Revisiting Singapore : Jalan Pisang

I'm almost embarrassed that it's taken me over eight months (work will do that to you) to check out Blackmarket, the rocking boutique selling works by independent designers from Singapore and the region.  

Tucked away at 19 Jalan Pisang (off Victoria Street), take your time admiring the ingenuity of their Orangina-chandelier whilst browsing the eclectic mix of regional designer fashion, accessories and even paper goods.  

This boutique basically fulfills all my retail criteria:

(1)  far from the madding Orchard Road crowd;

(2)  interesting mix of brands - Reckless Erica, Hansel, Vice & Vanity to name a few;

(3)  chatty (but not pushy) sales staff; and

(4)  well-curated store displays. 

With most items hovering around under S$50-S$200 (the grosgrain/rope mix caged blouse was far and away the priciest item in store at S$380), I'm definitely coming back!  

Sorry about the poor quality of the caged blouse pic.  I detest dressing room lighting!

I'm all for supporting independent brands and I think my favourite find there was the Filipino label Proudrace.  Lots of racer back tees (in animal print, S$70 = love!) and androgynous jersey/mesh mixed tops and dresses. 

AND with what promises to be another cool uncommercialised boutique, the elusively named The Kid will be opening up right next door to Blackmarket.  I think my faith in the local retail scene has been restored!

{pc: me; blackmarket; proudrace}

Ah Youth : Emma Watson

First Gossip Girl. Now, I find myself sartorially inspired by another teen.

Style Inspiration: Glow Bright

I want to try this, but I know I'm going to regret adding the bubblegum pink leggings... (source)

Shoe Lust: Rupert Sanderson Oxfords

I am a complete and utter heels girl. Yes, even on holidays. In fact, I have a spare pair of Haviannas with a small 1 inch heel. So you're basically looking at a serious contender for an Olympic Gold if the stiletto run ever makes it as a sport.

That said, I've been mulling over these Rupert Sanderson saddled oxfords for a month now as an alternative to my Repetto ballerinas. I have a pair of Sanderson's Tallulah sandals in grey which are THE most comfortable sandals on earth. I swear Sanderson has some Nike Air technology worked into those darlings. Could this be the closed-toe equivalent?

The fact that there are his/her versions right now (modelled fabulously by Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson, above) are just about pushing me over the edge. {pc: A from RS and here}

Say It Ain't So : Mulberry

Notwithstanding Britney Spears probably bought this Mulberry Daria Hobo at full price (rather than having it sent to her), I think this is a BiiiiiG Bad New in marketing terms for Mulberry.  

The last thing this iconic English brand needs is white trash pop stars totting their latest bags whilst in Uggs, visible bra straps, and Starbucks grande latte in hand.  Wonder how things are at Mulberry HQ right now:  I'm reminded of Tom Ford famously ranting at his PR team for sending/selling Posh Spice his stuff ;) 

While I'm not scared off Mulberry per se... I'm definitely not putting this FW09 hobo on my want list.  The oversized logo is bad enough (too trendy and too Marc by Marc Jacobs for me) and this Britney turn is the last nail in the coffin really.  

Deal Alert: 35% OFF with LUCKY magazine

Anyone fancy 35% OFF a coveted pre-ordered Alexander Wang Fall09 bag?

This is not a dream! The shopaholic people at Lucky magazine have tied up with West Village boutique Mick Margo to give away 35% off anything on their webstore until 1 September! Just type in 'LUCKYBREAKS7" at checkout to reap the rewards.While they don't carry *that* studded Alexander Wang bag, they do have a range of less trendy but no less fabulous pieces, including lots of Wang apparel which were at 75% off before the further discount.

I'd cave on the tech Alexander Wang skirt but I'm trying to resist having to pay a hefty US$50 to get it to Singapore when the skirt itself is US$56.80 after all the discount. Anyone want to combine shipping? :)

Alexander Wang Fall09 sliced leather shopper - Was US$895, Now US$581.75
(Pre-Order : Bag expected to ship by 15 Aug)

Alexander Wang Fall09 Daphne duffel - Was US$890, Now US$578.50
(Pre-Order : Bag expected to ship by 15 Aug)

Random Hat Lust

Too bad we don't have a custom or occasion for hats here.  This one is just lush!! 

Dealbreaker: Givenchy Shoes at The Link (Bazaar Sale)

If you're an Italian 36, 38, 38.5 or 39, I implore you to head over to The Link's Bazaar Sale at Pan Pacific Hotel!  These 3 styles from Givenchy (SS09) were inexplicably 70% off!  

And they're NOT marked down on Net-a-Porter... 

 

And UOB credit card holders get an extra 10% off...

Would you walk away from such a deal?  

Cheap Thrill: "Diamond" Rings For All

Remember those funky inverted diamond engagement rings by Alex + Chloe?  Etsy's Plastique Shop has come up with a club-ready, carnival fun acrylic version with a dainty cubic zirconia.

I'm not advocating fellas to downgrade from diamond/14k gold to zirconia/acrylic for engagement rings.  These do however make a great "me" gift - style, whim and an intact credit limit to boot :)

Rings start at a mere US$17.  For the truly enterprising shopper, band together with your mates and split the 3-ring set (US$42)! 

Better Late Than Never: Mulberry A4 Tote

I've finally moved and have located my USB cable.  So without further ado, let's welcome the Mulberry Roxanne A4 Tote to my bag shelf:

Of course, HUGE kudos must go to Bagaholic Boy for his really fa-a-bulous pre-sale Mulberry link... it was the best bargain of the month!  This joins my virtually-vintage Roxanne in Rose which for some reason really weighs a tonne compared to this newbie.  Yay Mulberry for changing up the leather - my right shoulder and biceps thank you :) 

Naturally I will be hiding from The Link's Bazaar Sale tomorrow.  Not even the prospect of S$269 Nicholas Kirkwood d'orsays (highlighted in Straits Times' Urban last Friday) can tempt me!  

You Were Meant For Me: Lanvin/Acne

I love Acne.  I LOVE Lanvin.  I just wish this designer collaboration wasn't so prohibitively expensive!  But then such perfection should come at a price, else everyone would be able to possess it ;) 

Wisdom and restraint tells me I should invest in one of Albert Elbaz's divine stonewash jackets which might let me achieve a respectable cost-per-wear.  

But my heart's vowed to stalk this puff sleeved dress until it depreciates enough to being mildly within my retail stratosphere.  If you know anything about me, you'll know I can never refuse a cute dress with pockets!

Cheap Thrill: Christopher Kane

Festival fashion anyone?  No Glastonbury equivalents here but I'm still tempted by the prospect of anything Christopher Kane for under a tenner!  We certainly have enough rain here to justify a cute poncho while I sloooowly save up for a Burberry trench ;)

Adding to the bargain value of this unisex, free-size poncho, it can be laid flat as a groundsheet (picnic!) and proceeds go to the Children's Cancer Trust in the UK.   

The Miller sisters' Twenty8twelve have contributed a prettier b&w style, but I'm personally hankering for a bit of Scottish edge.  {pc: guardian}

Room For One More?

I'm trying desperately to talk myself out of these Rupert Sanderson lovelies. They're black, plain leather and in my size. That's like striking the lottery since he's usually so slow to put anything in classic black on the sale rack.

But then again, I have too many shoes... I have too many shoes... I have too many shoes...

The Bag is here!  Lots of pics to come but I'm in the midst of moving right now and can't locate my poor camera cable :(

Meanwhile, on my Mulberry wish list for the indefinite future and as long as the brand doesn't get TOO commonplace in Singapore:

1. Mabel in Red.  I heavily lusted for the Miu Miu Vitello tote back in 2007 and have somewhat regretted not caving on it then.  Every wardrobe needs a classic red bag, right, RIGHT? 

Incidentally, as much as I slightly dislike Keira (and her overbite), she shops at Marylebone boutique KJ's Laundry which I luurrrve.

2. Bayswater in Oak.  Having convinced myself that the Birkin looks heinous on me, I've resolved to one day own this classic instead!  

That said, I'm slowly warming to the Shimmy but I'm not sure if it's something I'd commit to.

Style Inspiration : 01.07.09

A bit weird.  A lot wonderful. {source}