Darkoogle

Come to the dark side...er, what?  Nevermind.  Anyway, this is such a good idea!  Darkoogle is a more energy efficient search site that utilizes a dark background to save more energy compared to lighter colors.  Even though now cheaper monitors have less impact on energy use,
"Our web technology (that relies on AJAX) eliminates the need to reload the whole page when you submit search requests. It reduces bandwidth, server load, and creates a chain of more efficient computing connecting all the way through - starting with your home or work computer and ending in the datacenter of the hosting company. Even if the energy savings are small, they all add up."

While the dark monitor is hard on my eyes (and doesn't have more search options), the idea is intriguing.  It's relatively simple, but the energy savings could really stack up in the long run.  What do you think of Darkoogle and other energy efficient sites?

Miu Miu-Costly But Pretty

Now, I loved Miu Miu's spring collection (you know, the one that inspired rants and cravings from fashion bloggers?  The CAT one?) as much as th enext blogger, but I knew there was no justifying spending $300+ on any item from that collection.  However.  I've been looking for a pair of elasticized-back ballet/Mary Jane flats for a while now (even though I don't wear flats) and what do I find?!?!

THESE.

*ranting, obsessed blogger mode going on*
Gorgeous print, Miu Miu, Spring 2010 Mary Jane flats.  I can't even describe.  BUT $300+ bucks?!?
Sigh.  Tis' but a lovely dream...an image on a computer screen.  Actually, writing this makes me want to wash my face in cold water.  All this is doing is putting this obsession down on a permanent hunk of cyberspace.  Oh well...

Image (TAUNTING me) from bluefly.com

*Might remove this later, or I will go insane.  Or not

Modcloth Finds

Err, I have been kind of boring and obsessive these past few months and I'm sorry about that...you would think, that with summer and vacation and time and all I would be able to be interesting and productive but no...I had to slack off and be lazy and browse websites full of coveted clothing that I won't buy.  There is something about summer that says, "Hmm...I want to do something memorable and fun, but it's such a lazy day, I can always do it tomorrow, who cares"...and then it's the end of July (and I'm a year older!).  And you have no inspiration.  And have to prepare for the new school year.

But alas!  This post is devoted to more frivilous things.  Here are things I want to buy from Modcloth, a sweetly retro website I found out about months ago:

Staffordshire Tights

Perfectly 90's with my new Dr. Martens (news coming soon!)

Elegance in Orbit Headband

Something I wouldn't wear, but that Lady Gaga might!

Sightseeing Sandal

Lovely and elegant.  Too bad I have too many shoes.

Fisherman's Wharf Jacket

I've heard that the military trend is carrying on through fall.  This short-sleeved version would be great for layering.

Proud To Be Your Scarf

Such a gorgeous scarf!  The color and the design make this one pop.

I love the play-on-words names and the funky, colorful vibe of the store.  So delightful to browse through(I really shouldn't so often).  Also, can you see that fall clothing is on my mind?

Images from modcloth.com

Copyright Restrictions

Just a little rant here.  Scroll to the last paragraph for shopping/online surfing woes.

Today I just found out one of the best sites for reading online scanlations of manga (Japanese comics) is going to close down because manga publishers don't want them to affect English readers buying their copies.  I understand that the companies think that this will harm their business, that this is a copyright violation, etc.  But.  Most of the manga on the site isn't even licensed outside their home countries, and thus most readers living outside those countries would have no other way of reading those kinds of manga.  This wouldn't even affect their sales.  Also, American publishers that translate manga are notoriously slow.  Take for instance a certain manga that was licensed last year.  Volume 1 finally came out last December.  However, right now in Japan volume 10 is being sold.  At the depressingly slow rate of the American publishers, volume 10 will be released in quite a few years.  Sales won't be in jeopardy because of the timing, and devoted fans will buy the volumes anyway once it comes out.  What's the point of not letting readers get a glimpse of the material beforehand?  Buying a paper copy (since there is no official digital version *cough*) is different than reading it online.
Also, several weeks ago Daria came out on DVD.  Most of the episodes on Youtube were deleted.  This I understand.  I mean, if you're releasing the complete series of a long-awaited DVD, you'll want to make sure everyone has to buy it from you, right? (Sorry MTV.  Apparently, the new generic music sucks and I don't have that much money.)  That much I agree with.  However, I'm not adverse to tackng things down online.  While I'll usually watch new movies in theathers (Despicable Me was good!)  old movies, like from 9 years ago, if I can find them online...I don't have Netflix or something like that.  Do they even sell 9, 15, or 50 year old movies anymore?  But anyway, the point is that copyright restrictions and legal issues regarding ownership of manga, books, or movies/shows are important.  But sometimes, they can be a bit silly and paranoid.

And yes, I realize scanlations are considered illegal, but remember translators are not making money off of them but they do NOT own the manga.  For legal issues, note that I take a stand in-between.  I do not endorse piracy or violating copyright restrictions.  Another edit:  This is the not-wanting-to-be-arrested edit I must make, in this airbrushed, euphemism using culture.  Thank you very much.

Another thing:  Shopping sites are completely addictive.  I've spent hours browsing shoes and the like on various sites.  Urban Outfitters and 6pm get me every time, but I've already bought four pairs of shoes this year and need new sneakers! 

Givenchy Fall Couture 2010

For a while, I wasn't exactly enamored with this collection.  Maybe it was because of the skin-toned bodysuit covering under all the lace and fringe.  But gradually, I became more accepting of the oddly layered outfits, then became almost enraptured by the intricate detailing of the gowns and the regal air around the collection.  Very couture.

Frida Kahlo was one of the inspirations for this collection, but the dresses looked nothing like her vivid portraits.  Instead, the collection was influenced by her obsession with "religion, sensuality, and, given the painter's lifelong battle with spinal pain, the human anatomy". (Tim Blanks)

The colors rather remind me of the Rodarte fall collection, with pale colors and incessant fabric detailing.  However, apparently there were morbid hints hidden in this collection.  A skeleton, skulls, and bones were cleverly incorporated into these seemingly innocent designs.

This collection reminded me of the obsessive appeal of couture.  The dedacence, yet the meaning behind the clothes, was thoughtful and intriguing.  An excellent example of an extravagant collection that still has thought value.

Metal Fangs

Or claws, really.

Talonalia

 

The Hawk Talon

Starling Skull

The Magpie

Finally...get ready for THIS:

 

Predator Rings 5piece set by DanielleNicoleMetals

Freakishly amazing.

And no, I am not going to start collecting skull replicas or attaching spikes to my clothing anytime soon.  It's just that I had seen some fine specimens of claw jewelry around the blog-space, plus then one of my friends reminded me of where I found them...the last piece I saw on an Etsy Storque post.  I think the skulls are a bit morbid, and the rings could possibly do some serious damage (don't know if they actually do claw though), but the individual talons are intriguing.

Why has this suddenly turned into a bunch of long, drawn out sentences?

Anyway.  These types of pieces always fascinate me.  Maybe because I don't spend enough time looking for cool jewelry on blogs, so I'm always late to the party.  Or maybe because I'm slightly morbid.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2011

Just look at this pictures form Chanel's fall/winter show:

Is that a giant pearl and lion sculpture behind them?  Why is Baptiste wearing a lion mask/headgear?  What is Karl Lagerfeld going to do with that sculpture after the show is done?  (But, how cool is that?)

Image from socialitelife.celebuzz.com

Whee!

Happy birthday to me~

Thanks to all my readers for sticking with this little blog also.  I hope this birthday and upcoming year will be awesome! :) I have strong hopes and determination, even though I will be going through some changes with school this fall.  Wish me luck!

Image from thefashionspot.com

New Sandals

Take that, Lourdes.

The gladiator sandals that weren't.