Having A Moment: Mila Kunis at Oscars 2011

She may not have won anything; she's even been criticized for not campaigning hard enough for a nomination.  But The Black Swan's Mila Kunis manage to make Oscar red carpet history in this truly divine Elie Saab.  Not since Michelle Williams cruised in with her canary Zac Posen, or Charlize Theoron made us pause in awe in clementine Vera Wang has an actress ignited a colour moment.  Hands down best dressed of the evening!  Now excuse me while I daydream a white version, a ring on my finger and a $100,000 gown budget... 

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Clearly Mildly Obsessed Now

So after being denied the joys of Sophia Coppola's wedges, should I brave the hordes at the Pedder Warehouse Sale this weekend to search for a viable alternative?  Would the extra 5% off with a DBS Credit Card push me over the edge?  Such dilemmas plague my Saturday morning. 


How about this edgy version from Yves Saint Laurent?  It's fresh off the block at Net-A-Porter.  Tempting isn't it?  But it would not quite have the versatility of a more conservative wedge. 

Do I hear a general 'No' from my home savings fund?  Drat.  No venturing to Orchard Road/City Hall it is then...   

Besotted: Louis Vuitton Wedges

Typical: No sooner do I proclaim that I might be all shoe-ed out that Sophia Coppola completely wins me over with her playfully classic, black mary-jane wedges look.  So besotting was this look that it warranted 45 minute detour through the Orchard Road hordes on a Friday night (in the opposite direction)!

Sadly, my reconnaissance trip was futile as the Louis Vuitton SA confirmed that this winsome wedge was not on Singapore's order list for Spring/Summer 2011.  Drat.  More cash for the home it is then...

Sophia Coppola spotted in a Fall/Winter version

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Lust/Caution: Mulberry Fall/Winter 2011

I do not need another bag but oh how you have heeded my cries and collated the perfect front row to entice me back into your arms!

{mulberry & imastylist}

Karen Walker Sunglasses: A Pre-Lent Indulgence?

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It was only a matter of time before I'd be inspired to reach for the credit card again.  Perhaps it's London Fashion Week or the realisation that I am just over a fortnight from the commencement of my Lental shopping ban... either way, I've lost a couple of hours of my life filtering my imaginary shopping cart.

I'm constantly amazed how few Singaporeans carry a pair of sunglasses on their lunch break!  The weather is no less blazingly bright than Sydney or LA, but it appears only the expatriates seem to be wiping out their sunnies whilst sitting al fresco.  The large majority seek shelter under a tree, squint, wince or holding their newspaper/palm up to shade their face.  Not glam or productive at all...

{josef}

These Karen Walker Number One shades may not be entirely work lunch appropriate, but they are the right balance of quirk/classic and they fill that brown (but not tortoise shell) space in my slowly expanding sunglasses wardrobe.  Alternatively, the rather brilliantly-named Helter Skelter may be more practical option for noir chic with gold signature arrows.  Decisions!

{bigbadbows}

My deep red mosaic ones from the same New Zealand label fit my bridge the best amongst my collection and never fail to draw compliments.  They also seem considerably sturdier than my Chloe shades.

Given the prohibitive mark-up amongst its Singapore stockists, it's time to pop into shops for a test-run before buying on Shopbop *pencilling this in for the weekend*

Little Joys in the Midweek

I've shamelessly re-posted this adorable video after falling in love with it over at Black Eiffel.  On the days you need it the most, the universe finds little ways to cheer you. Can you believe it's an advertisement for a language school?

Caution: Endlessly re-running this video will make you want to stroll a market and order a brown paper bag of avacadoes, pick the first macaron from a box of rainbows, daydream on a balcony in a white men's shirt or just smell some warm bread. Oh the life!

Beauty Inspiration: Carey Mulligan

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I was feeling thoroughly wrung after battling laryngitis this week and forcing myself to function at the office despite heavy doses of cough mixture.  All that weight just evaporated.  She is all at once Gwyneth (in her Brad days), Cate and Elizabeth Taylor.  I absolutely see why The Man has Carey Mulligan as his ideal wife: radiant complexion, with succoring voice and all...

My Favourite Guest Star: Mamie Gummer in The Good Wife

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I hang my head in shame for failing to immediately recognising Mamie Gummer during her guest appearances on one of my new favourite shows, The Good Wife.  

Though I recalled Meryl Streep had a daughter who was picked to be the face of Gerard Darel in their 2009/2010 campaigns, placing Gummer in her witty, sneaky Legally Blonde turn proved to be an inexplicable challenge.  For that I blame the collective swoon squad of Josh Charles, Chris Noth and Matt Czuchry for causing my repeated brain spazzes. 

I'm now obsessed trying to get my hands on a DVD of Evening, which has Gummer with Claire Danes and her delicious husband Hugh Dancy. Ok, I readily admit that this post has a sketchy link to shopping, but it's certainly for a good cause.  If you haven't started watching The Good Wife, please do so I won't be alone in my guilty pleasure - I promise it has more guy-candy than Grey's these days... 

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Fashion Victim: Valentino Retrospective

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Tomorrow, I will suffer for fashion.

I am currently drugged up on antihistamines, have pothole-sized pores and nail colours which do not match - the latter due to the unfortunate decision not to turn on more lights while painting my nails over American Idol.  I am not deterred; I am determined to meet Galpal E for the Valentino Retrospective tomorrow!

Mark this day as the first and final time I procrastinate on attending an exhibition. The Last Emperor would be so disappointed. I hang my head in shame... I would wear bright red tomorrow in reverence (and penance) but my current limp complexion would be best served by a neutral hue.  Let's hope a good night's sleep will work miracles!

Shiny Happy People

The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky

And also on the faces of people passing by

I see friends shaking hands saying 'how do you do?'

They're really saying 'I love you...'

- Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World

There's one time of the year when nothing is too vivid, boisterous or kaleidoscopic: Chinese New Year.  This year was particularly special as we hosted more out-of-town relatives than ever before, which allowed me to indulge in a particularly festive double Marni combination.  Both choice 80% off bargains from the end-of-season sales, of course!  As for the A.P.C's liberty print dress, this was an even older sale score which I'd conscientiously saved since May last year.  All good things come to those who wait - Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone!

Impulse Buy? Alexander Wang's Daria bag

Hello!! Am back from my annual trip back to Malaysia and am right on time for The Outnet's Tuesday update! Top of the list is Alexander Wang's Daria bag which I've been of two minds about.  It's less classic and more casual than M's favourite LV - but at 50% off (now £327.66), it's a tempting alternative, no?

I've always had an issue with the feel of the leather used by Wang for the Rocco bag - it felt too rugged and (gasp) even a little cheap. But the Daria doesn't seem to be plagued by the same symptoms.  I must be getting more circumspect in my purchases if I'm deliberating a full leather, all-purpose, black bag... Fastest fingers first? 

(Chinese) New Year Resolution: Stalk Uniqlo x Jil Sander

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With the weather as dreary as it is these days, it's a relief to know that Uniqlo will be launching their latest +J collection online first!  You can shop the +J Spring/Summer collection 2011 in your pajamas or (for me) on the move after hijacking my sister's smartphone at UNIQLO.com from 1am on Wednesday 3 February 2011 (GMT).  That's 9am tomorrow for us in Singapore!


I don't suppose it's inauspicious to buy a crisp white shirtdress or a black coatdress? You will be mine! 

*Galpal M, you know what to do with your iPad :) 

Chance Find: Beatrix Ong on the Cheap

Sorry for being such a recluse for the last week (or so), the manic office has drained me of all that is frivolous and cheerful.  But talk about an awakening!  An unboring pair of classic Beatrix Ong pumps for only £75 (usually £260) and in almost a full range of sizes across 3-colourways.  Oh if only I wasn't on a shoe ban...   

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