White Eye Liners

So now that it is the end of SS07 (where did my summer go?), I finally got around to testing out the white eye liners on the market, following the white eye liner trend this season. And judging from the recent catwalk shows, I'd say that finding a good one would be a good long term investment.
First I tried the white Mac eye liner, since I loved the black one so much. The effect was... not that impressive. The thing with white is that it doesn't go on as easily and smoothly as black does, but then you don't want to apply it too thickly either, because the effect is supposed to be more subtle. Least thats what I'm looking for....and even if you do manage to apply it thinly and well, for me the white always washes after a while.
But then, I tried the YSL long lasting eye pencil in white at the counter just for fun while I was trying out the Touche Eclat- which incidentally is amazing- and whoa. I was blown away by how smooth it went on and after wearing it for a day, how long lasting it actually is! I seriously wore it for a whole day and when I went to "retouch" it before dinner, I was surprised that I didn't need to! The only problem I have with this one is that it is so white that it applies on almost silver, so makes it more nighttime-ish.
For a more natural look, my friend has found the key. She uses a creamy white eye liner part of a duo from Shiseido. It applies smoothly and the creamy white color is very subtle but still very nicely opens up her eyes- perfect for day time! I can't wait to get one of my own next time I pass by the counter!

Image Credit: Mac, YSL and Shiseido

Film awards announced; Rajini, Kamal chosen best actors

CHENNAI: Actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have been chosen for a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for 2005 and 2006.

While Rajini won the best actor award for his performance in ‘Chandramukhi,’ Kamal won the honour for ‘Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu’.

Actor Jyothika, who portrayed the role of a split personality in ‘Chandramukhi,’ was adjudged the best actress for 2005, and Priya Mani won the award for 2006 for her acclaimed portrayal of a lively rural girl in ‘Paruthi Veeran’.

‘Chandramukhi’ won the first prize in the best film category for 2005, while ‘Veyil’ was adjudged the best film for 2006.

Actors Vijay (‘Thirupachi’), Surya (‘Gajini’), Meera Jasmine (‘Kasthuri Maan’), Karthi (‘Paruthi Veeran’), Fakru and Sandhya (‘Dishyum’) won special awards. The awardees were selected by a committee headed by former Supreme Court judge S. Mohan.

The list of awardees for 2005:

Best film: Chandramukhi, Gajini (first prize), Anniyan (second prize), Dhavamai Dhavamirundhu (third), Priyasaki (special), Kasthuri Maan (special category for glorifying womanhood).

Best actor: Rajinikanth (Chandramukhi), best actress: Jothika (Chandramukhi), best actors (special): Vijay (Thirupachi), Surya (Gajini), Meera Jasmine (Kasthuri Maan), best villain: Prakashraj, best comedian: Vivek, best director: Shankar, best music director: Harris Jayaraj, best playback singers: Sriram Parthasarathy, Mumbai Jayashree.

For 2006: Best Film: Veyil (first prize), Paruthi Veeran (second), Thiruttu Payale (third), Ilakkanam (special), Kadale En Kadale (Special award for glorifying womanhood).

Best actor: Kamal Haasan (Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu), best actress: Priya Mani (Paruthi Veeran), best actors (special): Karthi (Paruthi Veeran), Fakru (Dishyum), Sandhya (Dishyum), best villain: Pasupathi (E), best comedian: Vadivelu (Pulikesi), best director: Thirumurugan (Em Magan), best music director: Yuvan Shankar Raja, best playback singers: Madhu Balakrishnan and Shreya Goshal.

Tech Tags: Rajinikanth Jothika Vijay Surya Meera+Jasmine Kamal+Haasan Priya+Mani

Film awards announced; Rajini, Kamal chosen best actors

CHENNAI: Actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have been chosen for a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for 2005 and 2006.

While Rajini won the best actor award for his performance in ‘Chandramukhi,’ Kamal won the honour for ‘Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu’.

Actor Jyothika, who portrayed the role of a split personality in ‘Chandramukhi,’ was adjudged the best actress for 2005, and Priya Mani won the award for 2006 for her acclaimed portrayal of a lively rural girl in ‘Paruthi Veeran’.

‘Chandramukhi’ won the first prize in the best film category for 2005, while ‘Veyil’ was adjudged the best film for 2006.

Actors Vijay (‘Thirupachi’), Surya (‘Gajini’), Meera Jasmine (‘Kasthuri Maan’), Karthi (‘Paruthi Veeran’), Fakru and Sandhya (‘Dishyum’) won special awards. The awardees were selected by a committee headed by former Supreme Court judge S. Mohan.

The list of awardees for 2005:

Best film: Chandramukhi, Gajini (first prize), Anniyan (second prize), Dhavamai Dhavamirundhu (third), Priyasaki (special), Kasthuri Maan (special category for glorifying womanhood).

Best actor: Rajinikanth (Chandramukhi), best actress: Jothika (Chandramukhi), best actors (special): Vijay (Thirupachi), Surya (Gajini), Meera Jasmine (Kasthuri Maan), best villain: Prakashraj, best comedian: Vivek, best director: Shankar, best music director: Harris Jayaraj, best playback singers: Sriram Parthasarathy, Mumbai Jayashree.

For 2006: Best Film: Veyil (first prize), Paruthi Veeran (second), Thiruttu Payale (third), Ilakkanam (special), Kadale En Kadale (Special award for glorifying womanhood).

Best actor: Kamal Haasan (Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu), best actress: Priya Mani (Paruthi Veeran), best actors (special): Karthi (Paruthi Veeran), Fakru (Dishyum), Sandhya (Dishyum), best villain: Pasupathi (E), best comedian: Vadivelu (Pulikesi), best director: Thirumurugan (Em Magan), best music director: Yuvan Shankar Raja, best playback singers: Madhu Balakrishnan and Shreya Goshal.

Tech Tags: Rajinikanth Jothika Vijay Surya Meera+Jasmine Kamal+Haasan Priya+Mani

New York SS08 Fashion Week Wrapup I

It's fashion week! OK so I'm not totally excited about NY Fashion Week because few shows there are actually directional or gorgeous, but it is nice to look at new, modern clothes.

BCBG Max Azria

I never used to care much for BCBG until this summer's visit to LA, I realised that BCBG sells really useful, pretty, contemporary clothes that are affordable. This season's BCBG seems a bit inspired by Nina Ricci's FW07 collection. It used a lot of that sheer material to form a layer over the non-transparent layer. And note the belts tied at the waist -big trend this FW and probably next SS!

The dress in the middle is one of my favourites from this collection. Love the colour combination and the chiffon layering at the bust area.

Lots of sheer chiffon layering.

Erin Featherson

Remember how cute Erin Featherson's last show was? Everyone looked like fairies. For this collection, the models look like they're fairies just starting to work.

All the models had white eyeshadow and mascara on. Looks cute close-up, but...

... not so cute from afar! The first time I looked through the photos, I was so distracted by the eyes I hardly saw the clothes!

The silver dress is so cute! Very ballerina-ish.

Marchesa

Ah, the brand of gorgeous dresses! This collection was supposedly inspired by India, (although I'm sure some Indians would be a bit offended by how flashy or revealing some of the dresses are!) The dresses throughout the collection didn't connect that well to me, but there's no denying they're too pretty not to look!

The navy dress is so elegant -I love the crystal details at the waist!

Gorgeous dress! This dress looks like a bunch of embellished flower petals, doesn't it? The way the material is draped is so nice! If you're interested, the dress before this dress at style.com looks even more like rose petals -the model there literally looks like a rose bud!

Image credit: www.style.com

RGV Ki Aag pulled off some theatres

It's not just a dud for Ram Gopal Varma but one of the biggest flops of recent times. Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is now being pulled off theaters.

"I will go down in the history of cinema anyhow. If the film clicks with the audiences then I will be the man who remade Sholay and if it doesn't then I will be the man who will ruin Sholay," said Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma.

Hearing this, one can say, that Ramu was prepared to give a flop with his latest film.

In Sholay, Gabbar had asked Kaalia: "Kitne aadmi the". After a string of flops Ramu could well ask: "Kitne flops the."

But the filmmaker has broken one record. He made the most disastrous film of the year and one of the biggest flops in recent history.

"This film is the biggest flop. Films like Razia Sultan and Umrao Jaan have been flops over the years, but this beats them all. It didn't even have a decent starting," said Trade analyst Amod Mehra.

Now, since Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag is making no money, it is being taken off the screens.

"I don't know what to say about the film. It's just been disastrous. We can't go beyond this week because the auditoriums are literally vacant," said Rakesh Sharma, GM, Cinemax, Sion.

In the coming days two more Ramu films hit the screen, his horror flick Darling and the sequel to Sarkar.

Hopefully the man who gave Hindi cinema films like Satya, Company and Sarkar will get it right at the box office this time.

RGV Ki Aag pulled off some theatres

It's not just a dud for Ram Gopal Varma but one of the biggest flops of recent times. Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is now being pulled off theaters.

"I will go down in the history of cinema anyhow. If the film clicks with the audiences then I will be the man who remade Sholay and if it doesn't then I will be the man who will ruin Sholay," said Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma.

Hearing this, one can say, that Ramu was prepared to give a flop with his latest film.

In Sholay, Gabbar had asked Kaalia: "Kitne aadmi the". After a string of flops Ramu could well ask: "Kitne flops the."

But the filmmaker has broken one record. He made the most disastrous film of the year and one of the biggest flops in recent history.

"This film is the biggest flop. Films like Razia Sultan and Umrao Jaan have been flops over the years, but this beats them all. It didn't even have a decent starting," said Trade analyst Amod Mehra.

Now, since Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag is making no money, it is being taken off the screens.

"I don't know what to say about the film. It's just been disastrous. We can't go beyond this week because the auditoriums are literally vacant," said Rakesh Sharma, GM, Cinemax, Sion.

In the coming days two more Ramu films hit the screen, his horror flick Darling and the sequel to Sarkar.

Hopefully the man who gave Hindi cinema films like Satya, Company and Sarkar will get it right at the box office this time.

Shahid-Kareena together forever

Even though they may not have too many films in hand, nothing seems to deter the Shahid-Kareena jodi, including the recent break up rumours. They are more than happy to live up to their mast status and be patient for their almost dormant filmi career to kickstart.

"It has become like a national crisis that Shahid and Kareena have to have on-screen chemistry. They will take us to gallows otherwise," said Bebo.

'Modesty thy name could never be Kareena', but perhaps we can excuse the overstatement. Much has been said about the lack of on-screen chemistry between Bebo and her boyfriend Shahid Kapur, but of course the question is does he still retain the boyfriend status?

As the rumour mills rumble just about a month before the release of their new film, Jab We Met, one wonders whether their 'so called' split is another publicity stunt. But during the shooting of the film, they both seemed optimistic not just about the film but for each other as well.

"We have done four films together out of which some were good some were bad. I think an actor shouldn't be blamed for films they do because ultimately lot of things don't turn up the way it has been told to an actor. I think we have not been given an opportunity to work in a great script," Kareena stated.

The often joined at the hip couple relive a simple 'boy meets girl' story in Imitiaz Ali's latest film Jab We Met. Though their career graph may not have been all that smooth, it doesn't seem to worry either of them.

Shahid,who has signed two films with UTV could not have asked for more. "I think UTV is a fantastic production house. I am very impressed with the kind of cinema they are making," said Shahid.

Kareena sounds very optimistic about her future. "I have been shooting for two films simultaneously. Imtiaz's film is over and I am working on Yash Raj Film's Tushan which has Saif and Akshay in it. I am really excited about it. It is going to release next year."

Shahid-Kareena together forever

Even though they may not have too many films in hand, nothing seems to deter the Shahid-Kareena jodi, including the recent break up rumours. They are more than happy to live up to their mast status and be patient for their almost dormant filmi career to kickstart.

"It has become like a national crisis that Shahid and Kareena have to have on-screen chemistry. They will take us to gallows otherwise," said Bebo.

'Modesty thy name could never be Kareena', but perhaps we can excuse the overstatement. Much has been said about the lack of on-screen chemistry between Bebo and her boyfriend Shahid Kapur, but of course the question is does he still retain the boyfriend status?

As the rumour mills rumble just about a month before the release of their new film, Jab We Met, one wonders whether their 'so called' split is another publicity stunt. But during the shooting of the film, they both seemed optimistic not just about the film but for each other as well.

"We have done four films together out of which some were good some were bad. I think an actor shouldn't be blamed for films they do because ultimately lot of things don't turn up the way it has been told to an actor. I think we have not been given an opportunity to work in a great script," Kareena stated.

The often joined at the hip couple relive a simple 'boy meets girl' story in Imitiaz Ali's latest film Jab We Met. Though their career graph may not have been all that smooth, it doesn't seem to worry either of them.

Shahid,who has signed two films with UTV could not have asked for more. "I think UTV is a fantastic production house. I am very impressed with the kind of cinema they are making," said Shahid.

Kareena sounds very optimistic about her future. "I have been shooting for two films simultaneously. Imtiaz's film is over and I am working on Yash Raj Film's Tushan which has Saif and Akshay in it. I am really excited about it. It is going to release next year."

Digital Cameras Fall 2007

Admittedly I only got my last camera, the ixus i zoom not that long ago. But recently, I've been feeling the need for a change. I am tired of the limits of my camera. The quality of the pictures are never good enough and it never captures the moment. They boosted up the pixels, but the minimal functions of the camera does not complement the upgrade. And so, I've been back on the market for a new camera lately. After a market-wide scan on the Panasonic Lumix, Casio Exilm etc., I've finally narrowed it down to two brands: Canon and Sony.

Canon because after much asking around and photo comparison with my friends many different cameras, we concluded that ultimately the quality of Canon pictures were the best, both in and outdoors. From there I narrowed it down to the two newest models: Ixus 860 and Ixus 960. The Ixus 860 is really not bad, with 8 megapixels, 3.8x wide angle optical zoom, a huge 3" screen, wide angle option and all the standard antishock things. It even has a battery usage bar now, that tells you the battery status ahead unlike the previous models, which only tells you when you're running out. The only thing is, holding it in my hands, it feel huge, especially compared to the ones out there (and my previous camera, which is smaller than my phone).

Plus, besides the wide angle, the rest doesn't seem to compare with the Ixus 960, with 12 megapixels (I KNOW the more megapixels doesn't mean its better, but still...), 3.7x optical zoom, 2.5" screen, touch control D tech (whatever that means) and a titanium cover. Unfortunately, even though it has been announced, no one has seen it in reality yet and cannot testify to the size. If this one was slimmer and smaller than the Ixus 860 (like the Ixus 95, which I really really hope it is-though I've heard rumors to the contrary) then this will be my winner. I'm hoping it would come out before I leave for the States. If not however, we've got a problem...

...and I might have to switch to the Sony Cyber Shot T-200, also new this month and is not available in stores yet. Because function, design and size-wise, the Sony T-200 is clearly superior to the Canons. Not only does it look this pretty and is tiny, but it also has a 8.1 mega pixels, 5x optical zoom, a HUGE 3.5" touch screen and all the usual double anti shock things. PLUS, it has this cool new smile shutter feature, which detects everyone in the picture smiling and automatically takes the picture without clicking. Not exactly a very essential or practical function, but how cool is that? The only downside is that Sony cameras have a special Sony memory card to go with it, so I can't stick it into my laptop slot directly. The colors are also unnaturally richer/redder, though the salesperson claims that it was the "true" color. Indoor/dark photos also occasionally show up not sharp enough, though the outdoor photos are gorgeous! There is also the concern for the touch screen technology- if it falters then I am in big trouble...a digital camera IS a long term investment after all (it needs to last at LEAST 2 years). In addition, because it is touch screen and its huge, it probably consumes battery a lot faster. Oh and lastly the Sony is more expensive than the Canons (naturally).

Wow I've written a whole essay about this topic (if only they were so easy to write!). I am probably leaving a lot of important points out, but I'm obviously no expert on digital cameras. I'm going back later in a few weeks to check out the T200 and Ixus 960 in real (hopefully they will be there), and I am determined to finally get one. Which one would you go for?

Image Source: Sony and Shiny Shiny

Kamal Haasan feels good as 'Dasavatharam' crosses legal hurdle!

It is feel good time again for Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan , according to the grapevine from Kollywood.

Why not? The legal cloud that had engulfed his latest film, Dasavatharam has lifted much to the relief of the versatile actor.

‘Dasavatharam’ ran into legal trouble when one Senthil Kumar filed a petition in the Madras High Court charging Kamal with plagiarism.

Senthil's argument was that ‘Dasavatharam’ was based on his story, which he had handed over to Kamal. The superstar had promised money and assistant director's post in return, Senthil argued.

Kamal's counsel however, rejected the plagiarism charge and said Kamal himself had written the story of ‘Dasavatharam’.

The High Court subsequently dismissed the petition.

Now that the legal hurdle has been removed, ‘Dasavatharam’ shooting will slip into the fast track, according to the buzz from Tamil film world.

The film has Kamal essaying ten roles - a world record. It has Asin , Mallika Sherawat and Jaya Prada among the heroines. Music has been composed by the reigning rage of Bollywood, Himesh Reshamiyya .

Tech Tags: kamal+hassan Dhoka Amitabh+Bachchan Fardeen+Khan Vidya+Balan Nisha+Kothari

Kamal Haasan feels good as 'Dasavatharam' crosses legal hurdle!

It is feel good time again for Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan , according to the grapevine from Kollywood.

Why not? The legal cloud that had engulfed his latest film, Dasavatharam has lifted much to the relief of the versatile actor.

‘Dasavatharam’ ran into legal trouble when one Senthil Kumar filed a petition in the Madras High Court charging Kamal with plagiarism.

Senthil's argument was that ‘Dasavatharam’ was based on his story, which he had handed over to Kamal. The superstar had promised money and assistant director's post in return, Senthil argued.

Kamal's counsel however, rejected the plagiarism charge and said Kamal himself had written the story of ‘Dasavatharam’.

The High Court subsequently dismissed the petition.

Now that the legal hurdle has been removed, ‘Dasavatharam’ shooting will slip into the fast track, according to the buzz from Tamil film world.

The film has Kamal essaying ten roles - a world record. It has Asin , Mallika Sherawat and Jaya Prada among the heroines. Music has been composed by the reigning rage of Bollywood, Himesh Reshamiyya .

Tech Tags: kamal+hassan Dhoka Amitabh+Bachchan Fardeen+Khan Vidya+Balan Nisha+Kothari

Preity Zinta impressed by Big B's oratory

The actress is pretty impressed by the superstar’s oratory skills in Rituparno Ghosh’s movie ‘The Last Lear’.

It is not that Preity Zinta has not worked with Amitabh Bachchan before. But never has she done a movie in which she could observe and appreciate Big B’s command over English language.

In The Last Lear Mr. Bachchan plays an ageing Shakespearean actor. Most of his dialogues have Shakespearean poetry.

Even though Preity has worked in sync sound films before (where dialogues are recorded live during the shoot), she still found it difficult dubbing for ‘The Last Lear’. But it was Big B’s oratory that bowled her over.

“Dubbing for my first English film with lengthy lines was tough. To top it all, there’s Mr Bachchan with his booming baritone. What an orator he is,” Preity is quoted as saying in a media report.

‘The Last Lear’ has Preity playing an actress. She will be seen in a very non-glamourous avatar in the film.

The movie also stars Arjun Rampal , Divya Dutta and Shefali Shah.

‘The Last Lear’ is set to premiere at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival on September 9.

Preity Zinta impressed by Big B's oratory

The actress is pretty impressed by the superstar’s oratory skills in Rituparno Ghosh’s movie ‘The Last Lear’.

It is not that Preity Zinta has not worked with Amitabh Bachchan before. But never has she done a movie in which she could observe and appreciate Big B’s command over English language.

In The Last Lear Mr. Bachchan plays an ageing Shakespearean actor. Most of his dialogues have Shakespearean poetry.

Even though Preity has worked in sync sound films before (where dialogues are recorded live during the shoot), she still found it difficult dubbing for ‘The Last Lear’. But it was Big B’s oratory that bowled her over.

“Dubbing for my first English film with lengthy lines was tough. To top it all, there’s Mr Bachchan with his booming baritone. What an orator he is,” Preity is quoted as saying in a media report.

‘The Last Lear’ has Preity playing an actress. She will be seen in a very non-glamourous avatar in the film.

The movie also stars Arjun Rampal , Divya Dutta and Shefali Shah.

‘The Last Lear’ is set to premiere at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival on September 9.

FCUK FW07-08

FCUK kicking off this season, I would like to gush about the new FW07-08 FCUK collection. Once again they have exceeded my expectations for them and turned out some very pretty and trendy looking clothes this season. The ads actually makes me look forward to fall/winter, evoking images of ladylike elegance, sophistication and a hint of fun and funk. LOVE the whole look here, the hair, purple dress and ankle boots!!!The image of ladylike sophistication. I especially love the picture on the right, except I'm not sure the actual outfit of black turtleneck and long black skirt would do well in real life.... you'd have to be very tall and slim to pull it off.And here I just adore the beige cardigan. Its a coat cardigan but has the prettiness of a dress like at the same time!
And sigh.... these coats are sooooooo gorgeous. The grey coat on the left is classic and stylish, with the collar. And the black coat is chic and trendy with just the right details!

For now, I think I am going to go with these plain loose tees in different colors as I'm probably going to get the most mileage out of them this season, so buying it full priced would be worth it. Especially since I've finally decided that it was time to move on from my usual plain tees from Mango and Zara, these would be a nice little upgrade. The plain color with its simple but more flowy and elegant cutting is perfect for everyday wear to school.

Sigh, it feels like only yesterday that I gushed about their SS07 collection!

Image Credits: FCUK

New FW07 Layout

Hey people. It's our bi-annual layout changing day again! If you've been a reader of ours for more than a year, you would probably know that we change our layout on every 1st March and 1st September. Usually we're really on time with changing the layout, but this time, we weren't both at home at the end of August. (I went to the States and BG worked full time.) We really tried to do it in advance (which we still feel amazed about,) but we were completely uninspired at that point.

OK so admittedly, we still don't feel very inspired and there are probably still things we could have done better. But hey, both of us completely lack IT skills and creativity, and given the deadline we don't think we did too badly. First we had to pick a background photo. We went through BG's many scenery photos from Paris and experimented with them, but it turns out that randomly floating models don't fit into scenery photos well. Then we came across this pink background taken with BG's Nokia at the New Years party that we went to. (The party wasn't that great but now we have decided that it was fate that we went, just to take this photo!haha) Yes, I know the picture is blurry but it's part of why we chose it. As for the models, they are from the FW07 shows of Nina Ricci, Prada and Balenciaga, left to right (images from www.style.com). I know it doesn't seem like we put much thought into the models, but each of the models you see in the image is actually two of the same models with different effects put together to form one model.

The technical stuff should work on your browsers since it's pretty much the same as the previous one, but as usual, if something is wrong, leave us a comment. (Although we would even happier to read comments about what you think of the new image as well!) In some unexpected way, the layout does suit this season doesn't it? You know, the dark, greyish colours with huge blotches of bold pink. Bring on FW07!