Remedies To A Long Day

I resent that I'm resoundingly predictable when it comes to coping with stress at the office.  After limping through the door late last night, and instead of having an early night as possible, I found myself itching to renew my vows to the Celine Luggage Shopper Tote. That and shortlisting no less than FOUR pairs of Rupert Sanderson shoes from their online sale, and a couple of Maje dresses over at Net-A-Porter.  

Thankfully I was too exhausted to hit 'Checkout'... [my credit card breathes a sigh of relief]

Seasons of Change: Celine Sale

In case you're wondering how to spend your lunchtime/evening, do not go to the Celine sale at Takashimaya S.C.  I mean that genuinely and without any irony.  Over the weekend, when I gently enquired if they'd be participating in the Great Singapore Sale, the SA informed me that clothing & selected accessories were 30-40% off, selected bags were 30% off.

As always, the devil is in the details:  None of the Cabas bags (plain or bi-coloured) are on sale, neither are the leather wallets.  When pressed, this was rationalised on the basis they were 'classic items' - which I personally felt was a dubious response.  They were, admittedly, classic Celine shapes but the colourways were definitely (and mostly) seasonal.  Neon yellow python? Peach with Taupe? Navy with Neon Yellow? I was miffed.

Perplexingly, this applied to their belts too - the same tune was sung and I was reminded that 'classic styles' apparently never go one sale, which was another dubious statement considering I picked up the identical style - a deep red "classic" belt - on a very decent 50% discount last year!

What a change of attitude... I guess Celine has finally hit IT-status in Singapore.  And a sad day it is.

Size Matters: American Apparel Leather

{sartorialist}

Sometimes I miss the dark days when I couldn't even entertain the concept of retail therapy - ah those days of Lent and the poor exchange rates.  Right now, with the USD at a low against the Singapore currency, I'm mulling over whether to purchase one of these American Apparel leather zip pouches and DIY-ing a Celine out of it, or going for the Large which I could easily scrunch fold into a smaller clutch (as above, in avocado).  

Annoyingly, most of the colours for the Medium option are completely cleaned out - at least the taupe remains, which could be suitably "Celine-d".  Colourways wait for no man, and neither does my temporary 15% discount which expires at the weekend.  Sign-up for their updates to get a similar discount!

Disaster Movie: Celine on Reebonz (Again)

{source}

After the tragic fate that befell Balenciaga and the motorcycle bag, the writing was on the wall for Celine after their first appearance on local discount (read: installment plan) website Reebonz.  

Is it just me that uses Reebonz as a barometer of when a brand/bag might have hit its saturation point in Singapore?  Add to the fact their prices aren't really discounts; they're often still pricier or match the full retail price in Europe.  I guess the appeal is the ever available installment plan, which contradicts the point of these beauties  being aspirational luxury. 

{fashionising}

Nowadays, apparently Celine Shopper Totes sell out on their site over lunchtime and galpal J reports at least 4 in Raffles Place plus another handful in her office building.  I haven't noticed a similar proliferation in my area but then I might be living in denial *wail* 

My only consolation is the fortuitous availability of the limited edition envelope style.  It may not have the same curves, but baby it's mine (just mine)!

Want. Need. CELINE Pre-Fall 2011

{pc: style}

Did I mention that this is meant to be the year I shop less?  Phoebe Philo, O Triumphant Architect of Celine, you will be the death of my credit limit!  Denim duty and leather seem here to stay;  I am already regretting passing on the black leather Maje blouse in Paris (now sold out at NAP) so this heavily discounted Alexander Wang leather trimmed tee might be the practical solution if I still plan buy an apartment next year.

The Day The Music Died

Since getting back from Europe, I've been in a perpetual Celine / Lanvin bubble... so much so that I've been even laxadasical about cam-whoring it for the blog. Just last night, on the long trudge home in a terrible week, I was comforting myself that at least I had two bags that won't be turning up on every toetween/mother/aunt/distant relative (twice removed).

Cue: This morning. Over my humble bowl of muesli, I find the words 'Celine' and local discount website 'Reebonz' in the same email.

Maybe it's just random pieces no one wanted at the last 3 sales?  No such luck.  My heart sank faster than a boulder in a paddle pool when I sighted both the Mini and Large Shopper Tote brandished side by side with... er... BCBG watches... *shudder* 

Far be it for me to wish ill on others, but someone needs to "sort out" the Reebonz crew. I still hold them entirely responsible for the proliferation/deterioration of Balanciaga in Singapore.  Oh hell, I'm going to blame them for the increase in credit card debt amongst teenagers too.  Oh and global warming... Is NO bag sacred anymore?? What a way to start the day.

Tick Tock

Doing reconnaissance in preparation for my whirlwind trip to Paris is proving to be informative, but damaging for my wallet. With every option eliminated from my "wish list", I find another in its place.

Firstly, I've resolve that as great an investment (and ideal) as having a Chanel 2.55 is, the price and style just doesn't quite sit with me. I was even strangely underwhelmed with the feel of the leather when I popped into their Takashimaya S.C. boutique. Maybe I'd romanticised the idea of buying Chanel in Paris, or maybe it was the visual assult of sighting that bag (or a derivative) on every other arm when attending cocktails. Sacriligous or not, I think I'm finally retiring my Chanel dreams.

Next up were two of the bags of the moment - the Celine Cabas and Classic Box. Both are lovely to the touch and I dare say the leather felt more supple than that of the 2.55! Unfortunately, the Cabas was definitely too large for my petite frame and the Classic (well in light faun at least) just didn't have enough oomph for its pretty price.

Having mentally saved myself ten grand, I chanced upon a Celine SA unpacking two-tone ankle-strap wedges in a covetable chocolate brown/black combination. The size - mine, the effect - leg lengthening fabulous, the price - slightly scary... and naturally, these went straight to the top of my Paris wish list!

I haven't been able to find a photo of this dreamy creation but if the two Celine styles above had a lovechild, that would be it :)