#but it seems so hard to incorporate into a modern wardrobe

[ofmermaidstories]

if u were bakugou's girlfriend (which u are) and got to pick out all his outfits what would you dress him in?

okay, okay first of all we gotta establish his style: he seems to favour baggier pants (🙄), and t-shirts. looser fits! i’ve always wondered if that was a deliberate choice on his part—if it hides his build (one of the manga extras says his fits tend to hide how explosively muscular he is), or if it’s like, a movement thing? like, if he had to spring into action while in his civvie gear. because his hero costume pants are also quite baggy, as well, and he tends to fling himself around like a small russian-child training for gymnastics gold medal in the olympics so—if i was buying him clothes, or trying to convince him to try new things, i’d probably keep that in mind. 🥹 because you never know when your rare date-night with your pro-hero boyfie is gonna be interrupted by some asshole with a attitude problem and a quirk to back it up!!! 🥺

so to start with, if i was sneaking pieces into his wardrobe, i’d stick with like, more of the same—the baggy pants, or at least wide-cut legs. maybe a couple of pants or shorts with a lower crotch? i would stick to blacks, and greens and oranges—his brand colours lmao—because he seems to like them. skull motifs, because i doubt great explosion murder god is ever really gonna outgrow that lmaooo. i would make a gift out of a really cool, expensive pair of sneakers. and then a little while later i would start trying to slip in a little more high end fashion. like a pair of tabi boots. 🥹 i’d try and convince him he needs a nice, tailored jacket, for fancy date nights although tbh i think those would be a rare occurrence lmfao. but once i had gained his trust with my choices, i would then slowly ramp up my campaign. 😈

we’re gonna start trying to introduce some creams, whites. bolder graphics. distressed denim. i might make a point of getting him a cool—skulls—bracelet or two, since hori’s drawn him in a couple in official art. i’d buy him a more upgraded, fancy pair of his church loafers lmfaooo. he seems to favour them outside of his hero getup and i’ve always wondered if it’s because he just can’t be fucked dealing with boots outside of his heroics? anyways. i would try and slip in something cutesy—like a decapitated teddy bear hoodie lmaooo—but if he never wore it or otherwise really hated it i would just pout and move on.

a lot of the pieces you see here are like—american and japanese streetwear brands, with a couple of fine-leather craftsmen sneaking in. i’d keep buying like that: japanese brands where the flagship store is tiny and makes you feel like you’re on the inside of a very sparse egg. local designers that try and incorporate some of those traditional physiques into their ranges: hantans in leather or a modern print, for example.

fine leather belts and boots would make more gifts—dickies work pants, because i think he’d appreciate the cut of them. the occasional techgear piece—pants cut like his pro-hero ones, for example. funny tees, maybe a vintage all might one, or an edgeshot piece. 🥺 i’d stay away from jeans just bc i think if he really wanted them he’d get ‘em from jeanist lmfaooo.

there’d be a real pleasure in playing dressups with a man that has the build of a literal superhero, lmfao. i would try really hard to honour his tastes though!!!! maybe wheedle and sulk and bribe with head scratches for more experimental pieces, or ones outside of his wheelhouse lmfao. like there was this really beautiful swan tapestry jacket on one of these sites that i think a man like bakugou—built like a god, with that intense ember glare and that shock of blond hair—would look ethereal in. 😩 but i like bakugou because he seems so decided, in a lot of things, lmfao, and if he didn’t wanna wear something, i think he just wouldn’t wear it. 🥹

[leccocucinabangalore]

Space-Saving Secrets for Designing a Modern Bedroom Wardrobe

Creating a modern bedroom closet design that uses the most space possible as well as looks smooth and sophisticated may seem hard, but it is very satisfying. A closet that fits perfectly into your room so that enough space is left around it for other things is possible through careful thought and creative ideas. This article will discuss practical tips for designing such affordable wardrobes, which go well with other recommendations about the best interior design ideas including colours, textures, and furniture scales among others.

1. Choose the Right Wardrobe Type

 Sliding Door Wardrobes

Bedrooms having little space are the best places for the use of wardrobes with sliding doors. Sliding doors do not necessitate any extra space while opening hence work better for small rooms, unlike ordinary hinged doors. Besides, sliding door wardrobes look neat and trendy which can improve how modern a bedroom seems.

 Hinged Door Wardrobes

The fashion of practicality hinged doors makes them an obvious choice as far as things that every home should strive for go: you are able to see all the clothes at once; construct your unique way with all those socks. With a corner wardrobe, one can take advantage of using the available space with hinged doors. Placing them around boils down mainly resizing their openings till they fit in; this will yield space efficiency.

 Built-In Wardrobes

Built-in wardrobes are made-to-measure for the exact dimensions of the room. They can be seamlessly incorporated into any architectural design, making use of all the space available. The owner’s choice contains sliding or hinge doors.

 2. Utilize Vertical Space

To fully utilize space in a modern bedroom wardrobe, it is advisable to use vertical space. Up to the ceiling tall closets take less of your floor space and offer additional storage units. Use the highest shelves for storing those things that you don’t use often like luggage or seasonal clothes.

 3. Incorporate Smart Storage Solutions

 Pull-Out Drawers and Shelves

Pull-out drawers and shelves are essential for efficient wardrobe organization. They allow you to see and access items easily, reducing the need to rummage through piles of clothes. Consider incorporating pull-out shoe racks, tie and belt organizers, and jewellery drawers to keep everything neatly arranged.

 Adjustable Shelving

Adjustable shelving provides flexibility in organizing your wardrobe. You can change the height of the shelves to accommodate different types of clothing and accessories. This adaptability ensures that your wardrobe remains functional as your storage needs change over time.

 Hanging Rods at Different Heights

Installing hanging rods at different heights maximizes hanging space for various clothing items. You can have a higher rod for dresses and long coats, and a lower rod for shirts, blouses, and pants. This arrangement not only saves space but also makes it easier to organize and access your clothes.

 4. Opt for Multifunctional Furniture

Multifunctional furniture pieces are a great addition to a modern bedroom, especially when space is limited. Consider incorporating a wardrobe with built-in mirrors, a fold-out ironing board, or even a pull-out desk. These features and functionality to your wardrobe without taking up additional space.

 5. Choose Light Colours and Reflective Surfaces

Light colours and reflective surfaces create an illusion of more space in your bedroom. Opt for wardrobe finishes in light shades such as white, beige, or light grey. Additionally, incorporating mirrored doors can make the room appear larger and brighter, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your bedroom.

 6. Use Under-Bed Storage

If your bedroom wardrobe is still lacking space, consider utilizing under-bed storage. You can use storage boxes or drawers to store items like shoes, out-of-season clothing, or extra linens. This keeps your wardrobe clutter-free and provides additional storage without taking up more floor space.

 7. Add Hooks and Racks

Hooks and racks are simple yet effective space-saving solutions for your wardrobe. Install hooks on the inside of wardrobe doors or on the walls to hang scarves, bags, belts, and other accessories. This keeps them organized and easily accessible while saving valuable shelf and drawer space.

 8. Declutter Regularly

A cluttered wardrobe not only looks messy but also makes it difficult to find and access your items. Make it a habit to declutter your wardrobe regularly. Donate or discard clothes and accessories you no longer use or need. This not only frees up space but also makes your wardrobe more functional and organized.

 9. Plan Your Layout Carefully

Careful planning is key to designing a space-saving modern bedroom wardrobe. Consider the types of items you need to store and how often you use them. Create a layout that accommodates your storage needs while keeping frequently used items easily accessible. You can also use wardrobe design software or consult with a professional to visualize your layout and make adjustments before installation.

 10. Leverage Technology

Smart technology can enhance the functionality of your modern bedroom wardrobe. Consider incorporating LED lighting with motion sensors inside your wardrobe. This ensures that you can easily see and access your items, even in low light conditions. Additionally, you can use smart storage solutions like automated garment racks that rotate or move with a touch of a button, making it easier to organize and retrieve your clothes.

 11. Custom Designs for Unique Spaces

If your bedroom has unique architectural features like sloped ceilings or alcoves, consider custom wardrobe designs that fit these spaces perfectly. Custom designs ensure that no space is wasted and that your wardrobe integrates seamlessly into your room’s layout. You can work with a professional designer to create a wardrobe that meets your specific needs and complements your bedroom’s style.

 12. Incorporate Open Shelving

Open shelving within your wardrobe can be both practical and stylish. Use open shelves to display and store frequently used items like shoes, bags, and accessories. This not only makes them easily accessible but also adds a decorative element to your wardrobe. You can keep the shelves organized with storage bins or baskets for a tidy appearance.

 13. Utilize Door Space

The inside of wardrobe doors is often overlooked as a storage area. You can install hooks, racks, or small shelves on the inside of the doors to store accessories, ties, belts, or even small items like socks and underwear. This maximizes storage space and keeps your wardrobe organized.

 14. Consider a Wardrobe with Loft

A wardrobe with a loft is an excellent solution for maximizing vertical space. The loft area can be used to store items that are not needed on a daily basis, such as seasonal clothing or extra bedding. This keeps your main wardrobe area clutter-free and easily accessible.

 15. Invest in Quality Materials and Craftsmanship

Quality materials and craftsmanship are essential for a durable and long-lasting wardrobe. Investing in high-quality materials ensures that your wardrobe remains functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. Look for wardrobes made from sturdy materials like solid wood or high-grade MDF with durable finishes.

 Why Choose Lecco Cucina for Your Modular Kitchen and Wardrobe Needs?

When it comes to designing the perfect modern bedroom wardrobe designs in Bangalore, Lecco Cucina is the best option. Renowned for their innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship, Lecco Cucina offers a wide range of customizable wardrobe solutions that maximize space and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom.

Lecco Cucina’s modular wardrobes are designed with functionality and style in mind. They offer a variety of storage solutions, including pull-out drawers, adjustable shelving, and smart corner units, to ensure that every inch of space is utilized efficiently. Their wardrobes come in a range of finishes and colours, allowing you to create a look that complements your bedroom’s decor.

In addition to wardrobes, Lecco Cucina specializes in modular kitchen designs that are both beautiful and practical. Their commitment to quality and attention to detail ensures that every kitchen and wardrobe they create is tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of their clients.

Ready to transform your bedroom with a space-saving modern wardrobe designs? Contact Lecco Cucina today to book your free design consultation. Their expert designers will work with you to create a custom wardrobe that fits your space and lifestyle perfectly. Don’t wait—experience the best in modular kitchen and wardrobe design with Lecco Cucina at our exclusive experience centres in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Visakhapatnam.

[vmsplusblog]

Modern Glass Wardrobe Design | VMS Plus

Like your kitchen, the bedroom is where you spend most of your time at home. In the bedroom, the wardrobe is the primary piece of furniture next to your bed, and it has a vital role in keeping your clothing essentials organised and protected from any damage. You can incorporate glass in these wardrobe designs, and you won’t regret it!

Different homeowners have different ideas for their modern glass wardrobe design. Some choose from L-shaped and phone booth shapes or loft-style wardrobes for style. There are more to choose from for the type of glass used: frosted, vintage, patterned, lacquered, and translucent.

Some other wardrobe design ideas include the following:

1. Sliding glass wardrobe design.

This is precisely how it sounds and is a perfect fit for not-so-big bedrooms. The sliding glass provides much wardrobe space to accommodate all your belongings. This results, therefore, in an uncluttered bedroom. If you include a mirror shutter, you will have a looking glass. The glass in this design reflects light, making the room appear more spacious.

2. Mirrored wardrobe with sliding doors.

This design is ideal if you have a small bedroom that cannot contain several pieces of furniture. So you add a mirror instead of a full glass design. You will love that your items get hidden, and you have a mirror to look at yourself. A dressing table or a wall mirror would not be needed anymore. The bright lighting from the glass and the mirror will make your tiny space more appealing.

3. Master bedroom wardrobe design.

Being the biggest bedroom in any home, the main bedroom can be used to create ample storage. You can maximise its use depending on its measurements. There are several master bedroom wardrobe designs in the market; choosing the one that will fit your home can be tricky.

4. Sliding wardrobe design for small bedrooms.

This design is the favourite of many homeowners. This makes the room look elite if you choose white for the doors that slide from left to right and vice versa. Simple yet elegant — and looking more prominent than its actual size.

Now, if you have a small bedroom, you can arrange your bedside furniture, the wardrobe, and the bed on one wall. This will make the room more spacious and not dominated by furniture.

5. Modern glass wardrobe design.

This design is excellent if you want to create a wardrobe with a modern look and lightweight feel. Its sheer finish provides a sense of space, which is ideal if your room is smaller. The glass’s reflective surface makes your room feel brighter, however dark.

Indeed, there are many other glass wardrobe design ideas you can pick from various sources. These glass wardrobes seem disadvantageous because they are prone to fingerprints and a little more fragile. However, they are made with hard glass that cannot easily break. Also, they can be cleaned without too much effort and take only a light cleaning. Glass wardrobe designs are not only for traditional, smaller spaces;

but they can also fit modern or contemporary home bedrooms.

A wardrobe that is mirror-finished will expand your space while brightening it. The glass wardrobe eliminates the need for a dresser. Other beautiful options for more fascinating wardrobe designs include partially mirrored, partially lacquered, wholly mirrored, and vintage glass closets.

We invite you to schedule a design consultation with VMS Plus in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Plenty of options will satisfy all your organising, aesthetics, and proper storage requirements. We have interior experts who will gladly share our expertise with you. Despite the numerous designs available, you may still require assistance, and we are happy to offer it. We can help you choose the right size and design for your desired glass wardrobe.

So, call us today. We will happily entertain your queries, regardless of whichever glass wardrobe design you require.

[vmsplus]

Stunning Glass Wardrobe Designs for Bedrooms | VMS Trade Link

Like your kitchen, the bedroom is where you spend most of your time at home. In the bedroom, the wardrobe is the primary piece of furniture next to your bed, and it has a vital role in keeping your clothing essentials organised and protected from any damage. You can incorporate glass in these wardrobe designs, and you won’t regret it!

Different homeowners have different ideas for their modern glass wardrobe design. For style, some choose from L-shaped and phone booth shapes or loft-style wardrobes. There are more to choose from for the type of glass used, from frosted, vintage, patterned, lacquered, and translucent glass. 

Some other wardrobe design ideas include the following:

1. Sliding glass wardrobe design.

This is precisely how it sounds and is a perfect fit for not-so-big bedrooms. The sliding glass provides much wardrobe space to accommodate all your belongings. This results, therefore, in an uncluttered bedroom. If you include a mirror shutter, you will definitely have a looking glass. The glass in this design reflects light, making the room appear more spacious.

2. Mirrored wardrobe with sliding doors.  

This design is ideal if you have a small bedroom that cannot contain several pieces of furniture. So you add a mirror instead of a full glass design. You will love that your items get hidden, and you have a mirror to look at yourself. A dressing table or a wall mirror would not be needed anymore. The bright lighting from the glass and the mirror will make your tiny space larger and more appealing.

3. Master bedroom wardrobe design.

Being the biggest bedroom in any home, the main bedroom can be used to create ample storage. You can maximise its use depending on its measurements. There are several master bedroom wardrobe designs in the market; choosing the one that will fit your home can be tricky.

4. Sliding wardrobe design for small bedrooms.

This design is the favourite of many homeowners. This makes the room look elite if you choose white for the doors that slide from left to right and vice versa. Simple yet elegant - and looking more prominent than its actual size.

Now, if you have a small bedroom, you can arrange your bedside furniture, the wardrobe, and the bed on one wall. This will make the room more spacious and not dominated by furniture.

5.Modern glass wardrobe design.

This design is excellent if you want to create a wardrobe with a modern look and lightweight feel. Its sheer finish provides a sense of space, which is ideal if your room is smaller. The glass’s reflective surface makes your room feel brighter, however dark.

Indeed, there are many other glass wardrobe design ideas you can pick from various sources. These glass wardrobes seem disadvantageous because they are prone to fingerprints and a little more fragile. However, they are made with hard glass that cannot easily break. Also, they can be cleaned without too much effort and take only a light cleaning. Glass wardrobe designs are not only for traditional, smaller spaces; 

but they can also fit modern or contemporary home bedrooms.

A wardrobe that is mirror-finished will expand your space while brightening it. The glass wardrobe eliminates the need for a dresser. Other beautiful options for more fascinating wardrobe designs include partially mirrored, partially lacquered, wholly mirrored, and vintage glass closets.

We invite you to schedule a design consultation with VMS Trade Link in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Plenty of options will satisfy all your organising, aesthetics, and proper storage requirements. We have interior experts who will gladly share our expertise with you. Despite the numerous designs available, you may still require assistance, and we are happy to offer it. We can help you choose the right size and design for your desired glass wardrobe.

So, call us today. We will happily entertain your queries, regardless of whichever glass wardrobe design you require. 

[thesimplyluxuriouslife]

365: How to Have Good Taste when it Comes to Décor, inspired by interior designer Heidi Caillier's Memories of Home

"Our world is dominated by algorithms — by data collection that steers us toward a limited set of products and designers who have paid for the privilege of coming up first in our search. The result is that our taste has gotten . . . only more homogeneous, more limited." —Rachel Tashjian, style contributor to The Washington Post, in her article Whatever Happened to Having Taste?

The primary reason I wanted to begin with this quote is because the reality is all too real: good taste is often hard to find, and much of it has to do with remaining inside the box. Often this 'box' is the one we see frequently on Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok.

Enter interior designer Heidi Caillier, someone who didn't and doesn't play by the rules of social media, who didn't follow the trends, and trusted her own voice and eye.

To walk into a home curated by someone with exquisite taste, time seems to vanish, and the primary emotions one feels are comfort, awe and appreciation even if we don't know at all how they did it. Somehow, it all just works. A symphony of hues, textures, pieces, and details that appear as though they just belong together to welcome the residents of the sanctuary home each time they cross the threshold.

I remember seeing interior designer Heidi Caillier's work for the first time. It was the cover story of Rue Magazine in 2019. Caillier had designed a Seattle cottage guided by the charming Scandinavian aesthetic - simple, yet cozy, unique, yet functional, and with thoughtful touches of vintage to create a feeling of nostalgia. I became even more intrigued when I saw her work on a handful of Arts & Crafts houses both in California, Oregon and across the country on the east coast. Heidi was speaking my language (she embraces wallpaper!), as she incorporated the aesthetics that reminded me of English country with modern sensibilities for living well and thoughtfully. Check out a few of the homes here (one of my favorites - the kitchen!), here and here. And her entire portfolio here.

As Caillier is also someone who lives in the Pacific Northwest, in Tacoma, Washington, part of my intrigue was her home base as rarely had I seen an interior designer from PNW that has their own aesthetic that wasn't wed to the stereotypical Portland or Seattle modern trends that never quite captured my definition of timelessness or comfort, or even warmth. With delight and immediate appreciation, I began following her on Instagram as she share glimpses into her projects as they begin, are in progress and eventually are completed. As she shares in her new book, just released on September 5th, Memories of Home, the portfolio shared in the pages of the book tells stories that are "nostalgic, romantic, creative, playful but sophisticated, and so incredibly comforting." All the boxes in my ideal of a sanctuary are ticked with that sentence, and indeed each home showcased demonstrates her objectives have met their desired results with each client's home shared, including her own.

As timing would have it, the topic of good taste, and the seeming lack thereof arose this month in an article written by style contributor to The Washington Post Rachel Tashjian, as I was pouring through the pages of Heidi's new book, it became immediately clear she understands and brings forth good taste in each of her homes, but how does one do that? Even if we don't hire someone or are unable to work with the talent and expert Heidi provides, how do we curate a home, and in very much the same way, curate a wardrobe and a life that is not guided by algorithms? Well, I think that question in and of itself is a great place to start. Let's take a look at eight key aspects of curating good taste when it comes to our décor.

Tune in to the latest episode of The Simple Sophisticate podcast

[maudeboggins]

Love this woman’s look in Anchors Aweigh. I believe the actress is Lottie Harrison.

[mumplaysthesims]

Sims 4 Legacy Challenge ROYAL EDITION

Adapted from “The Legacy Challenge Lite”

Welcome to the Sims 4 Legacy Challenge - Royal Edition!

I could never seem to find a challenge that I could use to play out a Royal-themed challenge to my liking. The original Legacy Challenge provided the best guidelines with enough restrictions to make it challenging, not so many that it was overly complicated, and enough relevance that it could be adapted for Royalty.

There are actually two versions of this challenge. I decided to use the “Lite” version, as I was not interested in Scoring (but the link to that, if that’s something that interests you, is below.)

The rules of the original Sims 4 Legacy Challenge Lite follow after the Royal Perks I’ve added to this challenge. I’ve struck out anything I felt like didn’t add to the challenge or made it hard to keep Royal-themed. 

If you like this challenge and play along, I’d love to read your stories! Tag your posts with #Sims 4 Royal Legacy #Royal Legacy Challenge or #Keep Calm and Sim On so we can see what everyone’s Royal Families are up to!

Now, the fun part…

Royal Perks

Your founders may begin their lives in a palace as elaborate as you wish! Create the Royal home of your dreams - no budget is necessary! You may only use ‘motherlode’ while building your palace; once the challenge begins, this cheat is no longer allowed. You may use any Lot Traits you like, but think about which would best suit this challenge. The palace may be in any neighbourhood (ie. the Kingdom), and your Royal Family may interact with anyone in the game (ie. all worlds.)

You may create, download and/or move-in commoners, Nobility, other Royal families into your Kingdom but you MUST NOT PLAY THEM. You may only play a Sim once they are moved into your palace (ie. when they are married into the family.)

The challenge begins once your founder(s) move in to the Palace. You must set their money to §50,000. This is the last time you may adjust Simoleons. 

Your founder may be male or female (or X, for that matter) and single or married. They must not have any children. (Laws regarding Succession are below.) You may title them appropriately (King/Queen, Duke/Duchess, Prince/Princess.)

You may have as many children as you like! (Keep in mind your home’s capacity of 8. You may not be able to move through the generations as quickly if you have a lot of children.) Butlers and Nannies are allowed - in fact, they are encouraged! This is your chance to live an extravagant life!

Children and teens must attend school as normal. Heirs/spares may also attend University, if they choose. They must pay their tuition in full, without taking a student loan. It can be completed full- or part-time. The heir MAY NOT move into student housing, as they must always remain on the lot. The spares may go away for University, but must return to the Palace. 

When your Sim is the head of the family (ie. King/Queen) they MAY NOT hold a job. Their only job is to reign over their land. The heir (and spares) may hold a job while they are in line-to-the-throne, but once they ascend, they must quit. The jobs your Royals may have are limited to:

Freelancer Writer

Painter

Trendsetter

Photographer

Charity Organizer

Internet Personality 

Environmental Manager

Botanist

Military

During their lives, each generation must host the following three social events*:

Coronation - the Official crowning of the King/Queen. Plan this as a “Black and White Bash.” A solemn event - may take place on or off Palace grounds (typically, in a cathedral or the like.) The dress code is White Tie. Children are typically not invited. 

Royal Wedding - must take place in a church/religious establishment/civic building and have a full reception of 20 guests. Plan this as a “Wedding.” The dress code is Black Tie. You must be engaged first and may not elope. Children may be invited. 

State Dinner - this is an occasion for the Royal Family to show off their kingdom! This event must take place at the Palace. Plan this as a “Dinner Party.” The dress code is Black or White tie. The guest list must be full, however, it is limited to other Royals, Nobility and Celebrities. No children allowed. 

*Other than your founders, who are only responsible for one State Dinner, and one wedding if they begin unmarried. They have technically already been crowned, and thus do not need to have a Coronation. 

The guest list must always be set at the maximum (so make lots of friends quickly!) and you must hire a caterer, mixologist and entertainer. You must achieve at minimum Bronze level to count the party. If it was unsuccessful, you must throw another.

These events may occur in any order - it will depend on your storyline - however, the State Dinner must be thrown by the King/Queen when they are reigning. 

Well, that’s all for the Royal Perks! Below are the rest of the rules for the standard Legacy Challenge. 

Keep Calm and Sim On!

Legacy Challenge Official Website

https://simslegacychallenge.com/the-legacy-challenge-lite/

Getting Started

Your challenge begins in Create-A-Sim (CAS.) There, you must design your founder. Your founder can be just about anything you want (they can even be an alien!) You can pick whatever aspiration you want for them and give them whatever traits you want. Pick out their gender, wardrobe, body shape and color, and even incorporate any custom content or mods. The ONLY two rules are that they must be of the Young Adult age, and they must be the only person in the household.

Take extra care when giving them their name, especially their last name, as many future Sims will have that as part of their name, so make it a good one!

Gender Law

The first component is Gender. You must pick one of the following options:

Matriarchy: The Founder must be female. Only girls are eligible to be named heir unless there are no female children, at which point boys become eligible for that generation.

Strict Matriarchy: The Founder must be female. Only girls are eligible to be named heir. Male children cannot, under any circumstance, ever be the heir to the next generation.

Patriarchy: The Founder must be male. Only boys are eligible to be named heir unless there are no male children, at which point girls become eligible for that generation.

Strict Patriarchy: The Founder must be male. Only boys are eligible to be named heir. Female children cannot, under any circumstance, ever be the heir to the next generation.

Equality: The Founder may be of either gender. Both boys and girls are eligible for the title of heir.

Strict Equality: The founder may be of either gender. However, only children of the opposite gender to the founder are eligible to be named heir. This repeats itself for the next generation (the next heir must be a different gender than the previous heir) so that each generation will have alternating-genders as heirs.

Bloodline Law

The Second Component is Bloodline law. You must pick from one of these options:

Strict Traditional: To be eligible to be named heir, a child must be naturally born from their previous-generation parents and be able to trace an unbroken bloodline back to the founder. Adopted children may never be named heir.

Traditional: Children who are naturally born from the previous generation are eligible to be named heir. Adopted children are ineligible to be named heir unless there are no naturally born children, at which point they become eligible for that generation.

Modern: Both Naturally born and adopted children are eligible to be named heir.

Foster: Children who are adopted are eligible to be named heir. Naturally born children are not eligible to be named heir unless there are no adopted children, at which point they become eligible for that generation.

Strict Foster: Only Children who are adopted are eligible for the title of heir. Naturally born children may never be heir.

The Gender Law and Bloodline Law serve as a sort of ‘qualifying’ round. If either law names a child as ineligible, then they cannot gain the title of heir. However, just because a child is eligible to be named heir according to Gender and Bloodline laws, doesn’t mean they WILL be the heir. The third category actually picks the heir.

Heir Law

The third Category is the Heir Selection Law. You must choose from the following options:

First Born: The oldest, by order of joining the family, eligible living child is named heir.

Last Born: The youngest, by order of joining the family, eligible living child is named heir.

Living Will: The eligible child with the highest friendly relationship score with their previous-generation’s parent will be named heir.

Merit: The child with the most fully completed aspirations will be named heir. If there is a tie, the child with the highest level in a single skill will become heir from among the children who are tied.

Strength: The first born eligible child becomes heir by default… but the tile can be forcefully taken from them if an eligible sibling beats them in a fight. That sibling may have their title taken (or taken back) if they lose a fight to another eligible sibling.

Random: The title of heir is randomly selected from the pool of all eligible children. Every time the eligible pool changes size, the heir must be re-rolled using the new pool.

Exemplar: At the beginning of the challenge, name a single trait. This trait must be one of your founder’s three traits. Any eligible heir that has this trait will gain the title of heir. If a single generation has no children with this trait follow the First Born rule. If more than one child has the Exemplar trait then the oldest child WITH the trait will be the heir.

Democracy: This rule may be used if you are displaying your Legacy Challenge in some public way. Either via Let’s Play, Livestream, blog or other format where people can leave comment. The heir is chosen by your viewers/readers from among the pool of eligible heirs.

Magical Bloodline: Choose the heir by whoever has the strongest magical bloodline trait. If there is no magical bloodline trait (ie in the earlier generations) then the law defaults to first born until magic is introduced to the family. If multiple potential heirs have the same level of magical trait, choose the oldest one.

Magical Strength: Similar to the Strength law above, this one requires two or more potential heirs to have a magical duel. Whoever wins the duel, is the new heir.

Children

Regardless of your succession law, you may always introduce children into your family via pregnancy or adoption. Bloodline law will determine which are eligible to be heirs. (With the addition of The Sims 4 Get to Work alien babies can also be brought into the family via abduction.) Children may only be adopted as infants. You may not adopt if there are any infants (natural born or adopted) living in the house at the time and must wait for them to grow to toddlers before adopting a new one. You may rename the baby, and it is recommended (but not required) that you change their last name to the Legacy Family’s name.

Regardless of their status, when an infant ages up into a toddler, you must roll for their toddler trait (and later their aspiration and their first trait using the calculator found here when they become a child.) Be sure to put the traits of the two parents (even for adopted children) in the calculator because the algorithm it uses factors those in when generating random traits for the children. When the child grows into a teenager, you consult the calculator again for their adult aspiration and their second trait. Finally the calculator will be used to generate the third trait upon reaching young adulthood.

There is an option here to generate both aspirations and all three traits for a sim at once, though the proper method is to wait until the Sim ages up. And remember- No re-rolling! One of the hallmarks of this challenge is getting randomly generated children so you should keep the good with the bad. Since the traits of the parents have an influence on the traits of their children, you can try to engineer children by selecting spouses with desirable traits, but this is no guarantee.

You are allowed to use fruit and/or music to influence the gender of an unborn child, should you choose to do so.

Gameplay Rules

No cheats/hacks/mods that give you an advantage in the challenge over someone that does not use them (ie. no “motherlode” or “kaching” to get more money.)

No restarting the game after bad events. You must let them play out.

You may not move or merge in other Sims into the Legacy Family with the exception of partners/spouses. 

The Legacy Family must remain on the same lot for the duration of the challenge (this does not include vacations.) They are free (and encouraged) to develop their house but they may not move into a new house. Rooms may be imported into the house from the exchange as long as the family pays full price for the construction and items contained within.

A Sim may utilize an anti-aging item ONCE in their lifetime.

You may not change a Sim’s current aspiration. The exception is when they fully complete an aspiration. When that happens, you may choose their new aspiration, as long as it is not one they’ve already completed.

You may not bring a Sim back from the dead once the reaper has taken them. You MAY plead with the reaper in order to save a recently dead Sim.

You may not move/marry out the sim who currently holds the title of “Heir.” All of the other children in that generation (known as ‘spares’) may move or marry out. Once a sim moves out, they are ineligible to be heir, even if conditions change that might make them the rightful heir.

When playing a Legacy Challenge, your legacy family is the ONLY family you may play in that saved game. You MAY move in new families into the neighbourhood during your challenge (keeping in mind that they can be used for friends, but not spouses) but you may not play them.

You must use the Random Trait Generator to get traits and aspirations for all children born/adopted into the family.

Scoring

https://simslegacychallenge.com/sims-4-legacy-challenge-rules-scoring-bulletpoint-format/

[liunaticfringe]

(via Lucy Liu's Independent Woman - Interview Magazine)

There have been many great sidekick pairings in the history of modern literature. Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, Phileas Fogg and Jean Passepartout, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet…the list goes on. Yet, it seems there has never been a delightfully tumultuous relationship that comes close to echoing the one embodied by rogue detective Sherlock Holmes and his faithful friend and assistant Dr. John Watson. Written in the form of short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the opium-den loving Holmes would terrorize London with his intellectual, astute, and stubborn prowess, with Dr. Watson providing medical expertise and chronicling their entertaining exploits along the way.

Doyle’s works have now long been entered into the public domain, with many film and television adaptions cropping up every few years. Still, when CBS announced in 2012 that it would be turning Doyle’s works into an hour-long crime-drama series titled Elementary, it elicited an unusually high response—this was mostly due to the news that a woman would, in fact, be portraying Watson. Her name would be Joan, not John. And she’s now a fallen from grace surgeon-turned-sober companion and private detective, forfeiting her “Dr.” title in the process. The woman chosen to take on this exciting, contemporary role of Joan Watson was none other than seasoned actress Lucy Liu.

Liu, who’s best known for her roles as a fierce and ill-mannered lawyer in Ally McBeal, an ass-kicking “angel” in the rebooted Charlie’s Angels, and an equally ass-kicking bad girl in the Kill Bill series, certainly provides the yin to the yang of Jonny Lee Miller’s gritty portrayal of Holmes. Elementary chronicles the duo’s relationship as they consult for the NYPD on various criminal cases while living in a shared brownstone in Brooklyn Heights. Initially starting off in Season One as a substance-free friend to the fresh-out-of-rehab Holmes with a keen interest in solving crimes, Watson quickly transformed into a sharp and observant right-hand woman who now clearly has the aptitude to work on her own. And it appears she’ll be doing just that—the end of Season Two left viewers witnessing Watson’s decision to move out of the brownstone and start a new career as a solo private detective, seemingly fed-up with Holmes’ erratic behavior.

The warm and delightful Liu recently called up Interview from her home in New York City to discuss Elementary’s upcoming third season.

DEVON IVIE: Were you on set today?

LUCY LIU: I was running around like a maniac, yeah. It’s beautiful today, it started getting a little bit cooler again. But of course I’ve been bitten by the two mosquitos that are still alive in New York City.

IVIE: I know you were recently at New York Comic Con. How was it?

LIU: It was amazing. It’s such a spectator place. Not only do you get super fans, but you also get people who are curious and inventive and imaginative. It’s fun.

IVIE: Did you run into any cosplayers dressed as Joan Watson?

LIU: Oh, no, I don’t know about that. That’s funny! We did a panel with a huge audience so I couldn’t really see if anyone was wearing anything specific, but it’s an excuse for kids and adults to get dressed up and just be crazy. You know you’ve made it when you have super-fans out there.

IVIE: When you first read the scripts for Elementary, what was it that attracted you to the role of Joan?

LIU: I liked the fact that it was going to be about [Joan and Sherlock’s] relationship and their friendship, and bringing that into modern times. And I thought it was wonderful to change up the gender.

IVIE: Did you immerse yourself in Arthur Conan Doyle’s work as preparation at all?

LIU: I did, I did! I started reading the short stories. I never read them before so it was a really great excuse to read them. I can’t believe it was written so long ago, because it’s so current. The characters are so colorful, which is why I think there are so many incarnations of Watson and Holmes.

IVIE: Do you have a favorite story? I love “A Scandal in Bohemia.”

LIU: There were some pretty amazing stories. The one that stood out to me, which was a Watson story that I got to know him a little more through, was “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” He really is on his own in that. Of course it turns out that Holmes has been there all along, but it’s interesting looking into his interior.

IVIE: Yeah, the entirety of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is narrated just by Watson. And his diary and letters, too.

LIU: Yeah, I think it’s really cool. We started incorporating that into the show, too, the letters and journals.

IVIE: Has this detective genre always appealed to you? Did you grow up watching or reading detective whodunits?

LIU: I remember more of the old school Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys sort of thing. I also grew up with the Scooby-Doo mysteries. Remember when the villain would go, “I would’ve gotten away with it if it weren’t for you rascal-y kids!” Those were the kind of the things I immersed myself in. I have to say that my mother has always been a huge fan of Columbo and Murder, She Wrote, so this show was her dream come true. I don’t think she totally understood what was going on with Ally McBeal. [laughs]

IVIE: I’ve enjoyed witnessing Joan’s evolution throughout the course of the show, starting off as a sober companion and eventually ending up as a trusty sidekick and confidant to Sherlock. What can we expect from Joan in Season Three?

LIU: When you see them in the third season, you see some friction between the two characters. Joan is now on her own, she has her own detective agency, has a boyfriend, and has been without Sherlock for eight months. She’s got her own apartment, she’s settled, and he shows back up. I think she’s a little bit hurt by what happened and how their relationship and partnership ended, which was basically his decision and his choice, and he left it all in one little note for her. I think she felt that their relationship was much deeper than that, and that he was dismissive in the way that he handled that.

IVIE: How would you define the relationship between Joan and Sherlock?

LIU: I think that it’s a really positive and good relationship, overall. They really have a good chemistry together, work really hard together, and understand each other. They acknowledge each other and respect each other, which is a really important way to have a friendship. And they can learn from each other, you know? She’s very curious about him and I think he sees that she’s a very smart person—that’s vital for him in having respect for someone, having them be intelligent and thinking for themselves.

IVIE: Do you see any of Joan in yourself?

LIU: I do to a certain degree. She’s a lot more measured and patient, for sure. She’s a very curious person, which I think I am, and I think she isn’t afraid of change. She was a doctor, and then became a sober companion, and then jumped off and became a detective. I think sometimes it’s good to make big leaps.

IVIE: You’ve probably been asked this question many times, but do you think a romance between Joan and Sherlock could ever fittingly happen?

LIU: It’s a question that’s often asked and I think it’s really up to the executives. Rob Doherty, the creator [of Elementary] really feels incredibly strongly about keeping their relationship platonic. He has already taken great strides to keep the relationship as clean as possible according to the literature, but he has also changed so much of it by changing the gender of Watson. To have them have a romantic involvement would turn the whole thing upside-down in a way that might really jump the line. [Doherty] felt really strongly about it and I think that’s the one thing he really wants to stay true to.

IVIE: I totally agree. Even on the BBC’s Sherlock, there are campaigns to get Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock and Martin Freeman’s Watson to become romantically involved. It’s like, enough already, no!

LIU: No way, that’s so weird! People do have that level of friendship oftentimes, but it doesn’t mean it’s physical. I think that everyone just assumes because there’s chemistry the next thing should be happening. I would vote “no” for a romance. I think for sure the creator would vote no on that, too.

IVIE: I’ve talked to both women and men who watch Elementary, and they all consistently mention how well dressed and fashionable Joan is. Do you collaborate with the wardrobe department on styling decisions at all?

LIU: That’s awesome. Yes, I collaborate with Rebecca [Hofherr], who’s the costume designer, who’s wonderful. She’s very easy to work with. One thing we try to maintain about Joan and her style is that she’s a bit wrinkled, you know what I mean? Sometimes it looks like things are really put together, but we always want to make sure things aren’t too tight and are comfortable, kind of like she throws things together. We don’t want it to seem so business-y, so we go away from suits. Chic, but not corporate. Also just to make her seem like her outfits aren’t so put-together all the time. But I’m glad that people really seem to like it, it’s a relief! We don’t splurge a lot on the show, we try to do cheaper things, like things Joan would wear a lot. She wears the same white jacket and shoes frequently.

IVIE: Will we be seeing more of the infamous Clyde the Turtle in the upcoming season?

LIU: Clyde will indeed be in it again. We have to share custody of Clyde.

IVIE: Is it true that Clyde is actually two tortoises? Pulling a Mary Kate and Ashley in Full House on us?

LIU: Yes. It’s just like having twins on a show. Just in case one is crying and screaming and passed out or something.

IVIE: You made your directorial debut for an episode of Elementary last season [“Paint It Black”]. Do you have plans to direct an episode again soon?

LIU: That was so exciting. I’ll be directing another episode again very shortly in December, so you’ll be seeing it in a month and a half.

IVIE: Where did your interest in directing come from?

LIU: I guess I was curious about it. Having been in this business for a while, you kind of see and get a glimpse of everything doing film and television. I think it seemed like a natural progression to go into directing, and I hope to explore more of it, because it’s very exciting and a really good way to collide all the things that you’ve known and experienced in the business and put them all into one.

IVIE: Is there an ideal guest star that you’d like to see on the show in the upcoming season?

LIU: I would love to see Mycroft come back. I really think there was a wonderful tension for Mycroft and Sherlock as well as the triangle that occurred when Joan became involved with him. There’s something very deep about that relationship, and I also think that Rhys Ifans is a fantastic actor. He commands the screen, but off-screen he’s incredibly lovely. A real treat to have on the show.

IVIE: I remember the first few episodes that I saw Rhys in, I was like, where have I seen this guy before? So I looked at his Wikipedia page and it became obvious: he was the crazy guy from Notting Hill!

LIU: Yes, the roommate! So good! Everything he does, he just kills it, no matter the role.

IVIE: And it’s always good to have some MI6 action on the show, which Mycroft provided. Some international flair.

LIU: [laughs] International flair, exactly, some added spice. Just throw some spy stuff in there to throw people off their game. You just don’t expect it, you know? It came out of nowhere.

IVIE: That whole three-episode arc at the end of the second season…

LIU: That was awesome. I was lucky enough to direct one of those episodes, which is more narrative in tone. It’s more fun in some ways, too.

IVIE: You’ve done a range of acting work for both television and film. Do you now find yourself preferring one to the other?

LIU: I love both of them equally. The lack of predictability with television is something that’s constantly changing what your perception of who you think your character is. Suddenly I have a father that’s schizophrenic, or I discovered something else, or I have a relationship with Mycroft. The things that pop up and change the game for you and always keep you on your toes. The wonderful thing about film is that you have something that has a beginning, middle, and end, and you have a concrete amount of time to shoot it. And the process of that can be longer, like editing and advertising and testing the movie, so it’s very different. Television you just continue going, no matter what’s happening outside of your world. You get lost in that vortex a little bit.

IVIE: It’s interesting that America is now embracing the “mini-series” format that has already been so heavily utilized overseas, where there are a set amount of short episodes, and that’s it. In a way, it’s kind of like a cinematic experience.

LIU: I like that, too. It allows you to have a freedom of creativity and at the same time you don’t feel like you have to be contracted to something for that long; you’re really working on a piece of art. And then you’re done and you move on, or it comes back, like Downton Abbey. You don’t know. Those things become little masterpieces. The thing about television is that you see a range of actors now that you may not have seen five years ago even, 10 years ago absolutely not, and I think now there’s no wrong about doing television. There’s no definitive category for what kind of department you fall into anymore.

IVIE: What’s a fun, secret fact about your costar Jonny Lee Miller?

LIU: A fun fact about Jonny Lee Miller is that he oftentimes does handstands on a wall before he does a take, sometimes with pushups, to get blood to his brain and get him geared up for a long monologue that he may have. He stays there, hangs a little bit, and then turns around and does the scene. Most of the time in the brownstone more than anywhere else. He’s in full costume and everything. That’s trivia!

IVIE: I wish I could do wall-handstands by myself.

LIU: Oh my god, I need someone to push my legs up and then hold me there. I’m a cheat!

ELEMENTARY PREMIERES THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 ON CBS.

[amphtaminedreams]

Spring/Summer & Haute Couture Week 2021: Whoops, I’ve Missed a Loooot

Hi to anyone reading,

Where TF has the time gone!?

After experiencing the longest January of all time (when your birthday is right after New Year, you get that between Boxing Day before NYE slump like a couple of weeks after everyone else), February has gone by in, like, 5 minutes and already we’re well into the throes of the F/W 2021 collection presentations. Meanwhile, I’m here like! Surprise! Here are my reviews of the S/S 2021 collections if anybody still cares! I mean I’m mashing it up with corresponding haute couture week reviews to fool everyone into thinking that doing it so many months later was intentional and it was totally working right up until this sentence, right?

In all fairness, I originally thought that I wasn’t going to bother reviewing S/S21 because it seemed kinda redundant given the circumstances and I wasn’t keen on the idea of collections being showcased via photo sets which is the route so many brands chose to (understandably) go down. Buuuut, the more I saw of what designers had put out there, the more I was tempted to put this post together and now here I am. The fact that designers are even able to churn pieces out during a pandemic when I’m out here like 0__0 no thoughts, head empty...it’s impressive to say the least, especially the way so many used the circumstances to inform their designs. In a way, it would be a disservice not to do a post on the season, and yeah it’s late, but given that it we are actually about to enter spring and the shows are kind of the deciders of what’s going to be “in” and “out”, they’re more relevant than ever. With plans for our way out of lockdown materialising-now is the perfect time to add that I don’t want ANYONE suddenly developing selective amnesia over how our government has failed us now that Boris has announced when the clubs COULD reopen-let this post serve as a roundup of every bit of inspiration available for our spring fits. I also want to use this opportunity to disclose how irritated I am at myself for starting the previous fashion week reviews post by declaring I was going to work through the designers in chronological order when I meant fucking alphabetical because I now can’t go back and change that. So this time, let me start properly. I’m going to be reviewing the collections in ALPHABETICAL order. Now that’s out the way, let’s do it. First, Acne:

It’s so great to start on a high, it really is, and fortunately Acne is reliably good. It’s still got that deconstructed, minimalist feel that the brand is known for but for the summer season; we can see creative director Jonny Johansson and his team moving away from the heavier pieces we saw last time round, away from upcycled bohemian curtains and towards a breezier, more season appropriate aesthetic, boujee kaftans and swimwear rebelliously hacked up and artfully rearranged, and it feels correct. The net pieces, the beachy colour palette, the oil spill-esque print (though this represents an intruder of the marine ecosystem, as a print I loveee it and 100% want more!) and the accessories, reminiscent of shells, coral and anything else you might find on the seabed, give me a hipster mermaid washed ashore vibe which completely fits with that rugged, mysterious sense of Nordic folklore references and adventure the brand has established as its foundation. If it’s a nod to some kind of new age cult that Johansson was going for, which apparently is the case, I’m guessing said cult worship sea goddesses and perform pagan rituals on the beach by moonlight, and though indoctrination doesn’t sound at all inviting, it's a party compared to scientology.

The chiffon trousers here are actually chic and seeing them styled under a blazer makes me realise done right they CAN be more than just a PrettyLittleThing summer sale piece, so I’ll store that away for outfit inspo when the time to get rid of some layers comes around. The glasses, too, are very Gucci. Flip flops with socks I don’t think I can ever come round to but-

Whilst it was a favourite of mine last season and it sticks to that same bohemian vibe with a lot of the elements I love, Ferretti lacks a little oomph this time round; it’s more stripped back, neutral, easy-going, and it is lovely, but for those same reasons it doesn’t grab my attention as much as the past couple of collections have. If you’re an influencer wanting to shoot a Joshua Tree desert lookbook this is sublime, but compared to the flair I saw in their last winter show, for example, there’s something lacking.

I’m very glad to see neutral coloured boiler suits on the runway, however; I snagged myself one off Depop the other week so I might be unintentionally ahead of the curve for once! The crochet detail dresses are nice too but very much remind me of past Zimmerman collections, or an Ermanno Scervino grab for the most high street friendly parts of Erdem SS2020, something along those lines. What I’m trying to say is that it’s definitely been there done that, even by Ferretti themselves and not in a continuity kinda way, in a kinda…this is basic and pretty so we know it will sell kinda way.

Eurgh, I wanna be one of these Alessandra Rich girls so bad.

I end up repeating myself every single time because I always love her collections but really, this is what a high fashion novice thinks Chanel is. Alessandra Rich outsold. As much as her dresses have looked amazing on people like Kate Middleton and January Jones, I’m just waiting for one of the modern it-girls to take the nostalgia-tinged femininity of her pieces and put some kind of daring, street-style twist on it; if that doesn’t happen I’ll gladly take 5 minutes of fame so I can do it before fading back into obscurity. Let me fulfil my modern first lady fantasy, reenact the croquet scene from Heathers, drape myself on a chaise lounge whilst smoking with a cigarette holder, and then throw me back into the trash where I belong. I can die happy. Also, can we once again appreciate how much more iconic the Alessandra Rich two piece made the already moment Dakota Johnson singlehandedly brought down the Ellen dynasty?

Dakota knew exactly what she was gonna do and the energy that she was gonna channel when she wore that piece and I admire it. Alessandra Rich, if nothing else, will go down as a key moment in pop culture history, and you know what? It’s what she deserves.

Whilst I do wish she’d branch out a little and try and get back in touch with the dark drama of old McQueen collections now and again, Sarah Burton has made a very recognisable Alexander McQueen silhouette and it’s beautiful; this season is gorgeous as always. A leather biker and tulle affair that’s perfect for a grunge ballet, it’s easy to avoid lamenting the excitement and theatrics of old collections when Sarah creates such consistently sophisticated pieces. Stunning.

Now, a quick haute couture detour with Alexandre Vauthier:

Compared to other haute couture collections, this is pretty toned down and by appearances alone (I know haute couture is more about meeting technical requirements more than anything else but there is a level of grandiose you expect to see) is more like a RTW collection than its counterparts. That being the case, I don’t have a huge amount to say about this one, though I do really like it-the ruched metallic boots especially. The Studio 54 vibes and the glam rock influences are clear and a lot of these pieces could definitely make it into Lady Gaga’s AHS Hotel wardrobe which is a compliment of the highest order, so there ya go. Plus, if a collection IS gonna be presented through stills, a format like this is preferable to some of the others I’m gonna talk about. There may be more exciting ways of doing it but simple allows us to see the clothes properly and at the end of the day, that’s what I care about the most!

Heading back to good ole’ RTW, we have Altuzarra; I wasn’t hugely keen on their last collection but this is definitely a step up for me and justifies keeping them on my radar. Though in some ways this seems like less of a summer collection and more of a late winter/early spring transitional one on the basis it can’t seem to decide which temperature its catering to, there’s a lot to like: a colour palette that reminds me of a Dion Lee collection, harnesses evocative of those sprinkled throughout the last few Alexander McQueen shows, and more of the utility wear trend that I’m still very much into nicely contrasted against lighter, airier pieces for an overall fresh, modern vibe. The interpretive dancewear style pieces are interesting and the woven platform sandals are the shoe of the summer but the white shirt with the cape incorporated is definitely the high point of this show and I absolutely adore it.

Anna Sui was actually pretty cute this time round. Her pieces have always been kooky, but in the past a little too lairy and occasionally cheap-looking for me. This collection, however, is kooky in more of a Melanie Martinez styled baby doll kinda way, as opposed to in an eccentric Bjork loving aunt whose idea of heaven is an all-must-go Primark sale kinda way (I know some people are going to vehemently disagree with my aesthetic preference there) and I love that. There seems to be a lot more creative direction going on, a much clearer vision of what Sui wanted to achieve, and yes a few of the looks went a bit too hard on the cookie cutter vibes but on the whole, they were more edited than usual; it seems Sui actually paid attention to the “take one thing off before you leave the house” rule this time. The staging is the perfect compliment to the doily style bucket hats and the sandals paired with frilly socks, and really adds to the whimsy of the collection, and as a whole, it really reminds me a lot of the way my mum would dress me as a toddler but styled up for a grown adult. Cute AF.

Armani RTW I was pleasantly surprised by, considering I don’t usually rate it. It’s a cool, androgynous take on retro shapes and styles that’s simultaneously fit for the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Strong 2021 Peggy Olsen vibes, and a bit muted Lacoste-I can 100% imagine Elisabeth Moss as Peggy swanning around in one of those huge minimalist houses with the floor to ceiling windows after a long day at work, though we’ll switch the cigarette for a vape because...you know...welcome to the future. And sure, maybe the vision is slightly influenced by THAT scene from Us, but whatever. As for the men’s wear, if I have to look through an endless gallery of straight white men in plain ass suits every time I do some kind of red carpet fashion review, I at least hope they’re wearing Armani. I need me some impeccable tailoring to soften the blow.

I do wonder, however, how the clothes would look on plus size models. I feel like it’s a collection that’s very catered to a person who is straight up and down, and it feels like a bit of an easy cop out not to have any kind of versatility. Say what you want about Christian Siriano but he caters to all body types very well.

I actually quite liked Armani’s haute couture collection too; the pops of colour and the intricate embroidery give me what I’ll later talk about missing from Valentino haute couture. There were still some of the frumpier pieces that I usually associate Armani with but also a lot of Great Gatsby-esque looks that I really enjoyed.

Returning to RTW, Ashish was amazing. I LOVE that there’s always some kind of unique print (this time round, kitschy illustrations) and whilst a whole maxi swan print dress may not be the most wearable for the majority of us, Ashish Gupta does bold and innovative really well. There were a few boring striped pieces in there but I adore the one shouldered butterfly print dress and I NEED that Hail Satan jumper; it reminds me a lot of something by sustainable fashion brand Minga, which is one of my absolute fave websites to buy from when I’m treating myself to some new clothes.

Azarro’s haute couture collection is full of supreme awards show afterparty fits, and I was shook to find out that Olivier Theyskens is the brand’s creative director! My newfound obsession with his pieces really had me like :O when I realised he was behind Azarro too. I loved their collection last time round, though this I’m finding a bit harder to give much analysis on because of the way it’s shot; whilst it could be a YSL perfume Vogue ad, which is obviously far from a bad thing, it comes at the cost of lacking visual clarity. That being said, from what I can see, Theyskens once again masterfully channels the wardrobe of the effortlessly cool, messy haired, smudged eye make up rock ‘n roll girl, and I think that’s someone we all want to be.

Balenciaga RTW was an interesting one for me-on first inspection, I was kinda disappointed. Without the usual drama of the bold, exaggerated silhouettes and the theatrical production of their shows, I felt it was missing a bit of the magic I’ve come to expect from them. The streetwear elements infused throughout, a departure from their typical pieces, was very hit and miss; the shearling slip-ons in particular were not my thing at all. I’d be admiring some beautiful gothic dress and then my eyes would slide down and see those monstrosities and it would bring the whole thing down a notch or two, despite bad shoes being something I can typically overlook if I otherwise enjoy the rest of the outfit. My initial conclusion: that the Balenciaga Myrtle Snow would choose as her last words this collection.

However, upon re-evaluation when typing this post up properly and knowing what to expect, I like the collection a lot. I’m getting a bit of a Seoul streetwear vibe from it, and I can appreciate that although it is a lot more trend focussed, it’s got an edgy, daring quality to it, with a lot of androgynous, utility wear elements on show. I loveee the Balenciaga chokers too and in my wildest dreams would get my hands on one before it goes the way of the Gucci belt and gets overdone and flaunted by social media influencers as a show of wealth to the point of tackiness.

At Balmain the sculpted body armour made a comeback but on this occasion, not in a way that I liked, and there war far too many neons for my taste too. No matter how many times it rears its ugly head, I find it hard to get on board because as a colour palette I can’t help but associate with Claire’s Accessories circa 2007-it has to be SO well done to avoid looking cheap, imo, and these Balmain pieces weren’t good enough for me to go against that gut aversion. A collection with 100+ looks isn’t usually a good sign and expecting Olivier Rousteing to achieve the impossible and manage to do both quality and quantity is a recipe for disaster; it’s a shame because his last collection was so original and yet this one feels like a cheaper looking rip off of other brands. It was just a bawdy display of 80s overkill IMO and if I can only find 8 outfits to include out of 100 that’s clearly not a good sign.

Bottega Veneta is a brand that the high fashion side of the internet loves that I can never 100% get on board with; I get it, they’re behind the gorgeous square toed heels, but other than that none of their collections have ever really wowed me. The chunky knitted pieces are very Miu Miu style futuristic grandma chic and as someone on the cusp of being either a millennial or gen Z (depending on which website you visit) it’s got me outfit planning for my retirement years. Utilising so much wool for a summer collection, however, seems like a choice because can you IMAGINE wearing a heavy knit in blazing sun; I almost didn’t include the collection to be honest but then every so often something really cute came long, and one of the signature crisp, classic BV pieces would be done well and so I felt I had to. Am I missing something given all the hype here? IDK tbh.

Burberry? Meh. You could also call this collection how many ways can I do a trench coat, with results of differing quality; occasionally the mix match of styles worked and I saw the deconstructed outerwear concept that Ricardo Tisci was presumably trying to go for, though it can’t come as much of a surprise that the combination of a trench, denim and leather jacket was mostly just messy and came off as a last ditch attempt to make the classic coat more interesting by just chucking other fabrics at it and seeing what stuck.

One thing I will say is that there were some really sick prints going on-the snakes in particular-and it was those prints that were really the saving grace of the collection; as I said with regards to Ashish, I like it when you can tell a brand has gone out of their way to experiment with patterns and actually incorporate illustration and graphic design into their pieces. Prints notwithstanding, though, it wasn’t a memorable collection and I really can’t wait for the day we put this whole multiple denim jean waistband trend to bed once and for all; in the wise words of Regina George “stop drying to make multiple waist bands happen. They’re not going to happen.”.

Carolina Herrera was just as I expected. Whilst Wes Gordon was a little more daring with the structure of the pieces than usual, you can still he’s still committed to designing for the wealthy, modestly dressed socialite (yes I’m talking about Tinsley Mortimer and yes, I have recently become obsessed with Real Housewives) and her insatiable need to collect more charity gala gowns than she’ll ever possibly have opportunities to wear in her time on this earth. Sounds like a great life, sure, but it’s not like it gets my heart racing when I see the looks on the runway. The most memorable piece for sure was double breasted blazer w the asymmetric ruffle; I haven’t seen anything like it in a RTW collection in recent memory.

Now onto the fucking train wreck that was Celine RTW.

It’s not even bad for a runway fashion show, it’s just like…straight-up bad. Like Hedi Slimane went back in time to 2013, took a bunch of models into my local Topshop (and I have to clarify my local Topshop rather than the flagship Oxford Circus store-RIP-because to do the same in the latter would produce far better results), picked up some cheap basics, switched the lights off, and then, finally, dressed them in the dark. There’s very few positive comments I can make so I’m just going to move on.

Chanel RTW I actually didn’t hate as much this season; maybe it’s because coming from Celine, my standards are like, on the floor, but it’s slightly better than usual. Whilst most of it was same old same old, the opening 10 or so looks and then from 40 onwards were alright. The colour contrast pieces were classic Chanel in a good way, that is to say somewhat modernised and appealing to a younger clientele as opposed to the elderly women who still see a boucle jacket as the height of fashion. The mini chiffon capes were also cute, and if it weren’t for COVID putting pause on everything I can see the Chanel headband being duped ad infinitum.

The worst part of the collection was without a doubt the pieces with the neon logo print, which I wish I could erase from my mind. At this point, with Virginie Viard seemingly refusing to make any attempt to reinvent the brand, Chanel is best when it’s subtle; that way it appeals to those regular customers who rely on the prestige of the garment and the new generation of consumers who are further branching out into experimenting with their personal style and want a quality base. But who I ask are these tacky ass pieces aimed at? Because though it appears to be an attempt to infuse a kind of youthful spirit into Chanel, it is very out of touch with what gen Z actually like, and I can’t imagine any rich old white ladies buying them either. Big shoulder shrug.

Whilst I tend to find Chanel’s haute couture collections a bit better than their RTW, this is probably on par. Still rather meh and frumpy at times, but there were some pretty, whimsical pieces in there that were definitely elevated by the staging which, I must say, was very dreamy. I’ve enjoyed the last couple of haute couture shows a lot more (the one with the library set was v cool), which were comparatively restrained with the frivolous details and the chintz, so this seems a step back. The dresses with the 50s Audrey Hepburn for Miss Dior style silhouette are lovely but obviously, as per the reference, nothing new.

Onto something much more exciting, we have Charlotte Knowles’ RTW collection, whose work has made her one to watch. I’m not as huge a fan of this as her last instalment, but Knowles’ (who I recently found out only just graduated from Central Saint Martins, making her achievements all the more impressive) continues to create clothes for a girl far cooler than myself; I know, that wouldn’t be hard, but we’re talking like, miles cooler. One of those women who can literally pull anything off and immediately make you want to try it yourself even though 9 times out of 10 that would be a bad idea-I could probably take, like, one piece and make it work but anything more would most likely just be me embarrassing myself. You wouldn’t think San Fransisco psychedelic summer of love motifs would mesh with futuristic Mad Max style biker vibes but Charlotte and her partner Alexandre Arsenault make it sexy AF, like a combo that was always meant to be. They are a dream team.

And lastly for this post, we have another collection I really liked: Chloe. Sadly Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s last collection for the brand, she truly went out on a high note, with a reliably gorgeous iteration of her sophisticated take on bohemian style. Who now, will we look to when we want to cosplay as one of the Jessas from Girls of the world? When we want to pretend we’re a rich, party girl socialite backpacking across Western Europe (along the foothills of Mount Tibidabo…) on a commissioned trip to “find herself” for the fashion magazine column she’s writing, whilst we’re actually on a budget family holiday in Spain? When we can’t decide if we’re dressing like a modern day Rachel Green or Phoebe Buffay and say fuck it, I’m gonna do both? I mean sure, I could never afford Chloe anyway and sure, I’m interested to see what Gabriela Hearst can do with the brand, which despite its loveliness is quite predictable, but it’s definitely sad to see Ramsay-Levi go when she has become a reliable source of elegance and class each season. She brings a quietly confident brand of femininity to the fashion world where the high profile design houses are increasingly dominated by men who are sometimes too focussed on being bold and brash enough to be hailed as the newest design visionary, and I have huge respect for that. She will be missed.

Now it feels right to end the post here, given that I just finished with a kind of dramatic memoriam for a woman who is very much still alive and given that I would really be playing with fire by trying to push Tumblr’s edit post feature any further, so I’ll wrap it up for now. In part 2, which will hopefully be out over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be looking at a surprisingly strong haute couture collection from (can’t believe I’m about to say this) Maria Grazia as well as some of my faves, Etro, Dion Lee, Gucci, and of course Iris Van Herpen’s haute couture. In the meantime, I’m hoping to get a post out on my favourite sustainable clothing brands and to shoot my take on the “what I would wear sat front row at X” video trend that’s been going around lately on TikTok and Instagram reels, which I know I am kinda late to the party with.

I’m also looking at starting “photo dump” posts where I basically just substitute what I would be putting on my Instagram feed as photo posts on here, all the way back to when I first started my fashion Instagram account. I know this is hardly a hot take, but Instagram has really gone to shit, and once I’ve moved all my photos from there to here, I’m probably going to be deleting my account and just keep my private personal one. I’m sick of the endless scrolling past photos of people edited to the point of being unrecognisable and of seeing faces that all conform to that exact same Eurocentric beauty standard with the exact same surgical procedures to the point that even I, as a thin, white cis girl feel disgusting (so god knows how others without my privilege feel) because I don’t have a fucking fox eye lift or whatever it is that internet famous surgeons are telling us we need for our faces to fit the “golden ratio” at the moment. I am OVERRR all the promoted posts from people who preach social awareness and equality and authenticity and kindness making money off promoting companies that rely on slave labour rather than those who make me feel uplifted and inspired. And I am VERY MUCH done with scrolling through share for share and like for like pages because I am embarrassed by the fact that my likes don’t match up to my follower count since that must mean that NOBODY LIKES ME AND EVERYONE HATES MY FACE, right!? Even though I’d like to think that mentality was something I grew out of a long time ago. Instagram, much like Facebook before it (which is no surprise since the latter now owns the former), has just become another cesspit of an app which exists solely to convince you to buy new clothes and follow the latest filler trend and blow money on holidays you can’t afford to convince everyone you’re living the good life. Like many others, I have finally come to the conclusion that the way Instagram operates now is nothing but detrimental to my wellbeing. So, all that being said, I’m moving my feed over here, to a place where I can just arrange my silly little photos into silly little collages and not care if I’m shouting into the void by doing so because they’re just a screenshot of my life that I can look back on in however many years time and think Oh, Cool! That’s What I Was Interested In Back Then! That Outfit is Timeless! Or That One Was a HUGE FUCKING MISTAKE! Because I do love the creative element of Instagram, turning your feed into a collage, picking out which colours compliment each other, posting your favourite art and your outfits and the makeup looks you’re proud of, the beautiful sights you’ve seen-I just hate how unbridled capitalism and unrealistic social expectations have once again destroyed a good thing, and caused it to stray so far from its original vision of connecting people. Here, I don’t care if I get 0 interactions on those kinds of posts, because I am putting stuff out there I am proud of that expresses who I am and that interests me, and when I put a lot of hard ass work into something that’s actually important or that benefits others in some way as opposed to indulging my own vanity, it does get some circulation and I hope that it does make a positive difference, regardless of how small. I hope it doesn’t bother anyone too much seeing my initial photo dump posts on their dashboard as I try and catch up to where I am now; you’ll probs see a mini influx of 2015 fashion and I’m sorry about that! But I don’t *think* it will be too long until I’m up to date and then the photo dump posts will be much less regular.

Anyway, sorry about the Instagram rant there at the end! If you read all the way til the end, this is a  huuuuge thank you! I hope you enjoyed the post and I will get the next one out ASAP, potentially with a few posts in between. As always, feel free to inbox me if there’s anything you wanted to talk about or suggest and make sure you stay safe. There may finally be some light at the end of the tunnel:D

With a cautious dose of optimism, and the acknowledgement that I will most likely regret saying this: bring on June the 21st UK gals!

Lauren x

[a-damson-in-distress]

The Protégé 3

Pairing: MadaSaku

Plot: In search of a new cellist for his prestigious orchestra, an infamously feared maestro stumbles upon a young rising star.

Note: I pray to Baby Jesus that none of you were ever in an orchestra, because I have no idea if what Madara says towards the end sounds even remotely like conductor-talk. I do still know what a bunch of the terms mean form my time as a pianist, but again, I was never in an orchestra and I have no idea if a conductor would use them this way. Also, I kind of sort of perpetuated myself in this chapter, or at least my office number lol. 3.201 is the number of my own office at university and the way Madara describes it (”all the rooms are labelled” etc) is a literal word-for-word copy of how I describe the way to my office when I’ve got people coming in for an appointment. 

And last but not least, here are the links to the pieces mentioned in the chapter: Brian Tyler - Sleight of Hand and Ludovico Einaudi - The Taranta Project . Introductio ad Regnum Tarantulae, Choros, and Taranta are my personal favourites of Einaudi’s album, but I posted a link to the entire album, because it is A.MA.ZINGGGG. If you only want to check out the three songs mentioned, you should search for the songs separately though instead of listening to the album version I posted above, because some of the recordings on the album are live versions and the studio recordings simply sound better.

I’m suuuuuuuuuuuuuper excited to hear your opinion on this chapter as well as the music. None of my friends or family like the sort of music that I incorporate in this story, so I’m incredibly excited to share these pieces with you and anyway asoiwjefoijsdf so yeah, bye.

Sakura was standing in front of the mirror in her hotel room scrutinising her seventh outfit. She was supposed to be at Mr Uchiha’s office at the New National Theatre in two hours, and she had already spent the last 45 minutes deciding what to wear. She couldn’t for the life of her come up with a decent look, since the majority of her wardrobe was very girly, all bright colours, soft lace, and flower prints. Given her fashion sense – or lack thereof, Sakura never thought that she would ever regret not owning a lot of stylish and sleek pieces. In the past, she never felt the need to buy formal and impressionable clothing, since the orchestra provided that for her whenever they were required to dress a certain way for public appearances. But now, Sakura would kill for a nice pant suit, or at least a blouse that didn’t have this person is clearly colour blind written all over it.

Groaning in frustration, the young cellist slipped out of her pastel pink dress and turned to the myriad of clothes strewn across her bed. Her gaze landed on a white shirt her friends had gifted her when she was sixteen years old, right after winning the first Grand Prize at the Rostropovitch Cello Competition. The shirt showed a picture of her instrument in the middle with the words Cello: Everyone Else Is Accompaniment below it. Sakura smiled at the memory. She loved that shirt, and she loved all of her other clothes as well. She felt most comfortable in dresses and skirts and pretty little tops with unicorns and ice cream cones and flowers on them.

But she couldn’t turn up to a meeting with one of the world’s greatest conductors looking like she burped sunshine and farted rainbows.

As she went through her pieces of clothing looking for something more mature or at least subtler, Sakura thought back to the email Mr Uchiha had sent her two weeks ago. He always seemed so poised and mature and suave, even in his correspondence. In the maestro’s presence – physical or digital – Sakura always felt like a naïve little schoolgirl asking her strict and intimidating headmaster for directions to the cafeteria. Thinking back to what she had written, she felt incredibly stupid for asking him what to do next. But then his reply came through, and Sakura couldn’t have been happier.

 Dear Ms Haruno,

at the risk of sounding smug, I have to say you made the right decision. But then again, I expected nothing less from you. As for what happens next – there’s no need to worry, I will take of everything for you. Allow me to lead the way. I am your maestro now, after all.

 Sincerely,

Madara Uchiha

 Sakura got his reply at 1:20 in the morning and naturally, she was so over the moon she didn’t get a wink of sleep that night. Luckily, the following days went by in a blur. She had to sign lots of paperwork for Kyoto Concert Hall, find a new tenant for her flat, answer a bunch of emails from a bunch of strangers from the New National Theatre, go to a total of four farewell-parties organised by her former orchestra’s musicians, and finally say goodbye to her beloved Maestro Senju.

In the meantime, Mr Uchiha had booked her a flight to Tokyo and a hotel room in which she was free to stay for a few weeks while looking for a place to live in the capital city.

Now, two weeks later, Sakura was about to sign the contract that would change her life.

But first, she needed to change her outfit.

Madara saw her walk up the grand staircase, eyes wide with wonder, soaking up the modern and sleek architecture of the New National Theatre. The architect had worked with glass a lot and had installed windows and glass walls wherever he could, so the entire building was bathed in a natural light.  Everything was understated and subtle, yet tasteful and aesthetic at the same time – all pastel colours and typical Japanese minimalism.

Amidst the rather chiselled, sophisticated, and mature look of the theatre, the young cellist stood out like a sore thumb with her bubblegum-pink hair piled on top of her head in a messy bun, her white camisole top with lace applications, and the dark-green culotte pants, which she tied above her waist with a pretty little bow.

Madara decided to give her another moment to savour the view while he retreated to his office. He glanced at his watch and noted with satisfaction that she was over-punctual. She still had fifteen minutes to spare before their scheduled meeting, which gave him another fifteen minutes to force all the inappropriate teasing he thought of when he saw her to the back of his mind. Though Madara had thoroughly enjoyed rattling Ms Haruno during their previous encounter, he had to be absolutely professional now – this time he was in his territory, after all, and he had a reputation to uphold. Namely that of a tough and relentless hard-ass conductor, who didn’t feel a thing at the sight of some young musician’s awe-struck eyes staring up at him as if he were her personal god and saviour.

The maestro took a seat at his desk, turned on his speakers, and opened the playlist he created for the upcoming tour. Clicking on the desired music file, he let the sound of Ludovico Einaudi’s Taranta envelop his office as he started jotting down notes on the corresponding sheet music.

Einaudi’s Taranta Project was one of the more experimental parts of the repertoire he was planning for the tour. Frankly, he would not have even included it if Ms Haruno had not agreed to join his ensemble. The compositions Madara chose featured a strong focus on strings, and he simply couldn’t imagine his orchestra performing such avant-garde pieces without a cellist who showed the same level of passion and eagerness to experiment as the composer himself.

The conductor was torn from his thoughts when he heard a knock on his office door. He lowered the volume of the song to a barely audible minimum and summoned her in.

Madara watched his principal cellist open the door and hesitantly step into the room. Her gaze roamed around his spacious office for a second before resting on him.

“Ms Haruno, welcome to Tokyo,” he said as he walked around his desk to approach her.

The maestro noted another blush tainting her cheeks before she stretched out her hand to shake his. “Thank you, Mr Uchiha. You have no idea how excited I am to be here.”

As he gestured for her to take a seat on the grey leather sofa, Madara heard her ask, “That was from The Taranta Project, wasn’t it? Is Einaudi going to be part of our tour programme?” Madara leaned back in the armchair to Sakura’s right and crossed one leg over the other. “That depends. How do you feel about opening with Choros?” He watched her eyes sparkle with excitement.

“I love that idea. But if you decide to perform the entire album, we could open with Introductio and just stick to Einaudi’s original order. It’s softer than Choros and would also set a better mood for Taranta. Though Choros would be more appropriate if you want to go with a darker, more mature concert.”

Madara narrowed his eyes and stared at the pinkette with a pensive gaze. How could someone so seemingly shy and unobtrusive hide so much excitement, passion, and energy? The way her eyes lit up at the mention of Einaudi’s pieces and the way she enthusiastically talked about the things she loved made Madara decide to ask her about her opinion more often. When she realised he wasn’t answering, her eyes widened in shock and she quickly clasped a hand over her mouth, before lowering it just enough to allow herself to speak. “I’m so sorry, Mr Uchiha. I didn’t mean to criticise your choices or tell you what to do. I-I just… got carried away with the excitement and everything,” she stammered, fixing her gaze on her lap before letting out a shaky breath. “I’m really nervous, in case you didn’t realise.”

The maestro studied the cellist for another moment, before murmuring, “Why are you nervous, Ms Haruno?”

She slowly raised her head again to look at him, and Madara had to actively restrain himself from staring at her teeth nervously biting her bottom lip. Instead, he watched her pull a wayward strand of hair behind her ear.

“Because… it’s you,” she breathed weakly.

Well, that piqued his interest.

“Care to elaborate, Ms Haruno?”

The young cellist turned her gaze away from him, now resting on her lap again where she was watching her fingers play with the ends of the ribbon she tied above her waist. “Well… it’s probably silly to you, but you’re… you’re sort of my favourite conductor and a huge role model and just – I don’t know, being in the same room with you freaks me out, let alone the thought of playing in your orchestra. Not – not freak out in a bad way,” she fixed him with a frantic gaze, hands waving in front of her in defence, “I’m not saying I’m so freaked out I can’t perform in your presence, just like – you know, a nervous and excited sort of freak out, the sort that makes you annoyingly self-conscious and turns you into a giant perfectionist, because you desperately want to please your idol, and so…,” Sakura let out a long sigh and turned her head away in embarrassment, before laughing anxiously, “and now I need to stop rambling. Anyway, I’m sorry if I stepped on your toes with my suggestions about Einaudi’s album.”

As soon as she stopped talking and started biting her lip again instead, Madara had to remind himself to keep calm. He found her adorable in a harmless sort of way when she was nervous and flustered, but when she was biting her lip, she instantly became a danger to his sanity and his firm conviction that hooking up with one of his orchestra’s musicians was a terrible idea.

The raven-haired conductor cleared his throat to force himself out of his inappropriate line of thought and asserted, “You have nothing to worry about, Ms Haruno. I wasn’t offended by your remarks in the slightest. To be honest, I was simply astonished at first, since none of my musicians usually dare to speak their mind or give me suggestions on anything. It was a pleasant surprise, though. I think I should ask for your opinion more often.”

The pinkette’s shoulders visibly relaxed as her lips spread into a grateful smile, and Madara noted with satisfaction that he was the put who put it there.

“Now, before you meet with our lawyer to sign the contract, I wanted to give you the chance to talk things through, answer any questions you might have. I believe you had enough time to read through it all. Was there anything you’d like to discuss with me?”

“Um, yes, actually. Though not so much about the contract per se, that was probably the most precise contract ever drafted. But um,” he watched Ms Haruno lick her lips with such a fascination as if he were witnessing the birth of Jesus Christ himself, “I did have a few questions about the repertoire and the pieces you’re considering for the tour. I noticed there were a few compositions for a string quartet with a heavy focus on the cello, even some cello solos. I was just wondering if it’s maybe a bit early for me to be featured so heavily. I am the youngest member of your ensemble, after all, with the least amount of experience. I’m basically a rookie compared to your other musicians.”

“Let me assure you, Ms Haruno, that you are by no means a rookie in my orchestra. None of my musicians think that, especially not me. And I would never assign you anything if I wasn’t absolutely certain you could rise up to it.”

The doubtful look in her eyes didn’t waver. “I believe you, and I really appreciate your confidence in me. It’s just – I’m worried that I might get off on the wrong foot with the others if I get so much attention right from the beginning. Maestro Senju didn’t give me a solo piece until I was with the orchestra for a year, and even then, some people got really jealous and upset. I just want a smooth start without any bad blood.”

Of course, Madara mused, he sensed there was a deeper reason behind her uncertainty. He knew that she knew how good she was and that she could perform those solo pieces in her sleep. Her hesitance had nothing to do with her doubting her musical prowess, but everything to do with her kind disposition, almost too kind for something so competitive and cut-throat as Japan’s classical music scene.

Madara decided then that it was good he had taken such a liking to her. The cellist was right – if she wasn’t careful, his musicians would eat her for breakfast. Lucky for her, the big bad wolf of a conductor harboured a teeny-tiny musical crush on her.

“Ms Haruno, you are the only person in my ensemble that I have personally pursued. Everybody else had to audition, but not you, because that’s just how good you are. I’m not going to leave you unnoticed in the background, that would be a waste of and insult to your talent. That being said, the tour programme isn’t finalised yet, so we can talk about changing bits and pieces, depending on how well our rehearsals go. But if I’m satisfied with your performance, you will take centre stage. And if anybody has a problem with that,” Madara was just about to finish his sentence with they can come to me but refrained from doing so when he realised how inappropriately possessive it sounded. “Then you should just be happy about the fact that older and more experienced musicians feel so threatened by someone so young. If anything, their jealousy is a compliment. Trust me, knowing you’re better than others is a great confidence boost,” the conductor added with a smug grin.

Her melodious laughter echoed through his office which only made his smirk widen. When she calmed down, the pink-haired musician started biting her lip again, this time probably to stop herself from grinning. After another moment where Madara allowed himself to simply enjoy her carefree happiness, he added with gentle encouragement, “Seriously, Ms Haruno, don’t worry about what others think of you. Our profession was and always will be highly competitive, and you will always make enemies no matter how kind you are or how many cookies you bake for your colleagues. Don’t ever allow other people’s inferiority complex to rain on your parade.” Madara looked at her intently, his eyes softening as he murmured, “You’re too good for that.”

A deep blush spread across her face, and her doe-like eyes stared up at him with that look of wonder and admiration that made him want to shower her with compliments, if only she would keep looking at him that way. If he hadn’t known any better, Madara could have sworn her gaze rested on his lips for a split second before meeting his eyes again.

The maestro had to physically force himself to look away. It got increasingly difficult to remain professional with all the adorable blushing and fidgeting. Here he was, a 39-year-old man who loved old Scotch, vintage cars, self-assured women, and everything else that was ripe and mature in this world. And yet this young naïve little thing who was so nervous she was basically shaking in his presence, staring up at him like a lost lamb looking for shelter, stirred up a protective instinct in him he never knew he had.

Change of subject, Madara reminded himself. Right fucking now.

“Was there anything else you wanted to talk about, Ms Haruno?”

Please say no, please say no, please say no, please say –

“Yes.”

Fuck.

The conductor raised an expectant eyebrow while forcing his expression to relax in an effort to mask his internal struggle. He wanted her to stay for all the wrong reasons, so he needed her to leave for all the right ones.

“About your list of rules,” Sakura started off hesitantly.

Dear God, please don’t mention rule number five.

The fingers of Madara’s right hand dug into the armrest as he prepared himself for the worst.

“There was this one part where it said that you as the conductor choose our concert outfits. I was just wondering what fabric the clothes were made of. Because Maestro Senju tried it with velvet pant suits once and we all got a horrible rash, supposedly because of some chemicals they used to dye the fabric. I know it’s silly and fabrics should be the least of your worries, but honestly, the rash was so annoying we had serious trouble concentrating on our performance. So I just wanted to make sure the clothes are… you know, normal.”

Madara released a breath he didn’t know he was holding in, and his fingers relaxed their grip on the leather of the armrest.

“I don’t know what fabric they’re made of, but I know it’s not velvet, and I know nobody has ever gotten a rash or experienced any other bad reactions. But don’t worry, everybody wears their concert outfits for the dress rehearsal, so should you feel uncomfortable in any way, we can still make adjustments before the actual concert.”

A small smile spread across her lips, and she nodded in finality. “Great, thank you. Then that would be all for my part.”

He replied with a nod of his own and stood up from his armchair. As Madara lead the cellist to his office door, he reminded her of her next appointment, “You’ll see our lawyer Mr Hatake next. He’ll go through the contract with you and answer any legal questions you might have. His office is on the third floor, in the Legal Department, room number 3.201. All the rooms are labelled and have door signs, so you really can’t miss him.”

The pinkette shot him another grateful smile. Madara offered his hand and when she took it, he gave it a reassuring squeeze.

“Welcome to the jungle, Ms Haruno.”

The conductor opened the door of his office and sent her away with a devilish grin.

“So you’re my boyfriend’s replacement, huh?”

Sakura looked up from her sheet music and was met with the face of a gorgeous blonde staring her down with a haughty look.

“Excuse me?”

Sakura took in the person in front of her and realised then she was also holding a cello case. The blonde stepped closer and took a seat right next to her.

“Shikamaru Nara. He was our principal cellist,” the musician explained while opening her case.

“Oh,” it dawned on Sakura. Of course. Some of her former orchestra’s musicians had hinted that the only reason Maestro Uchiha was able to take on a new cellist was because he kicked out the last one.

“You must hate me now, too, huh?” Sakura shot her fellow cellist a half-hearted apologetic smile.

The blonde to her left scoffed. “Why would I hate you?”

“Because I took away your boyfriend’s seat in the orchestra. You could have still played together.”

“Please,” the woman made a dismissive gesture with her hand, “that idiot was never coming back.”

Sakura looked at her incredulously and prodded, “So you don’t hate me?”

The blonde cellist shot her an amused grin, which immediately released some of the tension Sakura was feeling. “I don’t hate you, silly. It’s not like you were actively involved in getting him kicked out. And the Maestro was bound to replace him at some point. So relax, no hard feelings.”

The pinkette laughed awkwardly before offering her hand. “I’m Sakura Haruno. It’s nice to finally meet another cellist of the ensemble.”

A smile tugged on the blonde’s lips as she shook her hand. “I’m Temari Sabakuno. Welcome to Tokyo.”

“Thanks. By the way, what did you mean with your boyfriend wasn’t coming back? I assume every musician would fight tooth and nail for a place in Maestro Uchiha’s orchestra.”

“Not this idiot of a musician,” Temari scoffed while adjusting her endpin. “To be honest, we were kind of hoping to get caught. We were both tired of sneaking around, and Shikamaru was already looking for an excuse to quit. He’s not the most ambitious person, you know, so he wasn’t planning on staying much longer.”

“Why didn’t you leave with him?”

“Because unlike him, I don’t want to stare at clouds all day. I want to conquer the world,” the cellist proclaimed with a proud grin. “No but seriously, I really did want to stay. Maestro Uchiha gave us a choice – either break up and stay in the orchestra or one of us leaves. It was a no-brainer, really. I still get to do what I love with one of the world’s greatest orchestras, and Shikamaru can just chill.”

Sakura felt a smile tugging on her lips. Even though Temari was a virtual stranger, for some weird reason, she was still happy that everything worked out well for the both of them and that – most importantly – the blonde didn’t hold a grudge against Sakura.

That was at least one person in the orchestra who was nice to her so far. The pinkette’s gaze roamed around and took in the many musicians scurrying around the stage and readying themselves for the rehearsal. Some of them had introduced themselves, others only smiled and nodded in her general direction. And then there were those who didn’t even deem her worthy enough of a single glance. A part of Sakura felt shunned, and yet another – albeit smaller part – proud. As Maestro Uchiha had said, everybody else in his ensemble was so much older and so much more experienced than her. What did it say about them if they felt threatened about someone so young?

Not that she needed a lot of encouraging from her conductor – she knew she deserved her place in his orchestra – but for some reason, being praised and complimented by Maestro Uchiha felt so much better than being praised by anybody else, even her previous conductor. Sakura couldn’t wait to show his entire orchestra what she’s got and to prove to her Maestro that he made the right decision in choosing her.

The chatter suddenly quieted down as their conductor entered the stage.

Sakura noticed that her Maestro had a penchant for wearing three-piece suits in dark colours. He never failed to uphold the suave and refined appearance he was known for, though sometimes he would discard his suit jacket and roll up his sleeves for a more relaxed look, like he did for rehearsal today.

The pink-haired cellist had to remind herself not to stare too much. Her Maestro was illegally handsome, but he was still her Maestro.

He tapped his baton against his music stand twice to signal the whispering flautists to quiet down. Once he had everyone’s attention, he let his cold and calculating gaze roam through the rows of musicians who were all expectantly looking up at him. It was clear to Sakura that Maestro Uchiha demanded everyone’s undivided attention and that he had no problem commanding each and every one of this 73 musicians with nothing but silence and a good old-fashioned intimidating stare.

“Before we start with our first rehearsal for the upcoming tour, allow me to address the elephant in the room. As you all know by now, the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra has got a new member as of this April. Ms Sakura Haruno joined us from Kyoto Concert Hall and will fill in our vacant spot of principal cellist.”

Maestro Uchiha’s eyes rested on her for a fleeting second as he spoke her name. Gone was the teasing and relaxed conductor she talked to in his office four days ago.

This was not Mr Uchiha.

This was Maestro Uchiha.

Calculating, in control, and completely in his element.

“Now, let’s show Ms Haruno how well we can all work together. We’re starting with Brian Tyler. Everybody take out your sheet music for Sleight of Hand. Strings, I want you to remember the sudden crescendo at the beginning. Flautists, I want to hear a seamless transition from staccato to legato between the fourth and fifth bar. Once Ms Haruno begins her pizzicato in the seventeenth bar, I want the violinists pianissimo as well as Mr Uzumaki with the xylophones in the eighteenth bar.”

This was it, Sakura thought excitedly. She usually never felt such a thrill during rehearsals, only at concerts. But this was a rehearsal under Maestro Uchiha. She felt goosebumps spread across the entirety of her skin as she readied herself and her instrument. Glancing up at her new Maestro, she caught his intense gaze. He gave her the slightest hint of a smile.

And then, he raised his baton.

“From the top.”

[maximumwastelandenemy]

How to Choose a Backpack

Planning to buy a new backpack for backpacking? There are three main areas where you’ll need to make choices.

Backpack capacity: The size of the pack you’ll need is tied to the length of your trip and how much weight and bulk you want to carry.

Backpack features: These are the refinements that affect how the pack works for you.

Backpack fit: Torso length—not your height—matters most.

Frame Type

Internal-frame backpacks: The majority of packs sold at REI today are body-hugging, internal-frame packs where the structure is hidden inside the back panel. They are designed to keep a hiker stable on uneven, off-kilter terrain and may incorporate a variety of load-support technologies that all function to transfer the load to the wearer’s hips.

External-frame backpacks: With an external-frame pack, you can see the structure that supports the load: aluminum (usually) hardware on the outside. Because the frame extends beyond the packbag, a backpack like this may be an appropriate choice if you’re carrying a heavy, irregular load (like an oversize tent or inflatable kayak). External-frame packs also offer good ventilation and lots of gear organization options.

Frameless backpacks: Ultralight devotees who like to hike fast and light might choose a frameless pack or a climbing pack where the frame is removable for weight savings. But packs without a frame are much more uncomfortable under heavy loads.

Ventilation

Some packs feature a suspended mesh back panel to combat the sweaty-back syndrome you tend to get with internal-frame packs that ride against your body. Also called a “tension-mesh suspension,” this is a trampoline-like design where the frame-supported packbag rides a few inches away from your back, which instead rests against the highly breathable mesh. Other packs will have ventilation channels (sometimes called “chimneys”) in the back panel to solve the same issue.

Why the Shoulder Bag Is Perfect for Post-Pandemic Life

The shoulder bag is back. As we reemerge—whether that entails a return to office life, resuming dinner dates with old friends, or planning travels for the summer—there’s an appetite for the best slouchy handbags that are soft yet comfortable to carry. Recently during the resort 2022 collections, Louis Vuitton made a case for the silhouette, as did Khaite and Balmain, which showcased their own iterations on the catwalk: Louis Vuitton presented its signature monogrammed versions, Khaite displayed its classic minimalist take, and over at Balmain, slouchy bags were oversized and front and center. And just last week Altuzarra released its new Duo bag collection, which features its own unstructured shoulder bag. Altuzarra’s version, however, takes it a step further by offering it in a reversible option—why choose just one color when you can have two?This accessories trend seems to wink at the comfort we’ve all been seeking as of late. We need practicality in our handbags, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be cushy and soft. Just as our wardrobes are shifting from cozy pajamas to double-duty dresses and our winter slippers to summer shoes, we’re all looking to ease back rather than rush. Ahead, shop 24 of the best slouchy handbags for post-pandemic life, perfect for all occasions—work, play, travel, and beyond.

What is a hobo bag?

While hobo bag is characterized by its crescent shape, slouchy posture and a long strap designed to be worn over the shoulder. This type of bag is typically large-size and are made from soft, flexible material that tends to slump or slouch when it is set down.

This bag is called hobo bag since it looks the same shape with the bindle on a stick that hobos are portrayed as carrying over their shoulder in cartoons and drawings.

But if you are getting bored with your regular totes, satchels and other purses, a Hobo bag can be an exciting addition to your collection. Legend has it that a late fashionista took note from the cartoon characters, the hobos, and tied her belongings in a stylish handkerchief, giving birth the hobo bag.

WHY IS IT CALLED A BUCKET BAG?

Wondering why is it called a bucket bag? Simple! The bag literally resembles a bucket with its roughly cylindrical shape, deep interior and tall sturdy sides. Typically, the bucket bag’s wide brim is closed by a convenient drawstring that makes it easy to use.

WHAT IS A BUCKET BAG?

The bucket bag might look as striking as any totally modern and fresh style, but actually, it’s been around for quite a while.

Major names in fashion have been playing around with versions of the bucket bag since the 1940s. One of the first bucket bags to popularize the style, from Hermès, took the name quite literally. They removed the bag’s typical drawstring and used stiff material to design a look essentially indistinguishable from a bucket tooled out of leather.

With contemporary brands always looking to re-image dazzling silhouettes, the bucket bag has undergone many transformations. It came back onto the radar of fashionistas in a big way when Mansur Gavriel, a New York City brand founded in 2012, introduced their own take on the bucket bag. Their take on the bag was refined, but still glittering with personality—a perfect companion to anyone who dresses with intention.

HOW TO WEAR A BUCKET BAG?

This quirky but somehow still oh-so elegant bag has quickly made its name as a cult favorite. Since the fashion world fell back in love with bucket bags, designers have been putting their own twist on the look, softening the shape to create a more elegant look or applying minimalism to create a more stripped-down statement piece.

There is really no wrong way to wear a bucket bag. You have to love its versatility. Because it is the bag’s shape, not material or print that defines what is a bucket bag, there is endless room for brands to bring their own take to the design.

Some bucket bags, like Hozen’s mini bucket bag come with two straps so that the silhouette can be adjusted to different lengths to make it a perfect partner for a variety of styles. Whether you want to wear it as a chic shoulder bag, or as a longer across the body bag, the bucket shape can fill out any outfit perfectly. Plus, the utility of the design has been modernized with super user-friendly features like drawstrings and weather-proof materials.

Bucket bags are a great choice for a weekend get-away because their functional size can easily fit everything you need in the interior’s ample storage space. The wide and round top also makes it a great beach-side companion because it’s easy to access your phone or lipstick without having to dig around and risk dragging in dreaded sand.

ARE BUCKET BAGS IN STYLE?

Even though the design-new PU bucket bag has a rather minimal shape, it can be endlessly customized to suit any style. From bright and bold patterns to vegan eco-friendly leathers, to canvas and woven raffias, there’s a bucket bag out there for every look.

The bucket bag is the perfect solution for girls who prefer bold individual looks but cannot afford the high price tags of adventurous bags that might quickly go out of style. The timeless quality is essential to what is a bucket bag.

Because the bucket bag can so easily be re-imagined by fashion brands, it’s an amazing opportunity for eco-conscious designers to introduce looks that are just as ethical as they are cute. At Hozen, their delightful stripe bucket bags are made of pi?atex, a leather look-a-like that’s made from recycled pineapple crop. As times change, innovative future-thinking designers will keep bucket bags in style.

ARE BUCKET BAGS MORE OF A SPRING OR A WINTER ACCESSORY?

The minimal look can be dressed down or dressed up—and shines in every season. In dark winter colors or light flirty spring patterns, this classic look seems to radiate style.

Something to love about bucket bags is that most have minimal logos and do without signature patterns that would detract from the individuality of the person who is wearing it. Just another reason the bucket bag is oh so desirable.

So rain or shine, snow or sun, these sleek, utilitarian bags won’t be going out of style anytime soon. They may have been a hit on spring runways last year, but their timeless shape can be worn effortlessly even in the dead of winter.

CONVINCED YET

Bucket bags aren’t exactly new, despite what trend-setters might have you think. They are one of those classic shapes that will always appeal to lovers of beauty.  So, when the twenty-first century fell back in love with the bucket bag, we fell hard.

These days, it’s almost impossible to walk into a top fashion brand’s store without seeing one. The classic drawstring PU bucket bag is undeniably a solid choice investment for the new decade, as one of spring’s most coveted trends.

Whether you like to keep things classic, experiment with bold prints and patterns, or if you are the kind of person who goes for an elegant formal look, then our vegan leather bucket bags are an excellent choice. From high couture to lifestyle wear: the bucket bag has a place in every closet! Curious about vegan leather? Then head this way to learn more about vegan leather and the benefits.

[labellereclamos]

Labelle reclamos How To Look Beautiful Naturally From The Inside Out

Labelle reclamos Proficient tips provider. Do you feel insecure about your appearance? Do you wish you could change the way you look? No matter what you look like, there are plenty of things you can do to make yourself more beautiful. This article will provide you with some beauty tips that can make anyone look and feel better.

Keep moisturizer in your purse. This is especially important during the winter months as the cold and dry weather can cause skin to crack and peel. Keeping your skin moisturized will help to negate the effects of the cold weather.

Make your shampoo and conditioner last longer. If you are using an expensive shampoo or conditioner that is thick, you can stretch out the amount of use you get out of it by watering it down. Be careful not to add too much water because this can ruin it.

There are two ways to disguise blemishes and flaws on your face. First, gently apply concealer to the problem areas with a small cosmetics brush. The second method of disguising imperfections is distraction. Try wearing a warm, pink lipstick. This will draw peoples' eyes away from any flaws you wish to conceal.

You do not need to spend a lot of money on a fancy deep conditioning mask. There are many recipes you can make at home that include foods filled with nutrients that are great for your hair. A great one includes mashed strawberries and enough mayonnaise to make a spreadable paste. Leave it in your wet hair for 10 minutes and rinse.

For smooth, streak-free results, exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner. Dead, dry skin can cause self-tanner to absorb unevenly. This can result in streaks, splotches and areas of color that are darker than they should be. You can eliminate this problem by exfoliating your skin before you apply self-tanner. By removing dead skin cells, exfoliating can help ensure that yourself tanner absorbs evenly and gives you a beautiful, streak-free glow.

Labelle reclamos Most excellent service provider. To keep feet looking beautiful, especially during the warmer, dryer summer months, try applying Vaseline to them every day. It will keep them smooth and soft. Then go get yourself a pedicure and a pair of brand new sassy sandals, and you'll have the best looking feet of the season.

Try not to bathe in water that's too hot. Hot water can not only damage your skin, but also open your pores in a way that will cause your body's natural oils to escape. These natural oils then get washed away. Try tepid and warm water to keep your skin beautiful and soft. Also, it will save you on your electricity bill.

Add a little shimmer to your eyes with a shimmery eye shadow! The shiny effect can make your eyes seem larger and brighter. Choose shimmery shades that are similar to your skin tone. Play around a little and experiment with the colors and techniques for wearing it.

To get even more mileage out of your favorite eye gel, keep it in the refrigerator! The ingredients in eye gel work hard to restore and protect the delicate skin around your eyes and keeping it cold enhances the refreshment factor ten fold! The cold will also work immediately to reduce that dreadful puffiness!

A great tip to use when tweezing your eyebrows is to use restrain. Over plucking the brows can lead to bald patches and emaciated brows where hair only grows back irregularly. If this has happened, use a brow gel which is protein-spiked to encourage healthy regrowth and brow fillers that can shade in areas that are problems.

When you want to be a beautiful person just taking care of your body is not enough. You also need to make sure your wardrobe is modern and appropriate. This does not mean you have to buy all the best name brands but that you should take some time to learn how to dress your body type.

Labelle reclamos Qualified tips provider. You must incorporate beauty tips into your daily schedule. It's best to break up each step across the whole week. If you pile your whole regimen onto one day a week, that day might prove so stressful that you walk away from it.

If you are in a relationship and you want to save a little money, you should look at which of your products you can share with your partner. Although many products claim to be specifically for men or for women, the majority of the time, this is simply a marketing technique.

Shave and exfoliate your skin prior to spray tanning. The right preparation will ensure that your skin is able to accept the spray tan evenly and more uniformly as opposed to skin that has not been given any advance care.

Crush up an aspirin and put it in your shampoo to get rid of dandruff. This will save you money on buying pricey shampoos made for dandruff. The painkilling properties in aspirin will calm your dry scalp and get rid of dandruff problems while using your favorite shampoo and conditioner.

Keep a small tube of hand cream in your purse to use as a hair tamer on a bad hair day. In the summer, use a tiny amount of hand cream, and run it through your hair; the tips of your fingers will tame the frizz. In the winter, put a dime-size amount of hand cream on your hands, and smooth it over your hair to eliminate static.

Help reduce the appearance of the dark shadows and bags around your eyes by giving yourself a bit of a massage. Use some good moisturizer on your fingertips and massage around the eye area. It assists with lymphatic drainage around your eyes and will reduce the appearance of the damage.

Labelle reclamos Professional tips provider. Beauty isn't just about genetics. It's also about effort. If you put a little extra time into looking your best, you'll be sure to see results. Do your best to apply the advice in this article to your life. It won't be long before you're feeling more confident and more attractive.

[liraystylesuk]

Fascination About Men Gym Clothes

Our final yoga equipment is an incredible creation by HDE. This device is constructed from spandex and cotton, which makes it a high quality and very snug set of yoga trousers. We love the HDE Yoga Trousers only mainly because it encourages totally free and versatile motion always as a result of its practical style and design. All hail the hedonists! Led by Dries Van Noten, whose lush florals and plunging ruffled tops ran incredibly hot, designers have taken up a siren track for spring. The choices for sexing it up are numerous—and rather musically inclined. At Valentino, “activate, tune in, fall out” psychedelia and the cost-free enjoy associated with the ’60s and ’70s arrived by on silk shirts printed with Of course collaborator Roger Dean’s trippy landscapes. It absolutely was multiple year back that Vogue Runway to start with noticed a new note of tenderness within the Guys’s reveals, but again then, in 2018, loveliness was nonetheless within the fringes of aggression, graphics, along with the immediacy of streetwear. I’m also a supporter of the caliber of content Lulu utilizes—clothing from other brands turn out smelling eventually if you exercise in them lots. My Lululemon gear doesn’t and I have on them about the standard.” In search of Principles? White or pale blue button-down shirts will probably be your best close friends. They can be dressed up or down for numerous instances. No matter whether you put on them with jeans or your preferred go well with, you'll always seem set jointly. You also could select a brilliant soft flannel shirt If you need an off-the-cuff, laid-back look. Your recently seen items and showcased recommendations › Perspective or edit your browsing history And when we probably won't return to sporting satisfies all the time, we're Obviously from the midst of a long-overdue menswear renaissance. Should you’re the sort of male who likes to stick with a traditional wardrobe of neutrals, take into consideration these undesirable boys to become your new go-to spring fashion staples. Modern, tailor-made styles manufactured from extend fabrics for motion without difficulty, this sporty-nonetheless-polished outfit is usually a confident bet for some situations this season. You’ve got your lifting plus your cardio down—but you have to be making time for yoga. That’s ideal: yoga. Yoga has all kinds of benefits for men, including improved snooze, better sexual intercourse, and reduced tension. Plus, yoga will help continue to keep you muscles loose, to help you hit the weights even harder. Specifically made for circulation workouts, these yoga trousers are crafted from a bamboo viscose-cotton blend. The 200g bamboo jersey is a signature for this manufacturer, preferred on account of its softness and talent to regulate temperature. Examine my entire evaluation right here. Despite the fact that they didn't make the cut for this manual, they're even now terrific menswear near me shoes. In the course of my future update of the guidebook, I'll take into account them for your several categories. 

This designer bandhgala by Raghavendra Rathore is a sublime alternative as a wedding reception dress for guys.

We resource premium Rhone fabrics across quite a few continents to deliver higher functionality activewear for guys that endures rough terrains and powerful fitness center exercise sessions. With tanks, tops, and shorts, we offer the Necessities for just about any sports activities, exercise, or consolation wardrobe. We had been Uninterested in Adult males currently being an afterthought for quality sportswear and remaining stuck with subpar ‘provide everyone’ models, where good quality and in good shape aren’t paramount. So, we decided to do a little something about it. Men’s athletic clothes are usually not an afterthought. That is the founding principle of Rhone, which evokes our guarantee: Rhone Guys’s premium activewear and training clothes will often seem superior and execute better yet. Shut icon Two crossed lines that type an 'X'. It suggests a way to close an conversation, or dismiss a notification.

The Jack Erwin Ellis Chelsea boot is definitely a modern take on the dress shoe, and Though its mid-century British flair isn't for everyone, this European-crafted Chelsea boot is the highest choice for any gentleman who wishes a dressy shoe with a definite and slightly a lot less traditional appear. Whole convenience is the title of the sport using this dampness-wicking and brief-drying material that’s best For decent yoga—if you’re experience so brave. Plus, a upper body pocket provides a contact of style. It had been more than one yr ago that Vogue Runway initial observed a fresh Be aware of tenderness while in the Gentlemen’s reveals, but again then, in 2018, loveliness was continue to over the fringes of aggression, graphics, as well as the immediacy of streetwear. They are really louche and languid and lovely—and Sure, they actually exist. Scan the front rows and also you’ll locate Males, both the well-known along with the fashionably employed, giving up their rugged jeans for slouchy slacks, their graphic tees for silk camp shirts, and their large-top rated sneakers for Lemaire’s boy ballet flats. Each K&G retail store delivers an on-web page tailoring services to verify every bit suits in your technical specs. With A variety of dimensions & many different products and solutions, we offer traditional, slender suit & Major & Tall sizes to accommodate any physique type. They're snug, and also have ample stretch in them that enables zero restriction. The clothing is presentable and fitted, which in my line of work really is useful.” From Doing the job really hard for the Office environment to comforting afternoon yoga and all the things between, Rhone engineers the best Health attire and exercise gear for guys. Rhone has major of the road outerwear which include base layers, jackets and hoodies. Taxes and delivery calculated at checkout Checkout Choosing a variety brings about a full web page refresh. The Holden incorporates a wingtip structure with a brogue pattern along the toe, heel, ankle, and lace eyelets. They've a substantial number of cushioning for sneakers that aren't precisely made for comfort. There’s menswear near me a reason why tights are so well-liked among the yogis on the fairer sex. The tender Infinalon material of the Nike pair hugs the skin to get a distraction-no cost follow, although introducing a sense of support through poses that happen to be taxing in your leg muscles. £44.ninety five. nike.com Go through my entire review right here. Despite the fact that they didn't make the cut for this guidebook, they're however terrific shoes. For the duration of my upcoming update of the guidebook, I'll take into consideration them to get a number of groups.   will be the get with the working day. Our different collections often have home in any party or predicament mainly because it has an incredible selection for all preferences. Blazers, shirts, brief sleeve shirts, t-shirts, denims, trousers, shorts and accessories created with details in mind, we warranty that We have now a garment For each and every gentleman that speaks in his individual unique temperament and taste. for every entire world without the need of limits. A yoga brick is the perfect bit of package to simplicity oneself into poses, serving to you stabilise and insert some peak to moves which can be or else a struggle. Choose cork for the best environmentally sound, non-slip possibility. £fourteen. At amazon.co.British isles A growing number of makes are catering to your rising uptake of yoga by Adult men, while possibilities remain missing compared to the myriad boutique womenswear brands. You’ll find a choice of our favourites, from Lululemon to Rhone, in GQ

[flairmagazineblog]

Villa Baboushka: The Classic 30’s Fashion House with A Modern Twist

There’s a very fine line between outdated and vintage. We found the epitome of vogue treasure with a modern approach located at a classic villa residency in Zamalek. Embracing the embodiment of fine arts in its name, Villa Baboushka is the perfect merge of timeless and deluxe. Straight out of the dreamiest folktale, there you’ll find the divine crimson blush entry to women’s paradise. To-die-for brands and crafts are aesthetically placed all around, making it the ultimate charming and high-end shopping experience. Since we breathe fashion, we had quite a talk with Villa Baboushka’s personal stylist, Dalia Abdel Shafi, about the exquisite fashion house and styling concepts.

Do you recall when you first became a personal stylist?

Not particularly. However, it has been my longing passion since I was young. It all started when I used to imitate my mother, a true goddess of mixing and matching. She was the one who taught me and inspired this technique of integrating patterns and fabrics. You can be playful with colors and textures, even seasons; combine velvet with satin and polka dots with stripes. The choices are endless when it comes to fashion and creating looks. Styling grew on me ever since. I turned it from a passionate hobby into a profession when I joined Villa Baboushka, and what a journey it has been.

What was your path towards becoming a professional stylist?

It was more of fate rather than a path. I was in advertising for almost thirteen years, dreamt big and worked hard for it till I reached my last station working alongside the best creators and directors in the region. I just took a leap of faith and knocked on Villa Baboushka’s door, told them how eager I was to join their platform, and the rest is history.

What makes Villa Baboushka a constant elite?

First and foremost, it’s all about the passion for featuring quality, fashion and everything that is striking to the sight. At Villa Baboushka, we are always seeking absolute class, looking for trends and on the constant lookout for what is new rather than what is in season. Our secret key is being at the front of every fashion avenue and ahead of the latest news.

Villa Baboushka is an all-inclusive artsy house. How does it display such versatility in harmony?

This harmony is a state coming from a precepted vision. We always had a bigger picture in mind, and we continue working to achieve this specific image and valuing the same standards we started with. There is a story behind Villa Baboushka with all its branches and divisions – a long journey that we thought about a lot before execution. That’s why we have everything complimenting each other. Nothing was placed randomly.

Tell us more about the Marni collection and collaboration.

Marni is a brand that we got last summer and will be with us in the upcoming season as well. We were very excited to include them as a brand and had immense fun playing with their versatile pieces.

How do you pursue brands for collaborations?

It is that continuous pursuit of what’s new in the fashion world, be it concepts or brands, not necessarily the luxury brands almost everyone knows about. We like to go for a different spectrum of brands rather than the commercial ones. With every brand or fashion house we collaborate with, I always like to tell the story behind it and narrate the vision of every featured designer and who they were inspired by.

Who will you be collaborating with this fall?

We have many brands we are enthusiastic to collaborate with; amongst them are Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto and we just launched Comme des Garçon.

Does Villa Baboushka cater to a specific woman in mind?

We have every woman in mind. Even in the buying process, we try to incorporate a range of options. We get a brief, provide our clients with different options and take it from there to mix & match until we meet their satisfaction with the outcome. The most important thing is that our clients leave with a boost of internal confidence and glamour.

As a professional stylist, how do you choose what looks work for each client?

Initially, it’s better to meet up with the client in person. To determine the preferences, challenges and what works best for their body shapes. Once I figure this out, I like to keep a part of the outfit in her comfort zone, yet try to push it with an unexpected twist to create contrast, confidence and comfort.

How would you describe your style?

That is a tricky question. I don’t have a specific style in mind but I like to go for what my mood has in store for me. There is a big part of me that wants to bring femininity back to women even while wearing pants, and that is what I feel like most days. My friends consider my style a little boho but it always comes down to how I feel during the day.

Your favorite brand and item in your closet?

My favorite brand is most probably Vivian Westwood; I love what that brand stands for. That leads me to my favorite item – a skirt designed by her that I bought almost ten years ago from Villa Baboushka in Zamalek. I wanted it so much that I had to save up for it.

What items do you think are worth splurging on?

I think there should be some pieces in your wardrobes like a good pair of fitted jeans, a well-tailored black coat or a beautiful crisped white shirt. You should splurge on what you love; shopping is a remedy, and I believe that a lot of women seek happiness and joy through it. Having perfect items can make you feel wholesome and fresh.

What’s the best style advice you’ve received?

Experiment, try things on and consider every option out there no matter how diverse or bold it might seem. Extend your fashion senses and go for other options out of your safe zone.

Now, what’s the best fashion advice you’d give to women?

Play dress-up. We used to play around and create different looks when we were younger, and I believe we deserve to feel that sense of liberation and joy once more. We owe it to ourselves. It will help to build your identity and boost your confidence as well.

Villa Baboushka: The Classic 30’s Fashion House with A Modern Twist was originally published on FLAIR MAGAZINE

[my-cup-runneth-over]

My biggest inspirations

Rene Magritte

I first became familiar with Magritte’s work when I was about 9 years old. My favorite author at the time was Anthony Browne and I remember very clearly that it was his book titled Willy the Dreamer, that I had checked out from my public library that set everything off. In this book was Browne’s own renditions of Magritte’s Son of Man, and the Philosopher’s Lamp, replicated almost identically but with bananas--a recurring motif in his stories. At the time, I was unfamiliar with the artistic elements and jargon to describe my affinity for Browne’s work, but I recall being captivated by the surrealistic imagery and the way he incorporated hidden images in his work. It wasn’t until I’d formally studied art that I understood the connection--that Browne was a fervent admirer of Magritte’s work and wished to pay homage to him in his own work. I wonder if it was his intent to subtly teach children about Magritte. 

I digress, Magritte is my biggest inspiration in terms of art and art philosophy. The way he renders his images with such precise accuracy, in a completely surrealistic manner. Magritte does something that I aspire to do with every ounce of desire in my body, which is illustrating and conveying the dreamlike state. Bringing into existence the silent, distant thoughts that are buried deep within the subconscious and almost completely forgotten upon awakening. 

Audrey Hepburn 

I watched Funny Face as a high school freshman and proceeded to watch absolutely everything of hers that I could--Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, and my favorite: How To Steal a Million. I copied so many of her hairstyles and outfits. I even copied the way she says “Van Gogh.” She was the human embodiment of class. I was absolutely smitten, and befuddled as to how how someone could be so incredibly beautiful, so dainty and feminine, so sophisticated, so well-mannered, and of course, thanks to Hubert de Givenchy, so well-dressed. But I don’t idealize her solely from her looks, even though that is a big aspect. I think what I like the best about her is that she was a philanthropist and UNICEF ambassador, and everyone had nothing but good things to say about her. That she was so polite and caring and attentive to everyone around her. That she was just a good person all around, and that’s what I want to be. Also, dude--her eyebrows. She had thick, bushy eyebrows that she let run rampant and it served as a bit of representation for someone like me, of the hairy Latinx child persuasion 

Alexa Chung

Okay, this one isn’t that substantial because I really don’t know that much about her. I discovered her when I was looking for glasses that best suited my face shape, and according to the internet, Alexa Chung and I both have the same shaped face. Then I started doing my research on what frames she wears, but also what clothes she wears and what she does to her hair, sort of as a template to know what would look most flattering on myself. I noticed that like me, she’s really drawn to the 60s mod style. So I will continue to copy her, but whatever that’s why God gave us fashion icons.

The Bauhaus Movement

The Staatliches Bauhaus was an art school in Weimar, Germany established in 1919 with the intent to combine function and flair. Before the Bauhaus, the crafts and the fine arts existed mutually exclusive, and people held things crafted with utilitarian purposes in higher regard than they did works of art. It was through the Bauhaus that the two were combined, and produced were things such as furniture and daily utilities, but also fonts and paintings--all of modern and minimalist design.

The purpose behind this movement seems almost identical to an ideal I hold in my life, almost as a personal philosophy. Within me exists a fervent compulsion to make every aspect about myself aesthetically pleasing--my wardrobe, my desk at work, my home, my instagram page, essentially my entire existence. I used to worry that I was being unnecessarily extra or spending too much time and money but then I realized that buying specially designed items supports the artists that worked so hard to bring them into fruition.   

[our-dailyimpact]

10 SURE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY BY VICKI ROBIN AND JOE DOMINGUEZ

1. Don’t Go Shopping

If you don’t go shopping, you won’t spend money. Of course, if you need something from the store, go and buy it. But don’t just go shopping. About 53 percent of groceries and 47 percent of hardware-store purchases are “spur of the moment.”4 Indeed, shopping—at malls and online—is one of our favorite national pastimes.

More than the simple act of acquiring needed goods and services, shopping attempts to fill (but fails, since we have to shop so often) myriad needs: for socializing and time structuring, for a reward after a job well done, for an antidepressant, for esteem-boosting, self-assertion, status and nurturing. An alien anthropologist might conclude that the mall is our place of worship, and shopping the central ritual of communion with our deity. Lewis Lapham observes, “We express our longing for the ineffable in the wolfishness of our appetite... The feasts of consumption thus become rituals of communion.”5 Consumption seems to be our favorite high, our nationally sanctioned addiction, the all-American form of substance abuse. So don’t go shopping. And while you’re at it, stay away from advertising that whets your appetite for stuff you don’t want. And for pity’s sake don’t tune in to the Home Shopping Network, and the like. You may be saving more than money. You may be saving your sanity, not to speak of your soul.

2. Live Within Your Means

This notion is so outmoded that some readers might not even know what it signifies. To live within your means is to buy only what you can prudently afford, to avoid debt unless you have an assurance that you will be able to pay it promptly and always to have something put away for a rainy day. It was quite a fashionable way to live a couple of short generations ago, before we started living beyond our means. There are two sides to the coin of living beyond your means. The shiny side is that you can have everything you want right now. The tarnished side is that you will pay for it with your life. Buying on credit, from cars to houses to vacations, often results in paying three times the purchase price. Is going to Hawaii for two weeks this year worth working perhaps four additional months next year to pay it off? This doesn’t mean you have to cut up all your credit cards—you just have to avoid using them as much as possible. We recognize that credit cards can be a way to put food on the table for those who unexpectedly hit hard times. But in general, it’s important to distinguish between necessity and indulgence so you have as little debt as possible to pay off. Living within your means suggests that you wait until you have the money before you buy something. This gives you the benefit of avoiding interest charges.  It also gives you a waiting period during which you may well discover that you don’t want some of those things after all. He who hesitates saves money. The bright side of living within your means is that you will use and enjoy what you have and harvest a full measure of fulfillment from it, whether it’s your old car, your old coat, or your old house. It also means that you can weather the economic bad times when they come—which they will.

3. Take Care of What You Have

There is one thing we all have that we want to last a long time: our bodies. Simple attention to the proven preventive practices will save you lots of money. Flossing and brushing your teeth, for example, could save thousands in dental bills. And eating what you know agrees with your body (judging by your energy, not by your taste buds) may save you thousands in expensive procedures—not to mention your life. Extend this principle to all your possessions. Regular oil changes are known to extend the life of your car. Cleaning your tools extends their life. (How many hairdryers and vacuum cleaners have choked to death on hairballs?) Dusting your refrigerator coils saves energy and could save your refrigerator. One big difference between living beings and machines is that machines are not self-healing. If you ignore a headache it will probably go away. If you ignore a funny noise in your engine you could throw a rod, burn out a water pump, or otherwise incur major (and costly) damage. Many of us have lived with excess for so many years that it no longer occurs to us to maintain what we have. “There’s always more where that came from,” we tell ourselves. But more costs money. And more may not, in the long run, be available.

4. Wear It Out

What’s the last item you wore out? If it weren’t for the fashion industry (and boredom) we could all enjoy the same basic wardrobe for many years. Survey your possessions. Are you simply upgrading or duplicating last year’s electronic equipment, furniture, kitchenware, carpeting, and linens, or are you truly wearing them out? Think about how much money you would save if you simply decided to use things even 20 percent longer. If you usually replace your towels every two years, try replacing them every two and a half years. If you trade-in your car every three years, try extending that to four. If you buy a new coat every other winter, see whether every third winter would do just as well. And when you’re about to buy something, ask yourself, “Do I already have one of these that is in perfectly usable condition?” Another way to save money is to ask, before trashing something, whether there might be another way to use part or all of it. Old letters and e-mails become scrap paper. Old dishcloths become cleaning rags. Old magazines become art materials. Old grocery bags become . . . grocery bags again, or garbage bags. A word of caution to the already frugal. Using something until you wear it out does not mean using it until it wears you out. If you must continually fiddle with a lamp to make it work and you’ve already tried repairing it, it may not be worth your life energy to coax it along for another year. If your car is taking you for a ride, costing more hours in tinkering (or more money in repairs) than it’s giving you in service, buy a newer one. If your knee joints are suffering from running shoes that have lost their bounce, it would be cheaper to buy a new pair (on sale) than to have knee surgery.

5. Do It Yourself

Can you change the oil in your car? Fix a plumbing leak? Do your taxes? Make your gifts? Change the tire on your bicycle? Bake a cake from scratch? Build a bookshelf? Refinish furniture? Plant a garden? Hem a pair of pants? Cut your family’s hair? Form your nonprofit corporation? It used to be that we learned basic life skills from our parents in the process of growing up. Then the Industrial Revolution put our parents in factories and, after the passing of child labor and mandatory public education laws, put us in schools. Next our grandparents were put in rest homes, removing the people who traditionally taught life skills to the children while the parents worked. Eventually home economics and shop classes had to be incorporated in the curriculum as supplements to the ever-decreasing skill-nourishment we got at home. By the 1970s it was no longer fashionable for mothers to stay at home with their children. By the 1980s many couples assumed it wasn’t even possible, economically, for either parent to stay home with their children. Is it any wonder that the only way we know how to take care of ourselves in the twenty-first century is to be consumers of goods and services provided by others? To reverse that trend, just ask yourself, when you’re about to hire an expert: “Can I do this myself? What would it take to learn how? Would it be a useful skill to know?” In the context of a fast-paced, high-tech life a “do-it-yourself” orientation might seem quaint, but most humans, throughout history and on the planet today, are far more able than most of us to make and provide for themselves what they need for daily living—and many experts think that we’ll be thrown back on our resources increase in the coming decades. Years ago, when Suzie T. was young and lived in Fiji with her doctor husband for several months, she was embarrassed by how the native Fijians seemed to revere them. She tried to diminish their respect to an appropriate level, but they would have none of it. Then she discovered that since they made—and could repair—every single thing they depended on to live, they assumed that Suzie and Bill made their transistor radio, watch, and typewriter. They were unable to understand that no, these were made by others and Suzie had no idea how. Basic living and survival skills can be learned through Web sites, adult education classes, extension agents, and, last but not least, books. Every breakdown can be used as an opportunity for learning and empowerment. What you can’t do, or choose not to do, you can hire others to do and tag along for the ride. Every bit of your energy invested in solving these breakdowns not only teaches you something you need to know for the next time but helps prevent mistakes and reduces the bill. One FIer tells the story of how her heating system failed one winter. Three companies sent out repair people to assess the problem and make a bid. Each one told her with absolute certainty what the problem was. Unfortunately, each told her a different story. So she cracked the books, meditated on the Rube Goldberg maze of pipes, came to an educated guess, and chose the company that came closest to her analysis, thus saving herself hundreds of dollars of unnecessary and possibly destructive work. By staying with the repairman and observing his work she also was able to avert a few more expensive mistakes and to save (expensive) time by doing some of the simpler tasks. A typical working couple might have paid ten times what she did to have the job done and then felt fortunate to have two paychecks “since the cost of living in the modern world is so high.”

6. Anticipate Your Needs

Forethought in purchasing can bring tremendous savings. With enough lead time you will inevitably see the items you need to go on sale by the time you need them—at 20 to 50 percent under the usual price. Keep current on Web discounts and catalogs and sale flyers of national and local catalog merchandisers. Read the sale ads in the Sunday paper. If you have access to the Internet, type “discount merchandise” or “price comparison” into your Web browser and find the current meta sites that allow you to comparison shop. Online auctions allow you to see the prices discounters and warehouses might be offering. Watch for seasonal bargains such as January and August “white sales,” holiday sales (such as Memorial Day and Labor Day), year-end clearance sales, and back-to-school sales—but be sure these are real sales. By simply observing the poor condition of your car’s left rear tire while it still has some life left, you can anticipate a need. By simply being aware of this need you will naturally notice the phenomenal tire sale that will appear in the sports section of your Sunday newspaper three weeks from now—and you’ll know it’s a phenomenal sale because you have been watching prices. In the shorter term, shopping at the corner convenience store can be expensive. Anticipating your needs—that you’ll be wanting evening snacks, that you’ll run out of milk mid-week or that you’ll need paper for your printer—can eliminate running out to the corner store to pick up these items. Instead you can purchase them during your supermarket shopping or on a run to the office supply store. This can result in significant savings. Anticipating your needs also eliminates one of the biggest threats to your frugality—impulse buying. If you haven’t anticipated needing something when you leave your house at 3:05, chances are you don’t need it at 3:10 when you’re standing at the gazingus-pin counter at the corner store. We’re not saying you should buy only things that are on your premeditated shopping list (although that isn’t such a bad idea for compulsive shoppers); we are saying that you must be scrupulously honest when you’re out and about. Saying, “I anticipate needing this,” as you’re drooling over a left-handed veeblefitzer or cashmere sweater is not the same as having already anticipated needing one and recognizing that this particular one is a bargain. Remember the corollary to Parkinson’s Law (“The work expands to fit the time allowed for its completion”): “Needs expand to encompass whatever you want to buy on impulse.”

7. Research Value, Quality, Durability, Multiple Use and Price

Research your purchases. The print and online editions of Consumer Reports and other Web sites and publications give excellent evaluations and comparisons of almost everything you might buy—and they can be fun just to read. Decide what features are most important to you. Don’t just be a bargain junkie and automatically buy the cheapest item available. Durability might be critical for something you plan to use daily for twenty years. One obvious way of saving money is to spend less on each item you buy, but it’s equally true that spending $40 on a tool that lasts ten years instead of buying a $30 one that will need to be replaced in five years will save you $20 in the long run. Multiple-use is also a factor. Buying one item for $10 that will serve the purpose of four different $5 items will net you a savings of $10. One heavy-duty kitchen pot can (and perhaps should) replace half a dozen specialty appliances like a rice cooker, a crockpot, a Dutch oven, a deep-fat fryer, a paella pan, and a spaghetti cooker. So, if you expect to be using an item, buying for durability and multiple purposes can be a good savings technique. But if you’ll be using the item only occasionally you may not want to spend the extra dollars on a high-quality product. Knowing what your needs are and knowing the whole range of what is available will allow you to choose the right item. Besides reading consumer magazines and Web sites, you can evaluate quality by developing a sharp eye and carefully examining what you are buying. Are the seams in a piece of clothing ample? Are the edges finished? Is the fabric durable? Is it washable or will you be paying dry-cleaning bills to keep it clean? Are the screws holding the appliance together sturdy enough for the job? Is the material strong or flimsy? Is the furniture nailed, stapled or screwed? Here is where you will become an expert materialist—knowing materials so well that you can read the probable longevity of an item the way a forester can read the age and history of a fallen tree. This is the opposite of crass materialism. This might not be as uplifting as standing in a redwood grove, but it is respecting the wonder of creation in its way. Everything you purchase has its origin in the earth. Everything. Knowing the wear patterns of aluminum versus stainless steel is honoring the earth every bit as much as lobbying for stronger environmental protection laws. Changing yourself and changing the system go hand in hand. By the same token, engaging only in personal strategies is inadequate. We all need to become active citizens and to encourage our local, state, and federal governments to provide high-quality public transportation, public schools, public hospitals, universal sickness-care insurance and other basics so that we can all be frugal together —and decrease gobs of personal spending.

8. Buy It for Less

If you’ve spent any time in the marketplace, you know you can pay a lot of different prices for the same item. Things don’t cost what they cost. They cost what you pay. Where you get the item and how much you pay often relates more to questions of values and convenience rather than differences in quality. All things being equal, however, the goal is usually to get it as cheaply as possible. The following section contains a few tips on how to do that. Comparison-shop by phone: Where do you shop and how did you choose it? Is it where you’ve always shopped? At the mall closest to your home? Where your friends shop? Where advertising or status-seeking has told you is the only place to shop? We research products via the Internet, compare prices there too, but try to buy locally—and for big items always do. For those items we comparison shop via the telephone. Once we know what we want, we phone around for the best price. The more educated you are about the product and the more specific you can be about the exact make or model you want, the more successful your bargain-hunting will be. You will be amazed at the range of prices quoted for the same item. If you prefer doing business with a particular store or supplier, phone-shop for the best price and then ask your favorite vendor if he or she can match it. Seven years before writing the first edition of this book, after much research, we decided we wanted a Toyota Tercel with a four-wheel drive. We then called every dealership within 100 miles—and shaved 33 percent off the highest bid by purchasing a demonstrator (a deluxe model with everything but air-conditioning) that had 3,600 miles on it. Seven years and 100,000 miles later, nothing had gone wrong. Seven years before this edition, the author pulled the same trick with a Honda Insight, at that time the most fuel-efficient hybrid car on the road. The new car was $24,000. One dealer offered a right-off-the-showroom-floor-but-2001 model for $16,800. A few calls later a new right-off the-showroom-floor 2002 model was offered by another dealer for $16,000. A similar 33 percent savings. Some things never change. Like phone comparison shopping. Bargain: You can ask for discounts for paying cash. You can ask for discounts for less-than-perfect items. You can ask for the sale price even if the sale begins tomorrow or ended yesterday. You can ask for further discounts on items already marked down. You can ask for discounts if you buy several items at the same time. You can ask for discounts anywhere, anytime. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Haggling is a time-honored tradition. The list price of any consumer item is usually inflated. As soon as you hear the words, “The list price is . . . you should say, “Yes, but what is your price?” According to Jim Dacyczyn you should be able to shave 24 percent off the sticker price for a car, but this strategy applies to more than houses, cars, and other major purchases. You have nothing to lose by asking for a discount at any store—from your local hardware store to a clothing emporium. A case in point was our recent outing to buy new running shoes. A $95 (list price) pair was sitting on the manager’s special rack with no price. They fit perfectly. We asked a salesman what they would cost. “$39.99,” he replied. “Would you take $30?” we asked. Surveying what he had left, he said, “Twenty-eight dollars.” We could have pointed out that haggling etiquette suggests that his counteroffer be higher, not lower, than ours. But we were astute enough just to shut our mouths, open our wallet and take advantage of a great bargain. By the way, this strategy works best at independently-owned stores where the owner has more authority to make instant decisions. So if the chain store has it for less, at least give the independent, local store owner a chance to meet the price. Buy it used: Reexamine your attitudes about buying used items. Most of us live in “used” houses—someone else probably built your home and inaugurated the shower, toilet, fridge, and more. Many of us drive used cars; if you define your needs and research prices via online sales outlets (like Cars.com, craigslist and AutoTrader.com in the United States)—or use a purchasing agent—you can certainly save a bundle. But what about everything else? If you are a thrift store or garage-sale addict, look at whether you are saving money or whether you are buying items you don’t need just because they’re “such a bargain.” But if you wouldn’t be caught dead in a Salvation Army thrift store, look around your town: thrift stores have become fashionable emporiums. Clothing, kitchenware, furniture, drapes—all can be found in thrift stores, and you may be surprised at the high quality of many of them. Donating brand-new items to thrift stores is one way that shopaholics justify excess purchases. If you just can’t bring yourself to shop at thrift stores, consider consignment shops. The prices are higher, but the quality is consistently high as well. In our experience, thrift stores are best for clothing, but garage sales are cheaper (and more reliable) for appliances, furniture, and household items. If you’re an early bird (arriving before the sellers have even had their morning coffee) you can often find exceptional buys—unless you get shoo-ed away because you are too early. On the other hand, the later in the day you go to a garage sale, the more eager the people will be to get rid of the stuff for a song.“Swap meets” and “flea markets” are two names for the same event—weekend open-air bazaars where you’ll find merchants of every stripe displaying their wares: shrewd hucksters, collectors of every kind and families hoping to unload their excess before moving across the country. Just as when you shop at discounters, you have to know your prices. Some clever nomads are working the flea-market circuit who will sell you tools, clothing, housewares, and other items for more than you’d pay at the shopping mall. In recent years, eBay and other online auctions have become a craze and helped move buying used from tacky to smart.

9. Meet Your Needs Differently

The principle of substitution says that there are hundreds if not thousands of ways to meet a need. Traditional economics would have you believe that more, better, or different stuff can satisfy almost any need and is just a credit card swipe away. But who says frugal pleasures are less pleasurable because they are less pricey? For example, what’s the best way to lift your spirits? An antidepressant? Running? Cognitive therapy? A change of scenery? Going to a funny movie? Helping someone in a worse pickle? Retail therapy? Which works best for you? Do you have just one strategy or many different ones? When you feel depleted, where do you turn? Rest? Exercise? Caffeine? Therapy (retail or talk)? TV? In other words, there’s a difference between needs and the strategies we use to “satisfy” those needs. The Chilean economist Manfred Max-Neef has studied needs and the strategies that satisfy them. He found that across time and culture the following needs are universal: subsistence, protection (safety), affection, understanding (making sense of life), participation (being part of some social process), recreation (in the sense of leisure, time to reflect or idleness), creation (making things), identity (who you are) and freedom (choosing for oneself). If these needs are not met, to some degree, in your life, likely you’ll feel dissatisfied and search for something to satisfy that longing. The consumer culture would say, “Shop!” Your habit patterns would say, “When I feel this way, I always. . . .” But let’s take one of these needs and see how to meet it by widening your repertoire of how needs can be met and then choosing the strategy (or strategies) that fits best. One of the universal needs Max-Neef identified is “freedom.” Freedom is the need for autonomy (making your own choices according to your own best lights) and independence (doing what you will, apart from the demands or expectations of others). In America, freedom has become deeply tied to mobility—getting in something with wheels (or wings) and going away. It’s also connected with not having to share with anyone, so you can have access to everything you want whenever you want. It is also linked to any product that will let you ignore the consequences of your actions—from antiaging cream to credit cards. Of course we are freedom-loving people—all people are! But here’s a substitution exercise I’ve run about freedom... If when I think “freedom” I think “travel,” what am I looking for? What values or desires lie behind that core need? Often it’s novelty and stimulation and getting out of daily and sometimes deadening routines. It’s needing some aimlessness and idleness in contrast to my norm of purposefulness. It’s learning—new languages, cultures, facts. Meeting new people. A slower pace with less stress. Swimming in a different set of assumptions, getting jolted out of narrow-mindedness. Tasting new foods. Indulging in a novel during a long flight. It’s being out of town and unavailable for all the meetings and decisions that tend to whittle down my store of daily joy. But do I need to travel to faraway places to experience these things? Remember, substitution as a frugality strategy isn’t about downgrading pleasure. It’s about ensuring that I get precisely what I am seeking at half the cost—or no cost at all. I’m not limiting myself (waaa!), I’m focusing on myself (yum!). Freedom from my daily routines might involve letting go of rigid standards (let the house be less clean), some burdensome responsibilities (don’t always say yes to those requesting my help), and some entrenched habits (why not go out to eat with friends more often)? With rising gas prices, people are traveling locally—seeing the sights within a day’s drive—and discovering exotic people and places nearby. Staying closer to home also reveals some hidden treasures in your backyard, or over the backyard fence—like your beautiful flower garden or your neighbor’s interesting stories. Stay put long enough and the details and delights of where you have become more evident. See, substitution isn’t deprivation, it’s about getting creative. Substitution also reminds us that consumption is rooted in changing a feeling state, which is a signal that a need isn’t being filled. We feel hungry so we eat to have a feeling of satisfaction. We feel lonely so we join a club or make a date to feel connected. We feel bored so we go to a movie or read a magazine or go on a trip to feel enlivened. As Max-Neef points out, most of our needs are not material! Substitution says, “When you feel a desire to shop, take time to trace it back to the need and ask if creativity rather than consumption might best fill it.” Donella Meadows cuts to the heart of it in Beyond the Limits: People don’t need enormous cars, they need respect. They don’t need closets full of clothes, they need to feel attractive and they need excitement and variety and beauty. People don’t need electronic equipment; they need something worthwhile to do with their lives. People need identity, community, challenge, acknowledgment, love, and joy. To try to fill these needs with material things is to set up an unquenchable appetite for false solutions to real and never-satisfied problems. The resulting psychological emptiness is one of the major forces behind the desire for material growth. Substitution isn’t a limitation. It’s liberation. It’s letting go of assumptions and habits, looking at the richness of reality and picking from the smorgasbord of pleasures available right in front of your nose.

10. Follow the Nine Steps of This Program

The steps of this program have been successfully followed by hundreds of thousands of people. These people have found that doing all the steps leads to a transformed experience of money and the material world. It’s the transformation, not the tips, that saves them money. Mild shopping addictions evaporate. Self-denial and self-indulgence both yield to self-awareness, which ends up being a much bigger pleasure. You can use this program as a series of tips or advice, or you can let it work its magic by doing the steps. They are a whole-system approach to money and stuff that changes your habits by changing your way of seeing. All the steps matter. They synergize to spur you on.