At Last (?): The Other Alexander McQueen

It's officially taken just under 8 months for Sarah Burton's team to unleash Pippa Middleton's "rear of the year"-creating bridesmaid look on Net-A-Porter.  Sadly, all the subtle variations in texture have been edited away leaving behind a pretty but ultimately less than spectacular bridal offering from Alexander Mcqueen.

Also, does anyone actually believe they can don such a famous gown and look better than than original wearer? Perhaps few do since only the tiniest size has sold out as of 11pm (Singapore time) - many a gown has sold out faster on NAP's site.

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Hiding In the Corner, Dreaming of Shoes

Sorry about not updating as regularly - it's almost torturous trying to maintain a Lenten shopping ban whilst having my "shopping eye" open.  I dread weekends now (not popping to the shops) and my heart palpitates when the familial Outnet update email arrives on Thursdays.  Throw in a spiraling British pound and you've got the perfect shopping storm. 

But I digress.  Just because I can't acquire these gorgeous croc-embossed Alexander McQueen peeptoes, doesn't mean another shouldn't.  They're a relative steal at S$312 (size 36.5 only; of course the last pair would be in my size... SOB) - available at Club21 Collectibles at Forum.  If I weren't on this ban, I'd snap these up and then self-impose house arrest this weekend in avoidance of the On Pedder Warehouse Sale.  

A Moment of Silence: Alexander McQueen

Another reason for Lenten restraint: Mourning the loss of Alexander McQueen and my resultant posthumous purchase of one of his skull scarves from the local Club21.

The rack of clothing was quickly being picked clean. My SA shared how they had just got a fresh shipment in yesterday and by teatime today, they'd to re-organise the racks several times as jackets, scarves, bags and shoes were all down to the dreaded last piece. Next door at Blackjack, the McQ range faired ever so slightly better with a selection of scarves and tops still available. If you're looking for a piece of fashion history, forget trawling the internet and get yourself down to Club 21 Collectibles at Forum - they have various McQueen heels going for under S$200! None in my size or which would've caught my eye save for today's tragic news.

I'm endeavoring to wear my skull scarf everyday this week - that is, save for CNY day 1 &2 as I doubt gran will appreciate the gesture. RIP Lee.

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)

Club 21 Sale : I've Been A Bad Bad Girl

Cousin C forwarded me a Club 21 mailer mid-last week and being the shopping muppet that I am, I couldn't resist popping in on Saturday just to oogle. Surely even at 80% most items would be way out of my budget?

*wrong*

There was a healthy selection of Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs and Alaia shoes and Marni accessories going for under S$200 a pop!

If you were after a McQueen or Carolina Herrara dress for your wedding there were some real lovelies going for around S$1,000, which is cheaper than renting a nameless meringue from the corner bridal shop.

What I enjoyed about this sample sale was how dignified everything was. The sale was held in a store space itself not a hotel ballroom with a velvet-roped queue system, staff were decked out in their mismatched-chic best and still checked sizes with a smile. I even overheard some tourists having a tete-a-tete with a staff member about the latest runway shows. It was more or less a very well priced and stocked Club 21 store. No frenzied rummaging needed at all!

ALL shopping restraint failed me when I spied this pair of Marc Jacobs black flats (last pair in size 36.5). I'm usually a 37 with Marc but I guess these were a little stretched out from being the display pair. The pricing was S$899 x 80% off so that was a just-about NineWest S$179.80!

Mainline Marc for under S$180?! SQUEAL

That said, my Loeffler Randall black flats which were sample saled some 2-3 years back have started to show their age.

Well, at least that's how I'm attempting to justify the purchase... *grin*

Put the Scissors Down!

My jaw dropped twice whilst reading SJP's interview in the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar:

1. SJP took scissors to a McQueen to get herself out of a dress

- Doesn't she have a stylist/housekeeper/neighbour who could have helped with that? Sleep in it and call for help the morning? Never, never, cut yourself out of a McQueen...

2. "I know so many people who have lost jobs, are losing jobs, husbands who have lost jobs. I can’t imagine going shopping.”

- I'm all for celebrities trying to remain humble and connect with their audiences, but I couldn't help but feel that this statement came across as insincere and somewhat hypocritical - especially from the same person who admits to cutting up a McQueen, is promoting a new perfume and who's draped in thousands of dollars worth of clothes and accessories in her Diana Vreeland-inspired photoshoot.

All images from Bazaar.

Where's My Highlighter?

Image: Shopbop

Despite Shopbop and Net-a-Porter's well-meaning 'Wear Neon' lookbook and feature, I'm still not entirely convinced about this SS09 trend.

Sure, a bag or a pair of shoes, but a designer dress or tank?! I'm not even sure any neon item will see any wear beyond 3 months, and even then, sporadically worn.

I intend to ditch the designer neons and go extremely high street for this trend (for this, even Topshop might be a stretch)! American Apparel have a handful of fluorescent tees going for under US$30, and Forever21 have neon purses and socks (under US$10) which seem quite fun!

If you're still inclined to go designer neon, this pair of Alexander McQueen shoe-boots are versatile enough to see wear beyond SS09. I admit this is cheating because they're primarily black... but the Day-Glo pink soles made me squeal in glee!!