Material Archive

1 year later & still my favourite pair of shoes

I can't recommend these enough. They are pure awesome. Buying them in black tomorrow. Get 'em.

My Christmas Wish List

Truth be told, we don't do gift exchange in our family anymore – unless you happen to be under the age of 18. Instead, we travel or buy one another fun food items – like great chocolate or wine. So this list above is not a not-so-subtle hint for my beloved – I wouldn't dream of asking for these things (beyond vulgar!). Rather, it's a wish list for the things I hope go on sale Boxing Day...so I can buy them myself, if I have any fun money left after 3 weeks in Europe! ;-)

 Starting from the top, left to right:

1. Dries Van Noten Snake Boot from MyTheresa

2. Gold heart drop earrings from St Kilda

3. Sparkle needle point pillow from Jonathan Adler

4. Hipster heads from Jonathan Adler

5. Red plexi clutch by Charlotte Olympia

6. Gold snake Sang A Pop bag from Kirna Zabete

7. Multi-wrap watch from Burberry

8. Camel coat with fur collar from Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

9. Creme de Rose lipbalm from Christian Dior

10. Soap on a roap from Diptyque at Barneys

11. Pave diamond earrings by Janis Provisor at Kirna Zabete

12. Gold devil pencil sharpener from Jonathan Adler

13. Blue satin ribboned heels by Liam Fahy

14. Constance H bag from Hermes

15. Green star earrings from Bochic

16. Glitter ankle boot from Barneys Co-Op

17. Nail lacquer in Scarlet Chinois by Tom Ford

18. Pink enamle bracelet from St Kilda

19. Yellow drop earring by Tom Binns

20. H Ring, little square dishes and collier de chien, Hermes

21. Bag by Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

22. Needle point sunglasses sleeve by Jonathan Adler

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Two Weeks in New York City: Quickie Intro

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I recently spent 2 glorious weeks in New York shooting an upcoming campaign for a client. During my "free time" there, I took the opportunity to indulge in two of my favourite past times – shopping and eating – and what better city for it!

This post is just a little preview of some fun stops. In later posts, I'll get into more detail about the specifc restaurants I visited.

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I have literally seen Ghostbusters enough times to actually recite the majority of the film from memory. Heck, my Mr. Stay Puft action figure is watching over me right now as I compose this post! So, you can imagine the unique childlike thrill MB and I had when we randomly walked by the original fire station from the film, while strolling through Tribeca. :)

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The new Uniqlo flagship store on 5th Avenue is ridiculously big. So large, that I actually was overwhelmed and felt lost on more than one occasion. Despite that, I still managed to find several great items to bring home. One of particular note was a great wool and cashmere trench coat.

Their prices are so reasonable, I really had to calm myself to not buy a whole other suitcase's worth of clothing.

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Wow – the Christian Louboutin store on Madison Ave is intense! When I arrived at 5pm on a Friday after work, I was greeted by a line-up of other patrons and a massive body guard! According to Mr.Big, a wait time to get into the store is a normal daily occurence. I noted that no other luxury retailer on the street had the same traffic.

When I got inside shortly after, I was met with an unusal scene. Picture: upper crust ladies who lunch, sitting next to hardcore rapper type dudes (all trying on majorly tricked out sneakers I have never seen the likes of before) and then working girls like me. A very odd mix indeed!

Regardless, all were very happy – especially this girl! Why? I had called ahead and secured the last brown Simple Bootie in size 40 anywhere in the whole bloody world after weeks of looking, calling and visiting every retailer that carries CL  – major shopping victory!

The staff were really great too and recommended that I get my soles reclad in red rubber – see below. That's one of them holding his colleague's boot to show the non-slip red rubber add ons. It's a brilliant idea, as the signature red does wear off pretty quickly in my experience.

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I had a pretty productive visit at Prada as well. A new winter coat, bag and wallet were amongst my newly adopted cohorts. :)

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Some random snaps I took during breaks while working at the photography studio...

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A quick visit the to the MET on the weekend recharged my creative inspiration batteries!

...

Coming up over the next several posts: reviews and photos of Jean Georges, Corton, Del Posto, BLT, Gramercy Tavern, Nobu, Lucali – amongst others!

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Miu Miu Glitter Booties: Indulge me

Ok ok, I know – it's a bit OTT to post so many photos of my shoes – but I seriously love them. They are currently sitting on my shelf as art – can't bare to put them away in their box... Every time I see them, they make me smile.

Today I bought: Miu Miu Glitter Booties from Net-A-Porter

 

Snagged the last size 39! Major shopping victory.

Today I bought: Ports 1961 Perf Suede Booties

Saw these in the window at Ports 1961 on Bloor Street and decided I had to give them a good home...

Creepers Acquired

Say what you will – some love 'em some hate 'em. I am firmly in camp number 1 and am thrilled to bits I landed a pair after they had been sold out for the last 3 months.

Naoto Fukasawa: Designing Accessories with Paper

If you read this blog with any regularity, you already know that I love it when objects are designed with unexpected materials. I'm particularly fascinated with the idea of clothing or accessories made with paper. The items above were created by famed IDEO industrial design master Naoto Fukasawa – who is known for his collaborations with Muji, B&B Italia, Driade, Magis, Artemide, Danese and Boffi.

Here he has created a line of items called Siwa in collaboration with Onao, which are made with traditional Japanese washi-paper that can withstand moisture and over time becomes softer and takes on the patina of leather without the heat or weight. "Soft Naoron", as it's called, is a type of paper developed from wood and polyolefin fibres, which is derived from recycled polyester fibres, plastic bottles and repurposed textiles.

I recently bought the handbag at the top from Mjölk. Loooooooove it.

Rebecca Minkoff Resort 2012: Lizard Wrap Heels

Fall hasn't even come and gone and I'm already obsessing over Resort 2012. Aren't these lizard heels from Rebecca Minkoff amazing?

Found here.

Net-A-Porter is having a sale right now & I snagged some good stuff:

Alexander McQueen Gold Wrap Bracelet

Michael Kors Cork Platforms







J Crew Polka Dot One-Piece

 

If it came in my size, this Mary Katrantzou dress would have been mine as well!

 

Check out the sale at Net-A-Porter

Miu Miu Fall 2011: The shoes that might cause a riot

 

 

 

These will sell out in minutes once they hit the stores – trust.

Images from Style.com

Chloé Criss-Cross Ballerina Flats

 

Oh..so pretty. Ballerina flats are everywhere but these are special – lovely proportions.

Buy here.

Spring 2011 Shopping List

 

Click to see larger:

1. Gryphon Crochet Sequin Tee  •  2. Pierre Hardy Buckle Espadrille Wedge  • 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Envelope Clutches in camel & green  • 4. Prada Banana & Stripe Dress  • 5. IRO Secret Sequin Sleeve Sweater  • 6. Dolce Vita Nude Sandals  • 7. Miu Miu White Dress  • 8. Cartier Love Bracelet  • 9. Michael Kors Double Buckle Sandal  • 10. Lover Underwire One-Piece Navy Swimsuit  • 11. Michael Kors Cork Sandal  • 12 Jill Sander Platform Sandal  • 13. Valentino Cat Eye Sunglasses  • 14. Alexander Wang Motorcycle Jacket  • 15. Prada Cut-Out Pattern Suede Boot (last season)  • 16. Erie Basin Vintage Amethyst Ring  • 17. Miu Miu Two-Tone Jersey Mini Dress  • 18. Hermes Cape Code Double Tour Watch  • 19. Vintage Gold Rolex  • 20. Jenni Kayne Camel Leather Booties  • 21. More Prada Bananas  • 22. Alexander Wang Ines Oxford  • 23. Rochas Platform Sandals  • 24. Druzy Earrings  • 25. Queen of Hearts V-Neck Sweater  • 26. Prada Fur Stole  • 27. Giuseppe Zanotti Canvas & Leather Boot  • 28. Giles & Brother Archer Bangle  • 29. Devi Kroell Wood & Crystal Minaudiere

Love for TOMS Shoes

I already tweeted this photo but I think it's important enough to post on the blog as well. If you're not familiar with TOMS Shoes yet, please take a minute to visit Blake's site and learn all about his model of One for One which provides shoes to needy children globally. Each time a pair of TOMS shoes is sold, they donate a pair to the cause and distribute them – an absolutely amazing initiative. So far they have placed over a million shoes on needy little feet all over the world.

The above sparkly pair are mine – love them. Very MJ's glittery glove no?

Today I bought: Vintage Miu Miu

Remember this Miu Miu collection from SS 2004? It's one of my many favs from the brand.
I recently came across the super cute pink dress pictured above, but, alas, it was not my size. Liked it so much, I almost bought it anyways to hang on the wall. Luckily, I came across a unworn vintage pair of the matching embellished pumps in pink today and all is redeemed. So excited to get them – it will be like wearing mini gilded birthday cakes on my feet. Yes, I am crazy. ;-)

NYE Outfit Planning:

Cocktail Dress by Adam

Fur Coat by Miu Miu

Belt by Miu Miu

Earrings by Lanvin

VBH Manilla velvet clutch

Miu Miu Crystal-heel satin sandals

Cc Skye Deco Hinged Bentley Bracelet

See it all on ShopStyle

 

Marie Antoinette

If you turn the volume off and just watch this film while you play some music – it's a spectacular feast for the eyes.

This week I bought: CL Simple Pump in Dark Tan

Miu Miu SS 2010 Textile Prints

 
The older I get, the less and less the colour black appeals to me. When I enter a store now and scan a rack of clothing, I always gravitate towards colour and pattern first. These clutches and shoes from Miu Miu are a current obsession!

Summer Staples

Some fun recent buys:

Racer-back Dress: James Perse  •  Nail Head Trench: Gryphon New York  •  Sandal: Matt Bernson Estancia  •  Bag: Alexander Wang  •  Glasses: Ray Ban Caravan

Summer Shoe Shopping List

  

 

 

Knotted Milk Wood Wedge: Sigerson Morrison

Suede Mummy Platform: LD Tuttle

Ballet Flats: Lanvin at Zoe

Today I bought:

Seen here originally: Shop NYLA Designed by Matt Bernson Bought here: store in Australia.

Jil Sander slip-on leather brogues

Saw these slip-on brogues from Jil Sander at Holts last week with my fellow blogger Jul. They are the perfect summer shoe – love the long narrow toe and the no-lace look.

Love the Prada Stud

via Jak & Jil

Coveting Surface to Air boots & sandals

 

I'm in deep covet mode for Surface to Air's platform buckle ankle boots and sandals.

Barcelona Diaries: Roberto Del Carlo

Ok, Roberto is not from Spain, but I did buy his lovely boots there so I'm filing this under "Barcelona" too because that's where I discovered his gorgeous line! This photo does not do them justice but they are the perfect height and toe shape and the pebble leather is buttery. You can see his collections here and you can buy these particular boots in suede (on sale now!) here.

Michael Kors, please make sure these go into production:

 

Dare I say – this might be the perfect Spring oxford. Take a bow Mr. Kors!

What I'm buying this week: dresses & shoes

From top left to right: Hanni Y beige dress, Vince belted tank dress, A.L.C. jersey halter dress, Velvet T-shirt dress, Rachel Pally stripe dress, Free People gold spec layer dress, Frye oxford, Pour La Victoire metallic oxford and Alexander Wang Ines suede oxford.

All from SB.

A few things I'm currently in deep like with...

From top left to right:

VPL Overall Tank • 3.1 Phillip Lim Curly Fur Vest with Grosgrain Trim • Balenciaga Strass Single Strand Necklace • McQueen Python box clutch with skull clasp • Lee Angel Oversized Crystal Earrings • Hermès double tour Cape Cod watch • Druzy Gold Studs by Pade Vavra • Prada Bath Salts • VPL Beckham Bra • Bally python SP10 Ardey peep-toe d'Orsay • Silver diamond cut studs from metalicious on etsy • Stripe-T Forever 21 • Make-up palette Laura Mercier : Holiday "Colour Wardrobe" • Old Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop bag • Silver diamond cut ring from metalicious on etsy • Calvin Klein SP10 t-strap sandal with silver chain appliqué • Church's gold oxford

Lusting after...

 

Lee Angel earrings from Intermix & Pedro Garcia satin ribbon booties!

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Ok. I confess. My curiosity did get the better of me and I went this Saturday to see the Jimmy Choo collection for H&M. And my verdict?...A whopping big meh. Surprisingly, even at the late hour of 2pm, there were still almost all of the styles above available and I tried each of them on. Not one did anything for me and I actually was in a buying mood. They just looked cheap, trashy and not special no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise. That said, I thought the men's boots were rather nice but couldn't convince MB to get them despite emailing photo snaps from the store. He doesn't care for suede. Ah well.

I agree with Jane Aldridge

Cute plea and given her visibility and projects with URBN and Gryphon, it might just work. It certainly never hurts to ask! via Sea of Shoes

Favourites from Fendi Spring 2010

Love the colour palette, the use of transparency, the *amazing* lucite clutches and of course, the goddess platforms. See more here.

Florals from Anniel

Not exactly an every day pair of shoes but I love them. I saw these Anniel oxfords on Cool Hunting.

A.P.C. Simple Classics

Have a peek here at A.P.C.

Some recent favs from Luxury Culture

From top left: Goyard clutch, Burberry Spike necklace, Hermès iPhone case, Sonia Rykiel chocolate teddy, Baccarat Crystal Candy vase by Jamie Hayon, Alexander McQueen diamante-encrusted minaudiere, Chanel quilted diaries, Jimmy Choo for Hunter wellies.

Obsessed with oxfords

These are from Kimchi Blue

Goop has my boots!

They are the most beautiful boots but completely crippling. I can only wear them if I'm sitting down for the majority of the night!