polished

Ebay Lust-haves (Designer Version)

by cecylia on August 20, 2009

 Everyone loves a bargain and hence Ebay is such a popular place to shop. You can find just about  anything your heart desires- designer wear is usually quite heavily reduced on the Internet and hence there are many stylish women sitting behind a computer, browsing through millions of gorgeous garments. However, if many fashionistas all have their hearts set on the item you want, then you have to bid even higher to get what your heart longs for. Sometimes, this is not practical…

Recently, I discovered some beautiful (and expensive) things on Ebay, however I could only look but not touch.

grey mint ferregamo

Every lady needs a pair of elegant and timeless heels from Salvatore Ferragamo. I already own a black patent pair. They are leather inside out and are so chic. I have baby-sat two puppies who shared similar taste in shoes as I and they managed to each chew the bows on my shoes. My Ferragamos are still wearable but they look grungy now…hence my gaze drifted to Ebay to replenish them. These minty flats are very cute, but I do not think they are genuine…

jimmy choo brown leather bag

Jimmy Choo is the ultimate accessories luxury brand. Everyone wants to own a pair to strut their stuff around in. I found a sweet Jimmy Choo bag on Ebay. This bi-zipped tote is quite wearble and the leather looks buttery-soft. The starting price was already sky-high though.

sergio rossi patent leather shoes

These shiny Sergio Rossi brogues are incredible! You could almost admire your reflection in them! I would wear them with skinny jeans and a boyfriend blazer. They are a fantastic shade and I love it how the laces are in the same colour- metallic peach =)

ysl bag

Now this YSL bag is to die for. It is from the current collection. It is modern version of the Hermes Birkin and in my favourite colour! This carry-all would be seen on the wrists of first-ladies as well as on women who like function and style. You can imagine how many bids this bag had…the winning bidder is certainly one lucky lady.

christian louboutin booties

I am sure that most Ebay-oholics have Christian Louboutinson their lust short-list, who does not love the red-lacquered soles! I saw these cute patent tuxedo style heels recently. Even though they are super hip ( love those tussle laces) and they seem to come in a genuine shoe bag and the box, I just do not trust Internet sellers sometimes… They just look a little too shiny and did you notice that the heels of these shoes are not shown? If they are genuine and I was the seller ( I would not be selling them), I would take photos of the soles!

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I have been heavily influenced by the youngest and richest fashion blogger Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes. She owns 3 pairs of these Ann Demeulmeester lace boots- ion white, tan and black. I saw the black version on American Ebay. I was very tempted…however because I think it may be dangerous to purchase expensive shoes without trying them on first. I tried finding them in shops around Melbourne, but I had little success. They are a show piece and will forever be in my memory.

ANN D laceboots

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Further reductions in our International sale. Enjoy up to 70% off NET-A-PORTER.COM THE OUTNET.COM!

French Women Like to Walk

by cecylia on July 18, 2009

I have in my little collection a couple of photos, collected from The Sartorialist that have a common theme. It is a wide-accepted fact that French women do not get fat, simply because they like walking everywhere and love savouring every bite of their food. This combination speeds up their metabolism whilst the exercise trims their legs, and their slow mastication allows their stomachs to feel full sooner. Here are some very chic French women who do not compromise their style just because they like pounding the pavement.

dont-fall-over-in-those-heelsI cannot believe how she can walk the tiled streets (outside Louvre, Paris)  in those heels! I would either trip and break an ankle or get stuck in the grooves and lose a heel. I would not want anything to happen to my stilettos! It seems that material-cutting is quite trendy this season for shoe designers. These shoes have an extra few inches thanks to the tiny platforms under her soles but they do not qualify for ‘platforms’. But surely there is a rule against texting whilst wearing 6 inch heels.

hope-i-look-like-her-when-im-old

This chic lady works the ‘wet ‘and polished look very sophisticatedly. She certainly will turn heads in her shiny black jacket which doubles as a rain coat and a cape (judging by the wet ground, she came out prepared today). She reminds me of a veteran heroine with her all-black attire and that confident smile.

giovanna-with-hair-down

Another texting fan. Crossing the tram tracks with knee length black boots will certainly stop traffic, or get her run over. She is wearing a cute mini reminiscent of the pajama range by D&G (see below- a jazzed up version of the D&G silk pajama top, worn by supermodel Christy Turlington). Ah, smoking and texting  and J-walking simultaneously, despite breaking the law, she will not be arrested by the fashion police for her effortlessly chic look.

christythurlington d&g
funky-studded-boots

What a gorgeous figure. This chick is wearing 2 jackets and yet her waist is so tiny! Her grey wool blazer frames her petite frame perfectly. Is that a YSL bag she’s sporting? I agree with you, her studded booties are the most eye-catching aspect of her outfit and yes, we want her shoes!! I have to say, the lady behind her has nice grey boots too (or is she wearing grey socks with her pumps?).

really-into-green-bag

Nice Marni platform sandals! They look quite comfortable actually. Well done for rolling up the cuffs to show off your awesome heels lady! I also love her green leather tote. I cannot stop wondering how many seals it took to make her coat though…obviously she does not know either or else she would not be pulling out strands of her hair…

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Further reductions in our International sale. Enjoy up to 70% off NET-A-PORTER.COM THE OUTNET.COM!

Winter Warmers

by cecylia on June 29, 2009

I have selected 6 of the best coats to see you through this chilly winter. I think the prerequisites for a good coat are cut, style and comfort. It has to fit and flatter, see you through many seasons, be in versatile shade and keep you warm. And it still has to look gorgeous! The images are curtesy of the ultimate online designer destination: Net-a-porter. These coats have stood the test and I hope they or their inspired-versions keep you warm in style this winter.

burberryprorsum-washed-leather-pleated-trench-coatA classic with a twist. This is the most covetable Burberry trench in the trimmest cut and the twist is in the material: beige washed-leather! On ya, Christopher Bailey! It is highly versatile. The shade flatters any skin tone and the cut slims every figure. Its butter-soft leather means ultimate comfort but you will need to befriend a good leather dry-cleaner. With an astronomical price tag, you would want this coat to last forever…

magaschoni-cashmere-coatHere is a grey cashmere Magaschoni coat. The brand is synonymous with luxury. I am sure that all cashmere-addicts would agree that wearing this material is like experiencing a little bit of heaven. At first glance, this coat may look like an over sized cardigan with a really long collar. However when you take a second look, you will notice that it has some rather unique and intricate details in its darts and seams. There is much attention to detail. I like. This coat is  ’free’ size but due to its cut and structure, this deceivingly light-weight coat looks more stylish than frumpy. I love the large pockets which are really just ‘attached gloves’ and you do not need to reach for a scarf.  You could wear it open with skinnies or leggings and urbanite attitude for a sharp look . Frankly, I would be happy to fall asleep in this coat or wake up in it.

charles-anastase-wool-velvet-trim-coatCharles Anastase, a French-Armenian fashion designer is responsible for this vintage-inspired, wool velvet-trimmed coat. His clothes are described as ethereal and nostalgic and it’s not difficult to see why this coat, in particular, has stood the test of time. I am sure that it is qualified for an heirloom. Anastase is a big fan of the 19th Century Victorian silhouette. His garments embrace the femininity of the era and each piece illustrate his mastery of exquisite tailoring. I must admit, I am a lover of chic and conservative style as what is covered up can sometimes be even more demure and sexy. We could modernise the look with skin-tight jeans and tousled hair. This warm coat will beautifully suit the slender figure of  one of Anastase’s celebrity admirers : Keira Knightley.

see-by-chloe-wool-coatI can see the First Lady in this heavenly number. If  See-by-Chloe was around a couple of decades ago, Jackie Onassis and Grace Kelly may have fought over a size 8 version of this wool coat. A classic cut, this coat is sure to polish up any lady’s wardrobe. I am pleasantly surprised by the sophisticated look of the coat, even though it is from the daughter label of Chloe. I love the scalloped pockets and the matching collar. How chic, how Parisian, how Chloe! Add an embellished brooch and some Chanel flats and you could be the next Audrey!

mayle-wool-coatI absolutely adore this black Mayle wool coat. The one-time English-born model, Jane Mayle is a designer virtuoso. Despite her little designing training, her first collection was sold-out within 3 weeks in New York. The label,  favoured by the likes of the quirky cutie Kirsten Dunst, Danish supermodel Helena Christensen and the talented screen royalty Sofia Coppola, can be found in and drooled on at Christensen Copenhagen, in the Melbourne QV. I love the metallic square buttons, very reminiscent of the Givenchy studded coats (Fall 2007).  This military-inspired pea coat allows extra layers to be worn underneath for added warmth. It is so cute, it could even dress up my wardrobe.

vanessa-bruno-fringed-silk-coat

And finally, a black Vanessa Bruno fringed silk coat. No birds were harmed during making the garment. Some silk worms lost their cocoons though. This feathery number is the coat of choice on any chilly evening- whether you are off to the opera, to dinner or to a great night out. You know you are going to stand out from the crowd in this belted trench. You only need to throw on some sparkly jewels, a pair of sexy stilettos  and a silky slip underneath to look a million bucks. It is simply stunning, but I would not save it to wear only at night! I would wear it open with some grey skinnies and Repetto flats. It would be the ultimate window shopping outfit. I could pay Cactus Jam International a visit and check out their other luxurious Vanessa Bruno garments. Trust another French designer to show us how to work the effortlessly chic look.

Just remember, look after your coats by storing them well- think draft-free environment, stream/dry-cleaning sessions and cedar balls, and your coats will keep you warm and well. And if they stand the wear and tear of time, they’re priceless.

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Further reductions in our International sale. Enjoy up to 70% off NET-A-PORTER.COM THE OUTNET.COM!

Jumpsuit for Joy

by cecylia on June 9, 2009

Words cannot describe how much I love jumpsuits. I own at least a dozen of them- denim, black, green, blue, white, grey, and various printed versions. I wear short ones in summer and full-lengths in winter. Is it the way they flaunt your figure or their ease of application? Either way, I guess you will only agree with me if you have tried a jumpsuit. They are my alternative to dresses this season.  

There are only 2 rules to the jumpsuit: choose a flattering cut even if means going one size up(the looser the garment, the thinner you appear!) and always wear long jumpsuits with heels.

If you hold a prejudiced view against jumpsuits. I hope the following photos will change your view and  life forever.

stella-mccartney-awesome-onepiece

A glammed-up version in classic black, by Stella McCartney.  Puffy sleeves are optional, sharp heels are not.

 

eva-in-black-jumpsuit

You can tell by her smart and polished style that this is a Parisian chick. Eva is a regular on thesartorialist.com. I love the tuxedo tailoring of this gorgeous jumpsuit. Eva, please tell me where you got it from.

 

bcbg-max-azria-satiny

Please focus on BCBG Max Azria’s silky grey one-piece worn by Aussie model Abbey Lee Kershaw.  See what I mean by heels? The belt accentuates her tiny waist and those leather sandals raises her to great heights. 

 

thandie-lookalike

Here is a demonstration of a Thandie Newton-lookalike sporting the ready-to-wear grey jumpsuit. The buttersoft leather jacket with rolled-up sleeves and her black clutch adds an air of sophistication to her fun one-piece suit. This beautiful lady has refined taste. I like. 

 

louis-vuitton-resortm-09

The gorgeous Natasha Poly in a magenta silk jumpsuit for the resort collection from Louis Vouitton 09. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? A must-have piece for going to anywhere and everywhere balmy and exotic. Love the deep pockets and the golden wedges. 

 

trish-goff-in-jumpsuit

Former American model Trish Goff, now front-row seater at fashion shows also pays patronage to the jumpsuit in a peach number. What’s not to love? The colour is a smash hit and the biker-details are super hot. Warning: highly rockable and may evoke too many admiring glances. Next to Trish, Daisy Lowe looks on enviously.

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Further reductions in our International sale. Enjoy up to 70% off NET-A-PORTER.COM THE OUTNET.COM!