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

Bad Timing: Alexander Wang's Small Emile

{thefashionspot}

Dear Shopbop, 

Please explain why you chose to stock Alexander Wang's Small Emile in dove grey *after* having your Friends & Family discount.  This no doubt means you do not intend to put this covetable bag on sale anytime soon? 

I add items to my Net-A-Porter shopping cart in spite. *boo*

{mizzshopaholic}

Update: Isn't the burlap/black version (with a lower price point) equally tempting?

Hello Again

Sorry about the silence, I've been snowed in at the office of late.  Did a little happy jig this morning when I spied Maggie Cheung donning Lanvin x H&M for the official opening ceremony of Universal Studies Singapore. I adore my red chandelier necklace to bits but if there was one other item I wouldn't mind from that collaboration, it'll be this silk dress.  She really can make high street look like a million bucks... Off to stalk eBay now and hoping that some of winsome glamour rubs off!

{thedaylife}

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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Clemence vs Blake #2

Watch this video and then try to dissipate my resolve that Clemence Poesy would have been a superior brand ambassador for Chanel.  Poesy speaks with such passion and authority - I wouldn't be surprised if Emmanualle Alt calls her up for a guest editor stint at Vogue Paris.  Blake Lively on the other hand just seems rather vapid and childlike - her guest editorial at US Vogue would probably entail doodles with lots of hearts and smiley faces.

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

A Tale of Two Blondes: Blake Lively vs. Clemence Poesy

{tfs}

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of Chanel, it was the time of Resort, it was the epoch of belief that Clemence Poesy would be the campaign face, it was the epoch of incredulity that cleavage and hype triumphed subtle glamour, it was the season of Blonde, it was the season of dye, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of fake tans, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to dirty blonde, we were all going direct and away from the bleach bottle. 

Let's be objective here: Clemence opts for a yellow tweed with ostrich feathers and completely sells me on the outfit (she bestest the runway model by miles). In comparison, Blake Lively's disappointingly brazen black sequined jacket and micro-"you can't be serious that's a skirt"-mini, which quite frankly makes the Kaiser's designs look like they were pulled from the floors of Forever21. 

Coupled with my frustration at Blake's alter-ego's onscreen selfish desire to be ja adored of NYC (plus the world), I am *this* close to writing off Coco's legacy from my wish list. Bring back European chic for Chanel!

The Good Husband: Julianna Marguiles

Don't you love how besotted with Julianna Marguiles lawyer, Keith Lieberthal, looks? 

Hottest non-celebrity husband ever.  

{source}

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!

Coming Soon: Mulberry's Taylor Satchel

Remember this gorgeous but mysterious grey ostrich femme fatale?  Wait no more, the Taylor Satchel has just been released for pre-order.  Naturally, comparisons will be made to Mulberry's bestselling satchel, Alexa, but they are fairly irrelevant as this is a different creation entirely.

Drawing inspiration from Betty Draper's wardrobe, Emma Hill's team DeLaurens the vintage handbag to the future by imbuing the tradition shape with a modern sensibility through hardware panels and (once again) the de jour shoulder strap.  Available in a mini, regular and oversized variation and in a mishmash of colours ranging from cabbage to deer brown, it's a tough call for my favourite in the range.  

Rebecca Hall's classic-sized and spectacularly indulgent mole grey ostrich (£3750) bears the same socialite hallmarks as the Louis Vuitton Popincourt: a dinky top handle which is large enough for the essentials (including the sunshielding mini-brolly) but not roomy/deep enough to get your mobile lost in.  The shoulder sling however lends some youth to the style, though on the classic size, it's seems somewhat misplaced as the triangulated base may add unnecessary bulk to your silhouette when slung. 

Old habits die hard I guess - so I'm predictably drawn to the functionality of the Oversized Taylor (£950) instead. Lest anyone begin to utter 'YSL Muse Two', the design team has wisely foregoes the obvious top flap in favour of a straightforward double-zip.  Whether this will improve its durability or frustrate me when I attempt to store my laptop through its front facing zip will remain to be seen.  For now, I can only gaze and add the black / matte grey. 

{pc: mulberry}

Size Matters: American Apparel Leather

{sartorialist}

Sometimes I miss the dark days when I couldn't even entertain the concept of retail therapy - ah those days of Lent and the poor exchange rates.  Right now, with the USD at a low against the Singapore currency, I'm mulling over whether to purchase one of these American Apparel leather zip pouches and DIY-ing a Celine out of it, or going for the Large which I could easily scrunch fold into a smaller clutch (as above, in avocado).  

Annoyingly, most of the colours for the Medium option are completely cleaned out - at least the taupe remains, which could be suitably "Celine-d".  Colourways wait for no man, and neither does my temporary 15% discount which expires at the weekend.  Sign-up for their updates to get a similar discount!

New Obsession: YSL Chyc Cabas Tote

Oh temptation, you keep such perfect timing! After a brief fling with satchels, clutches and mini-purses, I'm back to lusting after big bags which can hold my entire life.  Spotted on the arms of Sienna, Kylie and Leighton, this Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Chyc Cabas tote might be the anti-Birkin - roomy enough for work, but buttery enough for the weekend.  Perhaps a more classic Balenciaga Weekender?  

Can't wait for this to hit the shops with the Fall 2011 collection so I can eyeball it (and feel it up) for real.  Till then, my monthly shopping budget is headed to the 'New Bag Fund'.

 {tfs}

Royal Wedding Fashion: Burberry for Samantha Cameron

The ceremony hasn't even begun, but Samantha Cameron's teal Burberry rouched dress is already sold out on Net-A-Porter.  One of the few guests who wasn't in a hat, Cameron chose a selection of Erdem jewels as hair accessories instead.

For a similar look, check out other Burberry offerings in yellow (the hue chosen by The Queen) and bold blue.

{tfs}

Kate For A Day: Mulberry

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Wish I was in London, if only to add one of these tongue-in-cheek royal ring giveways from Mulberry at their stores in the capital.  As a mild consolatory gift, they are offering 'Free Shipping' from their online store - this translates into a much better bargain for fans of Alexa who aren't Club21 cardmembers, or who members who aren't able to cobble together 2 or more pals to secure Club 21's May Madness 15% off discount. 

This weekend seems to be turning out pretty bad for my wallet with temptations abound!  Hope I survive...

Today I Eat, Tomorrow I Shop: Weekend Sales

Club 21's May Madness is back from 29 April to 2 May for Club 21 cardmembers - but this time it's 10% off any 2 items, and 15% off for 3 or more items. 

Unfortunately, a big fat sticker on the reverse of the pre-printed postcard clarifies that the promotion is not valid for Comme des Garcons Pocket, on CDG Play or Black products, or Balenciaga bags and small leather goods. Right - so that basically scrapped most of the shopping list which ran through my head when I first sighted the card.

I might still pop by Tsumori Chisato (cute little scarf, you are mine!) especially since the Inhabit Bazaar Sale is happening in town too - Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim at up to 90% off may be too good a bargain to pass on.

And to top it off, The Link is offering 30-50% off selected items at Bagbar, The Paragon. I scored a gorgeous leather cuff there during their last clearance sale, so I'm hoping the trip into town will be fruitful.