Stylist Glam Up for Spring

Something for the ladies.

Shortlist's sister magazine - Stylist - has glammed up for this week's issue portraying key trends for Spring 2011. Seven pieces from various designers like Cavalli, Prada and Gucci has been showcased, ranging from denim separates, exotic-skin inspired dress, floral prints and jumpsuits which is synonymous with the season. And to add to the clothes, in the accessories department Stylist gave you the Bottega Veneta Sfrangiato knot clutches with their signature woven leather in a burst of colors.

Aren't you girls ready for Spring to come anytime soon after seeing these? These are luxe at its best.

[pix from stylist issue 64]

Wreck Open My Wardrobe: Part 1

Some people suggested me to post less about the products out there in the market, and more towards what I got in my own wardrobe.Coz they said I live a glamorous life - with all the shoes, the bags, the accessories, the clothes and all the stuff... it's much worth to write it in here than be ignored. I dunno about the 'glamorous' life - but my collection itself is truly something that people has been talked about a lot. Just the other day, my niece stepped into my 'walk-in wardrobe' and say: I feel like going into a warehouse! Lol. Can't argue with that!

So, first up I think I put up my shoes collection that I've been having for the past 4 four years. How many? Unofficially it's about 4 boxes. But officially I think it probably could go up to 6 - 7 boxes, coz some are on the shoe rack, some is still in their own boxes in my wardrobe. But one thing for sure: it's PLENTY. Like what my friend used to say, you could rival Imelda Marcos, Zamri!

I actually dunno how many of them anymore coz to made a 'headcount' it's quite an effort. Last November there's one pakcik who came into the house to fix the wiring of my living room. He saw the shoes on the rack, by which that time I put a lot of them unlike in the pix below. He then said, I think these could worth RM10 k! RM10k?? I think it's more than that, pakcik! Why? Coz cost of one of my designer shoe like Gucci is almost £200 a pair. And I got plenty... the value probably shoots up to more than RM20k!! Fuyoooo! I just can't believe it myself! That didn't include other highstreet brands which is humungous! Where did I get all the money?? I dunno... ngggg..

Anyway, for the first installation of 'Wreck Open My Wardrobe'... these are some of my shoe collection. (Ok fine, I got plenty of blacks. It's the easiest to pair with anything!)

in 'unofficially' 3 boxes + 1 Ikea carry bag.

some already been on the shoe rack...

... some still in their boxes in the wardrobe..

...and more...

...and more, where most of them are designer brands...

...like Jimmy Choo (though it's for H&M)..

... and Hugo Boss suede desert shoe (still unworn!)..

... patent leather D&G...

...or another patent leather - Fendi boots!...

...some Prada...

...some Armani (Emporio)...

... lots more Armani (this time Giorgio)...

And the best investment is my Gucci collection, where I got just about 6 pairs. Not too bad. When buying Gucci I tend to go for their loafers or slip-ons or mocassin, coz that's what they're famous for. And also their boots. As for loafers, I always stick to their signature...

...either the signature classic Gucci 'horsebit' buckle..

... or the modern version horsebit...

..or tassle...

...and even the monk strap loafers.

Oh, the must-haves: plimsols!

As well as some boat shoes.

More patent leather...

...and some nudes!

When it comes to choosing footwear, I think I've come a long way. There has been a huge change in the type of shoes that I've chosen. If before going to London (and live there for almost 5 years!), I normally choose the square-end toe. Now I think anything square toe is utterly hideous. Ugly. Should be burned! In fact when I went to any shoe store in this country, there're all been awashed with this pattern. OMG... these people really need a shoe fairy like me!

Yet, living in London has opened up my view on various selection of footwear. The best part - they're all pointy toes which make me appear much slimmer and more chic. It give more elongation to the legs. In fact I truly believe that this type of shoes is what everyone should wear. You wanna appear sleeker? Then pointy toe (or at least almond toe) is the only choice...

Next time: I'll show my bags collection. :)

my choice pre-London (in my Lewre slip-ons)...

..during and post-London (in Gucci horsebit mocassin).

In the Mood for Nude with D&G

Brian Atwood is famous for his peep toe nude shoes which has been worn so many times on the red carpets by the celebs. And recently I saw Louboutin did the same flesh tone for his signature stilettos collection. At highstreet, of course there's plenty other nude shoes for the ladies - but for us, men... where can I find one??

We do have nude shoes too for men though not many out there in the market. Most probably because wearing nude could make us jump into another territory. Apart from the taupe lace-up brogues I bought from Bally last year, which I think the closest to nude color; this one by D&G is absolutely another delish. They didn't call it nude or 'flesh' though, rather just grey. Anyhow, I just love how it looks!

Another thing that I love it is the patent leather which gives some extra shine to it, making this Oxford lace-ups pretty much succulent to drool over. Yes, it does look simple - but if you slip it with a correct ensemble from bottom up - voila... you'll rock in it without a doubt. I'm thinking more to light grey suits, so that it'll match with it harmoniously.

D&G also got another similar version in white patent leather. This one looks so clean and chic, and won't find any awkward moment if you don it with an all-white suits. Or off-white. Or dove grey. Or perhaps, with a seersucker suit with blue or grey microstripes so that you have some element of texture in your clothing. Lots of people said, don't wear patent during daytime - but, hey.. what the heck. It's your shoes, you can wear it anytime you want!

For those who like to stay in the safer zone yet wanted some patent feature on your footwear, another one in black, two-tonal with suede could be the right choice. This one I think suits to be worn for evening wear, coz it'll definitely show some shine. When I see this one, it does remind a bit on the patent leather/suede Oxford lace-ups by Mr. Hare. Don't you think?

[pix from d&g]

A Secretive Patriotism

I once heard that men's fashion supposed to be very discreet. Unlike the fairer sex, ours don't have to be so loud in order for it to get noticed. Enough to just being simple, yet letting the whole ensemble itself to make a statement by itself. Yes, discreet. But I dunno how discreet one can truly be, especially in this world of couture and high-fashion where menswear also need to stand out, comparatively as the womenswear too.

Me, I mostly like to wear simple but at the same time having tiny little features on some part of my outfit to make it stands out. Like a contrast hem along the edge of the lapel of a blazer or a shirt. Or wearing a watch that by itself create a story by its own. Or a pair of 'hot' boots that compliment my ensemble. Something that doesn't look tacky. Something that is discreet, only to be realised by others through their aha! moment. Something kinda 'secretive' thing if I may say.

And to be secretive in styling it is, if you think you are a bit patriotic yet doesn't want others to be offended with your sense of nationalism, you might want to lie low in showing up your country flag. Like wearing these cufflinks by Forzieri that can 'ornament' your sleeve discreetly for some flair of patriotism. I love the design that is so understated and looks so blend-in with any shirt that you can wear without the tackiness labels it may cause. They're silver plated and so far comes in choices of Great Britain's Union Jack, USA's stars and stripes and Italian signature flag colors.

[pix from forzieri]

But if you truly wanna be very discreet and no one can even see you love your country so much, then wear these undies by D&G. I'm sure wearing these flags down under can really instill a secretive patriotism in you. From GB and USA theme, to Italy, Germany and France - no one know that you really take a pride in your country that well. Except that when you get 'lucky', if you know what I mean. (ahaks! :P)

[pix from d&g]

Highstreet Vs. High End: Mickey Mouse Tee

When is your last time you wore a pair of tee with cartoon characters on it? Last milennium? A decade ago? Yesterday? If you answer yesterday, then you still got a lot to take care on the 'up there' (your mindset, your head.. silly). I think in planet fashion, it seems that people has turned from becoming an adult into a kidult. Yup, just like the movie title Kidulthood. It seems that it's okay to wear a tee with cartoon characters on it like these lots with Mickey Mouse, a superbly well-known and much-loved icon in the world of animation.

Now you don't have to go to Disneyland to get a pair of Mickey Mouse tee. (I got one at Disneyland Paris last 10 years back, unfortunately!). From the designer brand to highstreet labels, Mickey seems to get printed on the front facade of the tee. From the modern version in Mickey Mouse signature colors black/white/red/yellow to the classic one in subdued monochrome - they are seen at previous D&G Autumn/Winter 2010/11 show in Milan early this year. And you can get them in-store or online at a whopping price tag of £120! For real? Yes... yikes!

But for those who're rather an economisto than a true fashionisto - this one at H&M can also rock the look. Sporting a similar classic Mickey on the front, this tee doesn't cost the earth - it's only £7.99. Cheap, huh? If you're lucky, you can get another 20% off if you subscribe to H&M newsletter or from the H&M iPhone app (by which you have to shake it to get it). That'll make just about £6.40. Come on, think economy people... you can buy a cup of coffee with the rest of the change, won't you? :)

[pix from d&g and h&m]