Picture Source: Nowfashion.com

Today, Kanye West had been topping the headlines with his latest collaboration with Adidas on the first day of New York Fashion Week.

"I want to create something better for you," Kanye said passionately. "We have been limited. It's bigger than who I am. It's about when I was on earth, what did I do to help? I want people to feel like it's OK to create and follow what their dreams are and not feel boxed in. I want people to feel like awesome is possible. There's a lack of creativity in every field because people are afraid. As an artist and in this world, we can do whatever we want."

Source: Dazeddigital.com

Picture Source: Style.com

For this collection, it seems that Kanye was inspired by the riots that seized London in 2011, and I believe he was going towards the military aspect (with his choice of colours). Honestly, I was very curious at what the rapper had installed for everyone, and I must say I was pretty shocked like seriously. I mean his designs were pretty different then what we normally see on runways. The models were wearing body stockings, most of them were clothed on top as for their bottoms, they were only covered with body stockings. For me, they are still practically wearing nothing. (no offence) 

Picture Source: Style.com

On the other hand, the point that I find it confusing was that Adidas is a sport wear label but the models looks like they were about to doze off or they did not have sufficient sleep. Furthermore, at the technical aspect,, I know that his approach was mainly towards the baggie and oversize clothing, but is it just me but I really felt that the garments were just disproportioned and somehow I just can't un-see it.

Picture Source: Style.com

One plus point about his collection was his selection of models. For his collection, his models were made up of people of all shapes and sizes, which is different but yet refreshing. Cause from my point of view, clothing were meant to be worn by people of all shapes and sizes, but executing that on the runway, people were able to see the clothing not just on models but on normal everyday people.

Picture Source: Style.com

In conclusion, I honestly think that his collection would definitely keep people talking, but I am not really a fan of this collection and you won't be finding any of his design pieces in my wardrobe. 

Ever since I was young, I always wanted a jewellery box especially a ring holder box. But whenever I go out to the stores, the box is either too expensive or too small. So in the end I decided to figure out a way to DIY my own ring holder box and it doesn't cost me much AND i am able to store lots of rings in it.

Well enough of my blabbering, let's get started!

What you'll need,

• You can use any type of box of your choice, as for mine, I decided to use a box from the present I received from my friend on my Birthday.
• Any thick fabric would do, it doesn't need to be pretty because it will not be seen from the outside. For this DIY, i decided to use some left over fabrics from my previous projects, denim fabric.
• For the top coverage, you can use any type of fabric of your choice except thin fabrics such as, chiffon, organza (you get the picture) because fabric like those would not be able to stay put furthermore I do not want to be able to see the base of my structure. So for this DIY i decided to use cotton.
• Lastly, a pair of scissors, I'm using my trusty fabric scissors, but normal scissors would do as long as it's sharp enough to cut you fabrics!

Firstly, measure the measurement of your box, and then cut your thick fabric according to the measurement of your box (width). As you can see from the diagram below, the width of my box is 13cm, so the width of my fabric should be 13cm as well so that you'll be able to place the fabric into the box later. As for the length of the fabric, I decided to cut it in 15cm. Depending on your fabric choice and the thickest you want for your ring holder the length might vary. 

The next step is folding your fabric, depending on the height of your box and the height you want your ring holder to be the measurement might differ. But for my box, since the height of my box is 5.5cm so i decided to have a folding line of 3cm. If your box is 4cm high, a 2cm folding line should be sufficient.

I made a total of 16 of them. You can make more of them or less as long as you're happy with the amount. (Depending on the amount of line you would like and the length of your box)

The next thing you need to do is to cut the top fabric. (I call it the top fabric because you'll be using it to cover the thick fabric) Same as the above, you would need to cut the width according to the width of your box. As for the length, I have cut a total of 100cm.

Next, start inserting the thick fabrics into the box

Using you top layer fabric, start by pressing the edges down at the corner and just as the picture below, press your top layer fabric into the 2nd of the thick fabric. Repeat the steps.

When you're at the last layer and you have some excess fabric, you can either cut the fabric but bear in mind that you'll have to leave some room so that you'll be able to press the last layer into the corner to prevent raw edges. If you don't feel like cutting, you can tuck the excess fabric underneath the thick fabrics.

What if you have insufficient fabric?

No worries! You don't have to redo everything over  again. What you can do it cut another layer of fabric and press the fabric into the place where you left off. Make sure to sandwich the raw edges in between the thick fabrics!

Once you're done then you're ready to insert your ring and then Voila! Your very own ring holder!

This is my first ever DIY tutorial, if you have any comments please let me know by commenting in the comment box below or if you would like to share you're recreation with me you can tag me on Instagram! @cycrystalyeoh

I hope you guys enjoy my tutorial till next time! xx

(Picture Source: theopenmind,com)

Depression.

Is a feeling of severe despondency and dejection.

As humans, life is a roller coaster, we have our ups and downs. Sometimes, we might hear people say "I'm depressed". But most of the time it is due to certain situation that they are facing, such as, their work, their spouse, their studies etc. Most of the time, the word "I'm depressed" means "I'm fed up and tired!". 

Depression is a very common psychological issue that can happen to anyone. But for some people, depression is a battle, a war that never seems to end. Depression is not something to be taken lightly, it is a real illness that is able to effect a person's well being. Depression is also not an issue that "it's all in the mind" or "all in your head". Furthermore, it is also not something that people can just snapped out it.

Saying to someone who has depression "What have you got to be depressed about? You have a great life!" , is the same as saying to an asthmatic " What do you mean you can't breathe? There's lots of air in here!"
-Anonymous 

At the age of 14, my family and I had encounter an unfortunate and terrifying nightmare. Myself , along side with my mother and sister were carjacked in front of my own home just 2 days before my finals. Within 3 minutes, the gang of hijackers managed to hurl us out of the car and hijack my mother's car. We were all in shocked as we slowly came back to our senses and digest what was actually happening. Little did I know that that awful experience was the starting point of my battle with depression..

Most of the time, depression happens without you even realising it. There are normally factors or situation that contributed to depression such as stress, grief, certain medical illness, substance abuse, or a traumatic incident.

Symptoms of Depression:

• Feeling of helplessness/hopelessness/worthlessness
• Feeling depress (mood) during most of the day especially during the morning
• Indecisiveness or Impaired concentration
• Fatigue, decrease in energy
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Easily irritated
• Feeling restless/agitated
• Diminished in interest in most activities
• Persistent sad, anxious or empty (feeling)
• Thoughts of suicide/attempts
• Change in appetite/weight

After the incident, I became really moody, depress and was always fearful. I just couldn't control my emotions any longer. Even though I wanted to be happy but my mind and my heart just wasn't in sync. Soon depression started leading me into a darker path which was anxiety disorder. I became very anxious of my surroundings and my heart was always full of anxiety. While walking along the street, I sometimes hallucinate that someone was going to rob me, was holding a knife, or even kill me. I became so subconscious that I couldn't think properly. My anxiety grew and grew each day and slowly I started to develop the beginning stages of OCD, Obsessive-compulsive disorder. I remember needing to on and off my light switch a couple of times before heading out; reaching back into my bag or pocket to check my purse back and forth even though I know that my purse is in my bag; so on and so forth. In my mind, if I do not redo these steps my heart will not be at ease and I will began to feel anxious as if something will go wrong. 

How I got through depression

Having realise that I couldn't let depression take over my life, I have decided to fight this battle. Even though battling depression is a challenge, but i decided to take a shot in the dark. I thank God that I did not have to seek any medications or converse with a physiologist. I hope these methods will be able to help you in this battle just as how it helped me got through my battle with depression.

1. Acknowledging that you have depression

(Picture Source: Flickr, Josh's)

Back then when I was suffering from depression, I was living a life of denial. I refuse to admit that I have depression even though it was being thrown at my face. Without acknowledging that you have depression you would not be able to receive help.

2. Talk to someone who is patient and would listen to what you are about to say

(Picture Source: youne.com)

When I was fighting depression, I was really blessed to have an amazing family, youth leader and my best friend along side me. I sometimes gets very moody or even angry at them out of no reason, but they did not choose to neglect me or walk away but instead, they were there supporting me every step of the way. When you have someone to talk to, somehow you will feel as if a heavy load was being lifted up of your shoulder and you will feel more satisfied even if it's just for a little while.

3. Discover the Root of your problem

(Picture Source: arborwood.ca)

This might not happen to everyone, but it's worth a shot. Sometimes by  discovering the root of your depression, you will start to feel that there is closure to your problems. For me, I only manage to discover my root after years of battling with depression. Finding the root is not always easy, just like I said before, because sometimes in life you might be suffering from depression without even realising it! 

4. Keep your mind occupied 

(Picture Source: Tumblr, A warm place within)

This is very important especially if you're at the beginning stages of fighting depression. Back then, when my mind was unoccupied my mind will tend to wander and negative thoughts would start to come in and disturb my train of thoughts, leading me to sink back into depression. You do not want to have any room in your mind for any fearful, negative or upsetting thoughts! What I did then was, I took up reading as a hobby and I started drawing my own comic books. Furthermore, I find that music (especially upbeat music) is also a pretty good remedy to occupying your mind because sometimes it helps to take you away from reality.

(Picture Source: Tumblr, putting my defences up)

5. Think positive

(Picture Source: Tumblr, Fashion Dictator)

I know it's hard to do, but trying to think positive can be a real challenge at first but once you get a hang of it everything will start falling back into place. Furthermore, you will feel like a much happier person on earth! #True story.

6. Socialize

(Picture Source: Tumblr, Kpop & Kdrama)

If you feel like you are sinking back into your gloomy thought, just like point number 4, instead of staying at home or seclude yourself within your own four walls, go grab a coffee or watch a movie with your friends or family. This helps as it will keep your mind active in other aspect rather than getting trap in your train of thoughts.

7. Allowed yourself to be less perfect, Don't be too Hard on yourself

(Picture Source: psych2go.net)

Nobody in this world is perfect, which includes people like you and me. Many depress people are perfectionist (the sad reality). When they felt as if what they did was not good enough they will sink back into depress mode. Don't beat yourself up. So if you did not score a Distinction on your exam, it's okay, don't torture yourself because what's done is done (no offences). As they all say "Failure is the first step to success".

8. Stop with the "What ifs?" scenarios

"What if I fell down and broke my ankle?"

"What if I got robbed?"

"What if the world is about to end tomorrow?"

"What if??"

(Picture Source: Tumblr, RoosERWT)

This used to happen to me so very often when I was depress. I used to give myself unnecessary anxiety and stress. I mean all of us can't predict the future, unless if you're like "That's so Raven". Don't get me wrong, I'm not asking you to not be aware of your surroundings, we still have to be careful but don't let the "What Ifs" get the best out of you and make you into a worrying vending machine.

9. Have a Journal/Gratitude Journal

(Picture Source: Blogpsot, Colouring Outside The Lines)

Having a journal is a good start if you're battling depression. A journal is like an outlet and is also like talking to a person but in hand written words. If you're feeling really unhappy about certain matters, you can list it down in your journal, it will help you ease your mind. One other method that I find it pretty effective is writing down things that you're grateful for. Instead of expressing your feelings, try writing things that you thank God for such as:

1. I'm thankful for being able to have 3 meals today

2. I'm thankful for having a hot shower

Sometimes, being thankful is just the right remedy to easing depression.

10. Don't EVER Give Up

(Picture Source: gifstumblr)

Sometimes depression might feel like a never ending battle. Sometimes you just feel like hiding in your closet and never again having to face the world. This is what depression wants you to do! Depression is like a criminal that is running free and wild while robbing people's joy and happiness away from them. This is NOT what our minds are design to do. At times, if you're just so tired of everything, it is okay to take a rest and give yourself some time out and then do something fun and worthwhile. But giving up is never an option with depression! 

*The list above are ways of how I handled depression, it might vary for certain people. If you're still struggling with depression it is also encourage to seek a doctor or a psychologies.*

You can't expect an unfit person to run a 40 kilometer marathon, they need to invest time and sufficient training in order to take up the challenge. Just like depression, you can't expect it to go away immediately, everything requires time and perseverance. 

(Picture Source: Elite Daily)

It took me a total of 5 years or so to finally escape from the grasp of depression. Even though from time to time it will relapse, but that doesn't stop me from trying my best to be the happiest I can be. When I was finally free from the curse, I was a much happier person and I realise that there is more to life than being upset and unhappy. The reason I wanted to share my story is because fighting depression is not impossible, you just need to take that courageous step out of the undesigned path and foiled it's plan before it destroys you.

Always Keep The Faith in Believing For a Better Tomorrow

(Picture Source: rebloggy, zelody)

(Picture Source: Vogue, atrl) Gabrielle Bonheus Chanel; Coco Chanel

"In order to be irreplaceable one must be different"

-Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel, a rebel, a fashion icon and a legend! Gabrielle Bonheus Chanel is a French designer that is famously known for making big drastic changes in our current world of fashion, thus became one of the key figures of the 20th century!

If you're wondering what did Coco Chanel do that made her soooooo inspiring and important here are a list of things that the Fashion Icon did that definitely made a lasting impression in the fashion industry.

1. Introducing Jersey fabric in Women's Fashion

 (Picture Source: Nouvellegamine, The Wall Street Journal) "FORD" Dress by Chanel, Photographed by Karl Lagerfeld

During World War I, fabric was expensive and was getting harder and harder to get because most of the fabrics were used to make soldier's uniforms. Because of her financial situation, Chanel decided to use jersey to create her clothing due to it's low cost. Her choice of fabric shocked many, because back then Jersey was only used to produce Men's Undergarment! Imagine wearing that fabric and thinking about men's undies! Jersey was a suitable fabric because it has good drape and it is a very comfortable fabric. Furthermore, her design manage to free the female body from the uncomfortable corset!

2. Pants, pants and more pants!

Picture Source: Miss by Gabriella, Wjxu's Blog

When men was sent to war, women had to replace men at the workplace which also means more female factory workers! And dresses did not help women at work at all! Being a rebel, Coco Chanel decided to wear pants at a beach resort and was also the first woman ever to wear trousers in public. If it wasn't for Chanel, us, girls would have not been able to wear pants and trouser and I wouldn't be wearing them now!

"I gave back to women's body his freedom, this body was sweating in clothes parade, lace, corsets, underwear, upholster."

-Coco Chanel

3. Sun Tanning

Picture Source: evelinecharles.com

It was pretty much an accident, but for Chanel everything she did, women followed! During the 20th century, female are preferred to have pale and fair skin. If you have brown skin you were considered to be associated with the lower classes. In 1923, Chanel accidentally got herself tanned while cruising on the French Riviera and her friends admired her glowing skin and BAMM, suntanned suddenly became a sign of wealth and beauty. 

4. The Perfume aka Chanel no.5

Picture Source: The Indepentent, Adclassix.com

Chanel was a very picky woman, she often complained about other women's body odour. In 1920, Chanel met a a perfumer named Ernest Beaux. Beaus managed to come up with 10 different samples for Chanel and they were numbered from 1 to 5 and 20 to 24 accordingly. Chanel picked the perfume labeled number 5 and thus it was later released in 1921, entitles Chanel no.5.

5. Costume Jewellery

Picture Source: Pinterest Tiana Campuzano, The Hill Hangout

Even though Paul Poiret was the first designer to use costume jewellery, but it was Chanel's fake pearls and glittering gemstones that took the cake. Chanel always believed that it is best to have a pile of imitation jewels than to stick with only on or two expensive jewellery. 

6. The LBD (Little Black Dress)

Picture Source: Pinterest Tess Thompson, Pinterest Malavika Patel, imgkid.com

Black, was not you typical fashion palette back in the early 1900s. Black was regarded as an attire of mourning in the West and during Queen Victoria's reign in England, the Queen spend almost half of her life wearing black dresses as mourning clothing due to her husband's death. During World War I, women wear adjusted to wearing black mourning attire as a result of economic constraints and as a need to be productive and mobile at work. In 1926, Chanel designed the first ever LBD with slashed neckline, short dress with diagonal pin-tucks made out of Crepe De Chine. In Chanel's point of view, black is the only appropriate colour for  good economically perfect attire. 

7. The Chanel Suit

Picture Source: Pinterest House of Marbury, Cheltenham Fashion Week

The Chanel suit was the first suit ever to borrow designs and structures from menswear. During the 1940s and 50s, Dior released a new design called the "New Look" an example? Cinderella. Chanel hated the look and during the 2nd World War, again, women were back at the workplace and Chanel found that the "New Look" was unsuitable for the post-war modern women. In 1954, Chanel reintroduced the Chanel suit back to the public and it was the perfect outfit for the post-war women who are trying to build a career in the male-dominated workplace. The Chanel Suit made a mark in history when Jackie Kennedy wore this suit on the day her husband, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated.

(Picture Source: A.G. Nauia Couture) Jackie Kennedy wearing the Chanel Suit on the day her husband, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.