A Total Venture of Fashion and Friends.

I rarely meet NEW friends whom I chat through Internet in REAL LIFE but I think it is a great experience to always want to meet new friends from all works of life! Friends come and go but true friendship doesn't fade by the distance. 

Yesterday I had a meeting-new-family venture in SF city.  Her family travels all the way from Canada to visit relatives and friends here in San Francisco. We girls knew each other way back in 2009 from the Internet while we both are into CHANEL very much. So we have been knowing each other for 2 years before we even meet in person. (Oh, note: I still like Chanel's collection now but somewhat got pushed away by its never ending price increase.)  

After I had my family, I feel the needs to meet new family as I also want DH get involved in my circle of life. ..... yeah, knowing a luxury lust side of ME! haha......  I am glad that I invited my new friend, Ceci's family over to my house in the afternoon.  Even though they only stayed at half an hour but my DH got to come home in time to meet w/ OUR new family friends!!! We don't know when is the next time we two family have the chance to catch up again but "friendship" between two families starts right then!!!! 

We do have pictures that both of us looks more "seriously" but I found those two more particularly amused. ^O^ 



I love the sheer and the not-so-provocative feather which sticks out around the chest.



I think the cut-out around the shoulder is very sexy!! ^^



Ilona: ooooo....mom, I want you hold me...
Rachel: Wait, this is the last one then I am done!!


1. Top:
lace tank (Target.com)
Prabal Gurung feather tuxedo sheer shirt w/ cut-out 
Jill Stuart green jacket w/ peplum hem 
2. Skirt:
Alexander Wang pencil skirt 09' 
3. Accessory:
Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel bag in Gray
4. Shoes:
Jill Sander cutout wooden platform buckle heels



back view



(pardon my hair again)



Go Venture!! When was the last time for you?! ^^
xoxo Rachel

I'm Back and officially Mrs Murphy!

Finally I'm back! I'm delighted to say that the wedding proved to be the best, most emotional and most memorable day of my life.  Everything about it was perfection and I just wish I could live it over and over again.  The weather was a bit dodgy in the days leading up to the big day but miraculously, the sun beamed on our wedding day and the weather was glorious.  I couldn't help but think we were incredibly lucky.  So now I'm officially Laura Murphy! We returned from honeymoon a couple of days ago and we are still getting used to coming back to reality.  I will be doing some honeymoon posts so stay tuned for them.

I will never forget the look on Chris' face when he saw me walking down the aisle towards him.  He never normally cries but he was very emotional whilst reading his vows.  That made it even more meaningful.  We were surrounded by everyone that we love and we definitely partied until the wee hours afterwards.  It was everything I hoped for and more.  Here's some snap shots of the day...

We also got word from our photographer that he had published a few of the professional shots he took on the wedding day on his blog http://gordonmcgowan.co.uk/blog/?p=396.  We were so excited to see a taster of what was to come.  We should receive the proofs by tomorrow so then we can choose which photos we want for our wedding album.

That's all for today folks as I'm snowed under with thank you cards, change of name stuff and a MASSIVE pile of washing after our honeymoon!

Work It Out: Installment Seize

I have been somewhat uninspired in the fashion stakes lately. Perhaps it is this horrid dull weather, or just the realisation that summer has well and truly run its course, but I seem to have very little energy in the mornings, and my snooze button gets more of a work out each day. Nevertheless, here is another little show and tell of my daily wardrobe debaucle.

Cardigan: French Connection (I also have this in a purple plum colour, so easy to wear and versatile). Black lace cami (just seen): M&S. Fishtail skirt: M&S. Black suede pumps (now retired to the Italian rain) Zara.

For makeup to play up the green in my eyes I used all MAC all that glitters with a little bit of mulch in the crease. Liner as always is L'oreal and I am still loving the Estee Lauder sumptuous volume lifting mascara. Over two months and it is still going strong! For lips I am obsessed with the Clarins instant light glosses, they smell absolutely amazing and give a lovely, sheer natural finish.

I hope you are all well lovelies. Any requests for posts? I need inspiration to get out of the rainy gloom :) xxx

Miss Universe 2010 National Costume Parade of Nations Event: Nick Verreos Sizes Them Up!

Costume Drag Pageant Fashion Show!!!

Golden Eagle: Miss USA Rima Fakih plays homage to the Eagle in a costume made by the same Costume House who creates the Victoria's Secret "Wings"

This last Monday , the Miss Universe 2010 National Costume Show and Photo Op occurred at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Resort in Las Vegas Nevada. In the past, this portion of the pageant has been reserved for a grand "Competition" where experts judged the Best Costumes and gave out a prize. This never reflected or gave "added extra points" to the contestants in terms of vying for the crown; it was just for show and fun--and national pride.

Aussie Drag: Uggs, Sheepskin, and lots of leg on Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell

This year, it was done at the Hotel where the pageant is taking place and in a more informal basis; there was no "Best Costume Contest". But that doesn't mean I can't give my "Nick Verreos Costume Two Cents"...

Flora and Fauna Latina: Miss Puerto Rico Mariana Vicente shows off MORE than her leaves

I spoke last week about what we "might see" in terms of National Costumes from the 83 beauties in competition for the coveted Miss Universe 2010 crown. And yes, all those "Web Previews" giving hints of some of the CRAZEEE costumes that the ladies were going to bring...came true!

Miss Belgium Cilou Annys did end up wearing her "Tennis Ensemble" as I predicted (Is Tennis HUGE in Belgium?)...

And Miss Venezuela, Marelisa Gibson, wore her Oversized Swarovski mirrored crystal-encrusted jumpsuit inspired by the Abra Solar public sculpture located in her homeland

Miss Japan, Maiko Itai WORKED IT overtime, with her Geisha Barbie Doll-like Queen Costume, which included an over-sized fan (I need one of those!)--she definitely gets high points for "Best Costume" from moi...Speaking of Oversized:

Take a look at Miss Kazakhstan, Assel Kuchokova's traditional costume--and especially that headdress! I think she's not far behind Miss Japan in the "Girl You Worked It Out!" Best Costume Category

Also going "somewhat" traditional is Miss Philippines (a favorite for the crown), Venus Raj (love that name!) in her Manton de Manila-inspired costume...

I also loved Miss Switzerland, Linda Fah Warrior Princess Costume, especially that over-sized shield! Just wondering what the "Swiss Warrior Princess" would be protecting: Sketchy Tax-Free Multi-Billionaire Bank Accounts?

On the "Oh No You Didn't Corner", we have Miss Guyana, Tamika Henry. Either the Miss Guyana Organization had NO BUDGET to outfit her with a costume, or she just felt inspired to be a Hoochie Cougar From the Guyana Jungle. Great body. Wrong Costume.

Finally, the Sympathy Award for Best Costume goes to Miss Haiti, Sarodj Bertin and her very symbolic "Ode To Haiti" costume, featuring the national flag, photos and red roses. I'm sure when she stepped out the crowd went into a mutual "Awwwwwww!!!!!" and standing ovation! How do you say "You Go Girl!" en Creole?

Shoe Sale

As you guys know I don't really do blog sales, but I wanted to show you guys a couple of pairs of shoes I am sadly letting go of. I just wanted to give you all a first look in case anyone was interested before I resort to ebay. It's sort of sad the way I see my shoes.. I want them to go to a loving home ;).

My mother purchased these boots for me as a present when she was in the US and they were over £500 (not sure of the exact price). Unfortunately they just don't fit me at all :(. I have tried and tried but there is no use. As much as I love them, after keeping them in my wardrobe for a month the time has come for us to part.

I am aiming to sell them for half price, so £250, but if you want to make an offer you can leave a comment below this post or e-mail me.

 They are absolutely gorgeous and I am devastated they don't fit me and there is no way for me to exchange or return them. They have never been worn, only tried in vain.

They are a size 39 1/2, I think they would fit a UK size 6-7. Although I am a 5 1/2 they fit me OK with thick socks on (it's just my damn calves that don't quite make it).





The other pair I am selling was purchased last summer. These are from All Saints in a size 39 (UK size 6).

These are online for £115 and you can check them out here for better photos.

I have worn these once (to M&S foods and back lol) so they are as good as new. As much as I love them sadly they are just too big for me :(. I am happy to let these go for £60, but once again it really depends on how many of you guys are interested so do let me know!!


Thanks so much for looking and please leave a comment or e-mail me at filthygorgeousmakeup@gmail.com if you want to adopt a pair. ;) xxx