Watch: Longchamp Little Big Bag

Found this on Longchamp's Facebook page. Loving the creativity behind the video and the tune. Oh and the Pliage Cuir bags are divine!

Read: 90-Day Geisha

Picked this up at Changi Int'l Airport, Singapore just before my flight home. I've read a quarter of the book so far and it really is an interesting read. Author and former Canadian model Chelsea Haywood provides an insight into her personal experience as a "modern-day Geisha" being a hostess in Tokyo, Japan. It may be a surprise to those thinking of Japanese culture as traditional and modest because Tokyo-lites have not only kept the art of hostessing alive but they've upped-the-ante by giving any big spender the chance to buy a hostess experience with foreign, and almost always Caucasian hostesses. All of this smack in the centre of bustling Tokyo hotspot: Roppongi. 

Ah, how it pays to be beautiful.

"90-Day Geisha: My Time As A Tokyo Hostess" available on Amazon.com for US$10 here.

A little bit about the author: 

From an early age Chelsea found herself to be a voracious reader and a bit of a smartie pants who loved to read the dictionary. She graduated early. For a while she modelled in a profoundly un-famous, gypsy-like way, wearing Prada and Lanvin for wages and dressing up in that red, maiko-inspired creation by John Galliano for Dior while chumming with Chase Aston for Elle. While fashion was fun, her favorite thing about it was the catering, and eating all the food.
Needless to say, she needed a more appropriate career and so around the casting calls, the jobs and the eighteen kilometres that she’d run five days a week to keep that kind of figure, she began to dream up a creative and entrepreneurial endeavour of her own. It was while eating a (delicious!) slice of New York cheesecake in a food loft high above Sukhumvit in Bangkok that she was struck with the idea to write 90 Day Geisha, and two days later Chelsea was en route to Tokyo.

Gucci Spring 2013

My favourites from the SS2013 line. 

Loved how everything was airy and flowy and the ruffles were the only details needed for the clothes. The colour palette was kept simple but bold- very clean.

The accessories were bright, fun and perfect for spring. The clutches and bags came in a few bright colours, all colour-coded with the garments. Nothing quite special with the bags but the stilettos were very sexy. I can see places like ZARA, MNG or H&M reproducing pieces in these colours and the heels. Fingers crossed.

Pictures courtesy of Style.com. Collage by Boopalicious.

Singapore

Will be visiting Singapore for the second time tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing more attractions in this sleek city. This time I'll be travelling solo but will be staying with a friend. Can't wait! 

Longchamp: Thoughts

 Longchamp- probably most known for its Le Pliage line of foldable nylon bags, certainly has more to it than just these colourful totes. I was never quite a fan of the Le Pliage bags as I found them almost too casual and common. I've seen girls at university carry them and they were seen as more of an "it" school bag more than anything. What's worse is that there were fakes being sold everywhere and people were buying these and from a distance, this was almost indistinguishable to the untrained eye. Nothing wrong with it being common but its just irksome that some people may associate the Longchamp name solely with these bags. 

That aside, the Le Pliage bags are definitely suitable for travel because of its roominess and overall shape and material of the bag. But certainly that much money for a nylon tote could be better spent elsewhere? Yes and no, depending on how brand conscious you are. What I don't like about it is the nylon material because it shows creases too easily and over time, will show signs of wear and tear. Pros about the material is of course it being waterproof. Some ladies have even sworn by this bag as the bag to keep their more expensive purses in during bad and unpredictable weather outdoors. Now that makes sense but to actually consider this a handbag in all of its entirety, that to me seems like the opposite of what the Le Pliage line was intended for. 

So thankfully, there exists the Planètes (pronounced pla-nett) line that serves to solve some of the qualms I have with the Le Pliage bags. These bags are made of nylon but are of thicker and more  durable material that doesn't show creases as easily as the Pliage bags. Oh, and no more brown leather handles but instead the leather will always match the overall colour of the bag- how much cooler is that? These bags are not foldable though as they are thicker and more rigid. I find these bags more suitable as casual arm candy as opposed to the Pliage bags. 

Gunmetal, A/W2012

Black, Standard Collection

Burgundy, A/W2012

Camel, A/W2012

Now comes the leather. Longchamp has numerous other lines featuring bags made of leather and these usually stand in the higher price ranges. A particular line Le Pliage Cuir (cuir pronounced kwie-yur) has been gaining popularity and it's easy to understand why! When I first saw pictures of it in the Summer 2012 colours Cyclamen and Mandarin (hot pink-fuschia & orange), I went head over heels for this bag. For one, it being foldable and leather was already a winner in my books. I have yet to feel the leather but from what I've read online, it is a mixed-race leather and is really soft and supple. I can only imagine the adorable slouchiness to this bag- without being overdone of course.

The Pliage Cuir seems ideal as both a travel tote as well as a handbag all thanks to the  addition of a leather body and on-trend colours to match the seasons. To make it more fun, seasonal colours will of course keep changing while the basics like black, brown and perhaps red will be always available. Fall 2012 colours include the Gunmetal colour above, Burgundy, Fir, Duck Blue and Camel. I think having one in Black would be a good starting point...but I'm deciding on the Gunmetal one also. Hmm, decisions, decisions. 

The Cuir in these gorgeous colours that I unfortunately missed!

Scarves. I must admit I didn't think much about Longchamp and its scarves but they have some pretty well-made scarves for a fraction of the price of other designer scarves. When I decide on a Cuir, I'd probably have to get a scarf to accompany it because scarves just add an extra something to a plain bag. Would look beautiful on a Planètes too! 

Final thoughts. I think what Longchamp offers is something designer, at a more affordable level yet maintaining style. By no means does this spell cheap but really catering to the masses instead, giving customers something fun, fresh and something that you don't necessarily have to save up a billion years for. Nevertheless, there are the redeeming lines other than the Le Pliage that offer one sophistication and a slice of the luxury pie that most of us have a soft spot for. 

Haul & Review: YSL Arty Ovale ring in Aqua

Guess what came in the mail?

Ok well the title gives it away...Yes, it is my very first YSL Arty ring and purchased for the first time on Net-A-Porter.

On Net-A-Porter (NAP), I bought mine for £174.16/ USD280 (plus £22/ USD35 shipping). This was actually a gift from my boyfriend, in the form of a gift voucher for me to use on the site. NAP ships from two locations: USA and UK, where international orders are catered for on the UK site (hence pricing in british pounds). Prior to ordering from NAP, I called the YSL boutique at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur and found out that these rings were retailing here for MYR995 (£201.8, USD325).

What about duties and taxes? Amazingly, NAP includes these in the final price of the item as part of their Delivery Duty Paid feature. Other online retailers I've checked out do not offer DDP on purchases and duties and taxes are paid by the customer when the item reaches customs. This is why I think shopping for my first Arty on NAP was such a pleasure. The ring was shipped via DHL Express and took only 3 days to reach me (from UK to Kuala Lumpur, MY). NAP also includes free returns and exchanges in every order, making it even more hassle free to shop with them.

On index finger

Loving the aqua colour. Under normal lighting it shows as more of a light jade green but when taken with flash, the blue hues of the glass stone show up clearly. The glass bauble looks exceptionally beautiful in day light. 

On middle finger (my usual finger to wear it on)

With flash

Due to the recent name change for the house of YSL to Saint Laurent Paris, a major brand overhaul is underway. Because of Mr. Slimane's drastic approach to revamping the brand, all Arty rings will be discontinued. They are still available for sale on popular online retailers like Net-A-Porter though. But by the time NAP has its year-end sale and a free shipping promo, these rings are gonna fly off the site so I'd best be prepared. I am eyeing a final Arty in Lapis or Cream to make a pair. If I was loaded though, I'd buy everything, heh. Cue meme: YSL Arty rings? Shut up and TAKE MY MONEY!  

Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Rings

The Arty rings have been around for a few years and they're just as popular now as they were then. My fascination and intense obsession for these rings has driven me montage-crazy. Clearly, I'm in need for a dose of Arty on my finger.

It's 4am here and I'm busy looking at Arty threads on forums. Count sheep as you sleep? I count ARTYS.

They retail for US$290 online and for MYR995 at YSL Malaysia boutiques. Painfully steep for just costume jewellery and the price will no doubt keep rising but everyone seems to be stocking up on them!

TOPSHOP x J.W. Anderson

Okay, okay I know it's a wee bit late to blog about this collaboration...well, 9 days late.  

I'll be honest by saying I didn't really know much about J. W. Anderson prior to the added exposure he's now getting with the Topshop collaboration. Not that he needs added exposure...

I don't know when this collection will reach Malaysia but I think it will be on sale in Singapore Topshop outlets on the 29th September onwards. 

It is currently available for sale here on TOPSHOP though. Some popular pieces are sold out. 

J. W. Anderson is basically the "god" of paisley and knits. Well, not entirely but you get what I mean. Knits and paisley prints feature prominently in his designs and having seen some of his collections, the pieces are definitely wearable as separates on their own. You can try pulling J. W. Anderson looks like Susie Bubble does by layering a few pieces in a look but for someone such as myself, I will stick to rookie styling and maybe just style one JWA piece in a look, at one time- and not 4 all at once. 

 #1 Quilted Paisley Silk Tee, £59.99

     

I used Polyvore to create the above look featuring only the quilted paisley tee from the JWA collection.  The heels, shorts and clutch are from Topshop. The ring is the YSL Arty Ovale and the gorgeous necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane. Details (and more sets) available on my Polyvore profile: http://themissytots.polyvore.com/

#2 Zebra Print Jeans, £49.99

This second look features the zebra print jeans by JWA, black loafers by JWA and believe it or not, a JWA rubiks cube. Hat, scarf, top and necklace from Topshop. Bag is a Balenciaga Envelope. And yet again, the YSL Arty ring. I'm looking forward to getting my first one soon, yay!  

The JWA x Topshop line has more than just clothing. Think stationery, candy and even slap bands! I know they're going for the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink appeal, sort of a one-stop shop concept with the JWA x Topshop line. It basically covers all sorts of JWA stamped knick-knacks at every price range but lets be honest here, we're probably most excited about the clothes. 

            

The knitted jumpers are already sold out on Topshop.com. When it launches in Malaysia I'm hoping to snag the Cat's Eye jumper above. The jumpers are priced at a hefty £69.99. 
There are a few other pieces already sold out online like the Tartan pants and tops and a scarf. Susie Bubble's post I linked up above has her wearing these probably now coveted pieces. Good thing we're a little on the slow side of fashion here in Malaysia. Fingers crossed they won't sell out as fast once the Topshop stores here are stocked!

                                            

Oh and if the pieces are sold out before you get to them or you don't want to break your budget, the kind folks have provided us with a solution: The JWA Anchor Badge retailing at just £2.99. This way you'd still get the chance to have a little JWA in your wardrobe and pin it on everything.

Have you shopped the collection? What pieces do you like?

Patience is a Virtue, no?

Hello everyone, apologies for the long hiatus of not posting the promised reviews of my hauls. I have had some hiccups with the things I was sent and am in the process of getting it all sorted out! I am also thinking of revamping the blog and personalizing its design to reflect more of who I am. This will take some time and I may not post much so bear with me please!


On a separate note, I have been thinking about how art and fashion go so well together and have been inspired by some artists to start drawing again. I'm starting to create more fashion-related art and it really is fun when you don't know what to draw or colour. Here are some pieces I found on Vogue.co.uk:

"Biba Girls"/ 2010/ Bobby Hillson

"Dior Couture SS 2011"/ 2011/ David Downtown

"Lipstick"/ 2010/ Jason Brooks

"Giambattista Valli Couture"/ 2011/ David Downtown

Images courtesy of Vogue and all credit to the respective artists. 

Haul: Mango Online

1. Tropical top, http://goo.gl/lge7C

2. Loose-fit snake print shorts, http://goo.gl/Nugkb

3. TOUCH Leather platform sandal, http://goo.gl/XOjHf

I've seen the printed floral top too many times online and while passing by local MNG stores. I finally gave in and bought it online (at a nice discount!). Because the weather's been really hot, I got a pair of shorts in a snake skin print as well. I almost never wear any shorts so it's about time I added a few summer pieces to my wardrobe. Lastly, platform sandals- never wore them but am willing to give the style a try thanks to inspiration from fashion blogger, Rumi Neely and her Isabel Marant platforms.

Kimono Art: Mamechiyo x Shu Uemura

Mamechiyo, a modern Japanese kimono artist, collaborated with Shu Uemura early spring 2012 where  her kimono prints were featured on the Japanese cosmetic brand's best-selling products: cleansing oils; and some others. 

I've seen the Shu Uemura products in person and was very tempted to buy every bottle from the Mamechiyo collection but I refrained as I do not use Shu Uemura products. They were stunning though! 

I personally love kimono prints and have been a fan of Mamechiyo since I saw one of her kimono designed exclusively for Blythe dolls. Seeing such beauty come to life on a piece of clothing really is inspiring. 

(Images courtesy of Shu Uemura)

Arrived: ASOS package

I made a pretty large order on Asos.com because I was lucky enough to receive a gift coupon worth £65 from someone special :) So I used it all up in one order spending it on some Asos Petite white T-shirts, a neon yellow clutch, Asos Petite jeggings and some toiletries that were on sale. 

Shipping was very fast, taking just 3 days from the UK to Malaysia. I did not pay more for express shipping and it was just the standard free shipping but with tracking. I am thinking that if an order is above a certain amount, tracking will be provided and it will be shipped faster. I am not entirely sure about this but am pretty certain that's the case because I have another package that's due and it is just a pair of shoes just under USD30. Ordered it a day before the larger haul and it still has yet to arrive + no tracking number. 

Either way I am very happy with the items and fast shipping. Will post a more detailed review on the items soon.

Wish List: F-Troupe Bathing Shoes

Image from F-Troupe.com

First saw these "Bathing Shoes" on Solestruck.com and I became a fan instantly. They were featured in an email from Solestruck and I would normally overlook most shoes but the bright colour on the bathing shoes caught my eye instantly! I think these Bathing Shoes are a revolutionary take on the classic sneaker shoe due to its material and bold colours. They are made of plastic and the idea behind the name is due to it being waterproof. It's very flattering on the legs and the diamond cut-out patterns on the sides are very unique. 

Being summer, a Bathing Shoe in a super vivid colour would be perfect to match with almost any casual outfit...or even swimwear on the beach! They retail for GBP20 on F-Troupe's site/ shop if you're in the UK or around USD60 on Solestruck.com. It's a little cheaper to buy if you're in the UK but since I'm in Asia, shipping costs are currently preventing me from indulging in a pair. Boo-hoo. 

If you're interested, check out the F-Troupe site HERE  :)

Or on Solestruck.com HERE :)

UPDATE: I just ordered a black pair off Asos.com! They have them in limited colours and are selling for USD28-34 plus free shipping!! If the black pair turns out alright, I'll probably get another in a bright pink :)

Happy Sunday

Andreia Chaves: "Naked" & "Invisible" Shoes

Found out about these shoes on Solestruck.com and as it turns out, they are currently an exclusive on that site. The futuristic and minimalist design of these heels are definitely unique and a nod to aspects of modern design- clean cut, geometric and very structured. Very cool concept behind the designs- the invisible shoe reflects light and mirrors its surroundings to create an invisibility effect; the naked shoe, from far, looks like a web of lines constructed all around the feet.

Invisible shoe. Retails for USD 3,995.95 on Solestruck.com

Naked shoe. Retails for USD 2,795.95 on Solestruck.com 

What's more is that these shoes are made to order with real glass on the Invisible shoe and a 3D printing technology used on creating the webbed lines seen on the Naked shoe. They were released early February 2011 but were not as available until now.

To see more of these shoes on Solestruck.com:

Invisible shoe here

Naked shoe here