The Great (Gatsby) Wait

The trailer for Baz's The Great Gatsby is finally here!  Cue: Utter wardrobe lust, orchid envy and an unhealthy obsession with beading and sequins. 

Spotted: Serena staying Chyc

As much as I want to loathe with Blake Lively (I just saw Green Lantern and it was truly truly awful), she is appropriately bundled up and toting one of my dream bags - the YSL Chyc Cabas. 

What will I do all summer when the Gossip Girl season is over?? Oh that's right... get down to finalising the wedding. 

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Something Little. Something Blue.

It may seem slightly antiquated but who isn't a sucker for the charming tradition of having something blue at a wedding. In particular, any modern bride would still be besotted with a Sally Draper gorgeous flower girl, and donning Oscar de la Renta at that.  The tiniest pink trim detail keepa the otherwise potentially aging print youthful (and yes, covetable).  

Off to contemplate the feasibility of silkscreening china blue blooms onto my niece's j.crew dress.  For the uninitiated, options abound at j.crew and Monsoon, who both now ship to Singapore, or on Ebay if you're after pieces from Kiernan Shipka's much adored (and now sadly defunct) Papo d'Anjo. 

{pc: oscarprgirl; coveteur}

All in the Details: Zac Posen

How age-appropriate and stunning Glenn Close did looked in her Zac Posen gown at this year's Oscars?  Maybe the press shots didn't do enough justice to all the details like the embroidered silk bustle, but she topped Meryl's Lanvin that night for me (and you know how I feel about Lanvin). Truly red carpet worthy!

For anyone with the ready cash for this Fall/Winter 2012 stunner, it's currently available for pre-order on Moda Operandi (US$8990). What I really want though, is her blazer - I adored the blazer over gown styling! Make it happen Moda?

At Last (?): The Other Alexander McQueen

It's officially taken just under 8 months for Sarah Burton's team to unleash Pippa Middleton's "rear of the year"-creating bridesmaid look on Net-A-Porter.  Sadly, all the subtle variations in texture have been edited away leaving behind a pretty but ultimately less than spectacular bridal offering from Alexander Mcqueen.

Also, does anyone actually believe they can don such a famous gown and look better than than original wearer? Perhaps few do since only the tiniest size has sold out as of 11pm (Singapore time) - many a gown has sold out faster on NAP's site.

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Cheap Thrill: ASOS Further Reductions

If patience is a virtue, then call me a shopping 'virtuous-o'.  It might appear a bit incredulous that I would plonk down cash for a Celine bag at full price, but stalk ASOS for their further reductions sale.  Even Guy M caved at the 50% mark *cough... sale newbie.. cough*

Count the pennies I must since I can scarcely justify leather culottes in Singapore's beading climate on a normal day, let alone when I started off the evening browsing bridesmaid dress options.  But at GBP35, this khaki pair could be an extreme bargain or a modest mistake - let you know in a week or so...

Rounding off my shopping bag was this navy/black Peter Pan collared top (GBP15), which is playful enough for the office Friday dress down, and the Prada-inspired midi dress which I'd been coveting for a while. 

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Anyone care to wager if Michelle Obama is kicking herself for paying retail for the latter? *cough... online shopping newbie... cough*

More Unabashedly Preening

Nina Garcia's Preen's Fall 2011 sequined blouses are about to be everywhere soon, aren't they?  Now spied on the similarly tanned & brunette Marisa Tomei at the Venice Film Festival.  Still can't afford it, but this surely adds motivation to the certain brands to get cracking on a well-priced alternative *cough Zara cough*

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All About Nina, All About Sleeves

In a sometimes sweltering city state, I'm frequently on the receiving end of "the raised eyebrow" when I opt for a long sleeve as my top of choice. The potential for perspiration be damned, I refuse to allow my less-than-toned upper arms to be my sartorial downfall. 

Thankfully, I have Nina Garcia in my style corner this fortnight!  She couldn't have dressed more appropriately for her starring role in a recent episode of Project Runway (Season 9).  For anyone familiar with the series, we've had to endure the annual 'Design for Heidi' challenge (which has morphed over the years into 'Help Heidi Design for her Line') that inevitably meant bodycon & short. Designing a day/night outfit for Nina was a proper challenge: the Marie Claire's fashion director wanted nothing too voluminous, no loud patterns, no loud colours, no cowl necklines, not boring... basically she wanted what any working woman wants!  Topping the episode off was Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles armed with droned barbs worthy of The Devil Wears Prada. But I digress...

The star piece of the episode wasn't anything from the contestants runway.  Reverentially (grin), it was the Fall 2011 Preen blouse which Nina wore during her visit to the workroom (read: slaughterhouse). Technically this breaches Nina's loud colours requirement but it's a such clever way to wear bright orange to the office/cocktails, I'm willing to look past any potentially confusing signals she was sending to the contestants. 

 

A variation of Nina Garcia's Preen blouse is available now for £1,230.50 at Net-A-Porter. And for anyone who can't afford a fashion director's wardrobe, it's time to head to the Brother sewing room. 

{pc: gettyimages; tvguide; realitytea; netaporter}

Snooze/Lose: Fashion's Night Out T-Shirt

Blast these efforts to be more circumspect with my shopping!  I've deliberated on this printed long sleeved tee from this year's Fashion's Night Out collection for too long and all the small sizes are gone!  

Frustratingly, Shopbop seems the only online retailer carrying this piece (US$45) which also means enough people have bought (and worked their way through) Vogue's September issue, which featured it as their choice budget buy for the month.  

Maybe I could still get the 'Medium' and style it up as a t-shirt dress?  Plead with friends to scour the stores in the USA for alternative sizes?  More deliberation ensues... Cue: The cast of Glee doing David Bowie!  All we need are the Olsen twins to guest in a Glee fashion episode and the fun frivolous fantasy would be complete. 

 {source: tfs; fno}

Can't Cry Hard Enough

I finally caught Blue Valentine over the weekend.  It's not a love story, and it was as heart-wrenching as everyone said it would be.  I even bawled so much that I got a nose bleed.  True story.  

At least Guy M found my blood stained sobs adorable, rather than horrifying.  But don't let that put you off watching one of the better (or at least one of the saddest) films to come out of Hollywood in a while. 

If I may propose the most bearable way of watching this film: screen Blue Valentine on DVD, touch up the eyeliner and then go out to see this (featuring everyone's new Clooney):

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Skip The Wait List: Moda Operandi x Vintage Hermes

I interrupt this regrettable lull in posts to alert anyone suicidally desperate to secure a Hermes Birkin or Kelly.  Moda Operandi has 21 vintage Hermes bags at its latest trunk show - which means you could waltz past the wait list for that black Birkin and the local Hermes SA can withdraw the restraining order she has against you. 

The piece that's got me chucking my credit card into the freezer and holding a chopper over my right hand is the vintage wine hued Rouge H Kelly (US$4,950).  The price is - to me at least - still kind of insane but I like to imagine it once belonged to Victoria Beckham, and she's selling these bags to give back to poor or make space for baby Harper.  Makes it vaguely more justifiable... I say that with an almost straight face.

Well, if you're not saving for an apartment, Moda Operandi's selection (until 18 August) includes:

• Birkin - Eclat, Brighton Blue Crocodile, Graphite Clemence, Ebene Ostich and JPG Shoulder
• Kelly - Blue Jean, Horse Canvas, Chocolate Swift, Black Epsom and Miel Crocodile

[pc: streetchiclebanon; socialitelife]

Update: YSL Chyc Tote Has Arrived!

It's finally HERE... Make way in your closet for the YSL Chyc Cabas Tote which is, to my mild annoyance, already being heralded as the latest bag de jour.  

Walk Run to your nearest YSL boutique for the black and bright blue versions (S$2560 - ouch).  I must confess the black was a tad sombre, but I have high hopes for the the tobacco or dark brown versions which are due to arrive in stores from September.  

In the current economic climate, I realise it's not a modest sum for a bag but this roomy tote - which is surprisingly lightweight when empty [Mulberry Roxanne, I am looking at you!] - will certainly find an evergreen place under your arm as the new, go-to carry everything bag, capable of toting small animals or office files in a single bound.  

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Going Great Lengths

Despite being slightly vertically challenged, I am completely enamoured with the delicate vintage feel of the ankle-length dress.  Yes, it may seem dated to some - but surely an appropriately stellar pair of heels would updated the look immediately (ala Karla)?  Also case in hand - fairly recent red carpet looks from Hailee Steinfeld and the petite (but perfect) Mila Kunis, and on two of my recent favourite formal/bridal looks.  

Is this look only for the willowy slim and celebrity-styled? Or can mere mortels carry the look? 

Hailee in Marchesa at the 2011 Oscars, via JustJared

Alessandra Rich via Net-A-Porter

Mila in Monique Lhuillier at the 2009 Emmys

The much adored Victoria Beckham wedding gown, formerly available at Net-A-Porter

Truth or Blair: Jennifer Behr Sample Sale

The defining Gossip Girl fashion trend has to be the ignition of the headband frenzy during Season 1 & 2, until it was summarily dismissed in Season 3 (the college season) and by Dan Humphrey no less.  It's perhaps timely and telling then that Jennifer Behr is now having a sample sale to clear out remnants of those preppier days of yore.  

Discounts range from a decent 40% to an excellent 70%.  So while it may be a tad late for Gossip Girl aspirational dressing, it's far from late for brides-to-be looking for an alternative to the 'obnoxiously aspirational' princess tiara. 

Smokey crystal braid, now US$162 (50% off)

Sailors knot headband in navy & taupe, now US$86 (50% off)

Oversized orchid silk hairband in snow white, now US$187 (50% off)

{pc: brooklynbride; sophiescloset; celebrityheadbands}

A Sale A Day Keeps The Savings At Bay: Weekend Sales

More crazy bargains abound from today until Sunday, including The Outnet's Clearance 'Flash' Sale and TriBeCa's Bazaar Sale.

With discounts up to 85% on The Outnet and over at TriBeCa up to 90% off on labels such as Matthew Williamson, Elizabeth and James (like the beaded t-shirt - main pic), Markus Lupfer, Alice&Olivia and Current Elliott, my wallet might be best secured by locked away for the next 72 hours.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Current/Elliott distressed boyfriend jeans

For the less faint hearted, The Outnet's sale starts sometime today - 29 July 2011 - so for first dibs on the best bargains, do remember to watch your inbox (or refresh their website constantly, if you're so inclined).  TriBeCa's sale is in Orchard Road so even window shopping in town may prove treacherous and should therefore be avoided entirely :)

TriBeCa 'Crazy' Bazaar

29 July - 2 August

10.30am - 9pm

#02-22 Mandarin Gallery

(New items added daily)

{pc: fashionstake; denimblog}

Strung/Slung: Ashley Olsen

How do you feel about Ashley Olsen's recent propensity to sling her pearls across her body - like a bag strap?

In the spirit of investigation, I tried this (and failed). So no pics for you.  Still, the experiment was not entirely fruitless - I merely added another illustration of how when it comes to most trends Olsen, few could pull their looks off with equal panache.  Fortunately, I am pleased to report that her Comme des Garcons skirt is a far easier look to wear :)

 {olsensanonymous; tfs}

Covet Covet: Carey with Alexander Wang

I would never have pegged English ingenue Carey Mulligan as an Alexander Wang girl, but here she is in East Village NYC with the burlap Large Emile Tote slung over her vintage print frock.  At once her casual air makes me re-evaluate my initial inclination toward the full-leather grey version.  Mulligan herself is hardly Kylie or Rachel B petite, so perhaps that that variation only works on the extremely statuesque.

The Small Emile Tote is now on sale - 30% off at Shopbop. Still tempted...

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Teen Squeal: Boyband Rewind Monday

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Let's pause for a moment amidst this crazy summer sale season to relive those hysterical, shrill moments of teenage glee. How many of you are grinning with nostalgia?  And who knew 90s pop lyrics could embed themselves deeper in my psyche than what I ate last Monday? 

JC Chasez owning Matthew Morrison in London

NKOTB + BSB = NKOTBSB? I'm sold.

Take That are testimony that good boybands just get better with age. 

All These Things That I've Not Done: Sale Season

At 30% + 10% off at Club 21's Sale Preview (until 9pm tonight) and I finally found a nerve to try on this Lanvin silk-satin wrap gown.  While I'm now more enamored with its pale grey elegance than when it first caught my eye on Net-A-Porter, I'm decidedly not in love with its price tag.  Even on sale, that kind of money can only be vaguely justifiable when spent on a Celine Classic Box, Chanel 2.55, a wedding gown or a 2 return tickets to New York on Singapore Airlines.

Speaking of things I lack the gumption (or occasion) to buy - Rupert Sanderson's Sale Preview has yielded these nude Figaro sandals - recently spied on annoyingly-chic-for-her-age Chloe Moritz.  Swirls of soft calf leather would be divine and so perfect to complete the aforementioned Lanvin look.  Dare I say it, they seem a better fit than Natalie Portman's matchy-matchy satin heels when she donned a similar gown.  We all can dream, can't we?

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A Moment of Silence: Georgina Goodman in Administration

Just when you thought the worst of times was over.  Independent shoe label, Georgina Goodman, announced last week that it was going into administration.  


Her designs might have lacked in re-imagination of late, but surely there was still a niche for stripes, diamonte and lots of Love.  I even recall joking about their somewhat inauspicious unit number when they first heralded the opening of their Old Bond Street boutique - "die die" in Cantonese - but this is all still coming as quite a shock. Her label was the first that planted the seed of hope all those years ago that it was possible for Singapore to have a store filled with independent shoe designers; each pair handmade. With love. 


The administrators have already started a massive sale of all remaining stock - 40% off the last selling price.  Far be it for me to dance on a grave but if you've always fancied a pair of Goodman's signature handmade brush-stroked nude leather heels (and you're in London), this could well be your last chance.

Sale Date

Monday - Saturday, 10:00am - 6:00pm Each Day

Location

44 Old Bond Street

London W1S 4GB

Sale Information
Georgina Goodman Store 

Contact Number, +44 (0) 207 493 7673