Statement Belt...Found It!

Last night I was obsessively trying to find a belt for that Banan Republic dress. It seems as though I've found it. This wooden belt from Stella McCartney is too perfect for the BR dress. It's understated yet chic. Unique enough to make a statement but simple enough that it's neither garrish nor outlandish. It's definitely not costumey which a lot of statement pieces tend to look. Too bad it's about four times the price of the dress.

Available at Net-A-Porter for $575.

Banana Republic Flutter Sleeve Dress

I tried this dress on today. It's actually much cuter on than in this picture. I didn't buy it (even though they were offering 30% off of everything in the store) because I think it will look cuter with the right statement belt. The problem is, I can't seem to find THE belt. Such a shame.

Hip Hop Outfit - I Don't See It

Since I have TiVo, I usually watch my regular shows a few days late. Last night, I finally watched this week's episode of Project Runway. The remaining designers (all of whom showed collections at Bryant Park) were tasked to design outfits for each other based of an assigned musical genre. Kenley (the most annoying designer this season) got hiphop (call it karma). Since all she's been designing this season are 50s dresses with hideous prints, she decided to go out on a limb and make pants.

I was REALLY hoping she was going to get the boot since:

1.) her outfit had nothing hiphop about it (which was the main challenge)

2.) the pants she made were ill-fitting

3.) she doesn't know when to shut up irritating Tim Gunn in the process

4.) her laugh is annoying

If it were me, she should've been sent home just for being rude and disrespectful to Tim. He only offers guidance and a critical eye. If she chooses not to listen, fine, but she doesn't have to disrespect him.

For most of the episode, Kenley's usual whiny self kept on complaining about how she didn't want to create an outfit that will make Kenley look stupid. Apparently, she thinks hiphop outfits are stupid-looking. I guess hiphop is just so far out her comfort zone that she didn't even bother to think about the challenge and she just did as she pleased. Does she think she can just skate by with her 50s-inspired looks?

For this challenge, she could've channeled Janet Jackson:

Fergie:

Ciara:

or the late (but great) Aaliyah:

...

Sorry if I haven't been posting as much. I've been terribly busy with school, work and the single life. Visit my other blog for non-fashion related updates. Thanks for tuning in. I promise to have more updates soon.

What The Fug...Rajo Red Event Guest Outfit

I happened to read one of the blogs that I read semi-regularly and I chanced upon this photo. No, I don't know this person so this critique has absolutely nothing to do against her as a person. It only has everything to do with her fashion choices. What is wrong with this outfit? Oh, let me count the ways...

1.) The sash - dress doesn't need it. Rajo must be cringing at the sight of his lovely creation ruined by a turquoise scarf/sash thing
2.) The matchy matchy sash and bag
3.) The shoes which does not go with either the dress or the hideous turquoise accessories.

She should've gone with a neutral clutch and red shoes to match her lips. To those who know her, please spare us all and help her find a stylist. Goes to show that money can't buy fashion sense.


Photo courtesy of The Bag Hag.

Fall Shoes

So far this Fall season, only two pairs of shoes have caught my eye. I've always been a little on the picky side so as you have probably noticed, I very rarely find anything that I absolutely love. There are things that I like but almost always, I will find a flaw and convince myself that it's not really worth it.

These two pairs of shoes, although worlds apart in style, are completely perfect for me. The perfect juxtaposition of soft and hard, of feminine and masculine. I did warn you that my choices tend to get very schizophrenic, very unpredictable.

Emmanuel Ungaro Branch Heel Sandals

Available at Net-A-Porter for $1055.

I think these sandals are absolutely gorgeous. The color palette is extremely muted so it can be paired with pretty much anything in my closet. I love the branch detail of the heels. Some may find it a little kitschy but I adore it. These shoes speaks volumes in terms of style. Love it!



Ann Demeulemeester Triple Lace-Up Flat Tall Boots

Available at Barneys and Saks for $1795.

I first saw these on the Barneys Fall Shoe Catalogue and immediately fell in love with them. I know I've featured the designer on my "What the Fug?" series before but I think she completely redeemed herself with these boots. The perfect casual flat boot for Fall that will look great for casual Fridays here at work. These boots aren't for everyone though. Not a lot of girls can pull these off but if you can, my hats off to you.

Manic Monday...9/15/08

It's been a while since my last post. Between vacation, food poisoning, school and a weekend jaunt to San Luis Obispo, I haven't had the time to do any blogging. Well, I'm back...not in full blogging force because of demands from school and work. It'll be more sporadic but I'll try to update as much as I can.

Anyhow, it's been crazy since I've come back from vacation. I've been in and out of meetings, pulling 10-12 hour days at work. With all the stress at work, it helps if I at least look decent. Nothing is worse than a hard day at work and you come out looking beat. If I at least feel good in my outfit, I feel like I've accomplished something.

Tank: Banana Republic
Sweater: Juicy Couture
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Shoes: Fendi
Bag: Balenciaga
Watch: Cartier


**Note: Forgive the hair. It never complies.

I have a new toy!

Not the boy kind, but my new toy should keep me preoccupied for a while (heehee)... I'll share it with you once I get it (Monday at the latest). Meanwhile, this is what I gave up to get my new toy:

I know, you must all think I'm crazy for letting a Metallic Black 2.55 in size 228 go. I had it in my hands, all wrapped up in a pretty box with pretty ribbons and my bank had to go crazy on me. Yes, it was my fault. I should've let my bank know I was travelling ahead of time. When my card was declined, I had to call my bank's fraud department to let them know that the charge was legit. Then they tell me that their computers are down and I had to try again in an hour. The store was closing. I only had 15 minutes left. So, I put the bag on hold. Big mistake. Once I got back to the hotel, I knew I was never going to see that bag again. I wasn't worried about people buying it. I knew I was going to change my mind the minute I left Chanel empty handed. *Sigh* Oh well, I guess I was never meant to have that bag. At least I have my shiny new toy to keep my mind off the bag that got away...

For those interested in the bag, I still have the SA's information. Email me and I'll give you her info. I'm sure they'll have no problem shipping it for you.

**Note: The Chanel boutique I went to is the one in Waikiki. They have the metallic black 2.55 in a variety of sizes. They also have the Matte Black in 225 and the Metallic Blue in 225 and 226. The 228 goes for $2980.


Photo courtesy of chanelfans on The Purse Forum.

What the Fug...Fendi Beaded Baguette

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

I'm sorry, I can't help it. HAHAHAHAHA.

Ok, now that I've got that out of my system...what the fug?!? And the price, $6,670!!!! Am I being punk'd? Seriously.

Christian Louboutin New Simple Pumps

For a while now, I've complained to JJ that I really need new Louboutins. I know, I've complained that they're not too comfy but I still can't resist because they're too damn sexy. So I've been looking and looking and looking. I think the problem lay in the fact that I didn't have a particular type of shoe in mind so I couldn't "find" what I was looking for. JJ suggested I go with basic pumps since these will get the most wear because I work in a corporate environment. I thought about it and she had a point. Pumps are extremely versatile - it can be dressed up or down. My own twisted logic countered this argument with - "If I'm going to spend that much money on shoes, they better be special." And pumps are...not that special. Then again, if I buy special occasion shoes, they would only be worn on certain occasions and therefore, again with my twisted logic, not be worth it. What a conundrum.

Then I found these shoes and all logic went out the window.

Certain shoes do that to me. Almost like love at first sight. Anyway, I drooled and drooled over these shoes. I was certain that I've found my new Louboutins. Yes they're pumps, but they're not your basic black (which appealed to me even more). I thought about all the things I have that will go with these new shoes. And then, I thought about the price, because let's be honest, if I complain about wasting money on coated canvas bags I don't want to be a hypocrite and spend $790 on flannel shoes. This thought did not sit well with me. I mean, FLANNEL. I don't even wear flannel pajamas and here I am contemplating $800 flannel shoes.

Then I opened my closet and saw these:
My $24 flannel shoes from Target that I've only worn once. That's when I decided to close the book on the Louboutins. Sure they're Louboutins and not Isaac Mizrahi, but that doesn't mean I'll wear them more than I ever wore the ones I already have.

I still think the Louboutins are very pretty. I just don't think they're $790 pretty.

What the Fug...Dior Couture Suede Wedge Sandals

Dior seems to be riding the wave of two fall trends with this shoe: cut-outs and purple. I really have no problem with either trend but this shoe is just a little too much.

Trends aside, this shoe is just plain gawdy. I mean, what's with the obnoxious gold cut-out heel? Did Dior think they needed more of a statement? Mission accomplished...if the statement they are trying to make is that their house can't come up with anything else so they'll settle for negative attention. The Dior Extreme Gladiator Sandal was a huge hit (thanks in part to SATC)...and they follow it up with this monstrosity?

Say it with me ladies...what the fug?!?!

My American Apparel Haul

You can't really see anything except a big heap of clothes strewn about on my bed but that's my latest haul from AA. I could've probably taken a better picture (I'm vaguely contemplating an AA-style photo shoot), but that's all I have time for today. I wasted away my weekend on 2 of Stephenie Meyer's books (books that I was supposed to read on the plane to Hawaii). I guess impatience has its price...and it hasn't paid off.

So as I babble incoherently about my wasted weekend, I am at least a little excited to start the 64-hour countdown until I leave for my much-needed vacation. I just hope I have the patience and the energy to survive until my trip.


**Note: I just realized that I didn't talk about my AA haul, at all! HAHAHA. Oh well, I guess I will have to make good on that photo shoot. Oh the horror...

August - Slow Month

This has been a slow blogging month for me. For some reason I've been feeling ... blah ... for a lack of a better word. I'm pretty sure the lagging economy has something to do with it. Inflation and unemployment are as high as we've seen in the recent years. Gas prices are high (and I drive an SUV). And to top it all off, there isn't anything interesting fashion-wise. If that's not enough to make anyone feel down, I don't know what is.

I have to admit that I am feeling miserable not because I feel the effects of the sluggish economy first-hand. I still have my job. I don't have a house that's been foreclosed. But even then, I have this heavy feeling in my chest for those people who have lost their jobs, their homes, and their livelihoods. I may still be in the capacity to afford certain luxuries but that miserable feeling takes away from the joy of shopping. I haven't had a real urge to buy anything lately (which just adds to my misery). This is not to say that there aren't things I want to buy. It's more like, I don't feel like buying anything. Which really doesn't help the economy either. I mean, consumer spending is one of the driving forces of the economy and if people are being frugal, cautious, whatever...what else is there to help revive our current economic status? Maybe the upcoming elections will help...*Sigh*

Sorry for this post. I'm just really frustrated right now. Maybe my upcoming vacation will help lighten up my mood.

Super Crew

Sorry for this post, but I just have to give props to Super Crew for winning the Second Season of America's Best Dance Crew! YAY! Glad to know my votes paid off...HAHAHA. I'm such a dork...

When the winners are announced...So Lame Cru, I mean, So Real Cru looks shocked. LOSERS!!!

Rep'n the PI...I want one of those hoodies!!!

The new champs...a well-deserved win.

Photos from Dancecrew.MTV.Com

British Men

I had the weirdest conversation with my ex, AK, the other day.

Me: I should move to England. British men are so hot.
AK: (hint of sarcasm) Really?!? British men are hot? How so?
Me: Well, first off, they have better style.
AK: If it rained more often, we'd have better style too (referring to Americans, particularly Californians).
Me: Huh? (Confused.)

I still don't follow his logic. But to illustrate my point (that British men are hot, just in case you weren't paying attention), here are my favorite ones:

Colin Firth - only one word to describe him...DASHING

Orlando Bloom - a little too pretty but his eyes are so gorgeous

Jason Statham - my all-time favorite bad boy...SO SEXY

As far as British style goes, who's a better style icon than David Bowie?

*Sigh* London should be my next vacation destination. Remind me again why I picked Phuket?

Blast from the Past

I was bored tonight so I decided to clean out the shoe side of my closet. I ended up with lots of dust but not without my share of giggles. Before there were Louboutins and YSLs in my life, there were some crappy shoes. Here's what I decided to throw out:


The worst offenders:

I think I only wore these twice. The wooden heel hurts like a b*tch.

I used to wear these with my ankle length denim skirt from Replay...HAHAHA. I wonder where that skirt is. Maybe I could do another outfit pic. HAHAHA.

OMG...can you say stripper chic? HAHAHA...

Didn't I tell you that it was funny...


**Note: I'm very reluctant to part with the Docs. Those were my go-to shoes in high school...Oh the memories...

Cuffed Pants...a new trend?!?

Give me a f*n break. I've been wearing a couple of my pants rolled/cuffed for the past two years. It's hardly a trend.

Ladies, just because a couple celebrities are suddenly photographed wearing their clothes a certain way doesn't mean it's a trend. And even if something is trendy doesn't necessarily mean that it's stylish or that it's right for everyone.

I'm just sayin...

Gilt Groupe Sales: 8/11 - 8/15

This week is a great way to shop Gilt. They have a great variety of products and designers from flirty frocks by Mint by Jodi Arnold, Thread Social and Development to designer digs from Aquascutum and Dolce and Gabbana. As I mentioned before, Gilt sales are only available to members but member ship is free so please click here to join and start shopping!



This week's schedule of sales:

Monday, 8/11
Dolce & Gabbana Animalier Handbags
MINT Jodi Arnold
Aquascutum Runway

Tuesday, 8/12
Dennis Basso
Imoga
J. Lingeberg Men’s

Wednesday, 8/13
Nava Zahavi
Development
Lambertson Truex Men’s Accessories

Thursday, 8/14
Thread Social
Cynthia Rowley
Loomstate Men’s

Friday, 8/15
Miss Trish of Capri

Fall Shoe Obsessions

For some reason, I am excited about two shoe trends this fall...the flat ankle boot and the peep-toe.

Flat Ankle Boot

(L-R Joie Dark Lady Tie-Back Bootie - $225; Golden Goose Star Zip Very Distressed Ankle Boot - $1,115; both available at Shopbop)

Most of you already know of my fascination with flat boots. This fall, I am lusting over flat ankle boots. They are just as versatile as their knee high counterparts but with a little bit of a funkier edge. It's not easy to pull off these babies but with the right outfit and the right attitude these will be killer.

Peep-Toe

(L-R Alexander McQueen Cut-Out Peep-Toe Shoes - $855; Marni Peep-Toe Ankle Boots - $920; bot available at NAP)

This is really not a trend per se but this fall, we'll be seeing peep-toes everywhere. From regular pumps, to boots, to mary-janes to flats...the peep-toe shoe will be hot this fall so hurry and grab yourself a pair! These are best worn with skirts and patterned tights.


**Note: In retrospect, the peep-toe trend could just be a spinoff of the cutout trend seen last Spring.

What the Fug...Fendi Secret Code

I think I have what it takes to unlock the "Secret Code". It's called EYES. Oh, and TASTE. I mean, seriously, it doesn't take a genius to realize how ugly this line is. If the stupid little studs were taken out, these would actually look halfway decent. I was actually trying to shop for a purse for my mom but these are too fug that I just HAD to blog about them.

Stupid marketing stunt to have people keep talking about Fendi...you know what they say about negative publicity...it's still publicity. *Sigh*