The Scarlett 'C': The Fanny Pack

Does being quilted and of Chanel make a fanny pack remotely socially acceptable? 

Even Carrie Bradshaw's Gucci failed to ignite public support.

 (pc: riceandbeans)

All About Perspective: Hermes @ Bluefly

It's more or less a dead giveaway that a brand has hit the epitome of luxury marketing when an otherwise paltry 10% discount is heralded on Bluefly like the second coming. Erm. Right. So now Hermes is supposed to be remotely affordable?  In my dreams...  The prices on these are so beyond my realm of comprehension, they're blurring into lightyears. 

Collapsible silk tote - USD864

Indigo 'Dog' studded belt - USD1125

Wool perforated 'H' carry-on bag (main pic) - USD3285

Tan leather 'Victoria' travel bag - USD4005

PS I Love You

"This is a sight that gladdens;
What peace it doth impart!
Now nothing ever saddens
The joy within my heart."

The end of Lent has come - Rejoice! Rejoice!  In all honesty, I did default (a wee bit) on my Lenten vow of retail abstinence, but surely this is a worthwhile and well-deserved, new job / advance birthday / last buy before actively saving for home, kind of buy? :)  

This now brings to an end my season-long deliberation between the Alexa and PS1.  Both were perfectly sized for my day-to-night double duty needs and didn't scream "conspicuous consumption".  

(above, pc: tfs)

As much as I adored the bohemian femininity of the Mulberry, the Midnight (Medium) Proenza Schouler had a lightness to the leather and a reasoned utility that I could not resist (hello, multiple compartments!). With the proliferation of the Alexa everywhere, the choice was clear.  

When All At Once I Saw A Shoe

Dying to pop over to Hong Kong to score some new shoes... and my own Rupert-signed terracotta pot!
Also, wouldn't it be lush if all Rupert Sanderson carriers / mailers / anything were sealed with something like this.

My Earth Day Plan

Coming from an energy-efficient recycle-happy home, Earth Day tends to feel a bit overly dramatic for me. I am, however, going to do my bit tomorrow by popping over alldressedup ION.

From 12-6pm on Sat 27 March, toting your own shopping bag (does a big handbag count?) entitles you to 20% off! That's right in time to scoop up these popping, bright, cheery cardholders (r.p $29)!

Stella McCartney might disagree, but I'd like to think that using the hide of bovine (in addition to eating some fine steak) is my personal contribution to a sustainable environment.

Le Plus Cher: Clemence Poesy

I've gone a little off Alexa Chung lately - seeing the bag everywhere hasn't helped quell the whiffs of overexposure in the air.  In a quest to seek style inspiration of the subtler kind, I've found myself taking hints from French ingenue, Clemence Poesy.  Radiant, chic, effortless but never boring - I'm already daydreaming about growing out my fringe to achieve that gorgeous "windswept in the Tuileries" effect.

(tfs)

Notes On A Friday

My adored Bottega Veneta ballerinas with spy-purse detail.

Ask any shop(toomuch)er what they couldn't do without.  They might bleat excitedly about their brand new Mulberry Alexa, a trusty iPhone, treasured Louboutin pumps or perhaps that sentimental, first gift from Tiffany's (ahh youth...).  

My "wish for more wishes" answer is far more abrupt:  A job which pays me just enough to forget any pain it might cause.

I would gleefully renounce the temptations in life for that One. Dream. Job (Mr Jacobs, are you reading this?), but for now I'm steeling myself for a potential onslaught of late nights.  I'm not going to pretend that I'm oblivious to the fact that the more grief I incur in a day, the more I'm inclined to indulge in retail therapy.  My beloved Bottega ballet flats (above), whose mini purses do in fact work, were themselves such a stress purchase. [Cue: Sydney Bristow kick-a** spy fantasies]

Of late there appears to be a handful of excellent bloggers going on hiatus due to life/work; a move  which I readily admit saddens me.  They didn't seem to have sought out "the fame", they were shoppers - like me - who opened their closets (and wallets) for their readers' enjoyment.  So here I am - penning my resolve to keep this going as long as the smell of new leather excites me...  Have a glorious Friday, everyone!  Go forth, shop, and make me proud :)

Weekend Project: Hermes

Ahh... finally a version of the Hermes Collier de Chien Cuff Bracelet I can procure without resorting to a life of crime. 

The Currency of Temptation

Notwithstanding Bagsnob's recent dressing down of the City, I am this close to selling my Mulberry A4 Tote for another Balenciaga.  It doesn't help that Koodos was giving away the City!  I Lie... though at GBP550 (on the current exchange rate) they might as well have... (Temptation c/o Stockholm Street Style)

Glory Glory We(ekend) Adore Thee!

Ready for the weekend?  I'm certainly counting down the hours to the my afternoon off this glorious Friday whilst staring at these old shots of lazy weekends past.  I anticipate lots of browsing the shops and exercising restraint today - what? I've generally been good this, er, month :) 

Carey On Regardless

Dear Ms Mulligan, I would have loved it if you'd won, or worn a British designer, but you're still a winner in my eyes.  The Prada with tiny keys and scissors was inspired (if otherwise ordinary), as was the decision to go with a graduated hem that showed your shoes.  Was this a compromise on Anna's direction?

By the way, you're only 24... Please wear more colour!

(tfs)

Hiding In the Corner, Dreaming of Shoes

Sorry about not updating as regularly - it's almost torturous trying to maintain a Lenten shopping ban whilst having my "shopping eye" open.  I dread weekends now (not popping to the shops) and my heart palpitates when the familial Outnet update email arrives on Thursdays.  Throw in a spiraling British pound and you've got the perfect shopping storm. 

But I digress.  Just because I can't acquire these gorgeous croc-embossed Alexander McQueen peeptoes, doesn't mean another shouldn't.  They're a relative steal at S$312 (size 36.5 only; of course the last pair would be in my size... SOB) - available at Club21 Collectibles at Forum.  If I weren't on this ban, I'd snap these up and then self-impose house arrest this weekend in avoidance of the On Pedder Warehouse Sale.  

Throwaway Fashion: Brian Atwood

More than a year ago, I'd dismissed these Brian Atwood boots as a product of momentary insanity.  Apparently, so did everyone else; these out-trend suede monstrosities are now 85% off on The Outnet.  I actually had to double-take that discount - seriously, when does that ever come along?  

At only £64.20 (pre-tax deductions too!), I'm almost tempted to try and get these babies dyed pitch black.  They certainly have more "sacrificial in a snow storm" potential than my Finsk or DKNY boots. 

Measuring Up Marc

I'm toeing the line on sadistic indulgences today: Is it still penance if you subject your expanding waistline to an enticingly joyful leather-coated Marc by Marc Jacobs tape measure?  Hmm... I have a waist.  It's been bad.  It needs to be disciplined.  Cue: Totally Turnlock "torture"!