Online Find : Vagabond NYC

As much as I adore The Urban Collection, it seems ALL the best stuff gets snapped up within hours of being listed. Of course, it doesn't help that I'm under a serious time-zone disadvantage *hmph*

So I was delighted when Kingdom of Style [cheers!] highlighted the online vintage store Vagabond NYC. Vagabond's selection is decidedly more upmarket (read: branded) with vintage Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, Thierry Mugler, Valentino, Loewe (above), Helmut Lang (below) and even very on-trend Stephen Sprouse.
Prices aren't always cheap here but, as a general rule, vintage designer is still decidedly cheaper than buying the new stuff. I also like to console myself that the chances of running into a cheap China rip-off are drastically reduced too :)

Here are some of my faves:

YSL watercolour floral dress - US$278

Geoffrey Beene 60s taffeta dress - US$510

Pucci Harlequin Purse - US$272

80s Christian Dior belt with snakeskin detail - US$78 (MINE!)

Ann Demeulemeester leather shirt - US$98

Bag Lust : Chanel Tie Dye

I'm far and away much more of a shoes girl - but this absolutely took my breath away!

Recently reviewed by Bag Snob, this pale pink beauty is so delicately tie dyed that it's made me forget about my general confusion/hatred with tie dye and all the nonsense other attempts we've seen this season.

Am *this* close to breaking the bank for this bag - Is it strange that I'm coveting this somewhat impractically coloured piece more than the classic black 2.55?

Shoe Lust : Brown Bondage Boots

I've been looking around for a pair of brown tall boots as an alternative to my CK black ones. And it just so happens that with Spring right around the corner, loads of stores are clearing out their Fall/Winter items at massive discounts *yay*

These cognac boots by Alexandra Neel (available from Vivre) are SO Serena van der Woodsen and seriously desirable!

The former ballerina's designs often incorporate lingerie details like corset lacing, vintage lace or (in this case) adjustable bondage straps ;)

DIY Lego Necklace

This seems a positively ingenious use of my leftover jar of lego. It also bears a resemblance to my much-worn alldressedup necklace.

DIY Weekend Project, here I come!

Oscars 2009 : Fashion Roundup

Light & White was right tonight at the Oscars... that and a whole load of one-shoulder gowns!

You know I'm a complete vintage whore so my pick for best dressed is Penelope Cruz in the divine 60 year old vintage Balmain gown she saw about 8 years ago and then tracked down for Oscar night ("It was waiting for you!" - gushed Tim Gunn during the official red carpet show).

That said, Marisa Tomei's pleated Versace Atelier gown is Just. So. Beautiful. The train, the train!!

Penelope Cruz in Balmain: LOVE vintage. Love the dress.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive: Simple classic red carpet glam - try and catch the Red Carpet special so you can gaze at the amazing circular sequin detailing!

Rachel Evan Wood in Elie Saab: Elegant if safe - the origami pleating is a winner.

Taraji B Henson in Roberto Cavalli: Gorgeous Oscar debut!

When white is not alright:

Sarah Jessica Parker in Dior Haute Couture: It's supposed to be 'barely mint'. Very SATC but maybe a 2 sizes too tight at the bodice.

Jessica Biel in Prada : Not her best - too much material hiding her amazing body!Maybe she's trying to emulate Eva Mendes' "Right in White" look at the Golden Globes (here).

In the colour camp, some choices stood out - Natalie Portman and Freida Pinto get my vote in this category:

Natalie Portman in Rodarte: She's been quiet for a while but man that girl can wear a dress! She scores with this burst of bubblegum pink.

Freida Pinto in John Galliano - Bold Blue and Beautiful - like the lace sari-ish sleeve

On the other hand, there were some disappointments or bizarre choices for the evening:

Kate Winslet in YSL - She's a winner tonight for The Reader but I'm not loving the dull matronly hair. Kudos though for pulling off the one-shoulder trend.

Beyonce in House of Dereon : Hot tranny mess! Eww...

Heidi Klum in Roland Mouret: The red, the slit, the bangles - it's too much for me. Auf Wiedersehen!

Marion Cotillard in Dior Haute Couture: My vote for Most Deproved. I miss last year's mermaid gown already.

Girl Crush: Alexa Chung

Military jacket, Sgt pepper vest, shirtdress and pink purse... Love it . Love her.

[source]

The Good and the Bad

I'm pretty appalled that Michael Kors (or whoever his design assistant is) completely ripped off Nicholas Kirkwood's signature platform!

Exhibit A above : (Kors top, Kirkwood bottom)

Maybe he thinks that most unsuspecting Americans (the same ones who believe Jessica Simpson & J.Lo design their own shoes) won't realise the shoes aren't original because Nicholas Kirkwood's from across the pond.

I expected such blatent disregard from Charles & Keith or Steve Madden, but not you Michael! *tsk tsk*

[Images from Well Shod, Well Informed]

Stella McCartney for Red Nose Day

Great Brit Stella McCartney's done a range of tees in support of Red Nose Day in the UK - which is special fundraising day organised by Comic Relief. I remember catching comedians & actors doing silly skits or singing songs to raise some cash for the needy during my time there.

Shopping for charity, naturally, is right up my alley :) The Stella tees, made by UK chain TK Maxx, feature iconic images of The Beatles, comedy duo Morecambe & Wise and THE Madonna wearing Comic Relief clown noses or Minny Mouse ears.

For the ad campaign, Stella M's lined up a string of pals/celebrities to make these white tees look super hip. The pals are Keira Knightly, Gwyneth Paltrow, Josh Hartnett, Claudia Schiffer and Natalie Imbruglia.

The tees go for £9.99 a pop or S$25 with half going directly to the charity. Buy now at shop.rednoseday.com or your nearest TKMaxx outlet!

Shoe Lust : Rodarte boots

Oh Nicholas, why do you do this to me? I DIE...


[Images from Style.com]

A Simple Kind of Love

Whilst waiting for Confessions of a Shopaholic to open here, I was feeling a little chick-flick deprived and decided to re-watch SATC the Movie. I was (once again) severely underwhelmed by Carrie's City Hall wedding ensemble.


Even amidst blighting economic conditions, all weddings big or small need that touch of "maaagic" as my friend C would say. I wished Patricia Field & team had dreamt up a gorgeous City Hall wedding like this one. Of course now I'm coveting the bride's too-divine (vintage?) marigold dress and pincurled hairdo...

What To Buy : This Weekend

[Tongue in Chic]

So many things to do this weekend and next...

[2902gallery]

[Fashion Nation]

More Marc

I love the internet - it means an hour or so after MJ's Marc by Marc Jacobs show, sneak pics are available online (thank you NYLON!).

Lots of knit, scarves, boots, seafoam green and orangey-reds (or is it just orange? the lighting is confusing me) and rainbow tights/sleeves/socks... yes, MJ continues his 80s fascination! This time in the direction of my old fave Rainbow Brite :)