Kate Moss for Topshop: Christmas Collection 2009

You know how I adore Kate (and all things Topshop) but how this is worth 75quid?! Don't even get me started on the China Dress (GBP65) that looks like one of those satin Chinese-restaurant cheongsams going for under S$30 in Chinatown (<10quid).

Breaking The Bank (Breaking The Ban)

I'm having one of those weeks where works absolutely killing me. I'm positive my woeful state is in no small part due to the fact that I had, comparatively, a glorious weekend away. Needless to say, the post holiday glow is gone.

Cue: Balenciaga. These bags certainly can't make me stop loathing work, but (my goodness) it IS making me feel better already. I cannot convey how tempting it is to bump the Alexa down on the wish list in favour of my inaugural First/City!

Back In A Bit

After an excruciating edit of shoes, I'm all set for a long weekend in Malaysia and my cousin's wedding.  Naturally, I will find some time to shop while I'm there :)  I leave you with a Kate candid that just reminds me so much of a slow Sunday morning with the family.  Have a great weekend and see ya Tuesday!  (tfs)

Factory Girl: Mulberry Pop Up Outlet Store

Can't make it to Bicester Village?  That coral Ostrich Bayswater threatening to melt your plastic?  Need to save cash for rent?  

The Retail Powers That Be have answered your prayers:  Mulberry is test-running an online version of their sale outlet!  The pop-up factory store will run Monday 19 October, 9am - Friday 23 October, 6pm (UK time).  If response is favourable, they'll formally launch the site in the future.  For now, the selection is dominated by Spazzalato (patent) Bayswaters, bright & shiny Roxanne A4 Totes, juicy Maxi Mabels and the whole gamut of Maggies at >50% OFF!

I'm trying to resist the raspberry Spazzalato Bayswater or the fuschia Lightweight Roxanne A4 Tote as a "shop(ed) too much" substitute for the GORGEOUS cerise styles in the stores this season.  

Maybe I should just stay away from my laptop... 'cuse me while I pace around my apartment for the next 72 hours ;)

My Furry Friends

If I lived in temperate climate (and could justify the CPW):  Juicy Couture coat - USD 330

Since I reside inches from the equator: Vintage shrug - USD41.99

Because I can't bear the thought of fur being unjustly confiscated by customs:  

Urban Outfitters throw - USD58

Like The Plague

Enough, enough now.

Only Two Things Are Certain

+

=

Are you still kicking yourself for not shop-carting some Mulberry denim ticking during their last sale? While I remain hopelessly devoted to my Roxy A4 from that same sale, I still sometimes gaze forlornly at what could have been. But I just couldn't bear part with USD369 for a canvas Bayswater (and that was at 50% off!).

Fortunately - or not, given my current bag ban - the superbly named Death and Texas handmakes (to order) a range of weekenders, clutches and hip & bike bags in the same fresh leather-canvas combination!
Though the hip pouch promises lots of "Carrie the Builder" fun, the Weekender Tote is probably my favourite of the lot. Hand-molded natural vegetable-tanned leather handles, a functional zippered top plus a leather strap which allows it to be carried messenger style. Talk about a brilliant amalgamation of the roomy, casual Bayswater and utility of the Taylor Zip Tote.

At USD195, this Brooklyn-based offering is dramatically cheaper AND available all year round! Dare I add ANOTHER bag to my wish list?

(pc: bb; mmb; d&t)

Wardrobe Lust: Taylor Jacobson

It may be called The Rachel Zoe Project, but the wardrobe I'm coveting belongs to Taylor Jacobson - Rachel's long suffering, often grumpy, Wayfarer-sporting Styling Associate.  I love that her looks are hard, but never forced.  

Beneath that bile spewing veneer (remember: "I'd rather slit my wrists than attend the Oscars"), she's actually rather pretty and has some kind of rockin' body!  Of course, ready access to rails of Balenciaga, Givenchy, Chanel and Alexander Wang doesn't hurt one's style.  Catch Season 2 on Youtube now!

(from top: Victor & Rolf embellished blazer; Fendi striped dress; YSL Muse; Alexander Wang jacket; black Balenciaga Arena Maxi Besace; leopard Dior dress; Chanel jacket; Givenchy Couture ombre leopard blazer) (pc: tfs)

Office Shoe Diary

Hot Shoes Alert!!

These are the YSLs I almost mugged galpal (and now colleague) F for. 

Serious Workwear Blues

I'm sorry.  The dearth of regular posts is largely due to my return to the corporate world. Goodbye wearing neon whenever; hellooo skirt suits!  

Still, I'm trying not to throw all the creative dressing I've enjoyed these past 2 years out of the window.  I'll be throwing together a bunch of "non-boring" work looks so that I won't feel like a drone.  Seriously, the highlight of my day is picking what to wear.  Cue inspiration!! 

Monday: B&W cos in all likelihood I woke up late

Tuesday: More time so a tad more colour? 

Wednesday: Lunch meeting. Got to look smart. 

Thursday: Printed shirtdess in anticipation of weekend

Dress down Friday = Crazy heels day!

(pc: stockholmsteetstyle; wayne tippetts; sartorialist; betty)

Buy Now For Later?

Takashimaya S.C. is offering 15% OFF storewide (well, except for the Hermes concession boutique - BOO) until Sunday 11 October.  I'm tempted to cave on my object of quiet lust:  the Ferragamo Vara pump in a classic black leather.  

I'm still a shoe & bag ban but this shouldn't technically be in violation if I'd already planned to buy this *exact* style in March 2010?  A marked turnaround considering a couple of months ago I was convinced these were for boring bankers with no style imagination.  I wholly blame Alexa Chung for instigating me to try the shoes on.  Bad Alexa.  Shame on you.  

(tfs)

The Price Of Fame

YAY

NAY

A little part of me died today when I spotted Nine West's brazen copy of Camilla Skovgaard's Zaha ankle boots.  While I'm happy she's now famous enough to be copied (Halle Berry's endorsements surely didn't hurt), it still puts a thorn in my little indie fashion side.  

Grab original Skovgaard hotness at Gilt today - 12noon Wednesday EST (midnight for Singapore)

Monday Morning Manifesto

I'm starting the week right with this awesomeness!

(pc: mark pavey)

Adidas 1: Nike 0

This is why no matter how hard they try, Nike just isn't as cool.
(pc: thesartorialist)

Where The Wild Things Are x Opening Ceremony

'I didn't want to wake you... but I wanted to show you something'

Spike Jonze is a genius!!  Adaptation of a kid's book without CGI characters (+10).  Arcade Fire for the film's trailer (+20).  Opening Ceremony tie-in with all kinds of faux fur awesomeness (+100).  Get me an Alexander miniskirt STAT!