Back For Good (And Still Shopping)

After a month of extreme slaving at the office and (consequently) overindulging in the pantry cookie jar, I'm ready to face the world again!


Trust it to be shoes to coax me out of semi-hibernation - Rupert Sanderson, no less. Behold my office shoes for 2012/13! Classic pumps with a twist - a hidden 1cm platform - they're marked down to £255 (from £425) and if the indulgent feel like picking up 2 or more pairs, the kind folks will throw in an extra 20% off. YUM.


So it's down a matter of which other pair then:

Option 1: Joyce cream lace-ups which Sienna Miller has helpfully shown can be worn with a mini too. 

Option 2: These beautiful grey (yes, GREY) mary-janes!  If it weren't for the wedding I'd be getting these too and selfishly cashing in on the extra discount on my own.

Option 3: The wildcard - I usually don't wear suede shoes (or red shoes) but I'm a sucker for Rupert's cut-out side details. 

{pc: tfs; rupertsanderson; dailymail}

Cheap Thrill: Topshop v Rupert Sanderson

While perusing Susie Bubble's curated picks from Topshop's Fall collection, I spied this budget buy referencing Rupert Sanderson's Pikon heels.  

Let's be perfectly honest, there is just no comparison on account of looks.  The Ruperts scream class in a Mad Men vintage style - there is no chance these would be dismissed as a thrift shop score.  I do love my Rupert Sanderson pumps (call it my foot bias), so this is going straight onto the wish list!  

That said, the Topshop is probably a little bit more practical - don't we all shudder slightly everytime we sprint/squeeze onto an underground train whilst in our "good shoes"?  They're also probably better than the Ruperts when paired with slacks on account of their more masculine detailing. 

Ready for Resort: Rupert Sanderson

Still weaning myself off an intoxicating bag phase, it's been a rare pair of shoes to make to catch my breath.  So to realise these bright, brash "Caribbean meets Kenya" mix of print, saturated hue and texture come from Mr. Minimalism Rupert Sanderson is a surprise - a very good one!  

I usually find myself more drawn to his Fall/Winter work-appropriate styles - he does the most sublime pumps on the planet - but I absolutely cannot resist the Kibo open toe wedges (US$750).  

Nissa platform wedges (US$850) - perilously high, no less desirable

Apart from deciding which to go for - the teal or the hot pink - I've just booked a holiday villa in Bali.  If I hadn't already booked this untimely vacation, I'd probably get both colours and then celebrate by calling the girls over for some homemade mai tais.  If one is not headed to a beach resort, one might as well create an occasion to wear these stunners.  After all, glorious shoes deserve a celebration! 

A selection of Rupert Sanderson's Resort 2012 styles are available for pre-order exclusively on Moda Operandi until 12 August.  For other styles, check out R-A-W Shoes.

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?

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]

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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Shopping Karma: Hasbeens vs. Rupert Sanderson

It is a universally accepted mantra that if you give, you will receive.  

Earlier this week, I sent my Swedish Hasbeens back to Net-A-Porter with a heavy heart.  It was rather demoralizing to find I was a true 36 (and a half) for the 37 was too long and the 36 was too snug.  Rather than settle for sliding / pinched feet, I chose the circumspect option and sent both pairs back.  Thank goodness for free shipping or it'd have been a costly exercise.

In return, the shopping gods have rewarded me with 70% off this luscious suede pair of Rupert Sanderson platforms right off my wish list.  I've had my eye on these for a while - not least because the SAs at his Bruton Place boutique basically had on the dynamic two of indulgent Rupert-buys.  After much deliberation, I caved on the practical lower heel but continued to dream about (and stalk) its opulent multi-hued sister.  A dream no more...

God bless The Outnet! xx

Oh, You've got Gray Eyes: Rupert Sanderson Wedges

My prayers have been answered!  Or maybe I'm being rewarded for staying away from my credit card for 40 days and nights.  Either way, Rupert Sanderson's Easter promotion is timely and very much appreciated.  20% off selected Spring/Summer styles means this delicious nappa treat (style name: Quince) could slink into my shoe wardrobe come Easter Monday.  YUMmy! 

Hmm... now I'm just trying to work out if it'll be my usual 36 with this label, or a further 35.5 on account of the peep toe.

How to Party: Tsumori Chisato & Club 21b Launch

Either the universe is telling me I do shop too much or I just lucked out in being invited to Club 21's joint launch party last Friday for their Tsumori Chisato and Club 21b boutiques. 

The evening honoured Chisato with a capsule 20-year retrospective on her career.  It was a joyous rainbow of intricate knits, embroidered silks and clashing prints that delighted and worked the way only the Japanese could.  I only wish they'd curated the exhibition with descriptions of the year/collection each piece was selected from so that visitors could appreciate the development of her design.

And so champagne flowed, the good looking preened, models strutted, Chisanto photo-called and I cooed and coveted an indulgent S$40 cotton hankerchief speckled with Chisato's trademark feline motifs.  Large enough to use as a necklace/scarf (think Muji's Tokyo/Paris/London range of map hankies), it would have been an affordable and extremely chic memento for the evening!  Too bad it was Lent or I'd definitely have put my 20% discount that night to good use...

Speaking of honouring the designer - I decided to debut one of my precious Tsumori Chisato x Petit Bateau tees, paired with Comme des Garcon long shorts (which The Man adorably calls my 'police constable shorts') and my appropriately feline patent Rupert Sanderson wedges.  Would it be narcissistic to proclaim I love my outfit?  But I so DO, and can't wait to wear the combination again... Maybe this Friday, would that be too soon? ;) 

Downstairs; Upstairs

Act I, Scene 1: Downstairs, a shoe-mad shopper exits with more bags than can comfortably be carried. Hails cab out of sheer exhaustion.

Act I, Scene 2: Upstairs, the champagne flows, the wallets come out and much good is done for the local design scene.

This was more or less my life in Bruton Place in London - first that the always tempting Rupert Sanderson and then at the House of Voltaire pop-up shop selling artists' works, limited editions and original pieces by leading contemporary artists in support of Studio Voltaire (an independent arts organisation of 45 London-based artists). The vibe of the pop-up was very Comme des Garcons , but less overtly edgy. There was an encouraging mix of affordable fare (t-shirts and tea towels) and, of course, the art pieces. Something for everyone really.

As for the shoes, I haven't taken snaps of most of rest of the shoes as they're comparatively less exciting (think primarily basic pumps...). But these I love, no LOVE... as in a weld-them-to-my-soles, sleep with them under my pillow way. But isn't that how all acquisitions should feel?

Tired. (Almost) Packed

It can't have been that long ago since I travelled to Europe in Autumn, but I'm finding it an exercise in restraint packing a capsule wardrobe of versatile but interesting pieces. In a nutshell, I aim for Alexa with LV SC Bag divinity... but I'm probably more the chick in black in the background.

Since my time in college in the UK, I've developed an affinity for heels and grown an inability to travel in sports trainers - I mean Nike "meant for running" with a ski jacket vs. built for the street Converse/Bensimon with a peacoat, that is.

So it was with much pride that I whittled my shoe collection down to 3 pairs last night - tan ballerina flats, natural slouchy flat boots and black heeled knee-highs.

Packing needs aside, is it wrong that I've already shortlisted 2-3 pairs to acquire? I desperately need a replacement pair of Verity black pumps from Rupert Sanderson, am seriously contemplating those Celine wedges and am keen to check out these CDG x Converse All Star trainers at Dover Street Market. They've recently listed a new version with an improved removable insole, which might explain the recent pop-up CDG store in Singapore plumping all the old ones (hmm?).

So really, my choice of 3 does sound like 1 pair of boots too many, but it really is like choosing between two children. The black boots are the weathered first born, but the natural slouchy ones are the newborn itching for its maiden voyage. Please don't make me pick!

{pc: studded hearts}

Cheap Thrills: Dreaming of Europe

Observe the blatent grey London morning desktop - snapped at Rose Bakery at Dover Street Market - my paltry consolation to not being in London right now.

After a busy week and the increasingly bleak prospect of squirreling off to London unnoticed by the office for the Rupert Sanderson sample sale (cue: wild fantasies of racing to Changi Airport, empty suitcase on tow), I am fodder for small retail spoils. So it was better than a skinny latte on a Monday that this free sample of Chanel's new Vitalumiere Aqua arrived in the mail. I can't wait to try it out - I am already won over by their Teint Innocence.

Also rather modestly priced are these adorable GapKids tops (each S$29; US$12.99 online on sale). The embriodered detailing on the polo tee in the main pic is certainly a score, as are these breton jumpers, this slate sneakers, and these polka dot knee-high socks. In short, the whole of their 'American In Paris' range should be redone for adults, really...

Why Are You Not (Already) Mine

My shoe shopping list is becoming interminable. The prospect of crippling myself is real - financially and physically (from hauling back the goodies). This preview of Rupert Sanderson's Resort 2011 collection is not. helping.

Dream heels aside, is that a new toe shape I spy for his elegantly reliable pumps? Dare I proclaim my credit card ready in hand? Sign me up!

(pc: hautecouturista)