Celeb spotting: Miss Rihanna

Spotted: Rihanna aka RiRi dressed in a black backless dress for dinner.

pics taken off Just Jared

As someone with a body shaped like a piece of plank, I have a soft side for garments that are backless or have a low-back as I feel it is feminine and sensual. It is, in my opinion the perfect spot to show skin without being trashy (unless the garment has bazillion straps like a spider-web!) and it is classy and elegant at the same time.

Absolutely love this on Rihanna not to mention that she's got style!

Window Shopping and Outfit for the Day

Every so often I like to go window shop at the high-end departmental stores i.e. Saks, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus to check out the latest and sale items they have in store. I haven't been to the high-end stores since my birthday at the end of May, so I decided to hit them up today as I was curious to check out the new Fall/Winter collection items. Specifically, I wanted to check out the new Marc Jacobs scarves and bags and of course Chanel is a must! Heh. However, the Marc Jacobs scarves weren't in store yet and there weren't many bags from the new collection on display either. I did however, checked out the gold and bronze reissue colors for Chanel's Fall Act I.

Here's what I wore for my window shopping trip...

Top: H&M
Blazer: ZARA
Shorts: The Limited (from TJ Maxx)
Shoes: Banana Republic (Ebay find!)
Bag: Marc Jacobs Christy in Bordeaux as posted here
Necklace: Forever 21 and white gold necklace with star pendant
Bracelet: Glass beaded necklace as posted here
Brooch: Chanel as posted here
Watch: Swatch

As you can tell, my black ballet flats are a staple and I consider it to be my signature style. While shoe browsing at Bloomingdales, a lovely sales assistant asked if my shoe size was 8.5/9 to which I responded "Yes!" He told me they received a pair of Chanel flats as a return and if I wanted to try it on. Without much hesitation, I said "Yes, pls!" I mean, Chanel is my weakness! The pair of capped two tone ballet flats was lovely and very classic but a tad too small. Even if it wasn't, I wouldn't be purchasing it coz the price is just Chanel, you know?

Chanel Two Tone Ballet Flats (pic nicked from Ebay seller authentic.lv)

I also tried on the new Ferragamo bow ballet flats which was lovely but the leather was rather stiff. I think I like the Varinas a bit better coz they fit snugly and I didn't want to take them off the last time I tried it!

Ferragamo Bow Ballet Flats (left) Ferragamo Varina Ballet Flats (right)

As I browse around, some of the Sam Edelman shoes captured my eyes. I didn't try them but I like these two pairs and would probably check them out come sale time!

Audrey Tautou talks about Coco Before Chanel

Here's an interview that hangbag.com had with Audrey Tautou who portrays Gabrielle Coco Chanel in Coco Before Chanel.

Can this come sooner so that I can watch it already, pretty pls? I cannot wait to see the costumes, especially the ones in the final scene since it is apparently the archived garments from the House of Chanel. I also think that Audrey Tautou is a good pick to portray Miss Chanel as they have similar features. Maybe I'll have a Chanel to rock out when it finally hits the screens in the US? Heh. Who knows?!

Lily Allen for Chanel Campaign

Lily Allen, the British pop star is rarely seen without toting a Chanel bag or wearing a piece from the classic fashion house.

Case in point:

pics from various sources which I compiled into a collage

Perhaps its of no surprise that she was chosen for the Chanel ad campaign for the Chanel Coco Cocoon range. The photos were shot by none other than Karl Lagerfeld himself showing the playful, fun Lily Allen. Below are some of the pics from her photo shoot:

pics taken from here

What do you think of the pics in the campaign? It definitely reminds me of Audrey Hepburn ala Breakfast in Tiffany's. I can't say that I like the bags though but its a nicely styled shoot without a doubt.

Here's also pics of other bags in the Chanel Coco Cocoon range:

pics taken from here

ZARA blazers and Outfit for the Day

ZARA is one of the high street labels that I adore. Along with H&M and Forever 21, ZARA is the place to go to pick up trendy items. However, when it comes to finding the right blazer that would fit, none of these places have anything for me. Why? Simply because I have wide shoulders and a body shaped like a piece of plank. I also normally have to go one or two size up for a blazer/jacket to fit my wide shoulders. As such, finding the right blazer or jacket has always been a task for me as whenever the garment fits my shoulders, it would be far too loose elsewhere. In order to find the right fit for a blazer/jacket that would flatter my shape, I usually have to revert to higher end designers i.e. Calvin Klein, Theory and Elie Tahari.

During the recent semi-annual ZARA sale, I decided to try on one of their many blazers on sale even though I was expecting it not to fit since I have tried one too many times. But lo and behold, the blazer that I tried had a great cut and fit on me. It was a basic black blazer in the boyfriend cut so I snagged it on sale for 50% off. Additionally, I found the much coveted Balmain inspired blazer in the store and decided to return the next day to snag one as mentioned here. I have since returned the studded blazer and nabbed a different blazer instead.

I first laid eyes on this knitted gray blazer prior to the sale and was hoping for it to be marked down. Alas, it wasn't but since I really like it and know that it would be versatile to be easily worked into my wardrobe, I bought it full price. Yes, you read that right, for FULL PRICE. I guess that just goes to show how much I like it since I am a scrooge and a bargainista. The much adored blazer is my outfit for today.

Blazer: ZARA
Top: H&M peacock print top as posted here
Shorts: The Limited (from TJ Maxx)

Shoes: Banana Republic (Ebay find)

Necklace: H&M and white gold chain with a star pendant
Watch: Swatch
Bag: Marc Jacobs Palais Royale flat case

Tribute Totes and Outfit for the Day

Pattern People recently came up with two limited edition tribute totes. Guess who's on it? Karl Who? Yes, it is none other than Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs, the creative designers for Chanel and Marc Jacobs respectively.

Karl Lagerfeld Tribute Tote

Marc Jacobs Tribute Tote

The tribute totes are available for $45 each here. I think it's a little pricey for my frugal self to shell $45 for a tote but hey, to each his/her own. What do you think? Fab or drab?

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On another note, here's my outfit for today...

Top: ZARA organic cotton
Skirt: A|X denim skirt
Bag: United Colors of Benetton Monogrammed Hobo
Shoes: Banana Republic ballet flats (Ebay find!)
Necklace & Bracelet: From Uganda as posted here
Pin: Thrifted as posted here

Close-up shot of necklace & pin

A reveal...

Look what arrived in the mail yesterday evening!

Can you guess what it is?

I have been lusting after the Marc Jacobs Christy (named after Christy Turlington) bag ever since I missed out on it during its debut season in S/S 07. The Christy became part of the new Classic Collection bag beginning that season and it caught my eye and tugged at my heartstrings. I love the look of the other Classic Collection bags but as a practical person, I cannot quite fathom myself carrying a bag that weighs at least 2.5 lbs even when it's empty! And that's where the Christy comes in. It's a shoulder bag, a hobo which weighs much lighter in comparison to the other Collection bags making it perfect for me, Miss Practical.

The Christy in Navy which was part of the S/S 07 collection was a deep electric blue, the perfect blue in my opinion. When contrasted with the gold hardware, it was a match-made in heaven (so cheesy and cliche, I know) but alas, I only realized its existence far too late. By the time, I fell for the bag, it was no longer to be found in any of the high end departmental stores. My only bet was Ebay and boy, did I stalk and troll the 'bay like a hawk. Of course when it did made its appearance, it was WAY out of my price point and so I sat on my hands and watched the Christy in Navy float away.

Marc Jacobs Christy in Navy

Come F/W 07, the Christy came in Bordeaux, a gorgeous shade of deep red and I pondered about getting it when it went on sale. It would be more versatile than the Navy but I I reminded myself to keep my eye on the prize, the Navy of course and decided to let it slide. When I did come to my senses and tried tracking one down, it was history repeating itself. GONE! Will I ever learn my lesson? Perhaps not, since I am such a scrooge and I believe that if it is truly meant to be, it will be mine in the end. Heh.

Since then, I have always dreamt about the Christy and wondered if I would ever find it. I also began to wonder if it was practical to have a blue bag and how often I would wear it. I came to the conclusion that I probably would not be able to carry it as much and perhaps the Bordeaux might have been a better alternative.

Last week, I found this baby on the 'bay from a lovely forum member for a great price. Can you guess which Christy is it?

Marc Jacobs Christy in Bordeaux from F/W 07

At over 70% off the retail price of $995 in mint condition albeit pre-loved, I am happy with my purchase although I think the Navy might just be the one afterall. Someday I will find you elusive Christy in Navy! For now, I am going to enjoy this lovely Bordeaux.

So, do you like my new baby? Heh.

Aussie File - Alannah Hill

Helllooooooooo babes! After a two, no, three (or has it been four, Oh I've lost count) weeks of long days at work - but fabulously attired, I assure you - I'm back!

Recently I have been dreaming of the waves and glorious sunshine of Brisbane again, which is rather silly considering that it is July now and everyone is taking every opportunity to strut around in their boots and leggings. You do not get much of a winter in Brisbane - I used to make do with dresses and leggings - but it sometimes gets chilly enough to forgive your wearing that fabulous coat.

Anyway, all this thinking of Brisbane and all things Aussie got me reminded of the times when I used to walk into an Alannah Hill store just to be inspired. And the hours spent at David Jones and Myers, touching the fabrics and admiring the beauty of clothes that were then too costly to even consider! Haha.

Picture from Zimbio

Here's Alannah Hill, Down Under champion of girly girl designer award. Sticking to strong feminine features that are more whimsical than innocent (or polite), Alannah Hill is what I will wear to my girls' weddings. Heavily accessorised, the Alannah Hill look will be incomplete without the elements appropriate for a burlesque show; feathers, pearls, red lips, smoky eyes, sequins and lace.

Picture from Vogue Australia

But do I see a future for Alannah Hill in Malaysia?

Perhaps not anytime soon. I can draw some similarities in local label Somerset Bay and perhaps even P&Co to a certain extent, but judging from the limited popularity of these two labels, maybe ultra femininity is not for our girls' taste. Maybe we are just very much self-conscious about immersing ourselves in such sartorial opulence.

Picture from JANETTERIA

I am a natural girly girl - my dresses could testify that - so it is no surprise that I am head over 'Hill' for Alannah Hill.

(Cheesy line, I know, but whatever.)

Thrisft store finds...

My roommate made me go thrift store shopping with her this morning as she needed to pick up some "new" clothes for work. The thrift store was located at the basement of a church just a few blocks from where we live. I wasn't really keen on going but hey, you never know what you find in thrift stores!

I found a skirt to wear as a dress and two vintage dresses that were too big for me. The skirt was only $2 while the dresses were each $2.50 a piece as everything in the store was 50% off today. I figured I would try a DIY sewing project with the two dresses since fabric itself would cost more than $2.50 for each dress! I'll have to find time to work on it while job hunting once I complete my thesis. I did started by taking out the shoulder pads out of both the dresses though. I'll post a before and after pic when I finally get done with it.

Here's how I wore the skirt...

Dress: Thrifted
Belt: Snakeskin embossed wide belt from Goss:ps
Sandals: Gift from Uganda as posted here
Bracelet: From Uganda as posted here
Bag: Marc Jacobs Palais Royal flat case

A closer look at the outfit

An upclose shot of the accessories

I realize that the outfit would look better with gladiator sandals but alas, I don't have any and am not in the budget for any either. Boo! Oh well, maybe during my next thrift store find!

Update on Anna Sui for Target collaboration

Apparently, a lot has been made about the controversial CW show Gossip Girl so it was odd to begin with that the show was chosen as a point of inspiration for Anna Sui’s Target line. Now the New York Daily News is reporting that the association between the line and the show may get the axe because a key Target executive “got nervous about being that closely associated with the show, given the [debauchery] its characters get into.”

A party scene featuring Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick’s characters was set to shoot at Anna Sui’s flagship store in NYC’s SoHo, with models being used as extras wearing Anna Sui’s Target collection. Last minute, the store pulled out.

The crew is supposedly furious; the paper is reporting that “they can’t believe Target would bail on them, especially after publicly announcing the collaboration. It’s Target’s loss, because the line would have sold better if it had played a part in the show.”

However, interested parties can still pick up the capsule collection when it hits target.com and approximately 250 select stores across the United States on September 13th.

*taken from here*

Wow, this is quite an interesting piece of news. A great opportunity to market and publicize the upcoming line on the show itself and yet Target bailed? I guess they're trying really hard to keep their image as a family store and thus, uphold family values? *shrugs* Who knows? I know personally that it doesn't change my perception or image of Target, that's for sure but what do you think? Feel free to chime in!

Celeb spotting: Miss Kardashian

Spotted: Kim Kardashian in a ZARA studded black blazer that is Balmain inspired.

Kim Kardashian in ZARA blazer

The ZARA blazer on a body form

Balmain blazer which inspired the ZARA version

I am personally not a fan of Kim Kardashian but there has been some raves over her ZARA blazer in the fashion blogger sphere. I recently spotted the blazer in ZARA and pondered about getting it. There were only 4 pieces left in the store and not wanting to miss out, I went back the next day to pick one up in my size. I could always return it within 30 days should I decide not to keep it.

Now here's my dilemma: Do I keep it or do I return it? I would personally define my style as classic with a touch of chic. I generally tend to shy away from trends as I prefer having garments that are timeless and classic. We know studs are a trend and one that keeps coming back, too. Yet, there is something about this studded blazer that is minimalist to me which tugs at my heart. The studs are not overtly done, kept minimal strictly to the lapel and they are a muted metallic silver that gleams so subtly under different lighting. Furthermore, the studs are not gargantuan which screams for attention. Yet, I just can't seem to make up my mind. So, do I keep it and make it part of my wardrobe or do I return it? Hmm..

Opinions, thoughts and feedback are welcomed!


*UPDATE*

Here's a pic of me with the blazer...

At this point, I am pretty much leaning towards returning the blazer but just thought I'd post a few pics of me wearing it.

A Chanel Haute Couture Outfit in the Making

Haute couture in French translates to high fashion. Couture which means dress making, sewing or needlework along with the word haute, meaning elegant or high when combined implies excellent artistry in fashioning of garments.

"The purchase of a haute couture model garment is at the top level of hand customized fashion design and clothing construction made by a couture design house. A model haute couture garment is made specifically for the wearer's measurements and body stance. The made to measure exclusive clothes are virtually made by hand, carefully interlined, stay taped and fitted to perfection for each client. "

Haute couture is about the quality, the hours of workmanship, finest materials and of course a unique design to boot. A haute couture garment could take anywhere from 100 to 150 hours to produce a suit while an embellished evening gown could take up to 1000 hours.

*taken from here*

The major fashion houses recently showed their haute couture collections for this coming season. I have yet to take the time to go through the collections but I really wanted to share this video that I came across while reading Couture Snob.

If you haven't already realized, I am a fan of Chanel for its classic and elegant pieces although Karl Lagerfeld sometimes have me wondering if he has lost his mind. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy the video as much as I do. The painstaking labor it takes to produce a six-figure garment in the video enables me to appreciate haute couture a little more although I would never in this lifetime own a piece of it!

Strands of American History

So I am procrastinating from working on my data analysis for my thesis by reading up on the NY Times. Here's a feature for today, July 4th which caught my eye. It's interesting to see how hairstyles have evolved over the years on not just anyone but the First Lady, mind you.

Strands of American History

From left to right: Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Martha Randolph,* Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Monroe, Louisa Adams, Rachel Jackson,** Hannah Van Buren,** Anna Harrison, Letitia Tyler, Julia Tyler, Sarah Polk, Margaret Taylor, Abigail Fillmore, Jane Pierce, Harriet Lane,*** Mary Lincoln, Eliza Johnson, Julia Grant, Lucy Hayes, Lucretia Garfield, Ellen Arthur,** Frances Cleveland, Caroline Harrison, Frances Cleveland, Ida McKinley, Edith Roosevelt, Helen Taft, Ellen Wilson, Edith Wilson, Florence Harding, Grace Coolidge, Lou Hoover, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama.

So, who's hairstyle are you in favor of? For me, I'm drawn to Jacqueline Kennedy's. I think its a nice bob cut that frames the face and not high-maintenance. Oops, that is probably because I have a bob now. Hah!

Emporio Armani's Fall Ad Campaign

Once again Posh and Becks are stripping down for Armani's Fall 2009 underwear ad campaign. Feast your eyes...





Aside from fashion magazines, the ads will be on billboards across the globe in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Rome, Paris, and Tokyo beginning this month.

*source: People.com*

What do you think? Love it or loathe it?

Coco Before Chanel

I just happened to see this trailer on my Internet Radio for Windows Media Player.

As a fauxionista, I am excited to catch this movie in cinemas even if it is showed in French and I do not get a word they're saying! Yes, such a dork I am just for Miss Gabrielle Coco Chanel.

Apparently the movie will start showing here on September 25. I am keeping my fingers crossed! How I wish my other two lovelies, Miss Faux-Fashionista and Miss Trishomachine are here to watch it with me. *sigh*

p/s: How is it possible that Singapore will be showing it in their cinemas on August 20 before the US? Grr.. this is definitely one of the rare occasions I wish I was back home! Hah!