And it's all over.

Life is good. Freedom is sweet!

15 exam papers totalling up to 22 hours have finally come to an end.
Summer has officially started...4 months of unproductiveness is about to begin.

The above photo reminds me of the Tivoli gardens in Denmark...the gorgeous fairytales were enchanting. Anyhow, I am proud to say I have finally overcome IB, the toughest challenge to have faced me so far. I felt very proud of myself the moment when the invigilator announced 'Times up. Pens down.' which marked the end of my Economics Paper 3 and also the whole of IB. Thank goodness!

Now I need to catch up with my beauty sleep (HA!)...I slept at 1.30am the day my exam ended and woke up at 10am the next morning. Not bad really!

Now that Summer has officially started...(its funny because I began blogging last summer so it's already been a year since I've joined!), I am going to make this one productve summer.

Summer list:
- Update my itunes, hunt for good music
- Shopping- revamping my closet
- Start looking for classic Disney princess DVDs (my mom threw out the old videotapes! boo.)
- Update my photoalbums and get them developed
- Have a blast in Singapore

:)

Highs and Lows of Oscars 2011

Ahh...the 83rd Academy Awards...my first ever Oscar show that I actually sat through but I was really disappointed. The winners were well deserved overall in my opinion...for the main acting categories anyhow but can I say the same for the other categories? Anyway, seeing as I probably won't be watching the complete Oscar shows in the coming few years as I'm off to uni, I thought it'll be nice to give this show a little review.

The Lows

Better to get the bad things out of the way and end the post on a high note yeah?

I hate to say this but the hosts- Anne Hathaway and James Franco really disappointed. They were uninspiring, lackluster and dull. I've got to give it to Anne however for really trying. But there's a fine line between trying and really trying. It just got annoying towards the end of the show with her silly 'Woooos!' and her not very funny jokes. It was also made clear that she did not belong on stage. Hosting is defintely not her strengths...but she shouldn't be entirely blamed as she was just making up for the lack of enthusiam from James Franco. What on earth was he doing?! He looked bored, high and sleepy. We get that you've been to 'film school' but don't treat hosting as another job. At least put in a little enthusiasm as this is a once in a lifetime oppurtunity? Everyone now hates James Franco. It's official.

The pair started off well...unique opening monologue but it quickly started going downhill...shame.

Most of my disappointments were mainly in the hosts but Alan Menken losing out to Randy Newman in Best original song made me upset as well. I'll look at this argument at two perspectives though. To be fair, Newman has been nominated 20 times and only won twice (including 2011). Menken on the other hand has won 8/19 Oscars...the most anyone has everyone won for. I like to think that Oscar winners aren't decided politically but unfortunately, it is. I believe that Newman was awarded the Oscar because he has been snubbed way too many times. It is time he wins an award especially with the final chapter of the Toy Story series. The song wasn't memorable but I do think he should've won for 'You've got a friend in me' in 1996!

Oh Tangled...how I adore that film. I feel like I'm still high since watching that beautiful movie. I feel bad for Menken as well...the song was the highlight of the film. The floating lanterns scene was created so beautifully and captured the very essence of the film. I daresay that this is probably one of the most iconic Disney princess movie scenes. Nothing can beat the ballroom one in Beauty and the Beast duh... I felt like Tangled was snubbed for Best Animation as well. It was definitely a film that reminded of the 90's Disney Princesses but obviously with CGI.

The Highs

Mandy Moore and Zach Levi! I've never shown much interest in them until Tangled...obviously. Both of them have beautiful voices that went perfectly with Rapunzel and Flynn (!!). Mandy's performance was quite pitchy at the beginning to be honest but all was good the minute Zach stepped in. I wished this song was given more recognition...such a classic Disney Princess ballad. I dislike how songs are shortened to only 1.30...!

Inception!! I am so glad it won 4 of the awards it was nominated for...obviously all the technical categories. I wished it won Best Score though, one of Hans Zimmers finest creations! But all in all, it's nice to see this so well received film be appreciated by the Academy. Now pretty please can you nominate Christopher Nolan? That man is a genius! If you want the ratings to go back up (dropped a shocking 10% this year), you're going to have to nominate Nolan. In fact, the reason why the ratings dropped by 10% is probably because Nolan and Tangled were snubbed. Ha!

Another high would be the opening monologue. I love how the hosts bombarded each of the nominated movie scenes. It was hilarious and so darn silly at the same time. One of the very few moments that made me laugh. It was also a moment when I had the though 'This is going to be good!'. Yeah that thought quickly disappeared.

Another high? Harry Potter, TS3, TSN and Twilight autotuned songs. The best bit is that those its actually the dialogue in the movie! I couldn't believe I was watching the Oscars at first. The songs were surprisingly catchy but argghhh why Twilight?!

Witty banter between these two never gets old. Jude Law and RDJ undoubtedly have great chemistry. Probaby one of the most memorable presentations that evening...they were hilarious but not awkward (coughAnnecough). Yay for the Sherlock Holmes 2 this December!

Christian Bale has finally be recognized by the Academy. It's about time! I had a sinking feeling for one moment that CB would really lose to Geoffrey Rush. I would've cried, seriously. Thankfully, justice was on CB's side and all was good :) His speech was a bit crazy but heartwarming at the same time. I just hope he loses that moustache/beard thing going on. Not a good look.

Tangled :D

I just have to make a blog post about Tangled because I'm obsessed! I watched it yesterday and thought it was such a classic wonderfully made Disney film. Sure it's 3D and doesn't follow the traditional Grimm's brothers 'Rapunzel' story but who cares when this film was so entertaining? Disney films never fails to impress...especially princess ones...Princess & the Frog and now Tangled!

The characters in this film are so cleverly created and have so much personality. Rapunzel has amazing blonde hair (duh) but she's not an airhead. I wasn't too keen about her short brown hair in the end but I have to agree that it was cute and refreshing from the typically long-haired Princesses. Flynn Rider was not the typical Disney prince...in fact he was a thief and I personally think thats 10x cooler. I have to admit that I found his character extremely cute and enduring. Disney male characters are kind of bland sometimes but Flynn was charming, interesting and his voice is unbelievably amazing (Zach Levi!). Maximus the horse...arguably the highlight of the movie along with Pascal the chameleon were hilarious and lovable characters. Supporting non-speaking animals characters are a must in Disney princess movies :) (RIP Ray the firefly from Princess and the Frog).

Best scene of the film? Hands down the floating lantern scene...the song 'I See the Light' was beautifully performed as well.

Hollywood Star

She's back better than ever! The following 4 looks put together by the gorgeous German deserves A+++


Diane wows at the LA premiere of 'Unknown' wearing a short laced Dolce & Gabbana dress. This dress is borderline ice-skater looking but as always...Diane pulls it off. Diane wore this gorgeous embellished mini with Brian Atwood 'Maniac' nude pumps, slicked back chignon and simple studded earrngs.

LOVE this look. I don't see Diane wearing very structured and colourful block dresses very often so imagine my surprise to see this Prada Resort dress paired with equally stunning turquoise suede platforms. The cut-outs on the platforms definitely add a sparkle to a dress that otherwise would've been forgetful. She finished her chic look by short soft curls and a black watch. Perfect outfit for the Berlin Film Fesitval photocall for 'Unknown'.


Once upon a time, I watched a video where Diane was being interviewed after Chanel's Pre-fall collection. Diane said she loved this purple embellished dress so here it is...! I adore this arabian inspired cut and embellishment of this dress. It was definitely an unpredictable look from Diane. She completed her outfit by perfectly adding a pair of Gucci platforms and a half ponytail style (she needs to put her hair down more often...its gorgeous)!

Diane's looks are always very versatile and styled 10/10. She finished her round of stunning looks by donning a full length Grecian inspired Vionnet dress. This could've been a typical 'Helen of Troy' look but the rope neckline and chain detailing at the waist keeps things interesting. The book clutch by Chanel is a perfect touch to this look.


So there you have it...an array of fabulous looks from Diane. Congrats to her, Liam and January for 'Unknown' coming No. 1 at the box office! I need to watch that movie asap. Oh and can I say how relieved I was that this beat 'I am Number Four'?

Why hello there Spring/Summer 2011

It's been a while since I last did a post about my Net-a-Porter wishlist. The following items I have decided to include in this post are really spring-inspired. It's not quite Spring where I live but Winter is certainly dying away...it's no longer chilly and the heater isn't on as often anymore! The sun is finally out and shining brightly :)

Perfect Spring/Summer 2011 bag. I'm pretty sure I've featured this Marc Jacobs 'Natasha' shoulder-bag before because it's so darn adorable! This bag will go perfectly with every look as the gold plated birds will add a cute touch.

This feminine Erdem lace adds a bright pop of colour to the season. I absoluely love how cute an girly the silhouette of this design is yet the lace detailing adds sophistication. Personally, I won't style this dress with nude flats as it's too simple...this dress needs dainty cute heels!

I have been loving nude shoes as they literally go with anything! These Brian Atwoods takes a spin on the traditional nude pumps as the nude suede material is contrasted with the sharp gold studs. Perfect nude pumps for a Summer evening party.

This dress belongs in the Carribean...or the St. Tropez...or even Cannes. This gorgeous silk printed Roberto Cavalli is a perfect Summer dress. I love how this dress can be dressed up for a casual Summer's day by pairing it with flats and a fedora to a fun night party!

I won't have the guts to wear this dress but I know my favourite stylish celeb, Diane Kruger can wear this with ease whilst looking like a Grecian goddess. This Alexander McQueen crepe halterneck dress is elegant and edgy at the same time.

May all my wishes come true :)

The German Factor

The thing with a long hiatus in blogging is that once I start posting again, I post quite frequently at one go.

Anyhow, I have to dedicate this post to the always immaculately groomed and stunning Diane Kruger. She had an amazing fashion run last week wearing one flawless outfit to another

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Diane started off the week by attending the Chanel Spring/Summer 2011 show at Paris Fashion week. She looked head to toe chic wearing a beige beaded Chanel dress paired with Miu Miu heels. This isn't my favourite Diane look as the colour washes her out but she pulls it off. She barely goes wrong in Chanel.

Now this was what I call perfection. Diane looked amazing in head to toe Gucci. I would never imagine Diane + Gucci but the formula works as evident in the photo. This heavily embellished tribel-inspired halter dress is a showstopper. Diane let the dress do all the talking as she kept her accessories simple- black satin clutch and Gucci gold and black strappy heels.

Diane faithfully returns to Chanel after stunning everyone in Gucci. This baby pink hot off-the runway couture dress has a tierred skirt, pearl detailing and a black black is not easy to pull off. She looked gorgeous pairing the dress with black peep-toed 6" Jimmy Choos and a black beaded clutch. Flawless.

The German actress looked retro in this Giambattista Valli dress paired with the same Gucci heels. The shift orange and silver dress takes a spin on the leopord print which is refreshing. Diane let down her gorgeous hair and chose a Fendi clutch.

She continues to outshine everyone on the red carpet. Diane wears clothes with such ease that she was born to wear designer clothes!

Let the race begin!

It's certainly been a while since I blogged here...

The last post was on the 20th Decemember 2010...just 5 days before Christmas. And now we're in the month February, 2011!

First of all, Happy CNY to all of you who celebrate CNY! My nails are painted in the colour 'Colour so hot in Berns' as a tribute to this festival haha :)

A lot has happened in this past month...school is going to wrap up very soon meaning I'll graduate from high school too soon. It's scary knowing that I'll be going off to uni very soon...

Anyhow, I want to blog quickly about the awards season- something that cheers me up :) Two major awards show has already passed by and that is the Golden Globes and the SAGs. Besides the winners, I am also very interested in the fashion that graces the red carpet. But before I go onto that, let me just ramble a bit about the winners/Oscar nominations etc.

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Notable mentions:

Natalie Portman- There is no denying that she is the 'It' girl of the awards season. She's pregnant, glowing and was brilliant in Black Swan. I have not seen the movie yet but I am sure she was electrifying (!!). Sadly, we all know that overwhelming attention/exposure of a person usually backfires and people start hating instead. Natalie has been criticized from her gushy/crazy (?!) speech at the Golden globes...who can forget the line 'Thank for creating creations me'? People have speculated that she is desperate for an Oscar and that is a theory I will not refute. Despite her questionable 'No Strings Attached' movie that was out early last month, I am sure she will take home the Oscar.

Christian Bale- Thank goodness he is finally getting the recognition he deserves. I admire and respect him as an actor so I do not want to 'jinx' his chances of winning best supporting at the Oscars. On the other hand, the chances of his losing are very slim. He has literally picked up every award that he was nominated for in his role in 'The Fighter'. I love that he didn't pimp out his family/personal life (*ahem* Michelle Williams) and is still winning that top prize. He constantly knows how to amaze the audience from his extreme weight loss...(he looked like a pedo in the fighter) so it is time he wins this award.

Nicole Kidman- Welcome back! We've all missed the quality performances you were given in your 'golden years'. I am really happy that Nicole is finally starring in decents film and has been laying off the botox...?

Inception- What has Christopher Nolan ever done to the Academy? Despite losing out in the director category, Inception has bagged 8 nominations. I am not going to happy if they don't least win 3 of those nominations. It was a perfect film (read my blog post!). I get that the Academy recognizes the more artsy drama films (TSN) and not sci/action but still...Inception or TSN? Justin Timberlake or JGL?

Toy Story- Arguably the 2nd film movie of 2010 after Inception in my opinion. I was never interested in watching it but when I did later on gave in and rented it...I couldn't hold back my tears at the ending scene. Any animation movie that leaves the audience in tears deserves respect. TS3 is a lock for Best Animation. Trust.

King's Speech- How can a film about a king's stutter be so mind-blowingly amazing? Well apparently it is...I need to watch that film. A British cast over TSN? Yes please! I don't have anything against TSN...okay maybe the fact that it's a movie based on a facebook which sounds so geeky. Nonethless, Colin Firth's performace is supposedly perfect. I like Colin so I'll watch it :)

James Franco- How did I forget James France I WENT TO FILM SCHOOL? He's smug but you gotta give it to him for accomplishing so much at his age. How many schools has he been to? Yale, Harvard, Columbia...I don't know! Apparently he's going for a doctoral degree? And the fact that he went to poetry class during Oscar nomination announcemenet? Hilarious. As a newspaper wote, 'James Franco wins his first Oscar nomination for practically not moving'. HA!

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And that wraps up my thoughts on the Oscar nominations!

Christmas :):)

It's that time of the year again. After weeks of stress and business, have finally found time to temporarily unwind. Christmas is right around the corner and I've been revisitng old nostalgic Christmas memories on youtube. I really love those cartoons Christmas specials they use to air the tme...I never watched 'The Snowman' but I did tonight. I never imagined it to be so heartbreaking in the end. I suppose the ending is pretty predictable but somehow, how the music score and scene played out made it exceptionally sad...it seriously made me cry. I definitely recommend for those who have never seen it to youtube it. Also, check out another short Christmas clip called 'Noel' which is equally as touching but didn't leave me in tears :)

Besides youtubing old memories, I've also been treating myself to overpriced but delicous $35 Starbucks Christmas drinks. So far, I've tried the toffee nut latte and ginerbread latte and to be honest...neither really impressed me. I think its because I set too high standards for these drinks. They were good but nothing to rave about really. That leaves me with the peppermint mocha which I am definitely getting my hands on before Christmas is over!

Since the exams have been over, I've finally found time to enjoy my Christmas playlist. I've started collecting these songs since late November and I can honestly say I am proud of the playlist :) I obviouly have the classic Christmas songs (Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra) but I've also mixed it up' (HAHA) with indie songs such as A Fine Frenzy...love love her songs so much.

Merry Christmas :)