Disaster Movie: Celine on Reebonz (Again)

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After the tragic fate that befell Balenciaga and the motorcycle bag, the writing was on the wall for Celine after their first appearance on local discount (read: installment plan) website Reebonz.  

Is it just me that uses Reebonz as a barometer of when a brand/bag might have hit its saturation point in Singapore?  Add to the fact their prices aren't really discounts; they're often still pricier or match the full retail price in Europe.  I guess the appeal is the ever available installment plan, which contradicts the point of these beauties  being aspirational luxury. 

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Nowadays, apparently Celine Shopper Totes sell out on their site over lunchtime and galpal J reports at least 4 in Raffles Place plus another handful in her office building.  I haven't noticed a similar proliferation in my area but then I might be living in denial *wail* 

My only consolation is the fortuitous availability of the limited edition envelope style.  It may not have the same curves, but baby it's mine (just mine)!

Shopping Update: Tom Ford 'Single Man' Glasses

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Oh the great lengths I go in search of a bargain!  Anyone who's lived in Singapore will know there is one place you do not venture to on a Sunday if you can help it: Lucky Plaza

Madding crowds notwithstanding, I found the time to stop by AS Optics which triumphed where nights of online searches failed.  As an added incentive, the tortoise and plain black Tom Ford frames that retail at S$620 online could be The Man's (and mine to admire) for S$380.  Yes, that's still a pretty penny but with the savings you'd score that bottle of whisky, monochromatic vintage dress and be on your way to that exceedingly authentic Single Man party!

Note: Yes, it may seem rather lackadaisical to post about the same frames twice (and in a row) but I am in LOVE...

Singular Sensation: Tom Ford 'Single Man' Glasses

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Hours from Lent, I'm tasked with scouting for gifts for two men in my life.  Fortunately, birthday gifts don't breach my Lenten shopping sacrifice.  

Not quite so convenient is the price of these Tom Ford 'Single Man' glasses.  Wouldn't these look fantastic on any guy?  Made for George Falconer, so Tom Ford, a perfect celebratory buy for The Man in honour of Colin Firth's win!  Obviously everyone else seems to thinks so as they're completely sold out - which leaves me to consider these alternatives (via Mr Porter, and the no less sartorially superior John Slattery).  *pause* Ooh, I feel the urge to throw a Single Man / Mad Men themed party! 

Speed Shopping: TriBeCa's Bazaar Sale @ Forum

Racing out of the office toward a sale that promises the prospects of brands such as Matthew Williamson, Milly, Temperley, Notte by Marchesa and See by Chloe at up to 90% off is one of the joys of life.  I got to TriBeCa's 'Blow Out' Bazaar Sale held at their boutique in Forum Shopping Mall just before closing time to find patient and pleasant SAs still unpacking boxes of goodies as a handful of shoppers perused the rails.  Maybe I had been hardened by the elbowing and foot-tapping waits involved in entering other sales, this really surprised me.    

The sale isn't for everyone.  If you were hoping for a plethora of Elizabeth & James at the price of H&M, you might be disappointed.  However, if you have aspirations for a S$300 after a 90% discount (under GBP 150) silk Matthew Williamson maxidress or a S$70 Diane von Furstenberg sundress (again 90% off), this would be your moment.  

The SAs promised more clothing (and shoes) today and tomorrow, so there' still time to grab a bargain in time for the weekend!

TriBeCa Bazaar Sale

4th - 6th March 2011

10.30am to 7.30pm

#01-18 Forum

Great Big White: Kate Spade 'Head in the Sand Melinda'

It's been a while since the concept of a white bag crossed my mind. The first, when Cousin C showed off her hard-earned Miu Miu Matelassé.  Then Galpal M finally succumbed to the allure of the Valextra Boston bag.

When I chanced upon Kate Spade's 'Head in the Sand Melinda' tote at 30% off online (US$298, about S$388), a chorus of angels erupted.  I'd previously posted about the delicious blueberry version but a white version?  I had doubts.  How was the leather?  Would it hold its shape?  Could I carry it off?  After a whistle-stop tour of the Raffles City boutique, it was the bone-white spoke to me like a burning bush.

Just to put things in perspective, the same style is discounted in Singapore but, buyer beware, the sale price in Singapore (S$588) is pretty much the US full retail price!  Are you still here?  See you at the checkout!

Having A Moment: Mila Kunis at Oscars 2011

She may not have won anything; she's even been criticized for not campaigning hard enough for a nomination.  But The Black Swan's Mila Kunis manage to make Oscar red carpet history in this truly divine Elie Saab.  Not since Michelle Williams cruised in with her canary Zac Posen, or Charlize Theoron made us pause in awe in clementine Vera Wang has an actress ignited a colour moment.  Hands down best dressed of the evening!  Now excuse me while I daydream a white version, a ring on my finger and a $100,000 gown budget... 

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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...   

Besotted: Louis Vuitton Wedges

Typical: No sooner do I proclaim that I might be all shoe-ed out that Sophia Coppola completely wins me over with her playfully classic, black mary-jane wedges look.  So besotting was this look that it warranted 45 minute detour through the Orchard Road hordes on a Friday night (in the opposite direction)!

Sadly, my reconnaissance trip was futile as the Louis Vuitton SA confirmed that this winsome wedge was not on Singapore's order list for Spring/Summer 2011.  Drat.  More cash for the home it is then...

Sophia Coppola spotted in a Fall/Winter version

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Lust/Caution: Mulberry Fall/Winter 2011

I do not need another bag but oh how you have heeded my cries and collated the perfect front row to entice me back into your arms!

{mulberry & imastylist}

Karen Walker Sunglasses: A Pre-Lent Indulgence?

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It was only a matter of time before I'd be inspired to reach for the credit card again.  Perhaps it's London Fashion Week or the realisation that I am just over a fortnight from the commencement of my Lental shopping ban... either way, I've lost a couple of hours of my life filtering my imaginary shopping cart.

I'm constantly amazed how few Singaporeans carry a pair of sunglasses on their lunch break!  The weather is no less blazingly bright than Sydney or LA, but it appears only the expatriates seem to be wiping out their sunnies whilst sitting al fresco.  The large majority seek shelter under a tree, squint, wince or holding their newspaper/palm up to shade their face.  Not glam or productive at all...

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These Karen Walker Number One shades may not be entirely work lunch appropriate, but they are the right balance of quirk/classic and they fill that brown (but not tortoise shell) space in my slowly expanding sunglasses wardrobe.  Alternatively, the rather brilliantly-named Helter Skelter may be more practical option for noir chic with gold signature arrows.  Decisions!

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My deep red mosaic ones from the same New Zealand label fit my bridge the best amongst my collection and never fail to draw compliments.  They also seem considerably sturdier than my Chloe shades.

Given the prohibitive mark-up amongst its Singapore stockists, it's time to pop into shops for a test-run before buying on Shopbop *pencilling this in for the weekend*

Little Joys in the Midweek

I've shamelessly re-posted this adorable video after falling in love with it over at Black Eiffel.  On the days you need it the most, the universe finds little ways to cheer you. Can you believe it's an advertisement for a language school?

Caution: Endlessly re-running this video will make you want to stroll a market and order a brown paper bag of avacadoes, pick the first macaron from a box of rainbows, daydream on a balcony in a white men's shirt or just smell some warm bread. Oh the life!

Beauty Inspiration: Carey Mulligan

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I was feeling thoroughly wrung after battling laryngitis this week and forcing myself to function at the office despite heavy doses of cough mixture.  All that weight just evaporated.  She is all at once Gwyneth (in her Brad days), Cate and Elizabeth Taylor.  I absolutely see why The Man has Carey Mulligan as his ideal wife: radiant complexion, with succoring voice and all...

My Favourite Guest Star: Mamie Gummer in The Good Wife

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I hang my head in shame for failing to immediately recognising Mamie Gummer during her guest appearances on one of my new favourite shows, The Good Wife.  

Though I recalled Meryl Streep had a daughter who was picked to be the face of Gerard Darel in their 2009/2010 campaigns, placing Gummer in her witty, sneaky Legally Blonde turn proved to be an inexplicable challenge.  For that I blame the collective swoon squad of Josh Charles, Chris Noth and Matt Czuchry for causing my repeated brain spazzes. 

I'm now obsessed trying to get my hands on a DVD of Evening, which has Gummer with Claire Danes and her delicious husband Hugh Dancy. Ok, I readily admit that this post has a sketchy link to shopping, but it's certainly for a good cause.  If you haven't started watching The Good Wife, please do so I won't be alone in my guilty pleasure - I promise it has more guy-candy than Grey's these days... 

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Fashion Victim: Valentino Retrospective

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Tomorrow, I will suffer for fashion.

I am currently drugged up on antihistamines, have pothole-sized pores and nail colours which do not match - the latter due to the unfortunate decision not to turn on more lights while painting my nails over American Idol.  I am not deterred; I am determined to meet Galpal E for the Valentino Retrospective tomorrow!

Mark this day as the first and final time I procrastinate on attending an exhibition. The Last Emperor would be so disappointed. I hang my head in shame... I would wear bright red tomorrow in reverence (and penance) but my current limp complexion would be best served by a neutral hue.  Let's hope a good night's sleep will work miracles!

Shiny Happy People

The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky

And also on the faces of people passing by

I see friends shaking hands saying 'how do you do?'

They're really saying 'I love you...'

- Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World

There's one time of the year when nothing is too vivid, boisterous or kaleidoscopic: Chinese New Year.  This year was particularly special as we hosted more out-of-town relatives than ever before, which allowed me to indulge in a particularly festive double Marni combination.  Both choice 80% off bargains from the end-of-season sales, of course!  As for the A.P.C's liberty print dress, this was an even older sale score which I'd conscientiously saved since May last year.  All good things come to those who wait - Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone!