APPLES+ORANGES

Shame On You!

From CNN.com -- Thai officials hope Hello Kitty can shame errant cops.

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Thai police officers who break rules will be forced to wear hot pink armbands featuring "Hello Kitty," the Japanese icon of cute, as a mark of shame, a senior officer said Monday.

Police officers caught littering, parking in a prohibited area, or arriving late -- among other misdemeanors -- will be forced to stay in the division office and wear the armband all day, said Police Col. Pongpat Chayaphan. The officers won't wear the armband in public.

The striking armband features Hello Kitty sitting atop two hearts.

"Simple warnings no longer work. This new twist is expected to make them feel guilt and shame and prevent them from repeating the offense, no matter how minor," said Pongpat, acting chief of the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok.

"(Hello) Kitty is a cute icon for young girls. It's not something macho police officers want covering their biceps," Pongpat said.

He said police caught breaking the law will be subject the same fines and penalties as any other members of the public.

"We want to make sure that we do not condone small offenses," Pongpat said, adding that the CSD believed that getting tough on petty misdemeanors would lead to fewer cases of more serious offenses including abuse of power and mistreatment of the public by police officers.

Hello Kitty, invented by Sanrio Co. in 1974, has been popular for years with children and young women. The celebrity cat adorns everything from diamond-studded jewelry, Fender guitars and digital cameras to lunch boxes, T-shirts and stationery.

Can you really hate on Star Wars?

Who better to protect your docs than Star Wars characters like Chewbacca, R2-D2 and Darth Vader? Colette has a collection of Star Wars themed USB flash drives (there's a Stormtropper edition too if that's more your style). The creators are presumably trying to join the other companies that have jumped on the film's 30th Anniversary bandwagon by creating Star Wars stamps, mailboxes, cakes and other paraphernalia. What do you think of these drives? Are they fun or non-functional?
(taken from geeksugar.com)

4.25 Inches Closer to Heaven.

A couple weeks ago we posted the amazing $925 Emily Shoe Boots from Christian Louboutin, and was drooling over them. Well check out Steve Maddens rendition of the lovely shoe. The Steve Madden Chap Boots are now available for pre-order and are just $150. The good news is that they come in various colorways (black leather, black patent, creme, brown, grey, saddle, fuchsia and mustard) so chances are you'll find one you like. Knocking off the look for less, can't hurt.


Christian Louboutin @ $925

VS.

Steve Madden @ $150

Kendo+Nike's Claw Money Blazer Release Party

"After the Party it's the Dafterparty"

1/2 of GirlTalk is based in LA. Daft Punk stopped in LA last friday, and we were involved in throwing their official Dafterparty. I managed the bar and was unable to snap photos, but please check our our favorite parrot's blog @ The Arab Parrot for photos and a recap of the after party, from his point of view. If you're into shoes, and don't mind the naughty booty photos, that is. Thanks to the DJs and people who came out and supported! Daft Punk and their 30 deep French entourage along with Ratatat, Kavinsky, and So-Me showed up. What a Banger. More to come.

Check the photos out by clicking the following link:

Dafterparty Recap on Arab Parrot

Thanks Reza.

Knock It Off.

Forever21... don't lie... we all shop there -- for a last minute, wear one-time because it either is cheap and falls apart or because it's only worthy to wear once and is too trendy and snaps out of style with the snap of your fingers, or really if you can't afford high fashion or even higher price points, it's a simple alternative aka knock off heaven. Regardless, any reasoning, if you are a good shopper you will definitely go through their racks and find some amazing deals and/or designer look alikes. But Forever 21 has been pushing it to the limit as of late. Gwen Stefani is sueing retail giant Forever21 for trademark infringement. Stefani's lawsuit states that Forever21 used the same Harujuku Lovers all over print logo design, and just changed "Harajuku" to "Forever" and "Lovers" to "Love". Though this isn't the first time they've been in trouble over copying rights. Back in March this year, Diane Von Furstenburg sued them for reusing of her designs as well. Honestly, there is a big gap and difference between biting/copying and inspiration, but not everyone can afford high-end couture but who really wants to rock a Forever 21/Harujuku Lovers knock off, unless Forever21 is hot in your hood... but I think not.


Harajuku Lovers Vs. Forever 21


Forever 21 Vs. Diane Von Furstenburg


Forever 21 Vs. Diane Von Furstenburg


Forever21 Vs. Gucci


Forever21 Vs. Versace

Lately though, Forever21 has been doing a good job of knocking off Marc Jacobs. Is that a good or bad thing for our pockets?

Cat Eyes to Fish Tails.

Eye makeup trends are inspired from cat's eyes to fish tails… here’s some examples of how you can have fun with your normally basic eyeliner. Black eyeliner is a key item to have in your make up collection. Grunge to glam -- it really sexifies your look. Dramatic, sophisticated, or used just for a little UMPH, eyeliner is an impotant element to looking polished and setting yourself apart. A clean face, and some black eyeliner can change your look from daytime to evening in a snap.


On the runways of Prada and Louis Vuitton.

On the covers of Vogue Italia & Korea.

Amy Winehouse’s very eccentric style made her standout.

Looks really good on Chinese models — Hye Park & Du Juan, when they have those exotic single eyelid sparkles.

Backstage at a Prada show.

Coco Rocha Editorial with the fishtail shape.

Chanel runway show.


1) Begin with flawless foundation, precisely apply concealer under eyes, and shading and highlighting to bring out temples, cheekbones and define jaw.
2) Start to define your eyes with a light shadow all over your mobile lid- blend this color from your lids softly up to your browbone, as your base shadow.
3) Work a deeper shade into your contour to create a defined socket, and blend this shadow along your crease, - the trick here is to continue blending this shade upwards and outwards -this shadow creates a guide for your eyeliner.
4) Finish your eyeshadow with a touch of subtle shimmer as a highlight under the arch of your eyebrow.
5) The dramatic eyeliner is the essential part of the look - trace a black liquid eyeliner right along your lashline - the line tapers away to nothing on the innermost corner and goes straight along your lashline to the outer corner. Keep the line smooth and strong. At the outer corner, flick your eyeliner brush (very carefully) upwards and outwards - aim the line toward the middle of your temple, tapering the outer edge of the eyeliner to a fine end (not a thick square end - this looks too heavy).
6) To really emphasize your cats eyes, add false lashes to the outer 1/3 of your lashes, and this will really bring out your extended liner (snip off 1/3 of a strip lash or use a few fanned individual lashes), and apply 2-3 coats of mascara on top lashes only.

[Stole this from the Rock the Trend blog.]

Tips, Comments, Etc.

Holler @ us and tell us whatever you wish. Something you'd like to see on the blah blah blog, a comment, a complaint, shoot us an email to GIRLTALKGEAR@GMAIL.COM.

LA LIGHTS -- MIA style?

If you happen to be in Miami, represent this Saturday July 14th @ The Pawn Shop!

Sandals Maximus.

Of course the famous "gladiator"/ boho sandals are back this summer, but they're actually a key item to invest in. Here are some of the best we've come across and have since been drooling over.

You got an extra $1200 laying around? These Balenciaga punk inspired leather gladiator sandals are banging. Available in white as well, and also with a wedge heel (though I prefer the flat instead) this is a summer must have (or to knock off)! The ones below are Jeffrey Campbell Leather Ankle Wrap Sandals (available @ Urban Outfitters) are exceptional as well. The cuff in the back can be folded up higher or lower and the straps can be tied either to the sides or the back. They're available in ivory as well and are about $120. Lastly the red ones on the bottom are Laura Brandon's Gladiator Bootie Sandal, they go for about $110 and come in two amazing colors: coral red and brown, these are definitely my favorite. Laura Brandon makes this unique leather and ribbon thong sandal, synthesizing the bootie, the gladiator, and the thong styles, this unforgettable shoe looks absolutely amazing when worn with short shorts or dresses.

We LOVE Louboutin!

GASP!!! At a whopping $925 and dropping in November -- the Christian Louboutin Emily Boots are swoonworthy. Hottttt like fire.

Bitch You Trippin'.

Yeah, trippin' all over the place in your 4 inch stilettos? Sometimes I take a break, where I put away all my heels, and rock flats/sneakers/sandals for months straight (yup, even @ the club), but when I'm ready to get back in the sexy groove I can't seem to walk straight without A) gripping my feet to my stilettos so I don't fall, b) praying that I won't trip and fall over in front of every one I know, and c) falling in front of every one I know. I figured maybe I just didn't know how to walk in heels properly -- and guess what -- I didn't, well the proper way at least. Maybe it's the tomboy qualities that still follow me around, or maybe I'm just unbalanced, whatever the reason it may be, I need to get back on the ball and get my sexy on, especially since chunky and big heels/platforms are back in. The video below is great, and I've been practicing walking around in them in around the house. Since I've watched it I have to admit, I work it. Now, the swelling and pain -- that's a different story -- but Dr. Scholls could probably help. Anyway, don't trip.

Nail Shape Personality

Nails and their shapes can actually indicate your innerselves since hands are a powerful tool for communication. What does your nail shape reveal about you?

Square Nails:
Bold square nails reveal a strong, take charge leadership personality. Whether planning a small business venture or even organizing the next girls' night out, the square-nailed diva is usually the leader of the pack.

Squoval Nails:
The square-oval woman is usually strong-headed; someone who's willing share space with a partner, but would never give up her own personality just to satisfy someone else's desires.

Pointed Nails:
These women live to win, whether it's a friendly game of tennis or as they climb their way up the corporate ladder. The pointed lady has a take-no-prisoners approach to everything she does, so be warned!

Rounded Nails:
This shape indicates a lovely, feminine personality and an inner Florence Nightingale that's impossible not to like.

Claw Money collabs with Nike

NYC female graff artist and fashion designer Claw Money teams up with Nike for a limited release of the Claw Money Blazer. It will released this summer at select retailers. The Blazer collabo is one of the two parted sneaker collection Claw would be teaming up with Nike for. The Claw Money Vandal Hi is the second part and will debut in October. The Claw Money Blazers drop on July 28th.

Designer: Gareth Pugh

GARETH PUGH SPRING/SUMMER 2007 LONDON =
Futuristic, angular, and theatrical; you really can't front on nightmare masks and inflatable sleeves. Gareth Pugh is a fashion designer who has received global recognition for both his outlandish clubwear and his novel approach to redefining modern luxury. We love Pugh and are anxiously awaiting his future collections. Visit Show Studio/Fash Off website for clips of some of his fashion shows, performance films, self portrait films, downloads, links, and basically a Pugh overload and get schooled.

The Girl Talk BlahBlahBlog.

It has begun! Please excuse us as we are slowly constructing something enormous and original. Please Bookmark us and add us to your links until then and thereafter.

Welcome to the darkside.