Making the Classic Sexy

I haven't always been a fan of Burberry. When I was younger, I found their check pattern "old lady" but I've since come around and can count 2 pieces in my collection, both classics: the quilted jacket and more recently, their 3/4 trench I love it so much!

Anyway, I signed up for their email list with my first purchase at their outlet in PA a few years ago and their latest campaign touting their "nude" collection landed in my inbox:

Granted, there are some pretty fantastic re-imaginings of their trench, in particular this gorgeous lace version.  I mean, HELLO! Will you please come home with me?

Seriously though, Nude = Beige.  I get it, Burberry, you want to make it sexy! and young! and appealing!  But really. I thought you were better than that.

So Romantic!

Finally got around to browsing BHLDN's website and can I tell you how much I LOVE this gown?  It's called Ethereal Monarch.  Indeed.

Jacket Lust

Ever since Lainey tweeted this pic of her and Tanya Kim prepping for the Oscars, I've been thinking about their slim-cut leather jackets and getting one of my own.

I turned to what's become my go-to designer for outerwear - Montreal-based MACKAGE - and found these 2 styles, which I tried on my way home after work tonight at Next Door before meeting a neighbour for dinner at Fresh.  Both are made of super-soft leathers and have the slim-cut I was looking for.

Rory, $650

Ming, $670

I love Rory's shawl collar, but only when it's zipped up, otherwise it looks sloppy.  With Ming, I love that it looks like a sleek, super-feminine bomber jacket that's hits you perfectly at the hip.  The other detail I love is the layered look of the long knit sleeves underneath.  The padded shoulders in the images look rather extreme but when on, you don't notice it at all.  I kind of wish Ming was available in grey.  And dammit, why does it have to be so dear?!?  I can't bring myself to spend that much on a leather jacket that I just. don't. need. But I WANT IT! So. Maybe it'll go on sale....?

Alternatively, perhaps I'll find something else at Rudsak or MO851?  Danier's supposed to have some great styles now too but I can't help but be a bit of a snob about the brand.  What a way to break a spending fast, huh?  We shall see...

GG Hits & Misses

Did you watch the Golden Globes?  What did you think of Ricky Gervais?  I thought he was fantastic! He was so bracingly sharp, which made for a very interesting show since I really only ever watch awards shows for the fashions.  On that note, as ever is the case, there were hits and misses on the catwalk that is the red carpet so here's my quick rundown before I hit the sack.

First up, the misses: Angelina Jolie in an awesome colour but ugly, ugly (yes it needs to be repeated) dress and lank, blah hair; Emma Stone who's so pretty but looks at one with her dress; Sandra Bullock who also looks like the same colour as her dress with the unflattering thick fringe; and Christina Aguleira - what happened to her?  She used to be so cute!

My hits include 2 ladies in black - Olivia Wilde in this gorgeous, sparkly, princess-y Marchesa ballgown (I hate her boring hair though) and Eva Longoria in this restrained and streamlined Zac Posen that reads like a super-fem tuxedo-dress to me.

And 2 ladies in blue: Jenna Ushkowitz in I-don't-know-who but she's perfect and I love her hair and make-up; and Amy Adams in a Marchesa gown with laser-cut details.
This Versace on January Jones - I wasn't keen on it when I first saw it.  But, it grew on me and I've come to admire it's amazing fringe construction.

And my all-time favourite of the night was Kyra Sedgwick in this juicy orange Emilio Pucci - the way she's accessorized it with the turquoise drop earrings and the multiple gold bangles is perfection. And if you watched the candid bits of the telecast, you would have seen how sweet she and Kevin Bacon were. I love them as a couple! 

That's all.  G'night folks!

Photos via People and Us Weekly.

Anthropologie Wish List

I received Anthropologie's latest catalogue in the mail today and was struck by their cover product - the  gorgeous Daily Brights Satchel in blue below.  Look at that lining of zebra AND leopard - never mind how functional it is on the inside! 

A quick flip through the catalogue and that's when I discovered their Filgreed Chestnut Tote which I MUST HAVE. Except that I'm on a spending fast. Yep. A spending fast. So all I can do is stare at it longingly...I wish I could feel the texture. So beautiful.

Oh and I've got my eye on these too...Damn spending fast!

Swept Swag Sweatshirt, Mainstay Tunic, Morning Mists Top, Emerald Wicklow Dress

London Wishlist

In 7 weeks I'll be in London, one of my favourite cities in the world, and also the city in which my favourite cousin resides.  London is also one of my favourite cities for shopping, and in advance of every visit, I like to browse and daydream about all the beautiful goodies that I may come home with.  So here's my current wishlist, which is by no means complete...

London 2010 Wish List by phoenixc featuring a corsage dress

Ziggy Dress
55 GBP - monsoon.co.uk
Monsoon dress »

Jametz Dress
160 GBP - monsoon.co.uk
Corsage dress »

Baby signature leather metal work bag
165 GBP - karenmillen.com
Tweed dress »

Coast Stores - Some Like It Hot - TALLULA JACKET
140 GBP - coast-stores.com

Cath Kidston - Provence rose IPhone case
25 GBP - cathkidston.co.uk

Monsoon Accessorize - Small Bird Trinket Box
12 GBP - monsoon.co.uk

Slim Travel Wallet, Damson Collection: View All
smythson.com

What I really really really want though, is Orla Kiely's Quilted Patent Ivy Bag in Violet.  The Tafetta Sleeveless Dress is pretty cute too.

J. Crew wish list

Finally flipped through the latest J. Crew catalog and fell for the Tretorn Flannel kicks below, which led me to the website with the though of buying them. Unfortunately, only 11s are left. 
This didn't stop me from browsing though and now I've got my eye on this gorgeous necklace and the luscious leather Brompton purse.  Lovely as they are, they're not nearly as compelling as the sneaks.

 

Tretorn Wool Flannel Sneakers, Tassel Stoneset Necklace, Brompton Purse

Girly Friday

I took the day off for an extra long weekend and spent the day at the spa and shopping with my best gal pal.  We met at Anthropologie where I ended up buying the 2 dresses at left plus a tank top that was on sale.  The LBD is a jersey material that's super-flattering and the Audrey Hepburn-esque polka dot number is sweet and classic. 

I wouldn't normally go out and buy 2 dresses all at once but I've got 2 weddings coming up so that's my justification for the splurge.

I spent the rest of the afternoon being pampered at Novo Spa where I indulged in an hour-long massage and mani-pedi - the last of which was the best part because you sit in a multi-functional massage chair while getting your toes done.  HEAVEN!  Oh, and the mint-y chocolate mousse foot mask which smelled yummy and made me hungry!  Everything smelled yummy, actually...there was an algae mint foot scrub, a vanilla-coconut oil sugar hand scrub and a mango-coconut hand lotion that left me smelling like a pina colada.  S and I have decided to go back on the regular just for the pedi!

Retail Therapy

I got my hair cut this morning and got bangs! Honest to goodness bangs, which was a spontaneous decision on my part after flipping through May's Cosmo while I was waiting and happening upon a picture of Jessica Alba with bangs. It was time for a change.

I'm not yet sure how I feel about having hair on my forehead - it'll take some getting used to. The next test is to style them myself which may be tricky but we'll see. I'm comforted by the speed at which my hair grows though so if I decide I hate them, then it'll just be irksome for a couple months.

Anyway, my appointment ended with 30 minutes left on my parking meter so I decided to drop by Anthropologie for a quick browse and left with this pretty top, as well as a couple others that were on sale.

Yes, I am weak.

First Julia, now Isa

So, I went and bought another Mackage coat Tuesday after lurking on their website for the last 3 months. At the same time I had my eye on Julia, I was considering Isa and decided to pull the trigger after finally getting fed up with how my current 3/4 length wool coat gets all pill-y and lint-y. Considering that I got it in Hong Kong 5 years ago during a particularly cold Christmas there, I consider the value fully amortized.

So, back to Isa, I ordered it Tuesday during my lunch hour and it arrived today by FedEx in a large flat box, so large that I couldn't comfortably carry it home. So I wore it instead. :)

A Beach Affair

My sister is planning a wedding this fall at an as yet undecided destination that will surely have a sandy beach. She sent me a few dress options which got me thinking about suitable gowns for a beach wedding. Simple, more informal gowns made of soft and flow-y materials immediately spring to mind so a quick browse at David's Bridal and J.Crew online yielded these candidates:

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

My favourite of the bunch has gotta be #7. Incidentally, first 6 dresses from David's range in price from $119 to $399. I didn't know it was possible to get a bridal gown for that little. Perhaps I've watched too many episodes of Say Yes to the Dress, where bridzillas can spend tens of thousands of dollars on a gown they'll wear just once. I'm glad to see that there are gorgeous, affordable options out there although one would have to take a chance shopping online.

My plans to fly out to Vancouver in March for a visit with my Piglet now includes dress shopping with my sister! I'm so looking forward to the the trip, never mind the shopping for my own MOH dress. :)

Grey, White and Blue

I have a superstitious Chinese mother who reads up on Chinese astrology and she told me that in this upcoming year of the Dog, my lucky colours as a Dragon are grey, white and blue. It was funny how it came up, too, because I was home on a weekend that I had planned a trip to Ikea and she told me I should pick up the blue and white floral bedlinens I liked because they were in my lucky colours.So I did. I thought they were superfluous when I first saw them in store so didn't buy them but since they're in my lucky colours, well, then that's OK. :)

Anyway, I started this blog to share with you my new purchases! I went to Anthropologie this afternoon in the hopes of finding either of the yellow bags I've had my eye on but alas, they're not available yet (if ever) in stores here. I didn't leave empty-handed though! I came away with these two tops which I can't wait to wear!

Pratia Tank & Percussive Cardigan

Incidentally, the textured flowers of the tank remind me of Etsy seller Sarah & Bendrix's delightful framed pictures:

YELLOW!

Yellow has always been a difficult colour for me. I mean, I like it as a colour, but when it comes to wearing it, I limit myself to the buttery yellow tones because anything brighter or deeper I think just looks awful against my Asian skin.


Anyway, I was lured onto Anthropologie's site by the Tweet above from Ms. Grace Bonney over at Design Sponge, which is how I came upon these 2 bags in yellow:

Zing & Tart Bag

Winter Aconite Tote

I'm thinking yellow as an accessory colour could be just the thing I need as a pick-me-up before Spring truly sets in. I know, we're only JUST getting to the end of January, Spring's eons away! I like them both for different reasons and I'm thinking now that I should head on over to Anthropologie this weekend to see if they're carrying it in Toronto...

Kate Spade!

LOVE Kate Spade's clothing line. Have ever since it debuted last year. Here are my current pretty favs:

1, 2, 3

How to Dress for Success

I picked up this gorgeous cloth-bound copy of Edith Head's How to Dress for Success at the Victoria and Albert Museum Book Shop when I was there in the Spring. I was lured in first by the lavender cover and then by the author's charming retro illustrations.

The book is clearly circa 1967 and her reference lists at the end are rather charming. Her recommendations for the working girl's (single or married) basic wardrobe include:

MORNING (before work - at breakfasts, etc.):
2 shifts or smocks or dusters or zipper-front step-ins or breakfast coats or robes

AT WORK (When no specific costume is required):
2 suits
6 tops - blouses or shells or sweaters
2 day dresses (1-piece, or 2-piece or jumper-type) and a separate jacket or cardigan
2 skirts to be worn with the jacket or sweater and blouses from above
1 coat

LUNCH TIME:
If you have a luncheon date, fresh gloves and jewelry or any accessory you can bring with you can be added to your basic costume for a lift. Many girls who like a change at noon carry a large handbag for this purpose.

AFTER-WORK DATE:
If you are going out after work and don't have time to go home and change, take some instant glamour with you to work: a little veil or bandeau for your hair, pretty jewelry, gloves or a chiffon scarf. Some girls who wear suits to work carry a "dress-up" shell for evening dates.

AFTER WORK (with time to go home for a change):
1 costume (1-piece or 2-piece dress) and a jacket or wrap
1 cocktail or short dinner dress (try to use the wrap from above)
1 dressmaker or cocktail suit, with three changes of tops (knit, lace, crepe, matching fabric or brocade)
1 coat (unless you can use the coat from the costume #1 above)

AT HOME (entertaining):
1 hostess gown or hostess pajamas
1 at-home skirt or pants, more if you're married - with extra interchangeable tops
3 tops for above - blouses or shells or pullover sweaters. (Important note: These can be the same tops you use with your date clothes.)
2 dresses - 1-piece or 2-piece (for informal entertaining)

AT HOME (not entertaining):
1 housecoat or slip-on
1 lounging pajamas and tops, or pants and tops

FORMAL WEAR:
1 informal or semi-formal costume
This can be a dress and wrap or a dress and coat. It can be the same dinner dress you use for entertaining at home. If this is a 2-piece dress, get alternate tops which are great wardrobe stretchers.
1 formal evening dress and wrap, if you have use for it. (If not, get two semi-formal costumes.)

Based on this list, I'm sorely lacking in the basic wardrobe department. I had to look up what a housecoat was (it's basically a robe) - and I'm still not quite certain what a hostess gown is...I think it's a dressier dress that's short of semi-formal, meant to be worn when hosting guests in your own home...hence the name.

The most telling chapter is the one on undergarments or 'foundations' - What you can't do about your figure through starvation and exercise can certainly be improved through wearing the right foundation garment...Bras and pantie-girdles fill in where nature failed. The waist-line bulge is a thing of the past, if you will merely take the time to find a garment that eliminates it, and to have it properly fitted. The pantie-girdle? Her advice is most definitely sound and just kills me, considering.

Success!

I've been thinking about getting a new black wool coat - more specifically one by Mackage since stumbling upon their Black Friday sale online. I thought better of it though considering the price...but when I wore my old wool coat more recently, it occurred to me that it was at least 7 years old - fully amortized and ready for retirement, I'd say. So my search became a little more serious. I fell for the Julia style below, after trying it a few weeks ago and determined that I'd buy it during the Boxing Day sales.

I went shopping with my mom today, a rare occasion since my mom is so not a shopper. She was rather keen on buying a down coat of her own so off we set off early this morning and were met with success. I know I'm awfully spoiled because oftentimes when I shop with my mother, she pays - and that's what happened today as I received my birthday and Christmas gifts in advance. Yay! :)

Dish Jeans

For me, shopping for jeans is second to shopping for a bathing suit. I do it only when I have to - and I haven't had to do the latter forever since I'm not one for beach vacations - but for some reason yesterday, I decided to try a pair of jeans while I was at Girl Friday on Queen West. And I was pleasantly surprised. They were the trouser-cut "Jane" by Dish Jeans. The wash wasn't as dark as is my preference so the sales associate suggested the "Deseray" in the blue-black Portofino wash which was near perfect but I ended up leaving with a pair of the boot-cut Portofino "Desi" which has a higher waist then the usual nowadays but certainly not your mom's jeans.

They're super-comfortable and make my ass look fantastic!

Oh, and the price! I'm used to paying $200+ for my jeans, which is why I don't own more than a couple pairs at once, wear what I have until they're worn through and only then go out grudgingly to replace them. These at under $100 were a steal. So of course I bought them, despite having bought 2 new pairs recently from Mendocino when they had their Jeans Drive in support of Covenant House.

Lulu binge

I've gone and done it again. You see, it all started when I forgot to set my clock back an hour before going to bed last night. I woke up at what I thought was 10 but was really 9 so I'd have plenty of time to make it to the 11:30 Bodyflow class at my gym. I made my fruit protein shake and was catching up on Google Reader when I noticed the time at the top right of my Macbook. And then it occurred to me.

After some thought, I figured, I was up already, why waste an hour? Let's just pop in a yoga dvd and get the day started. So I did...and since I was feeling all stretched out and relaxed afterwards, I hopped back onto the Lululemon site because I was still thinking about this cute fleece pullover:

I didn't see it in the stores yesterday but there's free shipping until the 15th. So I just ordered it.

It's cute right? I'm a touch more partial to the running version here mainly because of the hole in the hoodie made specifically for ponytails but I'm a fairweather runner at best and it's unnecessary for my purposes...not that I needed another fleece hoodie but whatever. This is it though. No more Lulu purchases. I'm done. At least for the next little while.

Chanel No. 5

While searching for the Coco Avant Chanel trailer for my last post, results came up that included the new Chanel No. 5 film starring Audrey Tautou, who looks absolutely stunning in it. Now I'm girl-crushing and wanting to splash on some Chanel No. 5 myself!



And since we're talking Chanel commericals, the 2005 spot with Nicole Kidman is another fav, but more for the hottie, Rodrigo Santoro who first caught my eye in Love Actually:

A Perfect Saturday Afternoon

After getting to bed last night after 3am I was pleasantly surprised to be woken up by wL this morning around 10:40 - the first time in a while that I've been able to sleep in past 9. We made plans to meet for brunch and caught up over the last couple months before parting ways around 2.

And rather than giving in to my lazy-ass cocooning instincts of late, I headed back out for a little shopping. My first stop - Lululemon to check out their jackets and hoodies. I wasn't particularly keen on the brand before since it was sort of up there with Nike for me as athletic gear, and I never saw myself as athletic. For the longest time, the only thing I owned was a hoodie and a yoga mat bag - but I've since come around. I had my eye on the Gratitude Wrap (below), which they didn't have at the Queen West store, so off I headed to the Eaton Centre where, yay!, they did. It's super-comfy and cozy, so, I bought it.
Next stop - Sephora, where I had to pick up a new bottle of Aloe Toning Complex and ended up leaving with a jar of Korres Lip Butter in Plum and a lip brush. Ooh, and because I had 300 Beauty Insider points, I also got a free 30ml tube of Fresh Brown Sugar Body Cream.

Last stop for the afternoon was the AMC for the 4 o'clock showing of Coco Avant Chanel, a film I've been meaning to watch since it opened but have been too lazy-assed to get out to see because of the aforementioned tendency towards cocooning. It was another good film - certainly different from yesterday's selection - but inspiring nonetheless as it's led me to flip through the catalog from the Met's 2005 Chanel exhibit for another look of her simply elegant styles.