My First Balenciaga

January 24, 2011

When it comes to special occasion shoes, most girls (and some of you boys out there) would name Christian Louboutin, or Mcqueen as the designer to go to. It’s that pair that you hardly wear for fear of ruining them, but you will take them out of the closet once in a while just to gaze longingly while stroking the beautiful texture of the leather, or studs, or metal plates or any other embelishments adorning your shoes. So a few days ago I found mine in Selfridges.

They are undoubtably the most uncomfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever owned. I know I won’t be able to wear them out for more than an hour, but they will be waiting for me when the occasion calls for it, somewhere in the distant future. And I will pass the shoes down to my daughter whom I hope will appreciate them as much as I do. With this, and my other large purchase, I’m banned from shopping for the next six months. Heck, if I can pay the rent and have three square meals a day while still being able to keep them, I can count myself lucky.

On an unrelated note, as I’m writing this post I received the news of suicide bombing in Moscow airport. My heart goes out to all the persons affected by the terrible incident.

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Feel good hit of the summer

January 23, 2011

As soon as I laid my eyes on this biker jacket in a vintage store I didn’t let go of it from my clutches. It’s so worn in and creased, so much story to tell in a single piece of clothing.

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The Highlands

January 20, 2011

So here it is – my Scotland trip summed up in a few pictures, and some words, rather like a half-assed photo essay, with quality that will not impress my lecturers back in design school. But for all you who has never been to Scotland, or are planning to, I say you musn’t hesitate any longer. Edinburgh is like the birthplace of medieval history, and Glasgow is its younger, hip brother who loves to dress up and play.

I’ll start with Glasgow. This is the main shopping district. The pedestrian area is flanked by buildings that house all your favourite high street shops, much like Oxford Street.

Urban Outfitters got hold of this building, with Subway and American Apparel next to it:

I don’t know about you but I adore the bagpipes. These men in kilts were performing what seems to be some kind of Scottish folk music, which has become one of my favourites. I wanted to buy their CD and I had no loose change with me. By the time we got back with some cash they were gone :(

This seemed to be Glasgow’s posh West End residential area. It’s right behind an artsy street that houses most of the vintage stores.

Getting street-styled while lugging our op-shop hauls

Glasgow in the evening, at 5pm

We made a day trip to Edinburgh, which turned out to be inadequate because there’s just so much to see! Plus most of the shops were shut by five.

This picture sums up what I think of Edinburgh. It is a melting pot of history and modern civilisation. I find much inspiration in history itself so Edinburgh is like a playground to me, with every corner hiding another beautiful architecture that is waiting to be discovered. It is truly a remarkable city. And if you like vintage shopping, you can find a shop called Armstrong’s that is filled with the most precious treasure.

Edinburgh’s commercial district, and my favourite picture too.

The castle gleaming like a jewel in the night sky

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Running up That Hill

January 17, 2011

I love military wear and am always on the lookout for original dress coats. This one was found in a surplus store in Manchester, brand new and unissued.

I just came back from Scotland and I must admit I’m in love with Edinburgh, what with all the history and mystery jampacked in every nooks and crannies. And the castle! I wouldn’t blame the English for coveting the Highlands. Then there’s Glasgow, with its bountiful vintage stores and op-shops in the West End. I’ve never parted with so much money outside London. Not only that, I get to be surrounded by the wonderful Scottish accent, of which I’ve been mildly obsessed with since Groundskeeper Willie appeared on tv, as well as the beautiful sound of the bagpipe. Haggis is not my cup of tea though.

Well I shouldn’t be yakking away without pictures. They’ll be up soon.

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Andreia Chavez – the next Nicholas Kirkwood?

January 14, 2011

Vogue Italia

Andreia Chavez made the headline with her Invisible shoes earlier this year. Well good news to all shoe fanatics out there, for it has been decreed that the shoes would be available to all who want them. And you don’t have to wait for the big stores to stock them, because you can order the shoes directly from the designer herself (info@andreiachavez.com)! Just make sure that you can shell out €1800 for the Naked shoes (first one), or €3000 if you’d like the mirrored Invisible shoes.

Alas money as we know it will never grow from trees so I’ll just have to toil my butt off to get the mirrored art work. Ms Chavez, if you’re reading this, please wait for meeeeeeee…..

The Invisible shoes will complement this dress perfectly:

Gareth Pugh via style.com

(I’m a walking disco ball in a goth club, oooh yeaaaa. Can’t get any more man-repelling than that.)

PS. I’m writing for an online mag for a store which will feature my interview with Ms Chavez. Keep a look out!

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Freedom is being able to go on The Simpsons marathon

January 10, 2011

Today I’m channeling the Japanese princess look although it wasn’t intended. Weather was excellent, sun was unusually bright. Oh yes I’m in the UK at the moment.

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