Saturday 30 January 2010

Once Bitten Twice Shy: Zara vs Rupert Sanderson

Oh Zara... it's one thing to churn out shoes inspired by the runway looks from Balmain, but another thing entirely to look to my dear shoe maestro Rupert Sanderson.  To add to salt to injury, you even made the Delta-inspired platform pumps entirely out of rubbery synthetics (not purposefully, I'm sure) and slapped on a big red "Special Price" tag as though you were hawking Thai girls out of a streetside catalog.  I don't think I can look at you the same way again.  

Wednesday 27 January 2010

A Thoughtful Shopper: Georgina Goodman pumps

I'm of two minds about whether to attempt to part with these Georgina Goodman pumps. They're a deep, rich burgundy and made of smooshy patent - which I adore - but I've more or less decided that pointed toe pumps are just not really "me". Maybe I just need something "new" to go with these... like a printed work dress ala Anna from my 1.5 yards of Liberty fabric (in background)?

Monday 25 January 2010

Bye Bye Shoes, Bye Bye Happiness (SOLD)

As part of the obligatory Chinese New Year spring clean, I think it's time to let go of several beloved, but ultimately neglected, pieces. A tad too loose for me with tights, the first victim of the closet clean-out is this pair of black pumps from the limited edition 'Rouge' range by Pied a Terre:
Rouge by Pied a Terre
Size 37 - Suede with calf leather cuff detail; silver leather piping
Made in Spain; 100mm heel; With original box
Retailed for £180 in Selfridges London (Fall 2007)
Worn twice; Upper looks brand new

£35 / S$80
drop me an email at shop.muchtoomuch@gmail.com

Thursday 21 January 2010

500 Days of Wanting: alldressedup for CNY

Narrator:  This is a story of girl meets dress.  The girl grew up believing that she'd never truly be happy until she'd worn every colour known to man, that is, except deep yellow due to unfortunate racial and personality implications of the same.  This belief stemmed from early exposure to sanguine cartoons and an abject worshipping of any film's 'makeover scene'.  The dress did not share this belief.  Since the gradual disintegration of her retail value, the dress yearned for only two things: The first was not to be relegated to a bargain bin at the next bazaar sale.  The second was to find someone in the world with the exact skin tone to carry off her hue.  Girl meets Dress in 2009.  This is a story of girl meets dress, but you should know upfront, this is not a love story...
Long story short:  Girl passes on Dress in favour of the flashier, ostensibly more expensive Bag.  But in true romantic comedy fashion, Girl couldn't keep her mind off Dress and professes love for Dress, albeit in 2010 (complete with formulaic party scene).  Girl breaks her resolve and cheats on Bag.  Girl is now penny poorer.  Bag is dejected.  Dress is secretly thrilled. 

*Photos of the CNY outfit to come - Check back at CNY!

Wednesday 20 January 2010

Cuter Than Rachel Bilson As Tinkerbell

I'm considering these insanely adorable navy polka-dot slacks from Vagabond NYC as my reward for dropping any Christmas weight by Chinese New Year.  Well, at the moment it's more like building up the resolve and incentive to do morning runs.  

I suspect the waist measurement might be a bit overly ambitious given the time frame I have, but I would love a vintage Giorgio Armani; in the occasional wisdom of Rachel Zoe, I'm waiting to have "a navy moment".  I miss that show (read: Taylor). 

Tuesday 19 January 2010

It Pays To Wait: Uniqlo +j

The pricing lifespan of a Uniqlo +j mid-gauge cashmere cardigan:
Oct 2009         Was (London): £89.99 
Dec 2009         Was (Singapore): S$199.90 / £79.99
Dec 2009         On Sale (London): £49.99
Jan 2010          On Sale (Singapore) : Now S$79.90 / £30

To be fair, the smallest size left is a 'M' but that's more than sufficient comforting roominess for a lazy bf look.  Incensed by the further discount, I (naturally) caved on the charcoal and navy versions, and now never need another classic cashmere cardigan for the rest of my life.   I'm taking this as a learning experience - strengthening my resolve to wait. wait. WAIT. when it comes to any of Uniqlo's future designer ranges. 

Monday 18 January 2010

A Tale of Two Shoes

Don't you love it when a weekend is filled with shoe debuts?  Since the rainclouds were in temporary remission, I decided it was safe to pull out my Valentino sandals (yay, 70% off) and Pointer sneakers from Rockstar (yay, The BF). 

Friday 15 January 2010

London Sample Sale: Hermes

Hermes is having a sample sale in London; my wallet is relieved it's in Singapore.  For those in the correct continent: 
15-16 Jan (9am to 7pm)
The Music Rooms, South Molten Street
Mayfair W1K 5AB

Tuesday 12 January 2010

Oldie But Goodie

I am beyond thrilled that Rachel Bilson's guesting on HIMYM this week - R.I.P.  O.C. 
(pc: tfs)

Monday 11 January 2010

Mulberry Alexa: SOLD OUT

UPDATE 10.09pm EST (+8):  It's ALREADY sold out... what the frig?!?!  At least I'd already decided to pass on this one.  Too IT-bag.  China copies are sure to flood the market now...

Pourpre: The Colour of Desire

Took the Balenciaga out on Orchard Road over the weekend - I love the City!  As moaned about previously, I am experiencing some weight issues at the moment so only bag / none-body pics for now.  Needless to say, I was rather distressed when the following shot managed to make my wrists look fat :(  

On The Jewellery Prowl

Another anniversary, another year with no sign of the piece of jewellery I really want *sigh*  In the meantime, I might as well consider treating myself to a cheap thrill such as this, this or (if my bank balance permits, one of THESE):
Burberry medium knot chain necklace - now 60% off on Net-A-Porter
Take that you evil local store still refusing to put accessories on discount!
Kara malachite cocktail ring - now also 60% off
It's green AND gold!  My old school colours!!
Tiffany's T & Co cushion silver ring
I thought I'd outgrown Tiffany's silver until I chanced upon this at DFS.  I suspect I'm also partial toward this style as I haven't (yet) seen this on half the girls in town.

Gara Danielle notched Tiger's Eye cocktail ring - available at Shopbop
Ever since galpal M wore a similar necklace, I've been sold on the casual imperfection of this look. 

Alkemie stingray textured cuff in reclaimed metal
I suspect it's a phrase but I'm really into brass (aka match everything) jewellery 

Saturday 9 January 2010

Designer Samurai

I completely overate over Christmas and the New Year - no outfit pics until I feel (far) less bloated.  I'll just take pics of the bags / accessories in the meanwhile.  Speaking of which, how awesome is this Chanel armour? [source]

Wednesday 6 January 2010

US Harper's Bazaar Feb 2010: FAIL

Ugh... I am now officially boycotting HB. Gwad if *it* ever gets snapped in Alexander Wang, alldressedup or Rupert Sanderson, I might have to throw out a precious portion of my wardrobe. (pc: tfs)

Tuesday 5 January 2010

Halston on Outnet

Now that it's post -Christmas, I have neither the occasion nor the cash for even a swash of this silk chiffon ombre Halston.  Considering Nicole Ritchie reportedly dropped about USD10000 for a vintage Halston back in 2005, this similar gown, available at The Outnet for GBP1200, is almost a bargain. 

It Pays To Wait: Mulberry Denim Ticking

Ok, SGD550 is not exactly a packet of peanuts but MyManyBag's second-hand is far less daunting than the original price at Mulberry.  Though Death and Texas' range is still half the price of discounted Mulberry, you're unlikely to get that kind of resale value on the former. While I continue yearning for a denim ticking Mitzy, someone give this bag a good home!  (pc:mmb)

Friday 1 January 2010

Souvenirs From A Better Time

I don't enjoy participating in sales for brands/shops going out of business - any exhilaration from scoring a bargain is inevitably tempered by the "why didn't I support them when they were in business?" guilt.  Christian Lacroix, Ossie Clark, Phi and Luella were all tragic victims of 2009.

While you still can, pick up a piece of fashion history.  Still feels like dancing on a grave, but at least you'll look pretty fabulous doing it:
Luella poplin skirt - GB118 (60% off)

Phi silk blouse - GBP113.5 at The Outnet (70% Off + Extra 50%)

Christian Lacroix silk-satin mini dress - GBP421 (80% Off)

Ossie Clark silk maxi dress - GBP205 (75% Off)

Ossie Clark dress - GBP195 (50% Off)