CatBitches

Tobacco and Leather

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:48 +0100

Abbey Watkins is a textiles student in Manchester.

I love her fashion illustrations: they are amazing. Her dedication and talent for fine detail really caught my attention which is why I thought I should share the love. I particularly love that she still draws everything by hand using pencil (my favourite medium).

Come to your senses

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:34 +0100

I recently thought that I would pack up my bitchy ways and try to love society once more. To once again try and understand humanity; so I could appreciate and respect all people. I thought that perhaps I was becoming too cynical, sarcastic and pessimistic. That if I tried once more, I would be able to adapt and accept modern British society.

Wishful fucking thinking: everywhere I go there are marvellous almost impossible displays of human stupidity. To the point where I’m starting to think that we are now evolving backwards. (No i’m not sure how that works either but you get my drift.)

I swear humanity is becoming brain dead. Why does nobody read anymore? Actually scratch that, why don’t people THINK anymore? I thought we humans were born with a basic understanding of common sense.

Common sense is quite simple. Not sure about something? Ask. Shit? Wipe arse. See it’s easy.

So why do people still not get it?!

In a shop I work at we have signs dotted around the establishment to explain certain purchase requirements. Admittedly the shop itself can be quite complicated (too many rules) but in it’s defence there where ALWAYS clear signs explaining.

For example, there was a scenario where a customer brought to the till one single shower gel that she picked up from the bargain bin which clearly had a sign above it that read,“Bargain Bin – items from £5- only available with any other purchase in store- not sold individually. “

When I told her that I couldn’t sell it to her individually she said,

Her- “Where does it say that?”

Me -“Errm- on the sign right above it.”

Her -“Oh, well that wasn’t very clear.”

WHAT!? HOW IS THAT NOT CLEAR!? ARE YOU THICK AS WELL AS BLIND?!

Another one that I love is,

Me - “That’ll be £7.50 please.”

Him- “But it says £5 on the sign.”

Me- “No, it says FROM £5…”

Him: “Oh…”

FOR GOD SAKE.

The sheer display of stupidity and ignorance baffles me most times. I’ve honestly come to the conclusion that most people only read what they want to believe. So instead of reading FROM £5 they read FOR £5. Who then gets shitty with me, who in return corrects them and relishes in their inevitable embarrassment. Read the sign(s) then you wouldn’t feel like such a blunt knob.

Also be aware and look as well: if there’s a sign there then it’s probably there for a good reason. So READ IT. I remember watching a man walk past two huge ass signs that clearly stated “Sorry but these toilets are CLOSED due to flooding. Please use the other toilets in the main square.” He then proceeded to try and open the blatantly CLOSED doors to try and get into the toilets that were obviously CLOSED and it wasn’t like the signs were obstructed they were right in front the the door that he was trying to open.

So I think we need to all start being more aware (myself included) and read signs, ask people when you don’t know, use you’re fucking eyes. Because we’re lucky that we can, and we should always remember that.

Free shit with purchase

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:44 +0100

Everybody loves getting things for free, it’s fact: it makes us feel like we’re being rewarded. Rewarded as valued customer, rewarded for buying shit that we probably didn’t need; but that’s o.k because you’ve gotten yourself a free plastic make-up (made in China). That you also (probably) didn’t need…

Now I accept that greed is not a new sin, heck it’s probably the oldest one in the book. However I’ve noticed that instead of learning to be happy with what we have, we’re constantly unhappy about what we DON’T have. As a result of this humanity as a whole seems to be constantly craving everything and anything; sometimes things that you don’t even need. Things like samples for example…

Fucking samples. I hate them; honestly, well most of them anyway. You know why? Because most of them are shit. They come in tiny rubbish little sachets that only seem to have one applications worth of product in them. Most of the time they never have a sample of the product you actually want to buy and whoever manages to make a free face cream sachet last for more than three days needs to be shot for being a tight wad.

I realise that the whole point of making samples is so that people can try before they buy: some creams are expensive and if it’s not suitable for you then it seems like a waste of money. Sometimes companies even make samples to promote a new product. Share the love, spread the word. I get it.

Still it’s not really the samples I have a problem with because as I have stated above, they are a good idea. Even if most of them are shit and tiny. No, no, no, I have a problem with the free sample attitude that people have developed now.

Having worked for several beauty brands I know first hand how annoying this attitude is. Some people saunter into a store ignore you/treat you like dirt, turn up at the till to pay for something (usually low in price) then bark, “Have you got any free samples I can have?”

No “please”, no legitimate reason, just pure demand. I don’t understand why people think this is a good way to get anything. First off- why would I want to give you anything after you have been rude/cold to me? Secondly, you’ve spent fuck all, the person before you spent five times the amount you have and they didn’t demand shit. Lastly it is not your god given right to expect things for free.

Yeah you heard me right.

People who are polite and genuine deserve samples. They’ve heard of a product that they want to try, they have every intention of buying it but ideally they would like to try it first. That’s fine. People who spend a shit load of money deserve samples, because most of the time they don’t demand them. That’s also fine but one I love is when people get shitty when you don’t have the sample that they want; instead you have something else which is completely different, but out of politeness (and company contract) you offer it to them; whilst mentally wondering if they’ll snatch it up like some horrible little troll because it’s free. Most of the time they do, and I die a little inside.

This really angers me because it’s a perfect example of unnecessary human greed. It makes me wonder whether there is any hope for modern society. I mean why does a twenty year old need a sample for water retention gel?! Why do you want that horrible make up bag? It’s hideous and poorly made. Who cares if it’s free?! IT’S FUCKING AWFUL.

Free gift with purchase also irritates me. Admittedly some of them can be quite good, Estee Lauder do a good one at Christmas when you spend over a certain amount; but their good products in good sizes. Otherwise most “gift with purchase” offers are a little crap and why do they always seem to consist of ugly make up bags?!

Anyway my point is this attitude needs to stop: it’s wasteful and selfish. Only ask for samples if you want something in particular and if they don’t have it don’t get shitty. Besides I find that most people are more willing to give you samples if you DON’T sound like a greedy cretin. Try it, you might find that it actually works better.

James Jean

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:25 +0100

Is an artist who I love: he does some fantastic work. He is a Taiwanese-American award winning illustrator living in Los Angeles. His clients include Time Magazine, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Spin, ESPN, Atlantic Records, Target, Playboy, Knopf, Nike among others. He has also illustrated covers for the comic book series Fables and The Umbrella Academy, for which he has won six Eisner Awards for “Best Cover Artist”.

The man has also helped design for Prada who used his fairy illustrations as a dominate theme in one of their collectons. Please check out his work here

Tattoos

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:02 +0100

I never used to understand tattoos. I used to think it was a mindless circle jerk: so many people seem to get tattoos for the wrong reasons and then (predictably) they grow to dislike their tattoos, even hate them. Then they want to remove them, but don’t take into account the cost or the pain that’ll be involved. Plus I’ve seen far too many ugly tattoos than should be allowed.

Then I got one; what possessed me I’m not sure, but the difference is I don’t hate mine. I love my tattoo as much as I did when I first got it. I got something called Sak Yant which is also called yantra tattooing done. If you want to find out more about you can go here Sak Yant.

I wanted something that would remind me of my Thai heritage and my mum was very supportive. In fact she was so supportive she got one done with me! Plus I won’t deny it, I thought it just looked kind of cool. I knew I didn’t suit a sleeve tattoo or a tramp stamp so I got mine in a discreet place (the back of my left shoulder) and it doesn’t look cheap or badly drawn.

Anyway the thing that annoys me most about tattoos today, is the fact that people need to justify them.

You don’t need to justify shit because it’s your body. You can do whatever you want to it and you are responsible for it

The show Miami Ink is a perfect example of this, not the artists but the customers: I swear that every other person who comes onto that show is getting a tattoo done for somebody else. They’ll claim that their getting it done for themselves to “remind me” of so on and so on. Admittedly it’s probably shown like that so it can be entertaining on T.V. but still…

Now I’m going to try and be gentle because I sympathise with anyone who’s lost someone they care about, but getting a tattoo in their memory is not always the best idea. Think about it; would they want you to get one? Really; would they?

I know somebody who got one in memory of her deceased grandfather, it cost her a fortune, looks hideous and now it’s permanent. I have no sympathy: she didn’t think about it properly. The salt to the wound for her was when her sister later told me that her grandfather (were he alive) would have hated it.

I understand that people want to keep the memory of their loved ones alive and in a strange way I guess it’s kind of sweet. Detrimental, but sweet.

Besides what’s wrong with getting a tattoo just because you think it’s cool? A tattoo just for you, of something you like, even if everybody else thinks it’s stupid or void of “deep meaning”. Sure people may laugh but who cares? I’d respect somebody more if they got pikachu inked into their skin because they really wanted it. Rather than somebody who got their grans portrait tattooed just because they felt like it was the right thing to do.

Now I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that getting a tattoo of your boyfriends name or girlfriends face is a BAD idea. For reasons I’m sure you can figure out. (Peter Andre, Johnny Depp are you reading?) Another thing that people don’t seem to understand is this; most people actually don’t suit tattoos.

Oh. My. God. I just said it; heaven fucking forbid, somebody had to. The tramp stamp (a tattoo done on the lower back - mostly seen on women) is the easiest example to give you. I don’t want to see a nasty fucking butterfly spread across your upper ass fat. There is nothing, NOTHING attractive about seeing a celtic tattoo branded onto somebody who is bulging over their jeans.

I don’t give a shit whether it’s PC or not. It’s true and you all know it.

Anyway please think about it if you want to get a tattoo done. Do your research, visit different studios, talk to the artists, consider whether you actually suit one. Ask your families opinions or your friends but ultimately make the final decision yourself. Never cave into pressure and don’t do it just to rebel. Contradictory I know, since a tattoo is the ultimate rebel symbol. I only say this because a lot of young people get them done without thinking.

Remember hygiene is so important, so make sure the studio is clean with certificates. Your health is paramount and a moment of negligence could cost you more than your cash.

Uggly

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:27 +0100

Uggs, I’m sure there is a logical explanation for them. I hope there is. Because honestly, I can’t figure out why anyone would want to wear (out of choice) shoes that look like they’ve been made by our neanderthal ancestors. So saying that; I recognise that they aren’t anything new, not really. Sheep herders have been wearing them for ages, despite the fact that for a long time cow hide was the more popular material; and I’m sure people who live in cold climates have also been wearing sheep skin boots (or something similar) for god knows how long.

Their popularity increased as a result of World War I and World War II, during which they became popular with aviators because of their need to keep warm in unpressurised planes at high altitudes.

I didn’t know but the term “Ugg” is actually a generic term created in Australia; where surfers and competitive swimmers would wear the boots to keep their feet warm once out of the water. Now I’ve never been to Australia so I can’t dispute that; however I swear Australia is suppose to be hot isn’t it? I mean they have scary bush fires and scorching beaches there don’t they? So how the hell can it get cold enough to constitute wearing fucking sheepskin boots!? It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, but then again neither does Asian rap.

Unless you are sheep herder or about to do some arctic fishing, I don’t want to see you wearing Uggs. They are ugly and intended for more than just walking around your high street in.

So although I’m excited about Winter I’m not thrilled by the amount of Ugg boots that I have seen on the streets recently. Fair enough if we’re at a skiing resort or fishing in the freezing arctic; otherwise there is no excuse. I don’t care how fucking cold it is that’s what thermal socks are for. Like I said earlier I understand that they have a practical function but if you think about it their suede and England is not known for being a dry country… Therefore It doesn’t take a genius to figure out, that once worn in Britain the Ugg boot starts to make less and less sense.

Oh! I’m not sure if other people have noticed this but the cheaper Ugg replicas (that don’t have a reinforced heel) make you walk a little lop sided; like your special. Not sexy in anyway, heck it’s not even cute and another thing; why do people insist on wearing them with black tights/leggings? Fucking stop it: oatmeal and black do NOT go together. I can’t honestly think of any two colours that look worse with one another.

Yet despite this girls will continue to wear them, and because it’s getting colder they’ll add a tiny denim skirt over their black leggings too. Just to piss me off. I should also mention that in the summer British girls will skip the extra denim phase all together. Because lets face it their not “fat” their curvy so they can get away with not covering their chunk and they like to remind me of that, by showing me as much lycra clad camel toe as possible.

So I could go on but I won’t: like the common cold, Uggs will always be around. They may disappear for a period of time but once it gets cold, they’re fucking every where.

Richard Heeps

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:47 +0100

I recently went on a day trip to Brighton with two of my friends and by pure chance we stumbled upon a photography exhibition.

The photographer, Richard Heeps takes some beautiful photographs that have a wonderful nostalgic feel.

They remind me of a lost era, that is both retro yet disturbingly familiar. A quality which seems hard to find in todays modern obsessed culture.

Finally the photos made me feel good and more importantly, made an impression.

What a load of wrap

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:35 +0100

Wrapping your own presents.

Come on people; I know you can do it.

It has to be one of the most simplest tasks that a person could do. So I don’t understand why more people don’t do it themselves. It doesn’t require a degree to figure out, and you don’t need the top of the market equipment. It’s literally wrapping paper, cello tape, scissors and common sense. Perhaps a stick on ribbon if your feeling particularly arty and that’s it.

Don’t even give me the argument of,

“…but my wrapping is crap! I’d rather get someone else do it so it looks pretty.”

It’s not good enough. It defeats the purpose of giving someone a gift that you have specially chosen for them.

The gift will mean so much more if it’s something that you have put time and effort into

I for one would love the gift more, if I knew that they had wrapped it themselves; even if it is wrapped like shit! The point is that they wrapped it. They didn’t get their mother to do it for them; or worse some anonymous shop assistant.

I work in a shop so I know how many of you do it and it pisses me off. People leave buying gifts till the last minute and then rush around buying something they think “will do”. Then they get other people to wrap it up for them!

It shows a distinct lack of organisational skills and spectacular proof of laziness.

Now I understand sometimes it can’t be helped: someone will drop a birthday bombshell on you two hours before your suppose to meet them. What are you going to do? You are miles away from home, you’ve got bags of shopping hanging off your arms and you haven’t even had lunch yet.

Then and only then is is acceptable for you to get someone else to wrap it; unless of course you don’t have arms in which case I’ll make an exception for that too.

Otherwise please wrap your own presents, you only have to do it a couple of times a year anyway.

So don’t be so fucking lazy

Three to Tango?

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:00 +0100

Multiple dating, they make it look so easy in the movies: the girl (who is always glamourous) has an abundance of successful and attractive men to chose from. She also has the natural ability to juggle all these men, without any of them getting even remotely suspicious that they are being played along. Oh and have I mentioned that none of her friends thinks she’s a slut? Ahhh, It sounds too good to be true; that’s because it is.

In reality, the process is much more complicated and tiring than Hollywood would like you to believe. I know this for a fact, because I have tried. I joined a dating website recently and was surprised by the amount of attention I received.

I for one don’t agree with the social stigma that is attached to online dating: what is so wrong about it? It doesn’t prove anything about a persons social life. Most people who are on them (dating websites) simply don’t find themselves in a situation where they are meeting new people. Besides asking out strangers in a real life situation isn’t easy, especially if you can’t find an excuse to get to know them better (again I have been there and done that).

Once I’d deflated my head, I started the long and tedious process of searching through profile after profile for a suitable boyfriend. Recognising that it wasn’t fair to just sit around and wait for the right guy, I did send some of my own emails. To which no one replied; go figure.

I consider dating websites as a tool - like a can opener. Nothing to be ashamed of if you do use it: it’s there to be used so why not?

Anyway, I managed to go on quite a few dates with some very lovely men. It should be said that I was fortunate enough not to meet any creeps/psychos. However I was convinced that I would never in a million years meet two men (at the same time) that I would like. So I dated several men at the same time; bad idea.

Why? Well because it was tiring, I found myself running around (I don’t drive) and spending more money than I could afford (it didn’t seem fair to make them pay for everything). Plus it was hard to keep track of what I’d told who and what I’d already worn out on our previous date(s) and of course the impossible happened…

I ended up liking two men at the same time. I felt awful, I hated the situation I’d gotten myself into because I’m really not that kind of girl. My friends (the less understanding ones) looked at me in a different light and it hurt. Normally I can handle most tricky situations but this one was beyond me: I liked both men and didn’t really want to hurt either of them.

The harsh truth was that, at some point I was going to have to.

Obviously I did chose and I’m now very happy! The guy I let down took it really well, which is always a good thing and I wish him all the best. As for the guy I’ve chosen; he’s wonderful. We compliment one another very well, and although it’s still early days I find myself smiling about the future. It’s a nice feeling and I’m enjoying every moment of it.

So to my “chosen one” this article is dedicated to you: you make me feel good about smiling again. :-)

Waiting for Winter

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:47 +0100

This is going to sound strange but I can’t wait for winter. Summer is great because the sun comes out and everyone can enjoy a good dosage of sunshine. The thing is, when it’s hot people tend to wear very few clothes (often the wrong kind of people) and although men prefer the idea of women in tiny short shorts. I for one find tights and boots far more sexier.

Not that women really turn me on or anything; I just simply like the idea of winter fashion more. I think it provides more room for imagination. Tights, hats, scarves, gloves, coats… There is just so much to play with, and that’s the beauty of it! Designers obviously agree with me too, just take a look at the A/W fashion scene.

Winter may be cold, but the fashion is super hot

Exaggerated shoulders, Luxe cashmere coats, crazy 80’s colour… Winter is when fashion comes alive; when fashion can truly show it’s colours in all it’s fabulous glory. Louis Vuitton created some super cute (yet unrealistic) bunny ear hair accessories, that were donned by Maddonna for the MET costume gala. Admittedly she looked like she had sprouted diabolic horns instead of fluffy ears but hey. Now we know she’s only human: even Madonna is not immune to the mid life crisis.

Another thing that I’m loving; Balmain. Who knew shoulder pads would suddenly become so cool? I know the trend (like the mullet) should have died with the 80’s but my god, Christophe Decarnin has accomplished the impossible. He has made shoulders sexy again and I for one will be rocking the black jacket with seriously sharp shoulders come winter time. I realise it’s following the fashion crowd but this is one of those rare occasions were I don’t mind.

The return of classic bags, big jewelry and sexy shoes, are also something I’m excited about. Plus now I’ll be able to swoon over men wearing sexy coats and boots; bonus!

So you see there’s plenty to be excited about come winter time: I know it rains a lot but if you buy a decent umbrella and a trench coat you should be fine (as well as fashionable).

Stella Im Hultberg

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:43 +0100

Stella Im Hultberg is of Korean descent, raised in both Asia and America. She initially studied Industrial Design but left that for fine art.

I love how the girls have sexy yet vulnerable expressions on their faces. The emotion and femininity in these images really draws you in; making you feel for the girls. So despite some of the images being quite sexual, they still retain a sense of innocence that is quite difficult to capture when drawing partially nude women.

Being (half) Asian

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:43 +0100

No doubt I will discuss this topic again, however I believe that it’s a subject that I can continuously talk about and perhaps provide an alternate angle on; one that a Caucasian person would not be able to provide.

As I briefly talked about in my Turning Japanese post, Asian influence has seen a massive rise in the last couple of years and naturally attention from the culture will eventually lead to attention to the people. Now being half Asian means I should naturally like Asians and I do; just not the majority of them.

This may come as a surprise to a lot of you and trust me once I started to accept it, it surprised me too. The reason I don’t like most Asians is because of they way they think: I can’t stand how Asian societies function. I was born and raised in Asia (Thailand to be specific) but I have travelled all over and lived in several different counties in S.E Asia. So I am more than aware of how they think and I couldn’t stand it.

Many dark, Asian women hook up with foreigners because yes some may just want your money, a green card, etc… However some do it because the men in their own country view them as unattractive and treat them like shit

The teenage years were probably the worst, because I was only half Asian and my mother didn’t really have the stereotypical tooth pick figure (more hourglass), I ended up being much curvier than my oriental sisters. To make matters worse my bust was much larger than the average Thai woman. So almost immediately I stood out (not in the good way) and this was about the same time my mother had enrolled me into a modeling agency. I don’t think she had any idea of the amount of psychological damage it would later cause me.

Looking back on it now, it all seems so stupid and incredibly superficial. I should have just given them all the finger and walked out, but I didn’t. Back then the harsh criticism and rejection was taken to heart; in the end I genuinely believed I wasn’t an attractive person. I remember one agent told me that I wouldn’t stand a chance unless I dropped two dress sizes. I was sixteen years old and a natural size eight.

It disgusts me that society is obsessed with something so shallow.

Basically if you’re Asian, tanned and chubby, you’re fucked. You might as well move to a western country and marry an old fart who’s going to love you for who you are AND what you look like, because everyone back home sees you as the dark, fat one. Perhaps I’m exaggerating a little but believe me when I say; I’m not doing it by much.

This is why Asian girls are obsessed with being skinny and pale

Being pale in Asia makes you more desirable because it implies that you are well off and healthy. It connotes that you don’t need to slave away in the sun doing manual labour and that my western friends, is the harsh truth. Amusing isn’t it? Over here it’s the opposite: having a tan makes people here feel glowing and healthy.

Before I wrap this up I would also like to mention that Asian men piss me off too; most of them are so metrosexual you’d never believe they weren’t gay. They obsess about their appearance as much as the women, some of them are pretty and don’t they just know it. They think their so hot and that they can manipulate girls to act and look just how they want them to. I for one refuse to tolerate that kind of crap.

It should also be said that the ones that don’t check the mirror regularly or wear a hairband have strange superiority complexes. Asian society is very much a patriarchal one, it’s getting better but it’s sill a BIG problem and the last thing I want is for some controlling shit head to tell me what I can or cannot do. So that’s why I couldn’t date an Asian man. Unless of course he was brought up far far away from Asia.

Abercrombie & Fitch and Jack Wills

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:17 +0100

Why? WHY does anyone want to look like Lacrosse Barbie and Ken?! I don’t get it. I don’t understand what the appeal is. No one, I repeat no one is that… - that… squeaky clean. I just don’t understand why you want to look like a member of some Aryan clan.

You know who you are and what I mean. I don’t give a shit if you really do conform to their ideals: I really don’t care that you went to private school, or that you you actually do row as sport. So did I (o.k so I didn’t row - I played tennis and rode horses though) but I don’t use that as justification to walk around like a Ralph Lauren mannequin.

What annoys me is the mightier than thou attitude that goes with wearing fucking Merino wool. The Ivy League cable knit bullshit; and the thing that makes me laugh the most is the people who wear it just so they can pretend that they do all those things.

You’re unique. Your not a catalogue. I want to see the dirty, cheeky, raw element of everyones personality. Hence why I don’t agree with an over styled, over priced, generic identity decided for you by someone else. You need to decide your identity for yourself. So If I see another peroxide Penelope traipsing around in UGG boots, denim short shorts and a stirpey cardigan, I will scream.

I don’t really have a problem with people who own a couple of items. I just don’t agree with any fashion label that promotes a particular aesthetic to the total exclusion of individuality.

Vanity

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:18 +0100

First off a quick mention- Gilian who sent me a really awesome email. I loved your cat bitch moment! Remember I love hearing from you guys because I know, I can’t be the only kitten who likes to get her claws out…

Anyway, in the email Gillian touched upon something that has always been socially criticized; narcissism. Now for the record, I do not endorse serious narcissism. As a topic though, I find the concept of Narcissism of fascinating: the general consensus is that Narcissism is viewed a negative thing, and I don’t entirely disagree with that belief. Still what people fail to acknowledge, is that we all posses a narcissistic streak to some extent. Remember; healthy narcissism is a realistic interest in ones self and there is nothing wrong with that.

Now I’ve never been called narcissistic, but I have been called vain; which as you can imagine I took offense to. As I recall, I was checking my hair in the bedroom mirror. Now how is that being vain? Was I suppose to walk out of the house looking like I had pubes for a hair? I think not.

“Self love, my liege, is not so vile a sin as self neglecting…” - William Shakespeare

What hurt was that I don’t think the accuser really understood the meaning of her words. Calling someone vain is something you should never do lightly: it implies that you devalue other peoples qualities and consider yourself far more superior.

The funny thing is that nowadays, more people are encouraged to groom, exercise and generally give a shit about how they look; why? Because almost everyones first impression of you, is based on how you look. Sad but true. We now live in a world were we are expected to be the best versions of ourselves.

So what is considered narcissistic now? I’m not sure anyone knows anymore. Because now we’re more obsessed with what we could be, than what we are. What we look like, rather than who we are.

Another thing that no one likes to mention is those people on the other spectrum of vain. The people who don’t give a shit about what they look like at all and I mean really don’t give a shit. Why is it alright for them to skulk around in drab anoraks and ugly shoes? Fucking Crocs.

I think before we start attacking the people who give a damn; we should first rectify the people who don’t care at all. Because obviously they are in need of some serious TLC and stylistic education. At least I hope so: I refuse to believe that anyone is happy just blending into the background.

Bubz Beauty

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:41 +0100

I love Bubbi!!!!

A*hem o.k now that my declaration of adoration is over, I should say why I love her…

I really love Bubbi because she has such a lovely personality and an interesting accent. She’s always so positive and I believe that the world really needs more people like her. The wonderful thing is that she’s happy, but not annoyingly so.

This is odd because I’m a cynical bugger and people with sunny dispositions normally get on my nerves. However her sunny charm always cheers me up, and it’s always a pleasure watching her videos.

Is beauty skin deep?

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:32 +0100

Ah tis the season and I’m not talking about Christmas. No tis the season for fake tan! Although living in England it’s not really seasonal anymore: people actually depend on it more than the sun. I can understand why, it’s a convenient way to get a glow without the effort of actually sun bathing. I should also mention that this is England; and we’re not known for our beaches or hot weather. There’s also this nasty thing called a recession going on, which means that most people aren’t planning to jet off to their favourite tropical destinations anytime soon.

So what do the pasty race do? Fake it of course! Because by God, by the time I’m done using this fake tan product no one will ever actually know that I haven’t been to Antigua, or that I actually don’t own a passport! Sad but true; not for me though: being half Thai means I’m naturally tanned already. So I guess this makes it hard for me to relate. It doesn’t however make it hard for me to bitch about the obsession behind fake tan. Because lets face it, there is a problem; maybe not so much in the rest of the world, but here in the UK the rise of tannorexia is more than a little worrying.

The funny part is that in Asia the consensus is that women should be as pale as possible. I’m not really sure why although I can give you an educated guess; pale skin connotes a wealthy upbringing. It suggests that you don’t need to slave away in the rice fields to earn a living, thus making you seem more important and more desirable; which I find ridiculous. The whole trend, both here and there is laughable. I understand the need to look glowing, clean and healthy but I think people forget that it’s a quality that blossoms from the inside.

Eating well, exercising, being in love, laughing, being happy, having sex or being clever (and subtle) with make up. They are all things that give you that wonderful glow from within; it’s the magic that makes you look full of life and attractive to others. Fake tan, I find tends to make people look muddy, patchy and a little discoloured.

The rise of the Tango clones

So why do people insist on using crazy methods to get that glow? Take sun beds for example, you’re voluntarily exposing you’re body to harmful UV rays without protection, for what? So you can feel better about yourself cosmetically? I’m not saying it’s wrong: everyone has the right to feel confident and attractive. I just don’t think it’s right either. UV rays are aging. Yes you may look glowing now but when your older and wrinklier than you ought to be, you’ll wonder what you did wrong. So if your going to get natural rays then remember to be vigilant with the sun protection; re apply every 30 minutes, use a high factor and stay out of the sun during the peak times. Always use a SPF of at least 15 for your everyday moisturizer. It may not look sunny out but trust me the harmful UV rays are still there.

I know this is going to fall on deaf ears but it’s sad that the amount of skin cancer patients has risen. It’s a real danger, and although fake tan is a great way to minimize the danger, It’s still very real. Check your body for new/strange moles regularly and go to your GP if you notice anything strange; even if you think it’s minor. As for my asian sisters, why are you trying to artificially bleach your skin? It’s equally dangerous and ridiculous. So many people want to have that golden skin tone! You should be flaunting it! Buying these stupid creams that brighten and bleach your skin is just tragic…

Are you so unhappy that you feel the need to risk your health and/or waste your money in-order to make yourself feel more beautiful? What happens if you become dependent on this? What does that really say about your self esteem? I know a lot of products are now getting better at delivering that “natural glow” but I think people forget that there’s nothing natural about being fake.

Pleats please

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:13 +0100

Wow these look amazing! They look almost edible, almost but then again they look more silky, like pillows, but pillows I want to eat? Hmm that doesn’t sound right but still Issey Miyaki sushi I can dream.

Right place wrong time

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:00 +0100

Recently I asked someone I didn’t know out for a drink, and I have to say it was one of the most embarrassing things I have ever done. I got turned down (very sweetly I might add) but the part that I found hard to deal with, was the adrenaline overload I had afterwards. I was so psyched about asking him that my heart must have been ready to explode!

So although I didn’t get the reply I was hoping for, I’m very proud that I asked him nonetheless. I feel like I’ve gained a new type of courage that I didn’t have before. I’ll be honest though, I’m not sure I’d try it again anytime soon: there is only so much rejection one can take before it starts having a detrimental effect.

Most people would have thought I was mental, I mean I really didn’t know the guy. I only knew his name and where he worked; that was it. I can’t even explain why I developed an attraction towards him: he really wasn’t my type. I guess it’s just one of random moments you can’t really explain…

Now I understand why most people don’t ask strangers out. The adrenaline pumping through you is enough to knock out a rhino, plus it’s always a gamble because you never know if their single or not. Obviously in my case, he wasn’t and I wanted to crawl away and hide as a result but still it was a valuable experience that I’ll remember.

P.S. Even though he turned me down, he still said he’d have loved to and that I was “a very beautiful girl”. So I guess that’s something! ^_^

Why Fanboy forum trolls should grow up

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:01 +0100

I was going to wait and write this article for my gaming/geek website that is coming soon. However I couldn’t contain rage and so I’ve decided to rant about it here.

As many of you know I am an avid gamer; primarily I enjoy role playing games (aka RPG’s) and one of my favourite series of all time has to be the Final Fantasy series. I’m sure many of you have heard of them (more than 85 million units sold world wide). Still the most popular and well loved title is Final Fantasy VII, which became so popular that it a spawned several spin-offs and an animated movie- Final Fantasy VII Advent Children.

I’m not here to talk about FF7 though, what I want to talk about is Square Enix’s up and coming FF title, Final Fantasy XIII Fabula Nova Crystallis. Yes I know it’s a long title, there is a good reason for it though: there are actually three games within the FF13 franchise. The other two are called Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Final Fantasy Agito XIII. FF13 Fabula Nova Crystallis however is the flagship title.

In every FF game I have ever played there have been magical entities called Summons (also known as Espers) that you can summon in battle, and for as long as I remember they have remained stoic throughout the various installments of the series.

Until now: FF13 Fabula Nova Crystallis has seen the summmons evolve into more versatile, multi-purpose tools that a gamer can employ throughout their quest. The only one publicly revealed has been Shiva. Shiva is now split into a Ying-Yang style entity. Normally appearing as two separate people, but with the ability to combine a new whole– fittingly this is described as a “Gestalt” mode; the whole being more than the sum of it’s parts.

Basically, the two separate bits join together to make one whole thing. In this case the two Shiva entities join together to form a sweet ass motorbike. Obviously I thought this was rather cool: it was time for the summons to get an upgrade. The fact that they decided to make it a motorbike is irrelevant. The thing that annoyed me though was the reaction it received from the less mature fans; who are referring to the bike as “Motordyke” and making generally unwelcome homophobic comments.

Whoa! I think I missed a memo again, because don’t fanboys normally enjoy a little lesbianism? So what makes this so different? It’s a fantasy game folks, it’s not meant to be taken seriously. The concept artists at Square Enix have obviously put a lot of time and effort into creating something new and unique, in an effort to keep fans interested in the franchise. Fans should see this for what it is, whether they agree with it or not. Rather than making snide and hateful comments.

So whether you love or hate the Shiva bike. The cold hard truth is that, it’s probably going to stay and no amount of forum whining is going to change that. Still have a problem with it? Then don’t buy the fucking game.

A question of breasts

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:22 +0100

I for one am glad to have boobs. I know the fashion industry and all their minions are trying to convince me otherwise; whether it’s by casting a noticeably flat chested model in their fashion shoots, or producing garments where my single fist could fill in the dress cup.

Now I’m not sure how this has come about: the rise in boob jobs has actually gone up. So why are fashion houses trying to persuade us that tinier tits are better? Now I was always taught to believe that men were attracted to an ample chest, so imagine my horror when a survey (I believe it was Cosmo magazine) actually showed that men were willing to sacrifice breasts for skinnier bodies.

O.k Cosmo magazine isn’t gospel and I know it isn’t an honest measurement of what men want, but it still got me thinking. So I’ve been doing a little bit of research and sure enough we have subtly been steered away from D cups to C cups and so on…

The question is why? The porn industry is brimming big tit talent (one need only take a look at SCORE magazine to see what I mean). I know the common women doesn’t really want to relate herself to a porn star (don’t know why, one shouldn’t discriminate against others because of their occupation anyway) but the fact is, most women are born with breasts. Some smaller than others admittedly, but here in the UK, the average cup size is a D.

B is for Breasts Of which ladies have two; Once prized for the function, Now for the view - Robert Paul Smith

Personally, I think this is brilliant as i am a big fan of the hour glass and retro figure. I believe it’s extremely feminine to have a well stacked chest, tiny waist and curvy hips and I have been told that I am fortunate enough to possess such a figure. So this androgynous, tiny tit craze that has taken over makes me feel alienated and more than under appreciated. So now my figure isn’t fashionable anymore? Am I now socially unattractive? Bollocks.

I’m not saying that smaller chested women are more or less good looking than their bustier counter parts, nor am I encouraging them to get an enhancement. All I want is equal acceptance. For example, why is it socially acceptable for a flat chested girl to wear a deep plunge top in broad daylight; but when a bigger chested girl wears a simple scoop neck, she is deemed a slut. Were is the justice in this? Also If it is all about the cleavage then what am I suppose to do? Wear crew neck tops that make me look fat or even more top heavy? Double standards anyone? Besides why should I be made to feel bad about something I was born with.

The sad thing is that the main perpetrators of this new female aesthetic are women themselves; clamoring to look like Kate Moss or Victoria Beckham (who although has larger breasts, they are obviously fake.) Why is that women don’t want to have womanly bodies anymore? Is it because that cleavage is seen as an icon of femininity & sexuality, which is an image that (maybe) they no longer wish to be associated with? In this race for equality with male counterparts; has a differentiator of sex (our breasts) become detrimental to our chances of success? Do woman think that by being flat chested and androgynous that it’s going to lead to greater acceptance, and less discrimination in the workplace? If so, this would seem petty and a great loss to woman kind.