Recently my sewing sisters visited me at the boutique. We attended a Sewing course run by RMIT last year where we learnt to make skirts and pants. You can see a picture of my very first skirt here. A bunch of us bonded over the sewing machines as we learnt how to thread them and how to read patterns. Most of us haven’t stitched a thing since the course but nevertheless we are a tightly knit group. My beautiful friends and I are modelling some colourful Alldressedup bags for your enjoyment.
They say it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.
When I was first introduced to Ebay, I spent my nights searching pretty much only ‘vintage’ garments and accessories. But recently, thanks to the naughty influence of Sea of Shoes and the ridiculous postage expenses I have accumulated with my vintage finds, I have steered my searches more towards designer goods. The following are a couple of items I have loved but lost…vintage and designer.
I have seen these Melissa for Vivienne Westwood plastic slingback heels a few times on fashion magazines. They certainly left a big impression on me. I actually was invovled with 2 auctions of these shoes: different sellers, of course. The reason why I was not as desperate for them is because they were 1/2 size too big for me. Even though it is merely 1/2 a size, plastic is not the best material to mould to your feet. They are gorgeous though and apparently they are sold out everywhere… you know what I will be looking out for when I am in Singapore.
This kimono-like mustard silk Willow dress was going to be a new addition to my wardrobe… Mustard is so fresh and this photo certainly won me over. I know I could have put more money on it, but in the end I had to let it go. After all, I already have too many beautiful frocks I have not even worn yet!
I nearly cried when someone outbid me and stole this charming belt from me! It was my ‘buy- of-the-day’, on my mental wish list. I was so sure that I would be the winning bidder, but I lost the bid in the last 20 minutes, while I was cooking dinner…I sure hope to find a similar one in a vintage shop.
As you have read about my beautiful Maison Martin Margiela mock-crock boots (http://cecylia.com/2009/07/trying-on-my-new-boots/), I am quite obsessed with boots at the moment. I have purchased 5 pairs in the past month! My heart skipped a beat when I found these amazing REAL crocodile boots on Ebay, but to my disappointment, they were 2 sizes too small for me…. Farewell, my lovelies.
Thanks to the uber-hot label Balmain, this jacket became every fashionista’s most-wanted. As you can see, this wool military jacket with gold trimming was a favourite among many ladies of style. Even though it was a fraction of the cost of a real Balmain jacket, by the time I had seen it, it was already not cheap, so I did not even bid on it! I must admit: it is simply gorgeous- a spunky update to every woman’s wardrobe.
I was pretty heart-broken when I lost this divine navy vintage Bally quilted bag to a (much) higher bidder. *sobs* I love the chain and the tassel. Oh well, at least I already have one in tan =)
I was very blessed to found this Bally bag in an awesome vintage shop in Spitalfields, London. It is a gem: Bally leather is akin to cashmere, so soft and luxurious. I love the gold chain detail and the Eiffel tower is a personal touch. I guess if I bought the navy bag, it would be difficult to chose which one to carry…
Do you ever feel like splurging out on a bag every now and then? I do, but thank God that Net-A-Porter is in pounds and I am not over-paid, I have been able to fight off my obssesive urge to purchase a bag. Recently, on hot Ebay fever, I discovered a gem. I was blessed enough to come across a vinyl 2 story hangbag that is in absolute mint condition! There is only one small tear (shown in the second photo) on the inside of the flap. It was beautifully wrapped in tissue papar (browny points from me for taking good care of vintage pieces) and when I opened the package, I was far from disappointed at my winning purchase.
As you can see, the handbag is composed of two comparments – top and bottom. The top ‘floor’ to hold the necessities- wallet, phone, keys, glasses, sunnies. I hope they can all fit!
Peekaboo!
Here is the lower ‘floor’. There is a mirror to scare its viewer of her reflection. This must be the make-up department. Instead of using it as a mirror I may use it as my ‘noticeboard’ for posted-notes.
Having only paid for a tiny fraction of the cost of a designer bag, I am delighted with my new Anti-It Bag. Why covet Versace, when you can have vinatge?
Here is a stylish lady walking down the tiled street, she was snapped by The Sartorialist because of her impeccable taste and I fell in love with her street-cred so much that I decided to analyse her sophisticated look. My guess is that she’s European, probably on her way to a fashion show…
She is one who dresses for herself, not to please others. I admire her both her boldness and her ability to streamline her look with vastly different designer pieces. She’s mixed the ‘too-cool-for-school’ rebellious look with polished tailored pieces to perfection.
She starts with a black shirt in light-weight material. I have selected a black D&G Dolce & Gabbana bow-detail chiffon blouse
Then she slides into Sass & Bide Black Rats leggings- and colour and the ruched detailing is very slimming.
Next, her wardrobe staple- the black blazer. I have chosen Balmain, of course. Needless to say, this black wool blazer is the hottest blazer you could have- first-class tailoring with those eponymous shoulder ‘hills’. Although it have an astronomical price tag, it is already sold-out on Net-A-Porter. An investment piece that will last and last.
Next, she thoughtfully chooses her accessories. She wants something edgy with heaps of street-cred. She wants to fit her make-up, agenda, sunnies, camera, wallet and other important belongings into a well-sized tote.
I thought her bag appeared familiar, I found silver and patent blue versions on net-a-porter- the Pauric Sweeney Perforated Bag and the Pauric Sweeney Overnight 7 Patent Bag- both on sale now at Net-A-Porter.com. If only the prices were not in pounds…
She then wraps her neck in her favourite and the celeb-favourite Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Leopard Scarf. The violet shade adds just the right amount of colour to her dark ensemble.
She almost look like she is weaing very long boots…however if you take a closer look you will see some wicked ankle boots. My shortlist would be Alexander Mcqueen or Louboutins…so I’ve included both! Christian Louboutin Miss 120 Platform Ankle Boots and the Alexander Mcqueen peet-toe ankle boots which are to die for. These ‘vest-like’ peep-toe booties are made with butter-soft leather with skull-zippers. I love the ‘lappeles’ and the heel detailing.
So here we are, the complete breakdown of a great outfit. Style can be learned, but it helps when you have great anatomy too.
