Starbucks tumbler would be nice. Despite being a diehard Starbucks fan, I never really got around to collecting its tumblers and mugs because I just know if I started, that would be the end of my bank account. But presents and gifts are welcome.



Fan favourites are back!

It's good to know Starbucks do listen to their fans and brought back last year's popular drinks: Toffee Nut Latte, Toffee Nut Frappucino and Peppermint Mocha Frappucino. (or maybe they're just too lazy to come up with new drinks this year but hey, why fix something that works)

Although I am going to miss its Salted Caramel Frap and Earl Grey Tea cheesecake (please bring them back next year along with the Valencia Frap!), I could do with a change in flavour this season. Once my cold is gone,  Peppermint Mocha will be the first frappucino I get!

And finally, the one thing(s) that will have people rushing to stores this week: the limited edition Starbucks cards. Like last year, there are two lovely designs but I quite like the red one more because it looks glamorous for a card. Again, these aren't mine because I brought them for my aunt from Singapore who collects them.




Tis the season to buy Starbucks X-mas edition cards!

I know it's early but thanks to Starbucks, you have two months worth of Christmas to enjoy!


Pasta & Cakes @ Food Foundry Review

 

It was a cold rainy evening and my sister and I decided to head over to Food Foundry, Section 17 PJ for dinner, simply because it was nearby, had good food and ample free parking. This little cafe has been around for the longest time and I just love their food and cakes so it only seemed about right that I dedicate a post to them.

I love their new quirky and cute deco. Sorry, no pictures because the lighting was bad and there was just so many people there. Think I have to get used to invading people's privacy for interior pictures in future.

The front sign. So cutesy.

Food Foundry is known for their mille crepe cakes but their food is quite good too especially their western and pasta dishes.



Spaghetti Carbonara.

My sister had the Spaghetti Carbonara (RM18) and there was a generous helping of beef bacon slices and creamy sauce. The portion was just right that you don't get sick of its creaminess after licking every last drop of it.

I opted for their duck confit pasta (RM19). It's like aglio olio with dried chilli and duck meat. Make that very tender and juicy duck meat. Considering it's a meal saturated in oil, the pasta is not at all oily and goes down quite nicely.

Duck confit pasta

 During a previous visit, I had their dory fish pasta which was like a combination of grilled fish and carbonara. I was initially a bit wary when it comes to fish because I once ordered their pan-fried fish with cream sauce from their old menu and the fish came out smelly. At least they were nice enough to change my order then. But when I ordered their new fish pasta, it was really good and I definitely recommend it too.

As it was a Saturday night, both lots of the cafe were crowded with people and the cake counter was no different. I went to see for myself what cakes they had and there was a trio of girls making their order. There was also an auntie who kept giving me the glare because she thought I wanted to jump queue. Chill la, lady. I just wanted to take pictures of their counter.




Look at all those cakes.....

Poor guy trying to accommodate everyone.

Food Foundry is pro-earth!
 

I don't know if it was because I had a bite of the strawberry mille crepe cake first or because I had latte to drink but my vanilla crepe cake was, well, tasteless. The texture and creaminess was the same but I just could not taste anything! My sister tried it as well and commented that it wasn't as sweet as it used to be but was still nice for someone who was not me with an insane sweet tooth.

Vanilla (left) & Strawberry cream mille crepe cake.

Well, tasteless cake or not, Food Foundry still has the yummiest cakes, desserts and food in the area. The quality may not be consistent but just let their friendly waiters know and they will be more than happy to do something about it, be it change your order or take it off your bill.

For more info:

Happy Food Foundry! ;)

*Not a paid review. Every comment and rant is the writer's own.

Joanne Kam & Tony Eusoff are Romantic Fools (PG16)

So tonight I managed to catch the 120min comedy play, Romantic Fools by Rich Orloff starring the one and only Joanne Kam and the ever handsome Tony Eusoff as the leads. Direted by Reza Zainal Abidin, Romantic Fools features several skits depicting situations of love with impressive cameos from Chelsia Ng, Iedil Putra, Megat Sharizal and Sarah Shahrum.



 

 

For that entire two hours, the entire cast had its audiences, this writer included, hunched over in laughter with their fluid delivery of humourous line and committed facial expressions. Joanne Kam is still as funny as ever in playing the woman out for love. Tony offers the image of the ideal man in various situations as both goes deeper into the interactions of men and women relationship.

Thanks, Anitha for inviting me :)

After all, what comedy play starts off with a caveman who drew a piece of meat from under his coat?

Now that I have your attention once more, over all the entire sketch was lovely and the actors were just effortless in their scenes and transitions of scenes. Chelsia Ng, whom I had the pleasure of working with when I was with the magazine, was especially memorable as a high-end call girl who caters to a man's every fantasy including...dull sex (that costs RM900 btw. There's a high demand for it now. Add in another RM50 for her just to lie there)

Comedy Queen, Joanne Kam with a fan.

After the play, you can stay back and snap pictures with the casts who are more than willing to acommodate. Do talk to them too, they won't bite and for the ladies (and some men), Joanne might let you touch Tony :)

The play will be on until this Sunday for KL before the team heads up to Penang from Nov 9 - 11.

Details are as below:

KL Run

• Date: Wednesday 24 October – Sunday 4 November
• Time: 8:30pm (Tue-Sun); 3:00pm (Sun)
• Venue: Black Box, MAP @ Publika, Solaris Dutamas, KL
• Tickets: RM68 & RM58
• KL tickets available online via Ticketpro from 15th September. Alternatively, you could call 03-7880 7999 or their hotline at 017-330 5776 for more ticketing details.

Penang Run

• Date: Friday 9 – Sunday 11 November
• Time: 8:30pm (Fri-Sun); 3:00pm (Sun)
• Venue: Stage 1 PenangPac, Straits Quay Mall, Penang
• Tickets: RM68 & RM58
• Penang tickets available online via ilasso and PenangPac from 15th September. Alternatively, you could call 04-899 1722 / 04-899 2722 or their hotline at 017-330 5776 for more ticketing details.

* Suitable for ages 16 and above.

Have a great weekend ahead!







Frankenweenie made me almost cry

If you have yet to watch Frankenweenie, rest assure that this post has no major spoilers.

It's amazing how a black and white movie about a boy and his dog made me tear up mainly because it made me think about my own pets, the ones I have now and the ones I had. I have had cats and dogs (and fishes and turtles...) and I loved all of them dearly.

 In case some of you don't know, Frankenweenie is a remake of Tim Burton's 1984 short film and it's amazing how he can take something and make it so much better. Even though it had no Johnny Depp....or Helena Bonham Carter.

Only one thing annoyed me during the movie and that was the supporting characters. Oops, did I say one thing? I meant the entire town of New Holland. Especially that creepy Edgar and overdramatic Nassor and his stupid Colossus and the 'Luna Lovegood'-wannabe.... Asian kid was pretty funny though.

But all of that becomes background noise when it comes to the main character, Victor and his little dog, Sparky. Their friendship makes you wanna go 'awwww.' Which was why when Sparky first died in the movie, my eyes watered.


Aw......until the tail came off.
source: blogs.independent.co.uk

Of couse I know he'll come back to life, hence the storyline of the movie but it's just so sad, having experienced loosing a pet, it's tear-jerking.

So, if you 're like me and have a loving relationship with your pet(s), then Frankenweenie is the movie for you. Unless you hate crying in public then I suggest you run far far away from this movie.

My darling Cody, a PAWS alumni.

If you're interested in getting a pet, please adopt, don't buy. For every dog sold at a pet store, a shelter animal looses a forever home and puppy mills and backyard breeder have more reasons to operate.

Happy November!