Quick Fix : Men

I know a couple of guys, including the BF, who are constantly on the lookout for decently-sized, well-made messenger bags which don't resemble the Crumplers that everyone is carrying, and which don't cost an arm and leg.

Check out Urban Outfitter's Sale this weekend for these bargains:

East West Messenger - Now US$29.99

Canvas Leather Messenger - Now US$29.99

While you're there, feel free to pick up a pair of Wayfarers for US$3.99. They're a bit last season but perfectly priced for stylish beach bumming :)

{image c/o Style.com - for a duffle similar to the one pictured, check out OAK's a.ok}

Style Inspiration : 28.05.09

Don't these snaps of Chloe Sevigny just make you want to grab the nearest swash of fabric to make a oversized bow belt? *heart* 

That said, is it just me or is Chloe looking a little Evan Rachel Wood in these pics... maybe it's the uniformly over-blonde hair and slightly ajar pout... 

On a completely unrelated note, my little sis has just agreed to let me get all Tim Gunn as part of her, admittedly overdue, wardrobe revamp!  I cannot possibly (or coherently) convey how excited I am at this prospect!!

{images c/o Elle.com}

B.R. / A.R. : More Shoes, Anyone?

Lust: Balmain Lace-Ups - very much like *those* Ann Demeulemeester ones which are (naturally) sold out everywhere. 

That said, I can't quite wrap my head around the fact that these are over US$1000 when on SALE. But I suppose they are python...

Must:  Target Lace-Ups sandals US$24.99 - I'm going to shamefully chalk this one up as a "wet weather option".  They pass the Camille approval test too :)

Like Tiffany, But Knot

I'm going through a BIG necklace mood, but this made me go "awww".

Understated enough to wear with any of your other necklaces, and decently priced!

In times like these, who'd want to splash on the ole blue box anyway? Not least since their EP range has been copied to death by every silversmith in town...

Auf Wiedersehen Germany, Hello Singapore!

When I attended alldressedup's SS09 fashion show a couple of months back, I had no clue that Germany's Next Top Model were busy filming clips of their final 3. Singapore was the exotic foreign stop and venue for the walk-off in Episode 15, which precedes the Finale.

Am really elated for the talented Sven Tan and his team of designers. What a great platform for their gorgeous line! Plus, is that a Vice & Vanity necklace I spy in the final photoshoot? YAY local talent!!

More images of the finalists in Singapore and their photoshoot at Haw Par Villa (I think!):

{images from Germany's Next Top Model}

Don't Make Me Choose : American Idol

 : 

Adam Lambert : Kris Allen 

= 

Rick Owens Croc Vest : Lanvin Sneakers 

I'd initially picked Jack Purcells to represent Kris but since this was the finals, I'm showing him a little designer love :)    {available here & here}

B.R. / A.R. : Buckle Up Those Shoes

The recession is a funny thing - people start looking for safe items with "legs" that will take them past the trend, or they swing far left and buy crazy fabulous.

I'll get to those Rodarte boots another day (which should just be called Those Fabulous Crotchless Leather Slacks) but for now the pre-occupation seems to be with buckles on shoes. Not your schoolgirl mary-jane buckles mind you, these are big, bold and threaten to give even the slimmest of ankles self-doubt!

Let's start with the Chloe Sevigny's FW09 design for Opening Ceremony: 9 buckles for US$600 , toe to mid-calf, the more the merrier!


Weighing in with 4 buckles, the similarly styled Surface To Air wedges are proving equally popular and on pre-order (US$360):

Georgina Goodman presented a 2-buckle style for FW09. Don't scoff at the slight buckle count - her design features massively chunky straps, plus a colourway variation in taupe/fuschia! Because the design is so understated and all... (love her!)


Where would recession reality be without a fast fashion knock-off? Forever 21 is first out of the gates in this case with their take on the Chloe Sevignity - 5 buckles! While I can't speak for its originality or quality, at US$28.90, this option will certainly provide the most buck(le) for your bang:
{Images from Style Profiles ; Style Bubble & Dazed Digital}

Midweek Sunshine #3

Image: NYmag

I wish I looked like this first thing in the morning, or all the time really... DARN my bad hair day!!

Bye Bye Baylene

One of my favourite local brands is saying goodbye after 30 May. I've been wearing Baylene's designs since she opened a boutique in Stamford House in 2003.

Admittedly, a good portion of my income has gone towards her jackets, vests and shirts *grin*

So I'm wearing an early Baylene vest for posterity today - still love the button details down the back and the soldier flaps (a very blurred pic, sorry):

Also seen: Bleeding love white earrings from Vincci in Malacca - only RM15, shirt from Australia, Forever21 denim shorts and my (in the midst of being broken in) Rupert Sanderson platform pumps

Mark Your Diaries: More Kate Moss for Topshop

So she's writing memoirs and converting to Buddhism, but what's on the forefront of my mind is the High Summer collection from Kate Moss' Topshop line.  The latest offerings land in stores Thursday 21 May. 

Given how key pieces previously sold out within the day, it'll almost certainly be a case of fastest fingers for this sequined gown featured in June's British Vogue! 

Beatrix Ong does NIKE

Ever since British Vogue tipped us off about Beatrix Ong teaming with the Big Swoosh for some summer loving, I've been waiting to see if it would be more McQueen for Puma, or Kanye for LV.

I'm going to ignore the somewhat obvious phoenix & dragon motif (yes, we get that you're of Oriental descent).  Don't usually do trainers but these customised, limited edition and hand-finished Blazers?  But I most certainly CAN handle!  

They're objectively rather stunning, and I'm always a sucker for that Camper-TWINS-style mismatched designs.  Available for pre-order, 190 quid a pair, at Ong's Mayfair boutique. 

Off to give galpal B the thumbs-up for her employer's latest collaboration...  then back to wistfully awaiting the debut of those whispered Georgina Goodman trainers.

Monday Morning Diss : Melissa Clogs

Just Say No. 

Sigh just when I was celebrating Croc's impending demise!  Don't get me wrong, I rather like Melissa's other shoes but I just feel violated by this monstrosity - even Carrie Bradshaw in them plastic clogs would not redeem these uglies.

I Am The Lace Slut (goo goo gajoob)

You already know my 2 favourite things: Lace and Ruffles!  Adoring this fabulous lace coat spotted on Gemma Ward.  Rather like a more casual version of Kate's in a Burberry ad (last pic):

Mysterious fabulous lace coat, I covet thee. 

You Were Meant For Me

This pair of vintage Bally flats at Verseau Vintage's Etsy store have my name written ALL over them!  

Sadly, a size 38.5 I am not... 

What Goes Around Comes Around: The Cage Skirt

Ah the lifecycle of the Acne open cage skirt.  Acne debuted them waaay back in SS08, and then they were Etsy-ed by I Heart Norwegian Wood and quickly spotted on Susie Bubble in July 2008.

Now, almost a year later, Topshop Boutique has finally given the caged skirt a go!  At a very affordable 45 quid, these have already sold out online.  

Acne SS08

Susie's Etsy version

Question is, will the local and notoriously H&M/Topshop "inspired" brand BYSi follow suit? Or will that take another year? 

So Much For A Bargain

I wonder who is the person selling, through Shoes & Your Mum, items from local brand Martina Pink and Singaporean teen design student Laila...

The seller has to opted to price a black Laila skirt - which retails at SGD45 on the student/designer's website - at USD 45!  A 50% markup on the original price for a hand me down? 

Maybe it's just me being sour grapes about Lulu not replying to a request to list my Marc shoes ;)  I shall not let the odd puzzling listing detract from genuine bargains like the Marc Jacobs cocktail dress (above) going for USD 150.  *yum*

Joining the Dark Side: H&M

I'm hyperventilating after seeing H&M's Fall lookbook - I want it all!!

This is cruel and inconvenient timing - I've JUST* about gone on a fast fashion ban for the rest of the year to save up for better-made pieces (5 items at H&M = 1 Complex Geometries; 25 pieces from Topshop = 1 Rick Owens etc...)

*So says the hypocrite who just spent 20 pounds on 2 tees at TS this past week - but in my defence they were TS Unique, wool blend and in classic black and heather grey :)

I'm usually a Topshop girl but if this H&M collection is promising a store full of "TS Unique", can I logically refuse?

Oversized knit scarves have been on the bloggersphere for while but this version looks good! (wondering if Ozetta will be bummed by the H&Mification of her style of stuff)

Two of these for me...

This too please!

This white shirt beckons to me :)

{more images}