Take A Bow.

There is something about bows that are so charming and lively. Whether you get Lolita-esque connotations or it brings back fond memories of your childhood, there is no denying that any girl can have a certain perspective on bows. I seem to have a particular infatuation with them recently, especially on my headbands. As if I already didn't look young enough, I have to don my hair with little, petite, youthful bows now. However, headbands are certainly not my limit. Bows are everywhere for spring from flowy, chiffon blouses to hair ties. And anyone, young or old, can pull off this look.

DKNY


Proenza Schouler

Thakoon

Naeem Khan

Zac Posen

Bows were all over the runways at Fashion week, and I especially love Proenza Schouler's satin bow blouses, in their jewel tones and coordinated with rich colored tights. Although I am anticipating spring, next fall will surely be a great time for fashion, as any fall season is. :]

Unfortunately, I cannot afford such opulence that is Zac Posen or Marc Jacobs, therefore I will have to resolve with finds at the local mall. What have I got my mind on?


I really love that pretty teal color. It reminds me of a Saturday morning in April, reading the newspaper while sipping on a latte.

Reminiscent of Tommy Hilfiger Fall/Winter '08 Collection. Cute!

An adorable little bow on the modern LBD.

Very neo-goth Victorian, and the bow makes it more soft and feminine.

Bows are even found in jewelry! A great way to subtly adorn yourself with the adorable knot.



And of course...the headbands. My hair decor of choice. I am wearing out my cream linen bow headband, and I'm getting the feeling it will be in pieces sometime soon. I love the satin purple one, as well as the blue floral headband. Florals and bows in one package? Perfect!

Counting Down.

Euro Cup 2008 is officially 100 days away as of today. 100 days til La Selección will shine in football glory!

The Spain line-up:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpoool)

Defenders: Mariano Pernia (Atletico Madrid), Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Raul Albiol (Valencia), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Carles Puyol (Barcelona)

Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), David Silva (Valencia), David Albelda (Valencia), Joaquin (Valencia), Albert Riera (Espanyol), Marcos Senna (Villarreal)

Forwards: David Villa (Valencia), Daniel Guiza (Real Mallorca), Raul Tamudo (Espanyol)

I'm very pleased with the squad as of now. I'm glad that despite the conflicts with Valencia, Albeda will be part of the squad. And of course, my hubby. :]

Although it's ashame Bojan is not included, I'm sure he will be some day. He has a bright future ahead of him. :]

¡Viva la españa!

"Baby, it's been a long time coming."

Week after week of anticipating Stars on the Coldplay website was worth it.

No, it's not 'the' Star I've been truly waiting for (Which is the release date and such). But rather an article. From none other than the music bible magazine, Rolling Stone.



Coldplay at Work on "Something Different" for Upcoming Album

Behind the scenes with Chris Martin and crew as they record their fourth

Coldplay are currently holed up in a studio in northern London, trying to hammer out the details for their still-untitled fourth album, due out in May. On a white board, three band members have posted radically different proposed track listings for the album. Chris Martin has withheld his, hoping to lobby his colleagues a little while longer. "I heard a Bono quote once that said 'Bands shouldn't break up over money, they should break up over track listing,' " he says. "Nothing could be more pertinent at this point."

To record their fourth album, the band hired legendary producer Brian Eno and pointedly tried to remove all outside influences. "We felt like the first three albums were a trilogy, and we finished that," says guitarist Johnny Buckland. "So we wanted to do something different." The band let Rolling Stone hear the songs they're working on, and most are refreshingly, bracingly different from Coldplay hits like "Clocks" and "Speed of Sound."

Several tracks are considerably rougher around the edges, with distorted guitars and more prominent percussion. The lyrics are darker, dealing with recurring themes of death and loneliness. And on several songs, Martin extends his vocal palette considerably beyond the falsetto that has largely defined him, exhibiting a lower, sexier mode that feels more personal and real. "Whether or not it's good, we certainly started to use more colors," says Martin. "It's impossible to please everybody, and it took us a while to learn that. It's just the freedom to say, 'Everyone might not like this. We're into it at the moment, so let's just get it done.' "

The band explored in a variety of sonic directions, something they attribute to Eno's encouragement. "He's just not judgmental, it's very refreshing," says Martin. Buckland adds, "It wasn't so much that he brings like a sound or something to it. He brings lots of ideas about everything, even down to like how we structured our day." His suggestion? "Take lots of breaks."

Of course, the band is still hammering away at that track listing, but here's a guide to several of the songs likely to end up on the album:

"Violet Hill": One of the strongest of the new songs, the band is considering giving it away as a special promotion in coming weeks and then leaving it off the album. Opening with a jagged distorted guitar riff, the song announces a new template: The stalking, bluesy beat fits nicely with Martin's earthy vocals and plaintive lyrics: "If you love me, won't you let me know?"

"42": The fact that the band is considering this song as the album's first real single underlines how far they're willing to a stray from their formula: It's an elaborate three-part piece, with swirling pianos, strings and beat loops that build to an uptempo climax, with some seriously stoner lyrics: "Those who are dead are not dead/They're just living in my head."

"Yes": Here, Martin's vocals take center stage like never before: Sounding more aggressive and strong than ever, they sit on top of an irresistible North African string-and-tablas arrangement and ache more convincingly than all the lilting falsetto in the world: "If you'd only, if you'd only say 'Yes'/I'm just so tired of this loneliness." It's the band's freshest song since "Parachutes."

"Death and All His Friends": A straight-up rock tune with a riff that sounds ripped from the Doobie Brothers, piano, and, in the last section, flute.

"Cemetaries of London": Notice the thematic pattern emerging from the title and lyrics? This one, with an electro loop and hand claps, doesn't sound as glum as its title portends.

"Life in Technicolor": Acoustic-guitar driven and jangly, this is one of the few tracks that seems built from the Coldplay template of songs like "Don?t Panic," only a bit more, well, panicked: "Baby it's a violent world," Martin sings.

"Chinese Sleep Chant": Opening with a jagged guitar riff, the song quickly settles into a propulsive dance-track loop with low-mixed, angelic vocals.

"Strawberry Swing": This is one of several potential album cuts with Afro-pop and high-life influences: Here, distortion-free finger-picked guitars which sound straight out of Mali mix with a heavy bassline and psychedelic synths. "My Mum comes from Zimbabwe, so I spent a lot of time there," says Martin. "I used to work in a studio where people played that."

"Reign of Love": A lovely layered composition of piano, bass and organ that backs fairytale lyrics.

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/sto...upcoming_album

Dark guitar riffs? Chris's sexy voice? Oh my God, upon reading this I nearly fainted. At last, some solid proof that 'Strawberry Swing' and '42' exists!! This totally made my day, if not my week! Would this mean that the release date will be announced soon? Enough of Prospekt already--I want Coldplay!!

"One of the best finishers around"

After arriving home from the airport on Monday, I quickly checked Yahoo! Sports for the results of the matches on Saturday. Going a weekend without any internet access drove me up the wall, and I was so excited to check up on everything I missed.

To my dismay, Arsenal drew against Birmingham 2-2.

But that did not irk me.

What irked me was the horrific injury of Eduardo da Silva, the Brazilian-born Croatian striker of Arsenal FC. I would post pictures, but surely you wouldn't want to see them, especially on a full stomach.

Eduardo suffered a compound fracture to his left fibula and an open dislocation of his left ankle from a heart-skipping tackle from the opposing team's Martin Taylor. He was immediately taken to Selly Oaks Hospital and underwent surgery. Sources say without quick action, there was possibility that his leg would have had to be amputated, which would put a gloomy end to his footballing career.

Taylor, of course, got red-carded.

But that is not enough.

How can one tackle in such a way that makes another player's leg pop out of his skin? Those pictures I witnessed were grueling, and were in no way a pretty sight. Eduardo will not join the gunners again this season. But fortunately, according to Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager and diety, the striker will be back and ready to play in nine months.

Taylor should be banned from the football pitch, for a very long time. This is such a disappointment to the footballing world. A sport known for it's sportsmanship is now the exposé of the dirty tactics of athletes. North London is angry, and Croatia is as well. Hell, people all around the world is furious. And something needs to be done.

There has been a petition floating around the internet, wanting Martin Taylor to be banned from football for good. The look of that result seems iffy, but if FIFA has half a brain they'd suspend him for quite a duration of the season.

I couldn't sleep on the night upon hearing the news. All that consumed my mind was the thought of poor Eduardo spending his 25th birthday in a hospital bed. I decided to send Mr. da Silva a message through the Arsenal email address, wishing him the best of luck and heart-felt wishes:

You are an amazing footballer with such talent and skill. I have faith that you will certainly heal soon and join the gunners again. God bless you, and I pray for your health. You are such a good soul, and your strength is incredibly admirable. Keep the faith going, you have family, friends, and millions of fans supporting you and your progress in healing.

Over 21,500 messages have come into Arsenal.com from fans all around the world. They will collate all the messages sent and give them to Eduardo. The idea of putting together such kind words and wishes for him brings tears to my eyes. Just knowing that he'll read my message and that I'll make him feel better really makes me feel good about myself.

As for the gunners? They are heartbroken and distraught over this depressing event, but that will not bring them down. This will make them work just as hard, and to fly through the Premier League, kicking Manchester United deeper into the hole.

Win the League for Eduardo, guys. He's praying for you.

Retail Therapy 2.18.08

As promised, the items I bought on Monday!! I went out shopping with mum, and I got lots of things.

1. I already mentioned the pink tights I got, which were from Target. I was going to buy the yellow pair as well, but they ran out in my size. :[

2. I also got these flats from Target. And they were on sale! Only $12! I was so happy, great way to wear florals in the spring! And they remind me of teacups. :]


3. I FINALLY got Hot Fuzz on DVD! Only $13 at Target! xD I can watch this amazing movie a zillion times now.


4. This adorable day dress from Forever 21 for only$8! Perfect for a tea party!


5. Also got this cute frilly tunic from Forever for $15 that I wore yesterday. I was going to get the pink one, but I already have a top that is pink with ruffles. :P


6. What are my two favorite things? Cardigans and ruffles. And I found something with the best of both worlds! Only $10 from H&M. ^.^


So there you go!!! I love bargain hunting, especially when the clothes are adorable!

Week In Review: Yellow cards and Snowflakes.

Getting myself out of bed at five in the morning, an hour and a half earlier than necessary, was well worth it. Because of snow, I have no school today! After a moment of celebration, I realized wow, I can't go back to sleep now.

So after my usual internet ritual of facebook, messageboards and style.com, I decided to post. Because I haven't for the past few days, and the guilt was eating me alive.

The highlight of this week, definitely is Wednesday. Why?

1. I got to wear the bright pink tights I got for the first time! And though I got some unwanted stares, it looked pretty awesome with my brown plaid jumper.


2. Arsenal vs. AC Milan. I came home, hurled my bag to the ground and dove for the remote. I sat there, watching attentively with a cup of tea by my side, scribbling down notes in my notebook. The match I have waited months for. And the end result: goalless draw. By far one of the most FRUSTRATING matches ever this CL season! Although both are my favorite teams (which, upon finding out about the match, was tearing my heart), I rooted for my gunners, Arsenal. They were blazing down the field, with their signature speed and passing ability. Adebayor, the king himself, had many chances to score but none successful. My hubby (Fabregas) did amazingly well, despite just recovering from a throat infection. My screams of frustration and anger were not enough to give the gunners a chance. Some injuries however, including Kolo Toure from Arsenal and Milan's wonderkid Alexandre Pato (who by the way, is growing up very nicely, but of course, I can't ever cheat on my hubby ;]). The next match is in three weeks, and the gunners have to work their little arses off (no pun intended...:P). Although Milan will have a moral advantage when playing at San Siro, Arsenal will have an away point advantage if they win the leg, and therefore qualify into the next round!! Although Wednesday's match did not meet expectations from the top of EPL and the defending champions, it tickled my football taste buds quite nicely. After seeing Arsenal play horribly against Man Utd, it's nice to see that their heads are definitely in the game. You've done well, Arsene Wenger!



3. Cupcakes! I finally used the cookbook that I bought. Just the simple yellow cake mix recipe with cream cheese frosting, but I must say it was pretty delectable! Just enough sweetness in the frosting, and the cake was nice and spongy. I dyed the icing green for some lifted springtime spirits, and they look like something Marie Antoinette would enjoy at one of her opulent royal parties!


4. Project Runway Reunion!! I loved going down memory lane to see all the crazy stuff that has happened, from Sarah Jessica Parker being a guest judge to Christian's crazy 'ferosh' antics. Speaking of Christian, he won fan favorite!!! I was so happy, but I kinda figured he'd win. Who doesn't loved him? After all, he's so fierce.


Wow, and that was all in one day! Hehe it was quite an interesting Wednesday, to say the least. So interesting that it was the only day of the school week that was interesting. Though I did go shopping on Monday, but that doesn't count. Which reminds me, I must post the items that I purchased! I'm so proud of my thrifty specialty. :]

But until then, I must go back to sleep for another hour or so.

The Sound of Girls Aloud.

Alright, alright. I'll admit it now. I love Girls Aloud.

You Yanks have probably never heard of these gals. You see, they are pretty much the epitome of manufactured pop, winning the UK talent reality show 'Pop Stars: The Rivals' some years ago. And ever since then, they have been pretty much exploding the UK charts with their infectious pop music.

I know I may not seem like a fan, and honestly, I usually would not be interested in something like this. But after several listens, I was hooked. From the rockish rhythms of 'Sound of the Underground' to their sensual latest single 'Can't Speak French', These gals are girl power pop that satisfies.

Who are the girls, you ask? Let me introduce you to them...

Nadine Coyle, the Irish songstress, is definitely my favorite Girls Aloud. Her amazingly powerful voice can definitely win anyone's heart. Not to mention she's gorgeous.


Ahh Cheryl Tweedy-Cole. Married to Chelsea FC's money-grubber Ashley Cole, she is every English bloke's dream. And I'm sure, if guys in America found out about her, they'd drool over her as well. Who knows, she might give American lads a chance. After all, her marriage is kinda on the rocks. (Where's ya Cheryl gone, Ash??)


Kimberley Walsh is my second favorite GA. She seems really chill and has that really husky voice that although it is not the best, it's definitely different and interesting.

Although she is probably the least favorite GA amongst fans, I happen to quite like Nicola Roberts. Calling her 'The Ugliest Aloud' is quite mean, no? I love her red hair, way better than her current blonde.


I'm afraid to say, but I'm not very keen on Sarah Harding. There is this bitchy quality about that irks me. Plus, I'm fond of her partying ways.


If you are interested in trying them, I recommend the single that would make them forever be known as amazing pop, Biology. To be honest, it took me awhile to get into this song. But now I can't believe why it took me so long to like it. It's so infectious and fun, just how pop music should be.

Up The Arse.

I expected to stay at home today in peace and catch up on the FA Cup matches that were on. To my dismay, I found out that I had to go to my aunt's house for the day. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I just don't like changes in plan.

So I figured, "all is well, I'll just check up on the live commentary on Yahoo! Sports via iTouch." Then I arrived at my aunt's house, finding out that their wifi was not working. I sat on their couch reading The Gun Seller, from Thursday's night out alone, but I could not be fully committed. My mind was on Arsenal and Manchester United.

Why this particular match?

1. Arsenal, the greatest club ever, is playing. This is stating the obvious.
2. Manchester Scum. To see us beating those devils would be class.

However, based on the lineups, it seems that both teams did not have their best on the field, particularly the gunners. It seems as if the club is more so a hospital ward than an actual football team, with injuries of Clichy, Senderos, Adebayor, and Flamini. The thought of Adebayor not being in this match was troublesome, for he has been the king of North London recently, scoring goal after goal. My hubby (Fabregas) was in, but twas not the best choice--he was sick from a throat infection.

Manchester was missing Cristiano Ronaldo from the match today. The smug--albeit quite dashing--jerkoff had led the Red Devils in a stint as top of the EPL with his match-winning penalty kicks. Surely Manchester would suffer without their beloved diving winker --er...winger?

Nope. Not at all.

Arsenal lost 4-nil.

Humilating right? Coming straight home to check the scores immediately resulted in my heart clashing on the floor. But in retrospect, everything's gonna be alright. The Mancs can celebrate for now, but they'll be stuffing themselves with prawn sandwiches when we have the big prizes at the Emirates.

After all, it's the FA Cup. Why settle for the hamburger when you can have the fillet mignon? The gunners have other more important worries, such as the epic Champions League match against defending champions AC Milan on Wednesday. A match that I will rush home to catch, and I won't settle for missing a minute of it. With all these injuries coming about they must rest in order to be well for the big match.

Also, what have those devils? Quarter Finals in the FA Cup, eh? Well, the gunners are five points clear in the league. Ergo, still best of the league.

So despite the horrible outcome of today's match, I'm sure gooners around the world can agree that this is not something to worry over.

Looking on the bright side, at least we're not Liverpool, right?

Oh, and for some more reassuring smiles...



[[Pictures from Yahoo! Sports and someone's siggy at cr17.com]]

In Babyshambles.

I think I understand what Kate Moss saw in Pete Doherty now.

The constant sight of Kate Moss and her proclaimed cokehead bloke on entertainment shows being chased by the paps hurts the eyes very much. Sure, we kept preaching Ms. Moss to leave him, but why did it take so long for her to do so? I mean, look at what he did to her! She was lucky that Karl Lagerfeld had her in a Chanel campaign after the whole fiasco.

But after listening to Babyshambles, "Coke"erty's band after the split from Carl Barât and The Libertines, I finally understood. She saw his music, not his heart.

Perhaps his music was his heart and soul, it's ashame I can't ask Monsieur Doherty myself. But without ever knowing that Doherty was the bloke behind the punk revival tunes of Babyshambles, hell I'd fancy him just a tiny bit. He's not the most striking lad, but that would be too shallow, no? ;]

Shotter's Nation and Down in Albion have been on rotation for the past 24 hours, and there seems to be no stopping it. The raw frankness of "Fuck Forever" has got me hooked. Doherty's voice with that edge of Northern accent is quite dreamy, if you get that crackhead image out of your head.

Could it be possible, that he is at his music-making prime because of coke? Bono has cigarettes, Mick Jagger has heroin, and Pete Doherty has coke. Would stopping the use of coke would weaken his ability to produce amazing music? That would be disappointing, for like any other good soul in the world, I wouldn't want to push him to keep using horrible drugs, that's just not part of being a good soul. But the thought of a cleaner Doherty making squeakier music is troublesome.

Nevertheless, there is no point being concerned over the future of this band. They seem to be well-off, making awesome music for ones that truly appreciate their work, not their druggie facade. Things are well, with or without that supermodel. What's her name again?

A Certain Romance.

So yesterday was Valentine's Day. Half of the teenage girls gushed at the half-wilting roses they received from boyfriends, and the other half mope at their lack of relationship. Some whine and complain about the holiday, others fall head over heels at the materialism of it all.

I however, am indifferent. I am pleased with being single, and I have no intention to be in a relationship anytime soon. Life is just wonderful without a guy to ruin it. I don't condone the holiday, but I won't go weep in an emo corner over the Hallmark holiday. Sure, those teenyboppers reveling over their boyfriends is quite annoying, but what's it to me? I'm too preoccupied with my own life.

When the topic of romance comes up, the ideas and subjects that correlate to it can go on. Everyone has their own interpretation of what it means. Some can be more meaningful than others, but what's so deep about Valentine's Day anyways? Whether it be weeping over Danielle Steel novels or watching the dashing and handsome Hugh Grant on screen, there are many ways that romance revolves around us. If I ask a girl my age what is their interpretation of romance, I honestly have no clue what I would get. Kids these days can be quite unpredictable, but the thought of getting something truly meaningful and thought-provoking is meek. Could it be the dozen roses their 'prince charming' gave them, or The Notebook? Those seem like reasonably predictable answers, I suppose. Maybe not my idea of romance, but whatsoever.

Then I wondered, "What is my idea of romance?" I mean, granted, I'm not the mushiest gal in the world, and although I can be sympathetic of others, I find myself to be more of a realist than a whimsical love pixie. I was thinking of just making this a journal entry, but then remembered my attempts to bring life back into this blog, I figured this might be more apropos.

So what is romance to me, you say? I've pondered this, and I got a lot of random and scattered thoughts. Along with going into detail over my thoughts, I will add some visual aid as well.

Romance is the Lost Generation. The dreamy works of Fitzgerald and Hemingway, depicting the City of Love itself and the wonderful, terse prose takes me into a trance full of dashing men in brimmed hats wooing me with words.



Romance is ruffles, chiffon and rosettes. Victorianesque in romantic blush, and so dainty and flowy, making me wish I was Marie Antionette of the French Revolution.



Romance is music. Whatever music you like. Mine is Coldplay. Their words truly touch my heart and soul and put a smile upon my face.



Romance is books. Books upon books, even if it is not a romance-inspired novel. My love of books in general is extraordinary, from the beautiful stories depicted on the pages right down to the musty smell of the leafs of paper. I hope to expand my book collection a lot more this year, and get some reading in as well.


Romance is Audrey Hepburn films. Whether she's the extravagantly lux Holly Golightly or Eliza Dolittle, her aura is amazing and it's hard not to fall in love with her.


Romance is baking. Baking a confection for someone you love, or just to enjoy yourself. It's self-satisfying and pretty darn tasty.



Romance is Spain and the Spanish language. Whether it may be the iridescent lights of Madrid or the Catalan spice of Barcelona. Or the mysterious, dark men of the land.


Romance is the simple pleasures in life. Mine is sipping green tea upon reading a good book, and staring at colorful macarons in decadent displays. As well as cracking creme brulee with a spoon, just as the girl I wish to be, Amelie, does.
...And romance, is last but not least, knowing that somewhere out there, someone is waiting to meet me and finally appreciate what I have to offer to their heart, and therefore making me accept that I have to love myself.

[[La Tartine Gourmande]]