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. 

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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?

Early Warning Notice: Net-A-Porter International Sale

Have your wish lists in hand ladies, because Net-A-Porter's International Sale starts Monday, 20 June 2011!

It will be EPIC. You know what that means right?  Absolutely, most certainly, completely avoiding Orchard Road shops and all other retail websites for the next 36 hours.  No lunchtime shopping, no weekend browsing, nothing.

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

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.

If I Were A Rich Girl: Net-A-Porter USA Sale!!

My worst fears have come to fruition. I'm trying to schedule a viewing for an apartment, but Net-A-Porter (USA) has begun their summer sale - and there are painfully good bargains abound...  This is no time for weak shopping souls, and I'm absolutely fatigued from my long-term/short-term goal soliloquy.  Glee's Fleetwood Mac episode playing on the telly provided the soundtrack to this drama. 

This Bally Rachelle tote, which I've been eyeing in either the nude/brown or black/white, is now 50% off (US$697.50, approx S$906).  The soft muted hues of the brown version stir my heart, but it's the classic monochromatic style which would add more to my office wardrobe.  Having settled into the grind, I've come to appreciate how pulled together a boxy semi-structured tote looks when attending meetings - in fact, I'm regretting somewhat my Mulberry A4 Tote which seems the casual cousin in comparison.

On the International site, the Rachelle tote is currently about S$1390 at full price.  In commercial terms, if this bag goes on 50% off on the main site, I'll be there waiting with my credit card!

Other excellent deals (and if they all seem rather neutral in hue, it's just me trying to be circumspect/justifying their purchase):

3.1 Phillip Lim K.C. leather satchel - Now US$425

Reed Krakoff multi-tone strappy sandals - Now US$390

Theyksen's Theory silk blouse - Now US$147.50

A Potentially Expensive Morning: Guiseppe Zanotti Sale!

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Right now, I'm kinda in love with Thursday nights.  It couples all the promise of the impending weekend  with that exhilarating countdown feeling which will motivate me throughout the workday.  Also, I get to do my best Simon Cowell impersonation with the latest episode of American Idol whilst toasting the only worknight when one could enjoy a glass of cab sauv without fear (Fridays don't count).

This week, there's another incentive to getting out of bed early tomorrow: Brandsfever's Giuseppe Zanotti sale, starting at 9am tomorrow (SG time).  The prospect of spending cash before you're even done with your morning skinny latte might seem indulgent, but there are discounts of up to 75% being promised.  That's a severe enough markdown to make me strong enough not to snooze that alarm.  

Brandsfever is a members-only discount shopping website so make sure you're in front of the office laptop in time to subscribe if you're not already a member.  

Now, doesn't it feel like the weekend already...? 

Blake Lively on the set of Gossip Girl with slate grey Zanotti boots.

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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

Snooze/Lose: Neon Marni Sandals

A minute size 35 and 35.5 - that's what you get for being too busy at the office to check The Outnet's new arrivals alert.  Oh what an awesomely trendy you would have been... If 'Cinderella' is your name, and tiny forest creature sized little feet are your game, grab these neon chartreuse Marni sandals stat!

Swedish Hasbeens: No Longer Havenots

{grazia via source}

Gossip Girl may be the go-to television show for sartorial inspiration these days, but the original weekly fashion show remains Sex and The City.  Consequently, I feel absolutely no shame in confessing that Sarah Jessica Parker's real-life endorsement of those nude Swedish Hasbeens has basically pushed me over the edge.  I even have the light jeans/jeggings from Uniqlo and Gap to go with - Perfect! 

Additionally, these beauties promise to age to a gorgeous softer nude - information care of an expired listing on Galpal M's current favourite haunt 'Laws of General Economy'.  These shoes just look better and better... Mmmm... Into my shopping cart you go... 

The Sun is Out (And So is My Card)

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Net-A-Porter's "free shipping" siren call is echoing - even as I sit in the warm sunshine (and away from the shops).  Frankly, it might be rude to resist when my off-white Cos silk blouse just booked a one-way ticket to the laundry bin in the sky after an inadvertent run-in with my vintage red capris.  (Laundry fact: If it ran in the 80s, it'll run in the 00's...)

I really should be operating on a one-in, one-out basis but what's caught my eye are these substantially less corporate pieces:  a denim dress from Maje and these nude clogs from Swedish Hasbeens.  It may well be the holiday mentality speaking, but denim and clogs are made for each other, aren't they?

 {fashionfairy; styleintown}

I'm of two minds about the clogs.  Are they even a viable investment this late into the "trend"...?  I leave the inverted commas intact since it's been a full year since the Celine clogs first strutted their way into everyone's consciousness.  Now it's Spring/Summer 2011 and H&M has launched a collaboration with Swedish Hasbeens - either this summons a second wind to clog fascination, or it's signaling the final level of distillation to the mass market.  

In case you happen to be more decisive than I am, Net-A-Porter's free shipping ends 4 May 2011.  Shop & freeship while you can!

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.

Thought of the Week: Stripes Rule

{stockholmstreetstyle}

Wouldn't it be exhilaratingly empowering to strut into the office on a Monday morning donning this striped-triple-threat?  Watch the colleagues' jaws drop, then casually enquire: 'What... too much?' 

I'm into the final 3 weeks of my Lenten shopping ban... *woot*  Suggestions for celebratory purchases are welcome!  xx

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? ;) 

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...