George Street, Haymarket

It’s 2008 and for many that means a wardrobe overhaul. While there are still some carry overs from last season there are a ton of new looks that have taken over our favorite stores. Among the list of this seasons must haves you will find maxi dress, high waisted denim, and even jumpers. As with any clothing trend there are a lot of decade inspired looks this season as well as some other exciting twists and turns. Spring is just around the corner so spruce of your closet by adding clothing that reflect these hot run way trends.

1970’s: Thought bell bottoms and high waisted pants where something only seen on “That 70’s Show,” or in your parents old photos? Think again. The seventies are making a big return in 2008 and will be making a cameo in the denim department of your local clothing store. High waisted jeans are going to be big this spring as are bell bottoms and retro print tops and dresses. Think groovy to achieve that 70’s cool thats super hot on the runway and in the streets.

1930’s: Fashion is traveling back even further this spring to bring you that classic 30’s influence. Though we saw a small flash of this decade in winter 2007, spring 2008 is really delving into the this delicate era with clothing that takes on a simple yet classic twist. Look for lacy tops in a multitude of colors to really bring the past into your present. There will also be an influx of streamline striped suits reminiscent of this decade. The goal here is to play up the silhouette and look classy, elegant and sophisticated. op

Lingerie: This spring lingerie inspired pieces will hit the rack to further add to that classic chic look. Everything from tops to dresses will be inspired by your bedtime favorites. Lace, boning, bows, and other intimate influences will be a huge thing this spring. There is a movement towards transparent fabrics showing just enough skin without it being tasteless. Layering these lingerie inspired pieces, specifically the transparent ts is fun and sexy way to really bring this fashion trend to your daily life.

Greek: If you thought the 70’s and the 30’s were a real blast from the past, you’ll be even more surprised to find that many designers are bringing back styles from ancient Greece. Think layers, draping, pleats and flowing fabrics. This trend will heavily influence the all hailed maxi dress which in and of it’s self is the perfect this style. Look for long flowing dresses inspired by our Greek ancestors to really feel like a goddess this spring.

Safari: When you think spring you think warmer weather but designers want you to think hot with various safari inspired looks ranging from the simple khaki colored hat to tribal inspired dresses and tops. With field jackets in olives and croissants, you’ll look like your ready to hit the African desert. In keeping with this springs hot adventure, look for accessories and complimentary tops funky tribal designs as well animal prints like zebra stripes.

Just when you thought you could forget about the elusive bugger, rumors about an iPod Touch with a built-in camera start up again. The latest report points to a Spring 2010 refresh that will finally include a video camera.

The latest rumor reads like it’s August all over again, but it does have one particularly disappointing aspect. According to the source, the iPod touch camera will match the not-so-hot quality of the nano’s.

Here’s to hoping the engineers can somehow stuff the iPhone’s camera into an iPod Touch. Sure, there’s not much space to work with in the Touch, but we can believe. [The Examiner via 9 to 5 Mac]

Send an email to Chris Jacob, the author of this post, at cjacob@gizmodo.com.

Not just for the ladies anymore.

The Louis by French luxury shoemaker Christian Louboutin — Spring/Summer 2010.

Available in black or white leather — $1200 USD a pair.

via

The old phrase ‘Mad about Plaid’ seems to sum up the fashion forecast for this upcoming season. It seems plaid skirts are here to stay. In fact, it is quite interesting to observe how plaid hovers lightly over emerging trends season after season without losing its identity. What is it about this perennial style that gives it such resilience? Most women chalk it up to its versatility. Plaid skirts can be dressed either up or down, making them a valuable wardrobe staple.

Plaid is a classic pattern with a wide scope for incessant variations. While hip clubbers choose to accessorize dark-hued plaid skirts with studded belts or lace-up stilettos, the preppy chick prefers to team flirty, pleated plaid skirts-often in vibrant combinations with sneakers or basic pumps, a pair of matching tights and perhaps a brightly colored Polo shirt. These patterned pieces call out for the season’s winning hues-teal, purple, pink, electric blue, orange and moss green-most often mixed with olive or brown, although the classic red and black plaid is still a tried and true favorite with both the older and the sporty set.

The chic fashionista, on the other hand, usually goes in for a knee-length slim or A-line plaid skirt in traditional Burberry checks such as camel, black and cranberry, and generally combines it with a slim camel-hued coat. Since it was registered as a trademark back in 1920, the Burberry check has come to symbolize everything that is great about British and American fashion, and has achieved a rare position in the fashion industry. In a paradox of sorts, the aristocracy view Burberry plaid as an emblem of elegant, establishment dressing, yet it is equally coveted by young, hip girls as a symbol of having ‘arrived’.

Here comes spring 2009 and there you see your mind filled with a fear of being laughed at. Thanks to your extra flab which doesn’t allow you to wear dresses according to your will.

Thus your intense desire to wear the most fashionable dresses turns into vapor , all because of your flab. Oh! These bulges on your waistline… They suck!

Now forget these problems. Because here are the most flattering dresses exclusively meant for a chubby woman so she can look at her best this spring 2009.

Read out the following lines to know what are those top three dresses along with some tips and tricks to pair them with equally flattering jewelry and footwear. Thus hide your chubbiness this spring in an artistic fashion.

Colorful Belted Trench Dress : No woman’s clothing is more flattering, for a chubby woman, than wearing a trench coat. But there are days when it hardly rains in spring too. So what to wear during those dry days?

Designers have brought a unique blend of trench coats and dresses. So, this spring, buy a belted trench dress to give your spring season a perfect and fashionable start. The inbuilt belts are an added advantage which cover your bulky waist nicely. The wide collars are flattering too as they cover your chest area much genuinely.

You will love to wear these cotton-made trench dresses which come in many colors, mainly suitable for spring only. Also, a belted trench dress will prove an exciting office or party wear this spring.

Buy something which comes in striking pink,dark citron, super lemon or vibrant green. Wear them with ballet flats or heels and sunglasses. Try matching metallic bangles and designer earrings.

Striped Wrap Dress : When you wrap this wrap dress around your body, there is no trace of your chubbiness anywhere. It covers you magnificently from top to bottom.

Gone are the days of mono-colored wrap dress. Now try these extremely fabulous striped wrap dresses this spring 2009. You can buy one with black and white stripes to give you a more classic look, or in order to look more trendy, you can choose stripes of “green and pink “or “yellow and blue” or whatever combination you find more suitable.

You can choose a wrap dress with full sleeves, if your arms happen to carry extra flab. Give your hair a fringe cut and wear big circular metallic earrings. They flatter a chubby face.

As a wrap dress leaves your calves open, try to wear a pair of red knee-high boots. They flatter your legs. If your legs don’t carry extra flab, try glossy slingbacks. Wear a designer wrist watch and use a golden shoulder bag.

Satin Button Down Tunic : Whenever you plan to have a party during the spring phase, a button down tunic, which more or less looks like a dress shirt, made of red satin can get no competitor.

Choose a knee-length button down tunic with big buttons and full sleeves. Adding some big buttons would be extremely flattering.

Nothing could be greater than having this satin tunic with its cuffs and collars white in color. Try a cotton scarf and let your hair hang loose behind the shoulders. Use a fur packer hat with some feathers tucked into its edges.

With a knee-length button down tunic, wearing a black wide-leg trouser is a well justified fashion apparel. It will give your body a controlled look. Use a pair of mid-high heels.

Wearing ballet flats or wedges too will do wonders. Try blue spear-shaped earrings and black metallic handbags. They make admiring pairs with red satin tunics.

New Group gift:

& the 3 Lucky Letter Boards (Yes you have to also be a member to retrieve your Lucky Letter Prize!):

and each time the prizes change!!  <3!

Landmark: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Fujin/59/139/36

Nike Dunk Spring ‘09:

Crazy.

My personal favorite is the blue and white w/ black laces. They just seem right, not too original though. The orange are pretty original but im not sure I would be able to rock ‘em.

Political views aside, it would be tough to argue that the Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, does not look great in her glasses. What is the secret to finding a pair of glasses that make you look smart and sexy all at the same time? The answer may surprise you.

It not the actual frames that make the look. It is how well the frames contrast the face shape that makes all the difference. In Palins case, her frames that she is most seen wearing are light and delicate, sometimes even rimless. This is what gives her that subtle look of sophistication. Remember that a pair of eyeglasses are always between your eyes and the person you are talking to (and in Palins case, her audience). So she wants a very light style that will not draw attention away from her speech. Rather these light frames enhance her look and give a little mystery at the same time.

Regarding the shape of her frames, she wears mostly rectangular eyeglasses with temples that join the lenses in the upper two thirds of the lens. With temples that meet the lenses high, the glasses appear lower on her face. This way her eyebrows are still on top of and outline the top half of the frame.

Her face shape is classified as oval. People with Oval face shapes have an advantage over most other face shapes when it comes to glasses because almost any face shape can work.

The idea when matching face shapes to eyewear is to look for contrasting details. For example, someone with a round face will do well with angled glasses. In Governor Palins case, she has a rounded oval shape. Notice how she wears angled rectangular shaped eyewear?

By doing this, her natural features are highlighted. The bottom line is that Sarah Palin can wear most any delicate frame with a rectangular shape and look good in them.

The key takeaway for you is not to look for identical glasses to Palin. It is to understand your face shape and learn what style frames go well with it. In general there are four face shapes. Those are oval, round, square, and heart (or inverted triangle). There are more, but most people fall in to one of these categories.

Once you know your shape, figure out which frames go will with that look. Remember contrasting shapes looks best. And you want a frame that fits. Normally a pair of glasses that is about the same overall width of your face will fit very well.

That is all there is to it, eyewear is a fun fashion accessory that is often overlooked. But it is the one accessory that can completely transform your look in an instant.

Sweet and charming Jennifer Aniston has always been regarded as one of the most lovable TV personalities. And with good reason, too. She has always been on top of her acting career and her fashion and style sense as well. She particularly loves spring fashion, as seen in her wardrobe.

If you are just like Jennifer Aniston, she actually has a couple of tips that would allow you to become a star of your own. Also good news is that you do not have to spend a lot of money just to update your closet and accessorize.

Flower power is the way to go this season. You can try anything from floral blouses to skirts and dresses. But, try to avoid it if you are going for a formal or business attire. You can just use some floral jewelry as an accessory or a brooch as a fun way to break the monotony. Floral scarves are hot.

Shoes. Everything from platform wedges to gladiator sandals. Just avoid extreme shoes for office wear. Make sure that you tailor the look to enhance and complement your personality and style.

Colored bags and shoes. We see a lot of crayon colors in bags and shoes, like pink, green, blue, violet, grape and bright yellow. These bright colorful bags jump off the page in large totes or bold clutches. We are reminded of kindergarten when we see bright crayon colors. Make sure that you choose your accessories carefully. Choose a structured shape and size if you are wearing a bright colored bag. Go with conservative colors and classic colors for client meetings and office attire. Try to reserve your crayon brights for a walk in the park or casual day at the office.

They have started having a Saturday fair in Belmore Park. Yesterday’s was a bit of a fizzer, but it may grow… There was live music.

Two weeks ago I attended to the event The Developer’s Conference, down here in São Paulo, Brazil. I covered it here and here. One topic I decided to cover separated is Spring Roo. Rod Johnson, from SpringSource presented it in the conference, and really got my attention.

During the last few days I’ve being spending a few minutes per day with the tool. Following are an explanation about what it does, and my impressions in general. Hope you enjoy =)

The statement that describes better what Roo tries to do is “Roo is Rails for Java, but better”. Rod Johnson said something similar to this during his presentation in the TDC event, and I can agree with that. Rails productivity is nice, sure, but it doesn’t have the power of the Java platform. So bringing this productivity “home”, to Java, is an excelent idea.

To achieve this goal, Roo generates code for you. This isn’t, of course, a new idea. But the way Roo does it is what makes it really interesting. The concept is that you should be able to read and edit any code generated by the tool. Also, you should be able to use whatever IDE you prefer during development, without Roo getting in your way – I actually use Netbeans to edit the source code files, and although the IDE they officially support is Eclipse (the base for their Spring Tool Suite), it worked just fine.

The code generated by Roo has also desirable qualities: it follows good programming practices, like separation of concerns, and has good performance – there is no reflection in any of its “magic” to slow things down, for example.

This is how Roo looks like when running:

Roo Shell

This is the Roo shell. It is where you type commands and execute tasks when using the tool. It features TAB completion, which works very nicely, and a lot of development support – you can type hint anytime to get a help message. Also, you can type help to see full list of commands currently available.

We haven’t created a project yet, so hint shows this:

Hint on an Empty Folder

Lets take a look at Roo in action. In the next screenshot, I’m using the command project to create a new project called JCranky:

Project Creation

Notice the TAB completion working; also, notice how Roo tells you what it did to your files, so that you can keep an eye on his behavior

I’m don’t intend to write a tutorial, so I’ll just show one more code generation example and go back to commenting. Lets install persistence support, and then create an entity. The command to do the former is persistence setup and for the later is entity EntityName. The next two screenshots ilustrates the result of these commands:

Persistence Setup

Entity Creation

Again, notice how TAB completion helps us. We don’t have to remember all those commands. Just hit TAB and Roo tells you what commands are available. Notice on the entity creation that Roo created a few .aj files. This is one of its secrets: it uses Aspects to insert code into your class, making it more simpler during source editing time. So boilerplate code like getters, setters and toString are inserted automatically in your entities to you. To understand a little bit more about this, take a look at the Aspect J site.

I’m not a fan of Spring, which obviously is used a lot in Roo and in the generated sources. But this tool seems to work so nicely that it might make me change my mind. And the same thing goes for maven, which Roo uses in the generated sources. But in this case, Roo also allows you to replace maven if you want to – but in this case you will have to write your own plugin to do that, at least for now.

I’ll stop here, but if anyone asks for more I might feel like writing another post =D. But before closing, lets mention the only one thing I really hated about Roo: it seems to generate code with TABs instead of whitespaces. So, Roo developers, I beg you: please generate whitespaces! I know it is a small thing, but it really freaks me out…

For more information, besides the official site, these three blog posts are very interesting: Jump into Roo for extreme Java Productivity; Getting Started with Spring Roo and Exploring Roo’s Architecture.

bye!

EDIT: After Ben Alex’s comment I looked again into the sources generated for my tests and couldn’t find any TABs. So please ignore this part of the post, until I find them again =D

Autumn is in full swing at the moment, as it is constantly raining. This kind of messes you up when you work outside for about 3/4 of the year, it is frustrating more than anything as you just can’t get on with anything and there is no point in working out in the rain. There are some nice things about Autumn, the leaves changing colour and filling the landscape with a wonderful punch of colour before the skeleton trees of winter appear, the crisp mornings with a gentle shroud of mist hanging over the wet earth. I like Autumn, Winter and Spring, Summer can bugger off with its lava hot heat and humidity.

How can we refresh our wardrobes with the latest fashion trends? As winter drags out, we all look forward to spring. What are the trends, and how do you wear them? Read on to get ready for spring 2008.

This springs has loads of pretty things to mix and match with your wardrobe, from flowers to crisp clean styles. Here are 2 hot spring styles and how to wear them.

1. Fresh flowers: Flowers are big this spring, from grown-up floral dresses, blouses and skirts, to accessories such as brooches and hair accessories.

How to wear them: Don’t go overboard, especially for the office. Choose one new grown-up floral, and pair it with your neutral separates. For example, a floral cardigan is great over a simple pair of pants and a top. Or wear a floral dress, but add a solid jacket or sweater on top.

Keep the accessories simple as well. If you wear a floral piece, don’t add floral brooches and hair pieces – that’s overkill. To keep it simple, start with a simple piece of floral jewelry. As the summer heats up, slip into your floral dress or blouse, with elegant silver or wood jewelry.

2. Abstract prints: Graphic patterns are amongst the hottest trends right now. From dresses with geometric designs to floaty tops, you’ll see these eye-catching designs everywhere this spring.

How to wear them: Make sure you buy a pattern that suits your body shape. If you have big shoulders, or are very curvy, some patterns may accent the parts of your body you don’t want to draw attention to. Try on a few styles to see what works for you.

With graphic prints, keep your accessories simple and classic. Find a bag in a neutral shade, or a crayon-box hue that picks up a color in your pattern. Keep the jewelry simple. The dress or shirt will be the main attraction. Eye-catching jewelry is too much.

Here are our additional photos taken during our Coron Island hopping. Enjoy!

]]> http://nickskellington.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/hm-spring-2010-menswear/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:14:31 +0000 nickskellington http://nickskellington.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/hm-spring-2010-menswear/

The overall collection is actually quite nice, but what is with the man skirts and baggy crotch trousers!? It seems H&M have joined Marc Jacobs in trying to make the man skirt happen. It just won’t… Something tells me a lot of those are gonna be left on the shelf.

But I do like the collection and there are a few pieces I wouldn’t mind getting for myself.

In amber follicles, love grows—

silent, spun like syrup under skin.

A street calls rain. Lilacs shiver.

Droplets punctuate the brick
in concentric ripples;

clouds of rose quartz
embrace grey sky. 

It’s May, late: the game is over.

The sky opens. Puddles play,

finally alive—the follicles ripen,

pale skeins of dreams

unfolding in streams behind me,

a trail of crumbs
to carry my heart back home.



The dogwood sighs,

releasing a carpet of stars.

Everything falls.
Broken petals leak nectar;

worms languish in water.

I breathe in pink—
my chest tightens.



Nothing pink can last;

I can’t hold this moment

between living and dying,

when the earth overflows

and falls inside me

like a secret hope. 

Hair wet, I walk to class late—
I’ll say it was the rain.

© Sarah Noack 2006

Photo by VC Ferry

I am reminded

of the white dove
that sat all night
perched

on the lattice
of my balcony

how many times
have I looked over
Shady Acres
and gazed

up at the sky
at the pregnant moon
full circle

watching over
watching

and waiting
for the next sliver
the next slice
the next shift in tide
the ebb and flow
like a

goddess cycle

the wind chimes
sing their melancholy notes
as Spring
lets the Jacaranda trees know
that it’s time to dance
their purple dance

the white dove knew

that I needed it’s presence

it was sent

as a reminder
that

all was in
God’s

hands

L. K. Thayer

All Rights Reserved

© 2009

Boasting up-to-date versions of classic pieces the spring collection consists of Suits, Blazers, Trousers, Outerwear, Knitwear, Shirts, Ties, Handkerchiefs, Belts and Cuff-links.

Will you be buying?

Personally as a big fan of H&M I’ve loved them since a child when they had C-Dept and L.O.G.G, but I do have to say I don’t think most are gonna catch on to this look at least until 2011. I will be getting some pieces, definitely the drop crotch pants and probably a couple basic updates like blazers, jumpers, and jeans etc. but I’m still not sold on a the skirt idea and definitely not a skirt that long. Sorry but what about people who arent 6′1 how the f*ck is that gonna look when it sweeps the floor. Nah lol. However, if they were to  take at least 4-5 inches off the hem I may consider it. At the moment the long one seems only photo shoot worthy.

Anyway spring collection drops in late January early February keep a look out.

IMG|SOURCE: HB