Style Inspiration 31.12.08

Am SO heading home to scour for my old "little girl" lace stockings to wear with my white patent Repetto flats!

The new IT-girl?

Could Daisy Lowe be 2009's Agyness Deyn?

Scarcely 20 years old and looking like Michelle Branch's hotter, bad girl sister, Daisy's the "until recently, unknown to Gwen" illegitimate child of Gavin Rossdale and former singer turned fashion designer Pearl Lowe, who was raised by Danny Goffey (Supergrass drummer). Very Rock and roll!

Popping up regularly in Elle/Vogue and modelling for Agent Provocateur, she's now the new face of the Marc by Marc Jacobs campaign. Jealous yet?

I'm generally an Alexa Chung girl, but when Ms Lowe shows up in the cutest polka dot vintage dress, Georgina Goodmans AND matching blue YSL nail polish, I find my loyalties swaying...

How To Wear : Grey Heels

Despite being patent, shoeboot-like and swirling in cutout details, this grey pair of Georgina Goodmans (from her Resort collection at Eve) really isn't hard to carry off!

Option #1 : Pare down Brights!

Grey is a fantastic neutral which works as an alternative to "too harsh" black (e.g. Shopbop's pairing of black sandals with the purple Thakoon, IMO) or "too bling" metallics.

*From Left: Stella McCartney Asymmetric Dress; Thakoon Slouchy Dress; Donna Karen Spring Coat - similar here

Option #2 : Blend with Monotones

Little strappy sandals can look a little precious sometimes - For the girls who love their tanks and cargos, try the Georgina Goodman with black shorts and a white men's shirt for a casual yet tailored look!



*For inspiration.... From Left: Phi Resort 2009; Phillip Lim Resort 2009

Insider Sale : Thomas Wee

Thomas Wee is having a private sale of his Singapore Fashion Festival 08 collection from Monday, 29 to Wednesday, 31 December 2008 (1pm to 8pm). Pieces are going at $50-$300!

Get thee to Curiocity Gallery, Level 1, NAFA Campus 2 @ 38 Bencoolen Street for a timeless piece from this homegrown genius!

Sale Strategy 101

Everyone loves a sale - but not everyone walks away with a good deal... Yes, you could score 20 assorted Mango tops for S$10 each but they are likely to be worn out by next Christmas!

My advice: Be a Discerning Sale Shopper! It helps to keep the following in mind:

(1) Would I buy this at full price?

*Is it great enough a piece that you'd have saved up/bought it at full price? This counters that all-too-familiar sale syndrome : "it's 50% off and BRANDED, so I have to have it even though it's a neon green hotpant/leopard print hobo/[insert other misguided fashion trend]!"

(2) What am I really paying for?

* A cheap pair of shoes /a poorly made dress is still a cheap pair of shoes / a poorly made dress whether you paid $10 or $100 for it. Sale discounts don't make an item look better or wear better - they also don't keep items in fashion. Instead, look out for items in wool blend or silk in basic colours or (in the case of accessories) full leather as these pieces will always look more expensive. More importantly, they don't scream "So Last Season!"

(3) Will this fit into my wardrobe?

* I'm not talking about physical space - goodness knows EVERY girl needs more wardrobe space! But try thinking up at least 2-3 outfits you could have with an item, using accessories, shoes, bags, slacks from your existing wardrobe. This way, a sale purchase won't end up at the back of your wardrobe after one wear...

That said, I did a little sale shopping and found these uber finds which, for me at least, get full marks for being great sale bargains!

ADAM stretch-wool office dress with a discreet cowl neckline - (70% off, now US$115.50)

Marc by Marc Jacobs (we *heart* MJ) felted wool dress with satin-striped, funnel neckline - 40% off, now US$205. *E-luxury is having an extra 30% off sale prices for a limited time, so it'll be down to US$143.50!*

Wear the MJ with this gem from Georgina Goodman at Eve for a dramatic, but fun look:

Last but not least, check out this Twenty8Twelve darling also on massive sale at E-luxury (now US$174.30 after an extra 30% off the sale price):

It's silk-chiffon with Art-decor style lace! So Blair Waldorf :) My girl, B, would not doubt round the outfit off with black tights and the same delicious Venetia by Rupert Sanderson (featured in an earlier post).

Get the Look : Australia

I haven't seen the film 'Australia' yet but I'm already drooling over the costumes created by Catherine Martin - wife of Baz Luhrmann, and Oscar winner for her magical Moulin Rouge creations.

Vogue did a 16-page spread on the film back in July'08, where I first spied this stunning Victorian-inspired equestrian jacket (pictured above).

In-line with the general release of the film this week, Australian "outback-outfitters" R.H. William have collaborated with Martin for an collection of 'Australia'-inspired pieces. A somewhat less dramatic cream linen version of Nicole's jacket is available online and comes with a plaited black leather belt.

Now if your credit card is still trembling from Christmas, try this blouse from All Saints. The same sweeping Victorian drama, but at half the price!

All that's needed to complete the look is a vintage brooch for the collar, and some riding pants.

For Your Man

Most guys in the know have been buying cool T-shirts from Threadless for years. But a T-shirt subscription? It's slightly indulgent for your man to sign up for on his own... but this is a great gift for anyone panicking about a Christmas/NYE/Anniversary gift!

Now if only I'd chanced upon this earlier - Sorry about that, M ;)

Perfect for Christmas (or anytime really...)

I *LOVE* dresses - effortless chic in just one step!

I've pretty much spent all that I can this year but that hasn't stopped me from lusting after this DVF gem in a divine (and timeless) geometric red/black print - so flattering for Asian complexions! The model's fab fringe also helps rock this dress :)

Did I mention it's been priced down 50% on Shopbop (here)?


Wear the DVF to the office (and then for a dinner date) with black opague tights, Rupert Sanderson's delicious Venetia patent pumps - now 40% off at Eve - and Foley & Corinna's Jetsetter in stamped leather.