Toujour Pur

Whether you’re in the market for high fashion, fancy baubles, or even an unusual pet, here’s the post for you..

Continuation:

 6. Los Angeles

Ever wonder where your favorite celeb gets her to-die-for designer duds? Depending on how old she is, it’s either Melrose Avenue (Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton) or high-end Rodeo Drive (Nicole Kidman, Catherine Zeta-Jones). Still, you needn’t spend a fortune to get dressed in Los Angeles, as downtown’s Santee Alley is loaded with affordable knockoffs of brand-name merchandise. Otherwise, LA is one of a handful of major cities to boast popular outdoor shopping centers – The Grove, for one, is chock full of stores selling everything from fresh vegetables to iPod accessories, while the three-block, pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica has familiar brand-name stores interspersed with funky boutiques.

 7. Marrakesh

Shopping in the souk in Marrakesh is truly an experience of a lifetime – and one of the more challenging shopping excursions you’ll ever have. Bargaining over goods is a way of life for Moroccans, which can be a daunting but worthwhile experience, especially when you walk away with a piece of clothing, jewelry, pottery, or carpet at your chosen price – and substantially less than you’d pay for the same item back home. Even if you don’t buy anything here, this vast bazaar is easily one of the most atmospheric places in the world in which to lose yourself: its narrow cobblestone streets are suffused with such exotic sights and smells – stained-glass lanterns hang beside meat and vegetables, carpets lie next to mounds of spices – that you’re in for an altogether heady experience no matter what.

8. New York

From high-priced designer fashions to discount chic, and from electronics to rare books, New York City has it all, from the exclusive boutiques of Madison Avenue to the knock-off stalls along Canal Street. Manhattan’s mega-stores, like Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s (which bills itself as the world’s largest department store) offer the utmost in one-stop shopping. But more personal shopping experiences await in NoLita and SoHo, where big-name boutiques mix with one-of-a-kind shops and high-end street vendors. Chelsea, meanwhile, is the go-to spot for original art works (at a hefty sum); the Lower East Side attracts fashionable young things to its exclusive shops; and bargain-hunters fight over cut-rate designer fashions at the discount mecca of Century 21.

 9. Paris

The creativity that goes into Parisian window displays – whether to front a high-fashion house or a neighborhood chocolatier – is unmatched anywhere in the world, and reflects the locals’ philosophy that shopping should be seen as a pleasure, not a chore. One of the best neighborhoods to experience this attitude is the Marais, where a medieval maze of streets harbors trend-setting boutiques, shops, and galleries near the Place des Vosges. But you also shouldn’t miss the 8th arrondissement, and the international haute-couture labels along two streets in particular – the famed rue du Faubourg St-Honoré and avenue Montaigne – though you’ll spend fewer euros at the city’s grand magasins (department stores); two local favorites, the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, are found side by side on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th.

 10. St. Barths

The French-owned St. Barthélemy, affectionately known as St. Barths (or St. Barts – both are correct) has earned a reputation as playground for the jet-set, but also as the capital of the Caribbean shopping scene, thanks to its duty-free status and 200-plus boutiques. The delightful capital, Gustavia, is a high-end retail haven for shops like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Cartier, and Hermes (many of which stock items that aren’t available stateside) while the beach resort town of St. Jean tucks posh shops into La Savane Commercial Center and La Villa Créole. It’s not all high-fashion on this celebrated isle, mind you: Local women do peddle traditional island handiwork – hand-woven palm hats, baskets, bags, and more – from their verandas, ensuring you’ll go home with something truly Caribbean after all.

 

If your heart starts palpitating at the mere sight of ‘sale’ sign, or if you’ve been known to elbow another shopper out of the way – if she’s getting between you and the boots you covet – or if you plan all of your vacations with retail therapy built in, this list is for you. We’ve rounded up the ten best cities in the world for your next shopping excursion – and whether you’re in the market for high fashion, fancy baubles, or even an unusual pet, we’ve got a destination for you. So pay off some credit card debt and hit the road – but don’t blame us when the bills come in.

   1. Bangkok
   2. Buenos Aires
   3. Copenhagen
   4. Hong Kong
   5. London
   6. Los Angeles
   7. Marrakesh
   8. New York
   9. Paris
  10. St. Barths

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is renowned as one of the best shopping cities in Asia and it’s surely worth the trip, if only for some superb retail therapy on the way to the beaches of Phuket or the cultural temples of Chiang Mai. High quality silk, jewelry, and traditional crafts – everything, really, from sizeable bling to tailor-made suits – at a fraction of stateside prices draw millions to this Thai capital every year. The city’s several chaotic markets, and especially the 35-acre Chatuchak Market, are bona fide treasure troves, whether you’re scouting for clothing, home goods, or art, or live roosters, pythons, and even multi-colored chicks.

 2. Buenos Aires

Besides being the most beautiful city in Latin America, Buenos Aires is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful people. And where do these gorgeous porteños shop? Much of the shopping is centered in Microcentro (downtown) along the streets of Calle Florida and Calle Lavalle, both of which teem with chain stores and boutique shops (those with more pesos to spend head to the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta, where Armani, Cartier, and their ilk maintain addresses). But no trip to Buenos Aires would be complete without the purchase of several leather items – the city is known for its abundance of high-quality leather goods that cost a fraction of what they do in the States. Head to the leather district for the biggest selection and return home with a superb handbag, pair of shoes, jacket and more at excellent value.

3. Copenhagen

The fresh, modern talent of Scandinavian designers has made the Danish capital of Copenhagen synonymous with cutting-edge merchandise – whether you’re looking for a new wardrobe or sophisticated home decor. The Grønnegade area finds popular local designers like Munthe and Simonsen, while Strøget & Købmagergade – both pedestrian shopping streets – are home to international giants like Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Mega department stores Det Ny Illum and Magasin du Nord make great one-stop shops, but if you’ve always wanted a sleek Bang & Olufsen stereo, there’s nothing like going to the source (on Østergade). Ditto if you’re keen on Georg Jensen’s sophisticated home accessories or first-rate glassware and porcelain from the likes of Holmegaard and Royal Copenhagen Porcelain; this fantastic trio is located within steps of each other, on Amagertorv.

4. Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a lot more to offer shoppers than electronic gadgets these days – and visitors will find street markets, designer boutiques, and mega malls laden with everything from jade to silk, in addition to cutting-edge technology, of course. Local designers like Vivienne Tam, William Tang, and Walter Ma are always popular, as are the vendor-rich streets of Li Yuen East and West, and the lanes of historic Stanley Market, favored for their collectibles like porcelain vases, silk garments, and Chinese artwork. The Jade Market in Yau Ma Tai is also a must – 400 stalls display the green gems that symbolize long life and good health. Each year, the Hong Kong WinterFest, a winter duty-free shopping nirvana, happens just in time for Christmas – so you can fill those holiday stockings at a discount.

5. London

Whether you choose to shop the trendy boutiques of Covent Garden, follow in the steps of princesses by visiting Sloane Street, or pick up a bespoke suit on Saville Row or tailored shirt on Jermyn Street, you’re bound to shed a few pounds (of the monetary variety) when shopping in London. That said, you’ll save a few quid by visiting the stalls of Camden Market, the shops of Oxford Street, where Selfridges and Topshop maintain addresses, and Portobello Market, a haven for antiques and hand-me-down treasures. But also don’t forget to stock up on foodie treats at Fortnum and Mason, a veritable gourmand’s delight of beautifully presented teas, biscuits, cheeses, and more, and stop at the venerable Harrods – at least to buy a shopping tote to carry everything home in.

LOS ANGELES - The hottest accessory on this year’s Oscar red carpet was carried beneath the designer gowns.

Nicole Kidman, Jessica Alba and most noticeably Cate Blanchett brought baby bumps to the Academy Awards. And though Angelina Jolie was nowhere to be found, hers got a big shout-out from host Jon Stewart, who noted the number of actresses who are expecting.

"This is so exciting. The baby goes to … Angelina Jolie," Stewart said, opening a fake envelope as photos of Blanchett, Alba and Kidman flashed on the screen. "Angelina couldn’t be with us tonight. It’s tough to get 17 babysitters on Oscar night."

Blanchett is closest to term for what will be a third child with playwright husband Andrew Upton. Kidman is expecting her first child with country singer husband Keith Urban; she has two adopted children with first husband Tom Cruise.

Alba, with fiancee Cash Warren at her side, was serene in a deep purple strapless gown with purple feathers decorating her bodice.

"I’m not really terribly nervous," she said before the show. "Being pregnant is like taking a sedative."

Jolie and partner Brad Pitt are expecting their second child together. They are the parents of 1-year-old Shiloh, and three children adopted from Cambodia, Ethiopia and Vietnam. Their adopted children are Maddox, 6; Pax, 4; and Zahara, 3.

LOS ANGELES - Most of the action on the Oscar stage is choreographed and rehearsed. Backstage is another story.
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In the wings of the Kodak Theatre, stars grapple with nerves, have impromptu meetings with colleagues and make last-minute adjustments to their hair and makeup. Presenters and performers mingle with brand-new Oscar winners while dodging props and cameramen.

What you see on TV is Hollywood magic. Backstage is like a home movie, where everybody knows each other and they’re all excited about putting on a show.

___

OSCAR SHOCK: As Marion Cotillard stepped offstage with the best-actress Oscar for "La Vie En Rose," Forest Whitaker enveloped her in a hug that lasted at least a minute.

Then they looked at each other and laughed.

"I’m shaking, like wow," Cotillard trembled.

Stopping by the backstage "thank you" cam, she expressed her gratitude in French and studied her Oscar.

"I’m shaking so much I think I can’t talk," she said.

Whitaker led her arm-in-arm behind the stage on the winner’s walk.

"This is huge, this is huge," she gushed as backstage workers applauded.

At a stop for a makeup touch up she tried to breathe deeply.

"This is crazy, this is totally crazy. Ooh la la la la! It’s totally surreal," she said.

Tilda Swinton was so stunned by her win for supporting actress in "Michael Clayton" that she could only keep repeating "wow, wow" as she walked offstage.

Presenter Alan Arkin chased her with the winner’s envelope.

"Oh yes, this is the proof," Swinton said, leaving arm-in-arm with Arkin.

___

JITTERS: Katherine Heigl wasn’t kidding when she told the Oscar audience she was nervous.

Behind the scenes, a stagehand asked if she was OK.

"I just need a cigarette," she said, bumming one from a security guard and heading out to a loading dock.

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NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOE BUSINESS: Adjusting her dress as she stepped into the theater wings and prepared to take the stage, Jennifer Garner confessed to the stage manager: "I’d like to take my shoes off."

"We could do it," he replied.

Instead, she looked skyward and said, "I didn’t mean it, karmic dressing gods," and walked in a small circle.

"I’m just going to make sure I’m not going to fall," she explained.

Rene Zellweger had slung her silver Christian Louboutins over her shoulder when Johnny Depp ran into her.

"I like your shoes," Depp said.

"Thanks man," Zellweger replied. "I used to like the shoes."

___

STAR CLUSTER: At times it seemed there were as many stars in the green room as in the audience.

Penelope Cruz sat by her sister, Monica, and fanned herself. They were joined by Miley Cyrus, Johnny Depp and companion Vanessa Paradis, and Forest Whitaker.

Marion Cotillard was about to join them when she learned she would have to smoke outside.

___

CELEBRITY PLUMBING: The restroom just offstage was another Kodak Theatre hotspot.

Jessica Alba and Forrest Whitaker waited in line, and Javier Bardem brought his Oscar inside with him.

First-time presenters Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill passed the crowd on the way to the stage, but Hill paused and thought better of it. They joined lineup.

___

LADIES MAN: This backstage reporter was just trying to get out of Jack Nicholson’s way, but ended up in his crosshairs.

As he passed in a narrow corridor he brushed against her synthetic white fur coat.

"Nice jacket," he said half under his breath.

As the reporter thanked him, photographers in the hallway aimed their cameras.

"Let’s have a picture," said Nicholson.

 

MILAN (Reuters) - Miuccia Prada’s theme was lace for her womenswear show on Tuesday with heavy, Chantilly-style fabrics for a Spanish mantilla mood.
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The predominant color was black, worked dramatically in a straight dress over a pale pastel blue tunic or worn with barely nothing at all for a sexy twist to the traditional textile.

Prada spun out of black into startling bright orange for a straight lace skirt, or used gold for a glamorous jacket and skirt. And she lightened the texture for a black chiffon dress banded with net curtain panels.

The idiosyncratic designer’s collection was shown in Milan’s winter 2008-2009 fashion week but snow and ice had little to do with Prada’s outfits. She has been in the forefront of designers moving away from an emphasis on seasonal inspirations.

Her models wore shoes that had wings back and front, or bows to the toes and heels, in bright metallics and black patents. A pair of boots turned out to be leg covers stopping just above the ankle gladiator-style.

Wings cropped up again for the handles of bags, or in undulating panels on dark grey wool dresses.

And she echoed her menswear show from January by taking a twist to tailoring, so that a waistcoat became a flat panel fastened at the back or a waistband was amplified into nearly a skirt.

my first pair of havs! yipee..

 

i’m an active teentalker of candymag.com and one of the topics in the forum their is about the "havaiansa craze".. these are the latest flip-flops that are imported straight from brazil.. it has been one of the "in" thing the past year, preferably worn together with skinny jeans.. prizes range from 700+-1300+.. a bit pricey for just a pair of slippers huh? but a friend told me that it’s worth buying coz it can last up to 3years of use.. i’ve seen lots of davaoeños wearing it and it seems that a complete wardrobe isn’t complete without it.. even my "sisters" in candy owns up to 25pairs.. just imagine that.. i even want a pair of my own.. hehe.. but i’m still saving money to buy for it.. for a student like me, it’s heavy on the pocket considering the tight and limited allowance.. hehe.. plus i have a size 5 feet and it’s difficult to look for a size like that in davao city.. i’m definitely gonna have a pair of my own.. =)

 I googled last night and this is what came up:

http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/spring_2008_fashion_trends/

*it only said SPRING…

In: Feminine dressing, thin belts, head scarves, pencil skirts that are knee length or longer, sequins, metallics, silk jersey and chiffon, hats, clutches, dressing up, colors- orange, rose, lavender, green and silver, the new neutral.

Out: wicker and raffia shoes, ultra short skirts and shorts, peasant skirts, jersey knits, babydoll dresses, lots of black and/or other dark colors, loud geometric prints The take away: Focus on fit and quality- less on brand. Go cheap on accessories like the skinny belt (can get from forever21, target, hm) and metallic purses. Shop now (while some stores still have some summer merchandise on sale) for spring/summer colors like lavender (saw light weight early fall sweaters in lavender at Macys and plus size store Ashley Stewart that could be purchased now for spring).

 if you are a self-confessed fashionista, then this site is definitely for YOU..