Grandeur Living

Aside from the usual breast support — bra designs can also entice the casual passerby, lover, or peeping tom. However, if you wear any of these pairs, you’re bound to get a weird look, or a laugh.

As if the environmentally-conscious Solar Bra wasn’t enough, here’s a look at some other weird and funny bras.

The Pointy Bra – We’ve got sports bras to keep ‘em in position when playing sports, we’ve got seamless ones for hiding the support in a nice elegant dress, but what about self-defense? The funny thing is, even if it might deter touching of some sort, the pointy bra won’t really fit in with your wardrobe. Unless your tops are pointy as well!

The Man-Designed Bra – Apparently if we let the men take over in brassiere design, they’d make it so that a pair of hands were always covering the twins. Even if it’s not theirs! So I would guess: in a funny man’s mind, are the hands the most efficient means of supporting the breasts? Even if normal man hands get tired, this bra won’t, and will probably keep its grip, as long as you wear it.

The Mixed-Messages Bra – Remember those annoying flashing LED shirts? Now they come in bra form! Even if you try to look away, the blinking and the moving and the changing LED lights will lead you to read: “DO NOT … LOOK … TITS.” Classy. Try to make them shake their funny looks!

Black Bra with Ruffles and red LEDs – Designed by enlighted, this funny pair of seemingly fiery bra is made with their corset-dress in mind. Mind you, the red LEDs simulate a sort-of ongoing burning effect, complimented by the LEDs in their corset dress, further enhancing that “burning” illusion. (Read: You are hawt!)

The Hypnobra – You provide the curves, the bra provides the rest. Twin spiral LEDs that oscillate can’t be wrong. (And no, I’m not under hypnosis.) The hypnotic patterns on both cups are a joy to look at, and will probably be a topic of conversation among your closest friends, once they notice that underneath that white blouse, something funny and sexy is going on.

That’s my take on funny and sexy brassieres — and if you ask me, I really, honestly wouldn’t mind trying a pair of any of them on. Just for the sake of the funny and sly looks that I’m bound to get!

The fashion scene is always charging with the latest design and so. People in this industry seem not to care about anything but the “it” next season. But then, there’s Karl Lagerfeld. He’s one of my favorite designers because his creations are fierce and elegant at the same time. Karl is fashionably unapologetic. My kind of man, what can say?

One day I’ve just seen him on some huge billboard with a slogan that says, “It’s yellow, it’s ugly, it doesn’t match anything, but it can save your life.” I know it’s a little too late for this reaction, but why would he ever do such a thing? I mean he could just organize a charity ball and get millions of donation from friends. Why would the French government even choose him?

And seriously, it’s yellow and I like it. I really beg to differ. I like his honorable intention on road safety, but come on! He should have worked on some other lines. It breaks my heart that he calls that thingy ugly. If he’s a great designer, he might as well try to match it with something, and not tell everybody that it’s just for life purposes only. Have you seen the catwalk? Oh yeah there are way more hideous designs than the vest.

Oh well, kudos to Karl Lagerfeld. He cares somehow. Too bad for the drivers and cyclists in France, the yellow ugly vest is mandatory. Don’t forget to bring that reflective triangle too. There’s only the other choice – don’t drive get a chauffer.

Being environmentally conscious these days is the next big thing as to being trendy and fashionable. Everybody is talking about waste management, eating organic, riding hybrid cars and wearing “solar energy bra.” Say what?! Solar powered bra is helping save planet Earth? How’s that even possible? Do the breasts increase solar energy?

If you watch the clip below, you just can’t help but ask, “Why should it be a bra in the first place?” Could it not be a shirt or something else? You could rewind the video over and over again and still remain puzzled over the whole concept.

Like other people who have already watched, you might as well come up with reasons for this innovation. You just hope that others would want to agree with you.

The Solar Energy Bra is made because it is:

• A dovetail effort. Wearing it means absorbing more solar energy through the breasts. You don’t only gain energy but you also boost your boobies. Perhaps it triggers those cells right over there to increase their size as they become exposed to lots of sunlight.

• A green fashion statement. Forget those Victoria’s Secrets and all other push up bras. Solar-powered bra is the new black in lingerie. Like the model says, “It’s an eco-friendly effort.” Hey, being sexy can also mean being literally green and not just kinky green. Girls who heart the environment are smoking hot!

• Provides more handy power. You don’t need to worry about your cellphone losing battery hours. You can talk as long as you want. You can also plug your mp3 player and listen longer. Or if you are so into your hair, plug that hair dryer or curling iron right into your chest.

At the end of every repeat, you’ll still be really confused why the inventors ever thought of it. But as they would put it, the bra is the answer to high oil price. Would you even wear it? Maybe you would, for something like an environmental rally in front of the Department of Energy.

Somehow you will figure that the bottom line of this invention. It is not really about the real cause. It’s just a statement of some lingerie company. Perhaps it’s a way to let the world know that the company care about the environment and all that.

However, if you really want to care about Earth’s future, then start small. You’re really sure that this bra would cost you more than the usual push up. How about donating that certain amount to some environmental charities?

Besides if you would look at the bra, do you really think it will turn a guy on when he sees it? He might even think that you’re some kind of a geeky freak. The next thing you know is that you’ll be explaining why you even wear it in the first place. So spare yourself from that situation. Lose the bra. It will definitely save the two of you some energy in the process.

I don’t think everybody wants to get old sooner. But see, the trend today has urged people to look at their “youngest best” and whatever that means, really. Perhaps companies want to sell more products and take advantage of aging, not really helping how to make people embrace the idea of youth. Personally, age is just an idea, and finding a way to hold on that thought might not really cost you as much as advertisements would like you to think.

Face it aging is a fact of life. The only way to cheat aging is to work with your self, and not just the physical self but the whole self. Yes, there are products that keep skin young and still glowing, but you have to position yourself in a way that you are not too relying on creams, lotions and even surgery.

Again, it’s all in the mind and somehow aging is a decision. It is not about not acting or looking like your age. It’s about perspective in life. If you think old or you’re too old for the world, then aging becomes more than a reality.

These might be the usual ways to stay young, but if you do more than what it takes, you could actually outlive yourself:

Eat healthy. Switch to something organic. There is an unspoken conspiracy that food products contains chemicals that contribute to aging. This is a certain way to hasten death so population could be controlled. It’s an absurd idea somehow, but regardless chemicals always destroy the beauty of human existence. And, don’t just eat healthy because you want to stay you, eat healthy because it is the right thing to do. Be good to your body.

Exercise. Why would you not take time to sweat? Sure, you have many excuses like you’re too busy or too lazy, or yet, you’re too old. It’s never too late to exercise. It’s not just about defying age, but it’s a way to remind your body to move in order to survive. Stretch a muscle or two or get that bones working. If the body moves constantly, it won’t slow down sooner.

Positivity. Thinking affects the whole idea of age big time. If you really want to stay a bit younger than your age, be positive on your outlook. List all the negative elements of your life and avoid them. Stay away from things and people that could upset you. Worrying, stress and even depression are emotions, but they have a great effect on the body.

Like beauty, aging is relative. There maybe a standard of what’s being young, but still, it is a matter of choice. Are you going to stay young, or are you going to decide to get old sooner? Others may not praise you for that decision, however at the end of the day, it is only what you think and feel that matters most. It won’t kill if you will think you are still 18 even if you are already 35. Everything somehow is all in the mind.

When it comes to summer fragrance, technically, we are talking about a lasting smell. Although all perfumes should be enduring, summer smell should stand out more particularly when the sun is hitting so high. Remember that not all fragrances are summer-friendly. For example, when you stay out too long during the day, your perfume can be not that nice anymore as you sweat under the sun.

Here is my top fragrance picks for this summer (mostly every summer):

1. L’ EAUPARKENZO POUR FEMME - Honestly, I have a hard time buying this one. I just couldn’t remember the name. It’s too French-y. But, this mixture of lotus flower, cool mint and pink pepper just makes my sunny days extra special. Although Kenzo has a specific fragrance for the summer, I prefer this again and again.

2. TOMMY GIRL SUMMER COLOGNE - This fragrance is a combination of
lilac, honeysuckle and lime blossom. Although its debut on the market
dates back to 2006, This version of summer smell is proven especially
when you’re out on the beach. Believe me, I still smell so good even
after I soak up the sun.

3. PACIFIC PARADISE by ESCADA - It’s really fruity and floral, very feminine. A creation of Philippe Romano, the fragrance is actually a three-note smell. The first note consists of apple, banana, coconut, lemon and lime. The second note includes banana, sugar cane and sunflower. Finally the third note, which is amber, musk and sandalwood.

The main ingredient of most summer fragrances is the fruity smell. Even if you don’t buy the designers perfumes, you can take the alternatives. Just stick with something fruity.

Bright bright colors and lots and lots of bright incandescent colors fill the 2008 Spring Fashion runways. The texture and material are flowing making it very comfortable but stylish during the day, even the evening calls for these bold colors. In fact, they are the first part of every designer’s collection. Relatively, this season’s style is highlighted with fun in flow, length and pattern. Here are some of the designs in primary colors.

The flow. The collection features breathable designs for the day, which is easy for the female form to flaunt itself even if it’s hot outside. Although the designers make them a little translucent for those who would like the beach, they always make sure that elegance always stand out. Fashion today make it a point that a dress has the ability to cross from one occasion to the other. You can wear these babies with your favorite stilettos for some luncheon, or pair them up with high suede boots for a little trip to the mall.

The length. Now the length part is either inches above the knees or inches below the heels. It’s so big actually with pregger celebrities. Angelina Jolie and Gwen Stefani are so into them right now. The lengthy dresses hide the big bump good without subtracting glamor that almost inevitable during pregnancy. Eventually, they have to stay as pretty fashionistas especially with the papparazzi around all the time. Believe me the design works miracle, they even look like wearing an evening gown in the day. How cool is that?

The pattern. Ruffles. Ruffles. Ruffles. Yes, they are resurrected. They can be just on one side arrange in a slant way, or they can be all over the place like waves on a stormy day attached to the body through a stylish dress in very bright colors. They really spell fun and frolic especially on  the red carpet. With the flow of the light material used in the collection, ruffles have never been justified until now. Of course, the bold colors help a lot, perfect for that formal din din without that old school black dress.

The accessories. Belts are a must if certain formality is required, like the office or a cutting-a-deal meeting. But, belts can also make those tiny dresses  special with a little drama they offer. The huge layer, if not thick, necklines are the second accessory detail of the spring collection. They can be necklaces or the heavy part of the design, which more likely to be made of Swarovski crystals and metallic beads.

They are just so beautiful that you want to wear them all. Just like spring itself, colors make the season glorious for everybody not just in the fashion world. They don’t make colors for nothing. If you can’t get the real designer clothes, they are always rip offs around the corner that cost a little less but look as good. Just remember that the important part of fashion is how you wear them. It’s not really about the price or the designer, unless you want to wear them inside out and show off the tag.

So, he FINALLY proposed.

The wedding date is set and you’re now in the search for of the perfect dress, beautiful flowers, and a great venue.  There’s also the calligrapher, the cake, the catering and so on.  But then again, you shouldn’t forget one thing – your face.

Planning a wedding may be fun and exciting, but it can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to a dull and lackluster complexion.  Here are ways on how to bring the glow back in time for the big event.

1. For the eyes - since the eyes are the first place to show signs of tiredness, you’ll need to apply regular eye cream to counteract puffiness and dark circles.

2. For dead skin cells – you can either use a facial scrub once or twice a week or switch to a cream with Alpha Hydroxy acids.  This will gently loosen dead skin cells and exfoliate without the visible flaking.

3. For mild to moderate acne – a Casmara facial is recommended for detoxifying and deep cleansing the skin.  The pimples, whiteheads and blackheads are extracted using a fine needle and comedone extractor then immediately followed by a soothing toner to close the pores and tighten the skin.

4. For dry, rough skin – opting for a Thai traditional facial is a good choice here.  Using only fresh fruit ingredients and white clay, this facial is designed to gently deep cleanse and tone the skin.  First, a cucumber-based cleanser mixed with honey and yoghurt is lightlt massaged on the face to remove impurities. Dry, rough patches are removed when rubbed with a thin layer of facial scrub from a mixture of aloe vera gel, herbs and egg yolk.

The moment after a bride gets engaged, the typical bride isn’t thinking of I do, but of things to do.  Women are notoriously good at putting everything else first, and worrying about themselves last. Without the help of a wedding coordinator, some women overlook the very things that will help them look their best on the wedding day.  While the joy of the day will surely bring the glow, a picture perfect complexion is the result of healthy lifestyle and appropriate skincare regimen.  Lastly, these cure-alls aren’t just for those who got engaged, but for those who who experience stres, which counts all of us.

Carrying a complete makeup kit doesn’t have to weigh down your trip.

We all always face the dilemma of what to and what to not bring during our trips.  No matter how long or or how far our travels will be, there is one thing we women do put in our purses, makeup. But how much do we need? How much is too much?

The key is to bring multitasking products that will do double duty while on the road.

So, let’s splurge on products for us globe-trotting beauties.

1.  Moisturizer

Make sure that the moisturizer you pick has the three-effect.  Pick a moisturizer that will act as a daily cream, sunscreen and foundation.

2. Bronzer

The trick to getting a good bronzer for travel is to get a compact that has has several distinct colors. The variety of colors will enable you to wear the shades on your eyes and cheeks and, yes, even on your lips.

3.  Three-in-one eye kit

Best to bring a three-in-one eye makeup supply containing a shadow, a contouring shade and a liner so that you can go from a day to night look with one product.

4.  Sweatproof lip and cheek stain

Stains provide a natural, flushed look and are ideal for hot weather, which will be the prevalent weather during our travels.

There are a lot of brands out there creating travel-friendly makeup. These products take little space so we can bring them along to stay glamorous on the road.  The old-school saying that less is more perfectly applies when putting on makeup when we travel.  The main goal is to just look fresh and natural, small dosages to make us simple yet radiant.