Final Reductions Nightmare

Sometimes too much of a good thing is bad for you.  Such truth when the final curtain call comes on summer sales.

Old faithful Net-A-Porter's international sale draws to a close with some bargains left like this Elizabeth & James navy trench for GBP95 after 79% off - perfectly styled (and priced) for fall!  

La Garconne tips the scales with an additional 15% off sale prices until midnight 11.59pm EST on Sunday 24 July.  Just use the code 'Weekend15'.  If I were in the market for yet another black blazer - not that one could ever have too many - this Proenza Schouler wool-silk one could be mine for US$413 (originally US$1620).  Another season-less sale score would be Repetto mid heels for just US$115.

Over at Rupert Sanderson (read: an evil big green shoebox in which all my savings flow), newsletter subscribers enjoy an extra 20% off sale prices until Wed 29 July with the promotion code 'TwentyBonanza'.   As we speak, I am staring at 3 neutral hued beauties - no doubt the product of subtle brainwashing from observing the Duchess of Cambridge's skin toned shoe tendencies.  With the extra 20% kick, this peeptoe, pump and wedge become vaguely justifiable - as do these art deco strappy wedding heels, which I've been coveting from Chloe Moretz! 

Where do you think my cash would be best spent?

Juicy & Delicious

Sundays are meant for eggs benedict, lemonade and breaking out the Wayfarers for its weekly main street parade.  It's a positively beautiful day outside - much to the chagrin of my work ethic.  

Instead of wordsmithing and drafting, I want to slice citrus fruits and fashion my own Stella McCartney cake!  Imagine the possibilities: Sliced banana on a chocolate cake in homage to Prada?  Bitter chocolate  buttons on a cream cheese frosting in a Marc Jacob for Louis Vuitton creation?

In the spirit of all things bright and beautiful, I've recently been drawn to Proenza Schouler's Keep All in the de jour mimosa colour.  The SA assured me I could carry it beyond this Spring/Summer, but I was dubious.  How many times had I stood in my room thinking "Oh I wish I had a yellow bag to go with this outfit"? Possibly never...

Bad enough my colleagues have glanced tentatively at my Chanel mimosa toes last dressed down Friday, I don't need another reason to make them question if I'm in the wrong office/profession.  I guess this is one bag which I'll have to put on the "Maybe" list.

{pc: stellamag; apollinas}

Today I Eat, Tomorrow I Shop: Weekend Sales

Club 21's May Madness is back from 29 April to 2 May for Club 21 cardmembers - but this time it's 10% off any 2 items, and 15% off for 3 or more items. 

Unfortunately, a big fat sticker on the reverse of the pre-printed postcard clarifies that the promotion is not valid for Comme des Garcons Pocket, on CDG Play or Black products, or Balenciaga bags and small leather goods. Right - so that basically scrapped most of the shopping list which ran through my head when I first sighted the card.

I might still pop by Tsumori Chisato (cute little scarf, you are mine!) especially since the Inhabit Bazaar Sale is happening in town too - Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim at up to 90% off may be too good a bargain to pass on.

And to top it off, The Link is offering 30-50% off selected items at Bagbar, The Paragon. I scored a gorgeous leather cuff there during their last clearance sale, so I'm hoping the trip into town will be fruitful.

The Carey + Keira Show

I've died and gone to fashion heaven from the collective gorgeousness of Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley at the British Film Festival. Carey is in stunning mustard Proenza Schouler (need to dig out my alldressedup mustard dress -stat!) and Keira in a ming vase inspired Rodarte dress right off the Spring/Summer 2011 runway. Chocolate brown Louboutins! Black YSL pumps! Lace! This is better than the Devil Wears Prada fashion montage!

I would start a petition for a 'Never Let Me Go' international promotional tour (de force) with these two, but I think my brain might explode from the fashion heights.

{tfs}

Sincere Flattery

Just when I thought I'd escaped the hordes by opting for the PS1 instead of the IT-bag Alexa. I fear for my darling Proenza Schouler! Startling similarities aside, Need Supply Co. has rather hilariously described as a briefcase bag instead of a satchel - which I've taken to mean they're aware of how close it is to the original and they're trying to avoid any potential suits.

Alexa Fatigue?

I find it interesting that even Alexa Chung doesn't swing about her eponymous Mulberry bag at London Fashion Week. Instead, she's opted for the superior (at least in my humble opinion) Proenza Schouler PS1 in Smoke when attending the Charles Anastase show. Granted, she's also been seen with a Chanel quilted purse but that's CHANEL so it's a free pass on any product endorsement obligations. {pc: tfs}

Keri Me Home

I think some serious fashion credit is due to Keri Russell for having the enviable ability to tote a tan Filson cotton oil finish bag around New York City, but work it like the Proenza Schouler "paper" bag! At USD109, that's a quarter of the cost for the same nonchalant versatility. Don't take my word alone on how great a bargain it is - the Filson is already backordered in true veritable IT-bag-ness. Anyone care to join the queue?

{tfs}

More Retail Decision Pains

My bag-like list is becoming interminable, which really doesn't bode well for my European holiday plans.

At this moment, I am quite taken with the new range from Proenza Schouler... though reason may prevail and snap me out of putting hard-earned money down on a partially CANVAS bag. Quirky, cute, but ultimately seasonal. Of course if someone *hello out there Club 21* were to gift me one, that's another matter...

Incidentally, more-than-honourable mention should be made of this divine monochromatic mixed print jacket (below). I want it for the office - stat - and am itching for the PS wear to hit the local Club 21 store this season.

(pc: Club 21 Facebook)

Weekend Summer Chic: Bensimon, Bags & Brunch

Sometimes the humidity is unbearable, other times the rain pelts down punishingly. Screwball weather notwithstanding, it's Sundays like yesterday that make me thankful for living in the tropics. I want it to be the weekend forever! Maybe if I could wear floral sundresses and Bensimon shoes everyday then the grind would be ever so much more tolerable?

In the spirit of curing Monday blues, cue: completely random and unabashedly gratuitous shot of brunchmates - my beloved Ps1 with cousin C's rare indulgence of a City, which for all my personal reservations about the style at the moment, was truly rather stunning... possibly due to the large covered hardware.

{Bensimon via Red Glasses; Love You Baby; Marie Claire}

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.  

Still Outta My Reach: Large Python PS1

Far be it from me to preach retail to those able to afford GBP1800 bags, but this BLACK. Python. Large. PS1 (that's 30% off on Net-A-Porter) is a much better investment than the similarly-priced seasonal-coloured ostrich Mulberry Mitzy Hobo.

Mulberry Alexa vs PS1

Which one?  Which one?  I sense the beginning of a long soliloquy.

(pc: guardian; waynetippetts)

Introducing: The Alexa Mulberry

The 'Alexa' is my fantasy bag - the Bayswater's nonchalant capacity, with the PS1's edgy buckles and straps.  

God I love Mulberry!  Am so adding my name to the waitlist...  I have never been more relieved that SS10 is more than 5 months away. (tfs)

Things I Wish I Had

Scarily, I think I have about as many shoes and clutter as the TeenVogue closet. Excuse me while I make space for things I don't need but want...

Like these Alexander McQueen heels at OutnetOr these Brian Atwood platforms (also on Outnet)
And maybe one fine day, this PS1 (back in stock at NAP)

Man In Suit: Monday 27.07.09

Harper's Bazaar accessories editor, David Thielebeule, in NYC. PS1 beats PS3. (jak&jil)