I have to be honest here. Seeing these wool and cashmere selections from Lemaire x Uniqlo's collection has made me wish for Fall. The minimal and timeless collection allows it to add elegance to everyday pieces for when the temperature starts dropping. The basic colors also allows these separate pieces to be mixed and matched with other Fall essentials in your wardrobe to create that perfect look with a touch of refined simplicity. I'm personally unsure if this collection will drop in Asia but if it does, cop a piece or two for your next trip up North.
This time around, I'm going strict on my blog - fashion, beauty and the occasional lifestyle. I already have my travel and food site separately. Let's try it one more time, and see where this takes us.
Uniqlo's line with designer Ines De La Fressange redefines Parisienne luxury through every day wear. The Spring 2015 line focus on cooler tones of Indigo and Cream while the styling combination adds a slighter feminine touch to the androgynous pieces. These pieces were designed based on the Parisian casual fashion and the range has staples that could complete your basic wardrobe that you would keep for life. Check out their Spring Summer 2015 collection in the lookbook photos below or on their website http://uniqlo.com/my/ines.
Now that I'm no longer employed, and are on the other side where I employ people I finally understand when other people tell me that it's difficult to find people with substance. Having substance does not mean you have to be super smart, an Ivy League graduate or someone with years of working experience but it's the level of knowledge and life-skills you have to allow you to be resourceful at work.
In the current world, everything moves really fast. In our line, we're always hiring people who can manage themselves as we would not mostly have the time to micro-manage. It's more difficult to train people now that time is restrictive, and most of the things you learn are from life experiences. However, I've put some of the things I've personally learnt throughout my years of working and hiring people on the go so I hope it helps some of you.
Do what you love, love what you do and it will show.
1. Read and follow instructions.
I've had a few people asking me why do I put my hiring criteria in sentences and not bullet points. Isn't it harder for people to read?
This, is your first test - reading instructions and following them.
I noticed throughout the years that people hardly read and take their time to digest anymore. They take in the first few words i.e "Hiring Now" and right away e-mail or personally message the person in charge and asks many questions in which they can source themselves via the internet.
Firstly, you might not follow the simplest instructions of 'e-mailing your resume to the mentioned email'. If I can't rely on you to follow the simplest instruction, I might not want to rely on you for bigger tasks.
Secondly, I might be the person posting it but I might not be the person who will be going through your resume and hiring you. Imagine if I'm posting on behalf of a friend, and you message me instead on my Facebook or other social media platforms. In this case, I'd reply you back and tell you what to do but what if it's someone else that doesn't care and just leaves you hanging? You probably just blew your chance of employment right there.
2. Ask relevant questions. Keep your intentions clear.
Sometimes I get people replying me (without their resumes) asking unrelated questions i.e. I'm hiring for a producer but someone asking me if I'm looking for talent extras. I understand that you're trying your chance right there but if my inbox is flooded with unrelated questions, most of the time I won't have time to entertain.
If you want to e-mail something unrelated to the job vacancy posted, do it as a separate agenda. Keep the heading of your email clear i.e 'Subject: Freelance Male Talent Portfolio' and not 'asking for job'.
3. We want to hire proactive people. Be resourceful.
My biggest pet peeve are people who wait for instructions and only do one thing until told for another. Not everyone can micro-manage and not everyone likes to be micro-managed. If I tell you that I need help with finding a location for a specific shoot, I'd expect you to come up with a few and possibly one or two for contingency in case if the weather fails on us. Now that would make you valuable as an employee (will discuss that in point #7).
4. Understand the company and what they do (even if its basic).
When you're sending out your resume to a specific company, do a background research on them. At least view their past works, clients and understand (even if its just basic understanding) their core business.
All of these informations are readily available at your fingertips (a.k.a Google it!). I've had people send in things such as "I want to send my resume, but I don't know what your company does" on our Facebook page. Little do they know that if they scroll a little down south, they'd find our work and updates on what we do.
You don't have to stalk the company and the people in it but it's not helping you get brownie points when you text "i want the job but i'm not sure what you do".
5. Be comfortable. Do not be someone you're not (it shows).
When we assemble our Avengers team, we look for people we want to work with. This might not apply to other companies but if it's a small one, it matters. I do not want to be stuck with a person who would be grumpy all the time, or someone who has no tact when talking to others. It would reflect back on us and our work.
When someone pretends to be the hottest shit in town, even when he/she is not it actually shows. Be definitely give the benefit of the doubt, as long as the work gets done but we'd expect improvements.
6. Accept your flaws, play your strengths.
I'm okay with people who aren't experienced enough. However, it means that there's so much room for learning and there's potential to grow. However, in order to do so you should know your strengths and your flaws. Admit your flaws, and ask others to help out. Do not be arrogant and ignorant about it. Everyone around you would help you if you ask for it. In fields you're more experienced or have better knowledge, offer help to those in need.
It's a balance, and that creates the dynamic in the team.
7. Increase your value.
By increasing your value, I don't mean putting a price up for no reason. Your value comes when you're irreplaceable. People will have so much respect when you do your job well, and it's more difficult for employers to find someone that could match up to your quality of work. I'm personally working on this, but in order to do that, point #6 is vital. It's a learning curve, take it a step at a time.
8. Do not take on responsibilities you can't handle.
Knowing your limitations is key to a good dynamic in a team. If you can't take some responsibility, let it go and don't be greedy. Do not be afraid to say that you're having difficulties. It's only arrogant and selfish when someone can't do something and keeps quiet about it. Best thing to do is lay out the issue, and ask for help to find solution.
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I can't believe I've sat here for an hour writing this down but I hope it helps you in the journey for self-improvement in the workplace or when you're looking to be hired. I'm still in the learning stage myself but as I've been told, life is a learning curve until the day you die.
I'd love to hear your experience too - what you've learnt as an employee or employer so it would help me and anyone who reads this so leave a comment in the comment box below =)
Boy prodigy, Paris-based Jonathan Liang is back with his Autumn/ Winter 2015 collection, inspired by American artist Jim Hodges' untitled art installation in 2011. The fusion of metallic-glazed granite with the sensation of wanderlust projected alongside textured basics in various silhouettes. Liang created a refined touch to his designs - rose-gold hardware, embroideries, hidden pockets and zippers that gives space for backpacks pushing his technical designing skills.
The Autumn/Winter 2015 lookbook features an art installation collaboration with artist and fine arts restorer Margaret Jones. Check out the AW'15 Look Book photos below.
Rizalman Ibrahim has certainly outdone himself for his 2015 collaboration with Zalora for their upcoming Eid collection. To be frank, I'm always not the first to jump in on the Eid bandwagon but with these pieces, it's almost impossible to not fall in love with the Euro-luxe that's ready for those fancy crowd functions at a fraction of the cost. These are by far the trendiest look for this year's Raya collection, with Scha Al Yahya as muse.
Don't mistake it for purely seasonal items, they look good enough to be mixed and matched for other non-Raya occasions. These are only a sneak peek of what's coming up soon, I certainly cannot wait to see what's going to be in-store online.
The prêt–à -couture themed collection carries over 56 items which will be availabe exclusively on www.zalora.com. my by end of May, 2015
If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you will somehow notice that I’ve been taking steps to improve my skin condition lately. I never grew up with perfect skin.
At one point in high school, my skin condition went downhill and I suffered from severe acne. So severe that my dad felt bad for her daughter to grow up looking like she’s sprouting all over her face so he sent me for vitamin C booster injections for months. It did clear up my skin although I wasn’t very sure if it had any side effects. The only things left were my enlarged pores, acne scars and some pigmentation from the years of tanning under the sun.
I’m not a person who wears makeup on a daily basis, despite my undying love for cosmetics. Of course, makeup looks even better on a clean and clear canvas, don’t you think? I’ve always longed for clear, near-perfect skin so I can skip multiple steps of the makeup base everytime I want to put makeup on.
I’ve consulted a few skin clinics before but I settled with M.E Aesthetics Clinic in KL, BerjayaTimes Square cause the doctors and the staff made me feels at ease. They were friendly, gentle and definitely one of the best I’ve met in explaining procedures and my skin condition to me.
I had very little scarring left so I didn’t need to go for the major laser procedure. I also needed to shrink my pore size hence they recommended the “Elsa Bright Laser Treatment”, also known as the Lunchtime Laser Treatment as it takes only between 15-30 minutes to rejuvenate your skin.
There are virtually no side effects right after this treatment so patients can resume back to their activities immediately, re-apply makeup and carry on with the day. However, it is advised that patients keep out of the direct contact with sunlight and apply at least SPF 30 before going outside. If patients have extra time, this Elsa Bright Laser Treatment can also be combined with Post-Laser Treatment as an ideal complement to microdermabrasion.
Benefits of the Elsa Bright Laser Treatment:
- Removes brown age and liver spots (lentigines)
- Removes freckles
- Removes tattoos
- Removes brown birthmarks and Nevus of Ota
- Improving dull & uneven skin tone,
- Smoothes wrinkles,
- Minimizing open pore
- Improving acne & black heads.
- Stimulates new collagen synthesis to improve skin tone
I’ve had multiple shoots over the past couple of months and have been exposed to extreme sun and harsh conditions but every time I did the treatment I would always come out with great skin right after. I can’t wait to finish all my shoots and have the best condition for my skin to breathe, heal and rest. So far, these are my photos with very little foundation less than a week after each treatment. I noticed that my scarring have lessened, my pores have tightened and it’s easier to remove my whiteheads nowadays. All you need it just good routine of skin care, sun protection and you’ll be able to maintain the post-laser skin for a very long time.
After my first treatment, I got a little sunburnt in Thailand during my shoot but my pores were clearly diminishing in size and applying makeup was much easier.
By the time I was in Azerbaijan, my makeup stayed and my face was less oily. I didn't need any more makeup base or pore fillers before applying my foundation. Plus, I was only using a tinted moisturiser instead of a full-fledged foundation on this trip.
My latest skin condition in Sydney, smoother skin with less acne scar visible on my skin. I had little foundation and my skin was easier to manage. However I was sunburnt again from this trip and I'm currently rejuvenating my skin with home remedies and also going for the facial treatment at M.E Clinic soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the ELSA BRIGHT LASER TREATMENT and how can it benefit patients?
ELSA BRIGHT LASER TREATMENT effective in improving signs of mild-to-moderate photo-damage skin irregularities with no downtime and without any adverse side effects.
2)Are ELSA BRIGHT LASER TREATMENT allowing patients to return to work immediately after treatment?
Yes, ELSA BRIGHT LASER TREATMENT is a “lunch time therapy” that is comfortable, effective & best of all, nobody knows you’ve done laser when you’re back at the office as there is virtually no downtime. This treatment is a non-invasive procedure unlike any other skin resurfacing treatment. It is effective in improving dull & uneven skin tone, smoothens wrinkles, boost up collagen production, rejuvenation, open pores, acne & black heads.
3) How ELSA BRIGHT LASER TREATMENT work and what benefits can patients expect?
The laser light passes harmlessly through the upper layers of the skin and stimulates those cells deep below the surface which produce natural collagen. The collagen and elastin fibers continue to multiply after your treatment, and you will continue to see improved results over the months ahead.
4) What can patients expect during treatment and how long does treatment time last?
None or skin turns mildly pinkish for a few minutes to hour. It can be done once every 3-4 weeks. The procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes, and there are virtually no side effects. Those who wear facial cosmetics can reapply their makeup right away, and freely carry on with their day.
5) How many sessions does one need to achieve optimum results for removing pigmentation/ solar lentigines /freckles/brown spots?
Depending on the size, depth and type of the pigmentation, the number of treatments will vary. Some may be removed in two to four visits, though many more sessions may be necessary. You should schedule a consultation, during which time a trained professional will evaluate your personal situation and advise you on the process.
6) What are the disadvantages related to ELSA BRIGHT LASER TREATMENT and if there is downtime, can patients return back to daily activities immediately after?
For pigmentation such as solar lentigines and freackles. Most patients undergo a ten-minute treatment. A mild to moderate redness and irritation of the overlying skin is to be expected for a few days to a week, depending on the depth and amount of pigment to be removed. Patient can resume back to work after the procedure and advised to apply sunscreen at least SPF 30 and above and to avoid excessive sun exposure.
Lastly, if you’d like to try the SkinFix with Skin Laser Treatment,
Mention [HANIE] to get BUY 1 FREE 1 off on ANY laser treatment before 31st Dec 2014
They also do non-surgical double eyelid procedures, browlift, V-face shaping and facial services. Results may vary individually so it's best to contact them and get some consultation done specially for you!
Contact M.E Aesthetics Clinic Times Square via the details below:
Address: M.E Aesthetics Clinic, Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, M'sia. (LG, Nearby BORDERS)
Phone: 03-2143 3866 / 03- 2110 6883
Whatsapp/ Wechat: 018-2228122
Facebook: www.facebook.com/meclinic
Website: http://www.meclinic.com.my
Year end is approaching and Thanksgiving weekend is over. The shopping trend worldwide is now gravitating towards Christmas and what better to hype your holiday season this year with this new tune as H&M is celebrating with a
spectacular campaign and festive collection starring Tony Bennett
and Lady Gaga, performing “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got
That Swing)” from their #1 album Cheek To Cheek. Put this on your playlist and feel the spirit of the holiday as you shop in their stores nationwide.
If there is a product that could create a fuss-free care for your hair, keeping it straight and beautiful without beauty tools would you try it? I obviously would. It would save me loads of time than having to blow-dry my hair and exposing it to unnecessary heat that are damaging to the hair shaft. That’s what Sunsilk is currently offering with the unveiling of Sunsilk Perfect Straight that keeps hair beautifully straight and aligned as it dries, which works great on naturally straight haired girls like us!
Sunsilk has teamed up with straight hair expert Yuko Yamashita to create this range of shampoo and conditioner with an advanced formula of Straight Lock TechnologyTM that penetrates deep into hair fibre and holds every strand as it dries. Since a girl’s hair is her crowning jewel, it affects her self-esteem, confidence and empowerment. Sunsilk aims to inspire girls to live life with confidence and worry-free now that they will take care of your hair. No more worrying about my hair when I travel and doing other activities!
At the launch, Sunsilk introduced the Perfect Straight in theatrical fashion – a mini play of a girl’s confidence with her hair. I found it to be an enjoyable performance, and something that I could really relate to as having bad hair days affects my overall emotion.
Sunsilk also had a demonstration to show the difference that the range creates by washing a model’s hair on stage.
Sunsilk is currently having a challenge for a chance to win up to RM10, 000 worth of prizes in total from 17th September to 28th October 2014. The challenge is simple – draw as many straight lines as you can within 30 seconds. Sounds simple, but Sunsilk aims to show that achieving straight hair with the range is much simpler than drawing straight lines.
You may participate in the ‘Sunsilk Beautifully Straight Challenge’ by following these instructions:
1. Visit Sunsilk Malaysia’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SunsilkMalaysia) and click on the Sunsilk Perfect Straight app.
2. Draw as many straight lines as you can within 30 seconds.
3. Write the most creative slogan about Sunsilk Perfect Straight.
10 lucky winners with top scores and most creative slogans will receive RM100 cash vouchers and Sunsilk products each week while the grand prize winner will enjoy a one night’s stay for two at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, RM300 shopping vouchers and Sunsilk products. Don’t forget to participate by clicking the link here – http://bit.ly/BeautifullyStraight
Sunsilk Perfect Straight Shampoo and conditioner are now available at all leading supermarkets and retail outlets nationwide at RM12.90 (340ml) and RM12.90 (320ml) respectively.
Shopping
online is inevitable in our current world. With the advancement of technology,
logistics and the flourishing online retail market, more and more brick and
mortar shops are joining the world wide web army and offers online shopping –
Uniqlo is the latest one to be included in this alumni.
Uniqlo, one of my favourite Japanese retail brand with their great basics and clothes that are
practical and stylish are a great addition to my extensive list of retailers to
shop from. With them being available online, it is now more convenient for me
to just order some clothes and wait for them to arrive within a few days while
I work or run errands. I rarely have time to drop by the malls to get my
essentials nowadays so I went rampant on the site, adding things into my
“shopping cart” like a true shopaholic that I am.
Shopping
online via Uniqlo’s website is not any
different from other websites. It’s simple, fast and handy especially when I
need my usual basic items before I’m traveling. First things first, as usual
you will have to create an account via their site. Just register your basic information and you will receive a confirmation
email to activate your account. Once
you’re logged in, you may now start the fun side by browsing their latest collection.
1 – fill in your details as per required to create an
account.
2 – log into the website once you are done with registration
and start browsing the site.
3 – click on an item, and browse through multiple colors,
patterns and photos of the item.
If
you’re familiar with Uniqlo’s sizing, you’re pretty much set. If not, there’s
always the measurements chart for
you to get your sizes right. Some of the items or colors are only available via
their website so it’s a great selection if you don’t see the ones you like at
the stores.
4 – Check out other photos of the item to see a 360 degrees
view and close up to make sure you’re okay with the details. Add items to your
cart to purchase them.
5 – Once you’re done with adding things into the cart, click
on the ‘shopping bag’ option to check out.
Uniqlo’s
cart are pretty impressive. They show you all the important details of your
choice within a table so you can double check to see if you’ve picked the right
items. The only downside is that only credit/debit card payments are accepted
at the current moment but I’m expecting more payment options to be available in
the future.
My
parcel arrived within two days after ordering them and I absolutely love them.
I’m such a sucker for online shopping and with Uniqlo being available online
it’s definitely bookmarked in my online stores list.