Inspired or Copycat?

It's becoming a trend lately that people use the word 'inspired' to justify plagiarism. I wanted to do my search for Maysaa's scarf recently and found out a lot of people out there mentioned "Inspired by Hana Tajima" on their marketing. Hana Tajima is famous for her Chiffon Scarf Snood and the Bonnet, of course, many are 'inspired'. There's another site which sells a suit that looks like Chanel's famous tweed jacket and called it Chanel inspired. What does that mean? The workmanship is terrible and while it looks like Chanel's tweed jacket, it is definitely far from the original and kind of an embarrassment to use Coco Chanel's name at all. And as I'm writing this, on my FB wall, someone posted "Inspired by Coach" and they are selling Coach knockoffs at RM80. You are not inspired, you are using their logo and their designs! Shame on you. You see, you like, you stole (the idea)? 

Rizalman Ibrahim, one of the few famous Malaysian designers have stressed this calamity time and time again, copying someone's idea or work just because you like it doesn't make it right. He came out with glamorous kaftan, and lo and behold.... every 'designer' in town went for that look with some twists here and there. Some looks cheap and some looks cheap. Nothing beats the original i would say but it's an eyesore and heartache to see your creative idea stolen. He came out with a concept of hantaran, put them on his blog and many out there sharpen their skill to copy just exactly. 

You are inspired by a certain thing, for example a building in KL and you design your clothes based on that inspiration. You like your mom's vintage handbag details and driven to create something that reminds of you of that particular object. Your little sister's crazy for hairband inspire you to make hair accessories. You are inspired to create your own work based on a certain idea or subject but you cannot downright plagiarize just because you think it's okay that you mentioned the designer name in the line. It's just does not make it right! 

Words can be manipulated, for example... second hand Benz is called pre-owned.. but using inspired by for plagiarizing is so low, at least in my humble opinion. 

Dance With My Father

Dance with My Father by Luther Van Dross is such an impactful song, reminding a man about his father who'd already gone. "Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence, my father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and the spend me around till I fell asleep. Then up the stairs he would carry me and I knew for sure I was loved...."  It's such a beautiful song with a beautiful lyrics.

The song touches my heart, reminding me of the experiences I'd never had. I was born and he left. I still have a father but it's better to leave it at that. I don't want to judge him for what he's done to us. I believe he has his own reasons, but at the same time I'm entitled to feel what I feel about him for I am his child. Every time a car passed by my house, God knew how I wished he'd come home to meet me, missing me, hugging me, telling me that he loves me. And most of the time, my heart broke into pieces and I was just a little girl, barely knew the meaning of reality. Birthdays were just numbers, my achievements in school were just normal, nobody even cared to congratulate. And as years gone by, I accepted the fact that I'll never recover those lost times with him and this heart succumbs to numbness.

People always say that independent is my strong suit but do I have a choice? When there's no wall to lean on, you only have your two feet to stand firm. 

My daughter's life is so different than mine. She is so lucky to have a father who cares so much about her, he could move the world to prove her that. Whatever he does, Tia is his center. In fact, this little girl drives him even more to achieve success. Love is so special, so abstract; you couldn't see it, you couldn't buy it but God knows you could feel it if it's there, if it's given, if it's shared. When a child kisses a father without being told to do so, that's love that comes from inside her. I love to see them together. The way my husband cares about his daughter really touches my heart. The way his heart melts when he sees his little princess is priceless. My girl is the luckiest person in the world, she doesn't even realize it yet. :)

Father is an important figure in one's family. Never underestimate the importance (of a father's love). Husband and wife could quarrel and argue til they turned blue but don't use the kids to punish any one of you. That's the greatest act of selfishness a human being could commit to the world. Don't think just because they are men, they don't have hearts, they don't have feelings, they don't love their kids. I have came across many couples who cut the fathers from their children, just because they can. You might hate the fathers but the children are forced to (be away from their fathers). And many kids don't dare to argue because they love you. 

I really appreciate the love my husband has for his little girl, how could I ever deny that love from both of them. To mothers who think that you can raise your children by yourselves, perhaps you can but there's no replacement for the need of a kid to love her father.  

American Idol 10: The Final 13

Quite many of my predictions hit and there are also a few misses. Yesterday Ryan Seacrest announced the final 13 contestants for this season's American Idol.. and the first 10 are...

1. Scotty McCreery - Country record producers are eyeing for this guy and American Idol knows that. JLo wants him to be in his lane, to showcase his voice's range but not to go overboard and try something crazy i.e hiphop. What would happen in disco week with Scotty? Interesting.

2. Lauren Alaina - This one is an easy pick. Her talent is effortless. Kelly Clarkson's tweet is kinda of an insult for her, IMHO. Kelly Pickler???? Puhlezzzz... Lauren is miles better.

3. Pia Toscano - Great choice America! This former make up artist will color the music industry beautiful. Her rendition of The Pretenders, "I'll stand by you" was awesome you wanna download it from iTunes even though you can't do it and you wish that you're living in America right now.

4. Karen Rodriguez - Every Spanish being in the United States of America voted for her including Penelope Cruz and hubby, Dora the Explorer and Handy Manny. Mucho Gracias everybody! But, please don't attempt Mariah again. Me no likey.

5. Thia Megia - You have worn that ABC sweater a few times already, hand it over to your unwilling sister please. Thia needs to be cheerful sometimes. She has this melancholy look and feel to her that makes me wanna offer her counseling.... for FREE!

6. Haley Reinhart - I missed the mark on this one, did say she's good though. She needs to discuss with the hairstylist, her do makes her looks older than her real age. Not cool.

7. James Durbin - I couldn't deny the fact that he performed well but there's something about him that makes me think he will NOT be an American Idol. He likes to squint his eyes, is that a condition related to his sickness/syndrome?

8. Paul McDonald - Woohooo!!!! I love this guy's voice and style. Jlo is a fan of his smile and I couldn't agree more.

9. Casey Abrams - He's hilarious and he doesn't look like a star but the minute he opens his mouth and sings, the world turns into a sexy place. Many thought that growling is not singing but who cares!!! We just wanna have fun.

10. Jacob Lusk - Praise the Lord!!!! His grandmother was spotted raising her hands to God..and so did the other church group members. His voice is powerful, when he screams, make sure you have put your glass down.

11. Ashthon Jones (wildcard) - Oh boy, she really didn't want to go, did she! And she pointed to each of the judge.....and You! You! You! You gonna love me... and guess, it worked girl!!! You're through and now, send a bouquet of flowers to JHud.

12. Stefano Langone (wildcard) - Unlike Ashthon, he asked straight to the divine power and with that beautiful of a voice, the judges knew they needed to let him in or lightning could strike on their way home.

13. Naima Adedapo (wildcard) - Naima sang from the crust of her heart like there's no tomorrow. I dropped a few tears, very good for my dry eyes. Thanks, love. And it touched Steven Tyler's heart that's covered in hot pink ruffles also. She made it.

So.... For those who didn't make it:
1. Robbie Rosen - You need your piano, dude. 
2. Jordan Dorsey - Go back to teaching kids piano, o-kay! If you still have kids to teach.. muahaha!
3. Tim Halperin - You would regret your song choice for at least 5 years.
4. Brett Loewenstern - Try again next year, kiddo 
5. Jovany Barreto - You looked defeated before you were lost. Really. 
6. Clint Jun Gamboa - Haha!!! In your face, man!!! This one's for Jacee. If your friends like you, they already broke the glasses into two.
7. Kendall Chantelle - Quite sad to see her go. 
8. Ta-Tynisa Wilson - Errrr.... ta ta? 
9. Julie Zorilla - Baby, it's one song, one chance.. Why were you asking for two? Get with the program! 
10. Lauren Turner - who? 
11. Rachel Zevita - We know you didn't make it but did you have to show your long face on stage? And your skirt with ALL ACCESS sign disturbed me.

Couldn't wait for next week first round.. And judges.. Please step up your game. We need juicy comments-lah, enough with you're beautiful, it sounded beautiful, you look beautiful kinda feedback. 
Until next week, tata!!

Bag Review: Long Champ Le Pliage

Women are going ga-ga for LongChamp Le Pliage. I think the designer of this bag is plain genius. He/she created the simplest design but focused on the quality of the materials used and workmanship. This bag is full of room, you can even carry two cats around in it. I am lucky to have the pleasure of owning a Le Pliage when my wonderful husband brought one back from Cannes, France. Straight from Cannes, ladies and gentlemen. 


Now don't go green with envy, Pavillion also has a LongChamp store where you can buy it at regular price.. I think around RM600+, anybody knows the actual price, tell me please. This bag is so popular, it has become the target of copycats. Fake Le Pliage are everwhere and if you don't know how to spot the fake, you could be the victim of these conniving people. So, if you plan to buy Le Pliage online and at a cheaper price, this is how you spot the fake, read here. Perhaps they won't put the fake pics online but you'll find it out when it arrives. It's better to spend the right amount of money for an original. Well, that's my opinion. 


Why do I like Le Pliage?


1. It has room! A LOT OF ROOM to store a lot of my things. 
2. The color is awesome! Mine is purplish.
3. When it rains, I don't care because it's waterproof
4. You can fold it into small bag and easier for storage. 
5. Because I know that it could turn you into green anytime of the day. Haha!
You can view a range of Le Pliage here. 

American Idol 10: The Top 12 Girls (Recap)

JLo is a good enough reason not to miss American Idol - Image from Google

Since they'd only select 12 contestants for the final, I have to drop one name from the guys and I am torn between Brett and Jovany. I think Jovany has an advantage here as he would get the Spanish votes.        
Okay, moving on to the girls. 

Pia Toscano - She belted out The Pretenders' I'll Stand By You with so much conviction, you wouldn't have any hesitation to dial the phone and vote for her. At this stage of the competition I don't think it's necessary to work the stage so much like Ta-Tynisa unless you are really sure you have Beyonce's superpower, which without any doubt, you don't. Pia knew what to do and she blew us away! You go, girl! My Verdict: IN

Thia Megia - Randy equates her to the early voice of Michael Jackson. She chose Out Here on My Own, started off acapella and sounded great until the end. While many are left blown away by Thia, my heart is not with this girl. See how it goes.. but for now she's America's Sweetheart. My Verdict: IN


Ashthon Jones - This girl sang Love All Over Me by Monica and I love it. She looked comfortable on stage, worked the judges and I feel like she belongs there... so much better than Ta-Tynisa na? I would be disappointed if she's not in the final Top 12. My Verdict: IN


Lauren Alaina - This girl is born to sing. At the age of 15 she can sing like nobody's business. Yesterday she went with Reba McEntire's Turn On the Radio and sounded great all throughout. However, Steven wanted more and obviously she has more and I couldn't wait for her to bring it on stage in the next few weeks. But please don't talk much on stage. It's a turn-off, dear. My Verdict: IN


Ta-Tynisa Wilson - Ta-ta Ta-Tynisaaaaa..... hope NOT to see you again next year. What were you thinking wearing that dress with that boots and went crazy on stage with Rihanna's Only Girl? You are not at that stage yet, my dear. And what's with that face when the judges were giving their critiques? You thought you did good? Please watch YouTube and tell me you didn't cringe. My Verdict: OUT


Naima Adedapo - Okay, we've seen a lot of the same dress already. It's time to upgrade your wardrobe to the mainstream's fashion. A happier version of Summertime was a bit loungey as Randy put it but she has a good voice and she sings well. It's definitely not a good song choice when somebody else had done a fantastic job in the same show. My Verdict: IN


Kendra Chantelle - This is my best female performer in American Idol 10 so far! She did Impossible much better than Aguilera, IMHO. Very controlled and awesome! She will definitely make it to the final. My Verdict: IN


Rachel Zevita - The boring girl wanted to hype it up with a broadway kinda performance and it felt flat on the screen of my television. She had committed crime with Criminal and there's no way she could be forgiven for that.  Sorry my dear, you're going to be sentenced to home soon. My Verdict: OUT  


Karen Rodriguez - How many times do Simon has to tell you.. .DO NOT CHOOSE ANY SONGS FROM MARIAH CAREY, KELLY CLARKSON, WHITNEY HOUSTON AND ALICIA KEYS?? It seems like many have never watched the past seasons of Americal Idol. And the mixture of English and Spanish in Mariah's Heroes was rather odd for me. Maybe America would like it, I don't. My Verdict: OUT  


Lauren Turner - I still didn't get this one! She sang Seven Day Fool and I didn't buy it. Not interesting at all.  My Verdict: OUT  


Julie Zorilla - Refer to my comment on Karen Rodriguez. Do not choose Kelly Clarkson's number. Breakaway is not an easy song even though it's easy to listen to Kelly. JLo asked her.. do you really want to Breakaway? haha I thought that was funny. She didn't look the part, didn't sound the part and definitely is not gonna be a part of the top 12. My Verdict: OUT  

Haley Reinhart - And this girl chose Alicia's Fallin, a tune that many had tried and failed. However, she did bring a good amount of personality in the performance and the voice's amazing. If it's up to me, I'd say yes but I think America would say no to her. Sad. My Verdict: OUT