Surprised myself by liking and buying a lace dress today.

Not only is it lace, it's grey lace. Grey is a colour I never wear because I look grey and sickly in it. But in this case it was alright.

I've been trying to stay away from the platforms because I already have a few pairs. And cos I'm pretty tall so wearing such high shoes usually mean I have difficulties talking to many people unless we're all seated. Still, I like these.

Still regret not getting the Margiela cork pumps when they were on sale ages ago. There's been several cork attempts on the high and lower streets but never anything quite as fetching for me.

These Topshop ones, I like the design. But can the cork be smoother, less holey? If it looks cleaner I'll definitely get them.

There's also a black version, made very interesting by the orange sole.

Pleased

The wallet fairy strikes again and I've got one more pair of flats for work (right/Topshop) and cheap all-white sneakers for play (left/Muji).

The wallet fairy refers to the one that takes the money from your wallet and leaves behind receipts. You know, like the tooth fairy but rather more mercenary.

Sorry. I've been, well, lazy.

But anyway, let's try to get back to business with a few things. Let's see...

#1
Zara sale. Up to 30 percent but a lot of things are still exorbitantly expensive in a "I'd never pay that much for something of this quality" way. There was a pair of gladiator-esque platforms I wanted before the sale started but they were tagged an insane $189 and once I spied that loose seam I decided I could not pay that amount for something that has a glaring (to me) imperfection.

#2
This delicious pair of Mint shoes has hit our local Topshop after all. Tried them on and the colour is super lovely. Thing is, it's super badly made. The leather is creased, on a brand new pair of shoes, and not just at the side and front where leather creases after some wear and tear but even at the back. I didn't ask to see a second pair because I already have the pink version of this and I wanted to walk away to think about it calmly. Maybe I'll go back and check all their stock and once I'm sure all they have are defective, there will be closure.


#3
Sometimes, there are pictures that are so arresting I cannot stop staring and this is one of them. It could be the credit of The Sartorialist's amazing photography skills that he captured a perfect moment when this floppy lapel getup on this man looks so right. I don't know. I only know it's not conventionally perfect, and the flaws make the image look so visually stunning.

Denial aka I am SO glad it is Friday and the work week will be over in approx 17 hrs

#1

Am in denial. There is some work I have been putting off since 5pm today. Sped off into town instead to spend money and now, I'm still sitting here blogging. I've a feeling I'll end up doing work on the train again tomorrow, just like what I did this morning. The good thing is, faced with that kind of pressure, I don't stare blankly at the monitor. My brain just functions.

#2
As a result of speeding into town, this is now mine.

There is also a pair of shoes from Pedder Red, but unfriendly as they are, they do not have a website and I am too lazy to photograph them. Maybe tomorrow when I wear them.

#3
Went to the On Pedder sale, just for a look-see, really. Lots of fab things but did not dare succumb, not even to the juiciest pair of coral red/raspberry/somewhere in-between shiny, patent Miu Miu pumps that were almost half-priced at 350. Not even then. I have to consider the bigger picture from now on. The bigger potentially Balenciaga picture.

#4
The thing about getting a better job that pays a tad better is that the stress level increases and the need for retail also goes off the metre and before you know it, I'm zooming off to town on Thursdays or Fridays when I cannot take it anymore, just to swipe that magnetic strip in the card machine and feel the endorphins flood my senses.

I'm guessing slow-eating girl (seriously need another name for her, slow-eating girl just doesn't cut it) was feeling the heat as well, except with a tad more angst, as she zipped out too and got this pair of shoes in matte brown leather.

#5
I am in love with these. Mint, says the colour description. I want.

#6
The shoes in #5 are from Topshop online. I dare not even hope that they will reach our shores. I had a mini conversation with the cashiers at Topshop just now and lamented how so many of the shoes seen on the website never come to us. We're like the poor relations, stuck with the sad stuff. Urgh.

#7
My daily routine with sheet masks and Tense Up Ex and supplements and all my skincare has paid off. Complexion is pretty radiant and improved from a while back when I was lazy. I was not so stressed out about going to work wearing not a scrap of makeup today. Well, actually, it was an accident. I normally slick on mascara to create the illusion I bother with makeup. Today, I was running late and intended to do what I sometimes do - apply mascara on the train (I do quite a lot of stuff on the train, including catch up on sleep). But I forgot my makeup pouch.

#8
Ate at Cork Cellar's Kitchen today. I do love Marmalade Group and client lunches (sometimes).

#9
The company is handling and potentially handling so many interesting accounts. I feel like getting involved with so many of them I have to tell myself not to be ridiculous. I already have so much to do. But... some of them sound really damn exciting can.

#10
Don't really do blogosphere roundups usually but in the spirit of denial, here's what I oohed and aahed at today.

#10.1
So insanely jealous of what cc from a slowboat to mediocrity has managed to procure. How amazing this is Junya Watanabe top...

#10.2
Smoot is, as usual, hilarious with her account of faxing lawyers. Mind-boggling and worthy of being made into a Dilbert strip, methinks. I bet the lawyer is as amused as I am.

#10.3
Rumi of Fashion Toast's fab Marni wedges. Nothing quite as discounted or fetching when we visited the Marni boutique the other day...

#11
Now that I've wasted another hour of my life in denial, I'm wondering whether to go to sleep and just leave everything to the train speed-demon in me.

Topshop has gone and done it again

Balenciaga Spring 2008 RTW, style.com

The high street mainstay has been overrun with florals for a while now, not to mention what seems like 10,000 different Luella-"inspired" tiered ruffled minis. Now they've done their versions of the most distinctive Spring 08 RTW collection.

Of course, the beauty of the Balenciaga collection lies in the juxtaposition of the florals with clothing architecture, and this architecture can't be replicated by mass production - not a level where it's profitable anyway.

Still, I'm curious to see the actual pieces in Topshop. They've been trying their hand at sculptural pieces - there was a black cropped jacket with an awkwardly curved sleeve a while back - so I'd like to see how far along they are now.

Rules are meant to be broken

One of the things I always skip when flipping through mags are articles on dressing guidelines. Dressing for your figure, style dos and don'ts, you must do this to flatter your assets you must do that to hide your flaws... blahblahblah.

I mean, in theory, it's all good to be sensible. And it's not like I've never read them, I've read enough to recite all the usuals and if I abide by these "rules", I probably should:

- avoid crew neck tees that emphasize my chest and make me look bigger and instead, opt for lower necklines that are "slimming"
- say no to volume
- say no to skinny stripes and accept that only thick stripes are acceptable in my life
- wear black or monotones
- keep away from bubble skirts and restrict my existence to "flattering" A-lines
- only ever pull on dark-coloured tights and look wistfully at riotous colours such as shocking pinks and blues

and so on.

The truth is, I love crew neck tees although I do appreciate how a lower neckline is truly more flattering. I prefer skinny stripes. I seriously do not agree with thick stripes. I love black but I think it's more of a character issue. I do not like bubble skirts but I am amassing some voluminous tulips like nobody's business. And when it comes to tights, I love the brights and patterns as much as the dark solids.

It's not complacency or delusion. It's just that I don't see why dressing up should be synonymous with figure-flattering. How about pulling on pieces you love to look the way you like, even if it means your ass looks that bit bigger than it should?

It's not that there are no rules. More like, as you understand yourself better, you pull together your own set of rules based on intuition and a sense of adventure, lots of time in fitting rooms and a healthy dose of wince-worthy mistakes. For instance, I am careful with skinny belts and would never hitch them around my hips, I do not attempt to wear most shades of grey when it comes to clothing and I've never found a flattering yellow. And while I'm most happy to encase my legs in neon pink, I do not delude myself into thinking horizontal stripes on the calves are an option.

These are pretty common-sensical and rather like what you would see as textbook fash guidelines but what's important to me is that I won't say no until I've proven to myself it doesn't work. There are always exceptions to the rules and ways to get around it if you want to. It applies in life and it applies to what you wear as well.

Generally, I find restrictive style tips patronising what with all their cover this up hide that. On the other hand, there are some how-to tips I've found interesting and more educational. For instance, if your calves are chunky and you want to wear ankle straps, look for those that start low on the ankle because your legs look longer. And instead of covering with with mid- to knee- length skirts, slightly shorter skirts worn with heels can create the illusion of longer, leaner legs.

So there you go. Wear what accentuates who you are, not your figure-type. If you want to wear volume, rein it in or pick closer-fitting volume, if you want to wear bright-coloured tights, sheers work easier than opaques, if your poufy skirt is making you look dumpy, throw on super high heels and stick your hands in the pockets whenever you can to weigh it down. And if you want to slouch around in what looks like a garbage sack, it's still your choice.

And of course, even though I've been living with this attitude for a while now, this entry was triggered by the purchase of two Topshop skirts (May Day sale lah).

Cream flouncy and big bubbly tulip - not the most flattering of skirt choices for me. But I like them too much to care.

(Been hankering for a floral piece, finally got one!)

Dresses

Was discussing with the funny girl how it's a really good time to stock up on dresses, since there have been such an array of pretty ones in the stores these past many months and it looks as if the flow won't abide yet.

Of course, I say in the stores but I still find myself looking at lots of places but buying at Topshop. The prices are starting to climb towards ludicrous and I've given up on two dresses that cost $189 already.

That said, I did get this last week - $40 or so I think, I forget. It's not a dress, more a swimwear cover-up because the sides are actually two gaping holes. Still, I liked the jersey drape and twist hem and intend to wear both straps on one shoulder as a top layer over something else, so it looks a wee bit toga-ish.

This, I actually saw on the site and had dismissed it. But in reality, the dress does not have this cheap sheen. It falls quite well and the collar is a nice touch. Still, I walked away from it on Wed night after some internal debate, deciding to go back on Thur when there was a 20% sale. And of course, it wasn't available in my size anymore. Have checked Shaw yesterday, Suntec and Marina today, no sign of it. Will be at Bugis tomorrow so if Bugis and Raffles City do not have it, it's not meant to be (cos I'm not going to Parkway).

New on the site are these two cotton dresses. I actually liked the blue when looking at them thumbnail size. Closer up, they reminded me of the CHIJ uniform, so maybe not. Besides, it's open-back, gaping from the waist up to the neckline. Tough.

Mine

Not all, just the black ones.

The grey ones just hit our Topshop as well, the other colours are from the online store and I don't believe I've seen them around.

There was a patent black pair as well in our stores, but that had sold out at Wisma leaving only one last pair in 36? 37? Or something ridiculous like that.

Put them all side by side only because I thought it might be cute. Personally I think only black is right for this shoe.

I've been holding out against this for a really long time, because I wanted to get away from narrow heels and because I wanted to wait for a fierce black shoe that is not a pump.

But those are taking too long to come in and what is available here and there are just rather crap to me. And then Susie Bubble went and waxed lyrical about how they are so good for walking, which made me go hmm... and proceed to stick my feet in for a try at least, to see if the skeptical me inside will be appeased.

I think Ms Skeptical is not 100% convinced that this shoe will allow her to walk and run an entire day in them, but definitely they are a breeze to walk in. That curvature under the front of the shoe makes a lot of difference to the gait. After walking one round around the shoe section, staring into the mirror at suddenly extended legs, and having the sales assistant solemnly tell me, "Nice." in that serious manner of his, I decided I couldn't leave without it.

So I caved.

Topshop is so killing me!

Ho.Nest.Ly.

Is it just me and my unreasonable expectations or has our local Topshop been stocking too slowly? I've been waiting and waiting for all these things I want but as of last Saturday, there is still no sight of them all.

So to make it clearer. Topshop is killing me because the website is tempting me with all these luscious items, forcing me to rush to the store in anticipation every weekend, only to walk away disappointed.

There was this:

The pink ones refused to appear in the store. Next thing I know, the white ones have made their presence felt on the site. I definitely want this pair of shoes. The question now is, colour. What do you think?

And then there were these. Previously, I liked the blue ones. I don't recall if they ever made it to SG TS. But now, I'm really keen on the peachy pair. Thoughts?

Next there were these glossy leggings. Glossy leggings. I like the sound of them.

Recently I've been wearing a lot of dresses. A big reason is because there are just so many to be found everywhere these days. This grey seems like something I should have in my "polished" wardrobe. Not sure if it's me though. And grey. The one colour that makes me look grey. Although this shade is not as bad.

And florals. I really want something floral, but it's not a print I can pull off. Big, small, muted, bright... it just looks really auntie on me. For sure though, chiffony and swirly floral is not for me. Structured, Balenciaga-inspired and short, however, in a black based bright-coloured, small flower print is what I envision might work.

I've never liked the strapless over tee look. But there's something about this blue, drapey dress that I'm willing to work the look out for. The colour has been one of my favourites these few months and also, I rather like the drapes and folds. If it's in a good fabric, I'd be happy to buy it as a companion for my H&M black cropped blazer.

Ooh. 1am. Bedtime.

First thing after work tomorrow? Rush to TS.

And Nine West - they owe me two pairs of shoes I want to try. Well, okay, not owe owe per se. I just want to put them on my feet.

Topshop is killing me

Remember this pair of shoes? Mentioned it when I first started writing here and finally saw it in the store today. Obviously I wanted it but it was not to be. The fit was so horrendous there was no way even I could convince myself that it's okay.

The good part is that the ankle straps actually sit really low, so it's not unflattering on less than perfectly slender calves.

The bad part is so bad there's just no salvation. The entire front of the show is off. The feet can't slide nicely under the strap at all, despite the shoe looking so innocently normal in the picture. Both sides of the foot kind of stick out, and the so much of the inner part is hanging over the heel it's a bit ridiculous. The curve of the shoe is also no way close to the arch of the feet.

At first I thought it might be that my feet are too broad, even though I've always worn Topshop shoes with no trouble. But the girl who eats slowly tried it on her narrower feet and we had to conclude that the shoe was just so badly made.

Which is a real pity, cos I really like the gloss and the cleanly sliced edges.

Tried a pair of t-strap floral print flats as well. The print was pretty - small blooms in bright, primary colours on black is always good - but the cut was atrociously hideous.

So, seriously, what's the deal with Topshop. Cos that's not all.

Is it me or have their stock been replenishing really, really slowly for a long time now. They have new stuff a lot less regularly and even when they do, it's often just a few token pieces to create the illusion that they have something new.

Also, stuff that have been up on the website eons ago have been super slow in coming, if at all.

Maybe it's my fault for visiting too often - once a week, at least. But that is, or was, the selling point of TS - the quick stock turnover and constant surprises that leave you gasping and agonising because there's just so.much.stuff you want.

Sigh. I've been using the title "Topshop is killing me" when I really should be changing it to "Topshop.com is killing me".

I want H&M.

That said, I do still love TS. To the point I think it's a bit sick. Like today, I haven't been in a TS for maybe two weeks, and I just had to go. Had to. It was an urge so strong it had manifested as a tightening in my chest and had completely overwhelmed my brain.

So today, we were in Suntec and after I went to the one there (small and boring) I had to go the Marina one (bigger but still boring) and then I needed to go to the Wisma shop (the one I visit weekly, you see) As I got nearer to TS Wisma, my steps quickened and I could think of nothing else but stepping into the familiar layout and flipping through the racks. Only after I had gone and determined there was nothing I could buy did I feel relaxed and able to slow down again.

I also had this conversation with one of the sales assistants at the Suntec store.

Me: Why is it that your spring shoes are not in yet?

Her: Oh these are all new season shoes! Like this and this and this are the latest arrivals.

Me: But that's really old, I saw it long ago. I've been looking at stuff on your website and there are so many things I want but they just never come in.

Her: Well, you know that yellow pair over there is also new. And also... (pauses to take a closer look)

Me: Mm yah, and the floral one right?

Her: Yah! (look of amazement that I know) You really like Topshop huh?

Me: Yah I guess I do, but I usually go the Wisma one.

We talked a little more after that. She was really nice and friendly, just that her English got a bit difficult to understand as we strayed into conversational territory outside of her usual sales talk (she's from China and her articulation is slightly too relaxed). Nonetheless, we managed to yak. I guess you can say fashion conquers boundaries.

Topshop is killing me

The Kate Moss spring collection is seriously dubious. So I retreated to the rest of the TS site and once again, I couldn't tear my eyes off something.

This time, it's these.

Brogues. In pink! I hope the make is good. I really need them as the perfect substitutes for my Jack Purcells.

This is cute as well.

But I think I'll stick to the previously discovered pair below.

Topshop is killing me

Met a friend for a long overdue catch-up today. Swung into where-else to while away my time as I was early. I was almost safely out of there. But right at by the exit was this dress.

I was mightily distracted by the zipper. I have the same zipper on another black Topshop dress. This YKK giant silver zipper is doing me in.

So I had to lean in closer. And discovered that the print is highly adorable. They look like tiny bows with toothed edges. And reminded me of tiny old school combs.

Anyway I just had to try it. And buy it.

So we just have to move on. In the immortal words of IF, what to do?

While looking for a picture of the dress on topshop.com, I checked out the new stuff (butofcoursenothingnewaboutthatyouuselessgirl).

I love these shoes!

Already know I can't do the grey ones. The platform is just that little bit too high for my liking. 1cm lower and I'll embrace it wholeheartedly.

The black ones, on the other hand, I'm very interested in. Will just have to wait and see the real thing.

There was also this pair of Barbie shoes that I was rather drawn to but I know I won't buy.