Current Wishlist - July 2014

 My current wishlist is very summery. It's not that I don't like winter, I do definitely prefer summer fashion though.

Let it be said that I also have my eye on this Caroline Morgan 'ribbon' dress....

If I won lotto....

... this is my fashion wishlist!

1) Alex Evenings Twist Front Matte Jersey & Lace Sheath Dress - $140
2) MARY KATRANTZOU Harbour Bridges Printed Dress in Multi - $2670
3) Erdem Lelani printed silk dress - $2465
4) ALICE by Temperley Pepita printed silk dress - $800
5) Alexander Wang Marion Gold Top Handle Bag - $1240
6) MARY KATRANTZOU 'Seagauge' printed skirt - $1455
7) Women's Betty Medium Chain Bag, Beige/Black - Saint Laurent - $2065
8) Jimmy Choo Candy Nude Acrylic Clutch Bag - $795

Highest on the 'must have' list are (2), (4) and (6)!

Trend: Tough Lace

...

What I Wore

 

What I Wore

Top: Chinese Laundry (from Boohoo.com), bought 4 years ago when I was living in Scotland

Skirt: Asos

Cardigan: Jacqui E (thrifted)

Belt: Vintage (Mum's)

 Stockings: Bought in Beijing for $2 :-)

Shoes: Bought in Beijing

Beijing Shopping and Prices

I am back from Beijing, and had a wonderful holiday! So many laughs and stories to share, this trip will be filling my blog posts for many days to come :)

I consider myself to be quite a seasoned Asia traveler. I have traveled throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and India, and I have made multiple trips to Singapore and Bali (from Perth, who can resist?). I am yet to visit the shopping capitals of Hong Kong and KL, but Bangkok (which I have visited multiple times) is not too shabby for a good shopping spree.

In comparison to the places I have already been, Beijing was a little disappointing shopping-wise. I expected it to be dirt cheap, but I have been able to find cheaper (and better quality items) elsewhere in Asia. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because it meant I didn't accumulate as much as I would otherwise have. We shopped at the big malls (the China Zara collection which I was swooning over online didn't look good in real life!), touristy markets (the Silk and Pearl markets) and the more local markets (which is where a lot of smaller shops buy their goods to sell, and where I bought most of my purchases - if you want to go there, they are opposite the Beijing Zoo subway station). 

I really enjoy bargaining and am a pro-haggler. On the one hand, I enjoy the thrill of getting a great deal, on the other hand I am not interested in haggling over a dollar (they need it more than I do!). These prices could be used as a guide for visitors to Beijing, or an indication of the prices over there generally. However, I paid a lot less than my friends did for similar items (we tended to split up and do our own bargaining) - you definitely need to bargain and be confident and assertive. 

 Inside Joy City, one of Beijing's big malls where prices are on par with Australia (no bargains to be had unfortunately)

 The mass of people outside of Joy City. I found mall shopping to be a lot less pleasant than in Australia or even elsewhere in Asia- some shops were so crowded, it was difficult to move. Lines at change rooms seem to be expected (and no, there weren't even sales!).

Here are my purchases:

 

These long skirts are big business in Asia. This leopard print one (because who doesn't want some leopard print!?) cost 35rmb, or approx $6.

 49rmb or approx $8

 35rmb or approx $6

 50rmb or approx $8

 39rmb or approx $6.50

Cute umbrella with jewel handle (25rmb = $4.50), Engrish coin pouches (5rmb each, or 80c), hanging dragon (4 for 10rmb, or 40c each)

 Faux leather shoes. I was dissapointed that I didn't find any well priced real leather shoes, and I broke my usual rule that I only buy leather... L to R: 40rmb ($7), 50rmb ($8), 40rmb ($7) and 50rmb ($8).

3 pouch bag (39rmb = $6.50), snake twist necklaces/bracelets (10rmb each = $1.70), freshwater pearl necklaces (15rmb for the ones on leather = $2.80 each, 30rmb for the all pearl one = $5), rings 10-20rmb each ($1.50-$3.50) and earrings 15rmb = $2.50.

Cute bow cardigan, 49rmb = $8

 3/4 length sleeve jacket (a present for my Mum), 49rmb = $8

 Silk summer robe, 30rmb = $5. They had cheaper polyester ones, this is supposedly real silk. To give you an idea of how they like to take tourists for a ride, my friend paid 250rmb for the same item. Luckily she was good humoured about it!

Cute dress, 39rmb = $6.50.

One area where there are real bargains to be had are in the tights/stockings department. These ranged from 15rmb-20rmb each ($2.50-$3.50) for patterned designs, depending on the thickness. Underwear was also cheap, but you have to be lucky enough to fit into the one size fits all range - I'm not! I bought some for gifts, ranging from 16rmb a pair ($3) to 3 pairs for 10rmb (55c each!).

Also pictured are fake Ralph Lauren Polo shirts, short sleeved cotton (50rmb each = $8.50), silk dress for Bub (20rmb = $3.50), and various other kids dresses, tops and a cardigan (ranging from 15rmb to 40rmb, depending on the item).

Coming tomorrow- sightseeing in Beijing (part 1)!

Trend: Slipper Shoes by Day

It wasn't a huge step to go from the loafer to the slipper. Once worn indoors by Grandpa in a tartan design, these comfy flats are now available in a variety of funky prints.

From top (clockwise): Charles Phillip, Alexander McQueen, Charles Phillip, Blaise, Dv by Dolce Vita, Asos, Charles Phillip, Duke, Asos, Del Torro, Asos.

Zara in China

Did I mention that I fly to Beijing TOMORROW!?

I have been browsing Zara China & H&M China online.... and the Zara collection is really exciting me. It has many high street versions of styles a la Stella McCartney and Mary Katrantzou (2 of my favourite collections - so bright and happy with lots of photographic prints):

Trend: Realistic Photographic Prints

If I had to pick a favourite collection out of the Spring 2012 RTW lot, it would have to be Dries Van Noten:

I love the colour matching and the photo prints.

Photographic prints are so unique and eye catching, I have got to get my hand on a piece or two. Mary Katrantzou and Pedro Lourenco are the stand out designers whose pieces from previous seasons I would love to get my hands on. Some of their designs are featured here:

Pedro Lourenco parrot tunic? Yes please! Also featuring Stella Macartney, Walter Van Beirendonck, Moschino Cheap & Chic, Valentino & Gap...



Mary Katrantzou has made a huge splash with her designs this season:

And finally, some more affordable high street options:

Fashion Wishlist

I am in love with this Dorothy Perkins damask dress.

These Chloe boots are out of my price range, but Zara has a similar style. Unfortunately sold out, and being listed on eBay at higher than the rrp currently... watch this space!

Trend: All That Glitters

You will notice that some of the items in fashion this season include things that look like they have been covered in glue and had kids craft glitter poured all over them.

Try as I might, I cannot help being reminded of those cringe-worthy glitter top hats that we wore for dress ups and were given at birthday parties as kids:

Source: Razz Ma Tazz Costume Hire

It makes me worry that the next lot of designs will be inspired by the equally cringe-worthy sequined caps of our youth, which I also associate with dance concerts:

Source: Starr's Boutique

I had one very similar to this when I was around 10 years old:

Source: Theislandpalace

Lord, please shelter our eyes from blinding glitter and give the fashion gods better inspiration. I love it on the nails, and possibly on the heels of shoes... but that's as far as I can go.

What do you think of the glitter trend?

Trend: Colour Blocking With Flats and Heels

 

I am very much in love with bright and happy flats, which are all the rage in the UK and USA right now. 

I know that these are being released for spring/summer there, but I think I need a pair to combat the dreariness of winter, and the otherwise neutral colours which are my office wear staples.

I don't know how much colourful flats will take off in Australia, but I guarantee that we'll be seeing plenty of colourful heels on the shelves. It's a lot more acceptable to be crazy with colour in clubbing or nightwear here, and I can see these heels styled with black stockings for warmth:

I'm also excited about colourful ankle boots. While I'm not sure whether I'll indulge myself with a pair (they are so NOT classic), I can't wait to see others wearing them:

Rain rain go away

Today I woke up with a super sore throat. I think I'm getting sick, and I blame the colleague who I discussed in yesterdays post!!! To anyone reading this who is sick at work - don't be generous with your germs! Keep your cold to yourself, and stay home!

I hope everyone on the East is dry (and your property is safe!) with this crazy weather we're having. I don't think it has stopped raining for more than 10 minutes at a time over the last 48 hours, and it's set to continue (and be at its heaviest) for the next few days.

No one said that you can't be stylish while keeping dry:

I especially love the gumboots - very stylish for floodwear! I would have loved a pair when I lived in Glasgow and walked to university in the rain most days...

Oscars 2012 Best Dressed

Category 1: Cutest

A tie between:

 Source: Mirror.co.uk

Natalie Portman in her girl next door 50's polka dot dress - it's Dior Haute Couture (circa 1954).

and 

  Source: Mirror.co.uk

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

Category 2: Sexiest

  Source: Mirror.co.uk

I'm pretty sure this would be every man's pick: JLo looking deliciously voluptuous. Girl crush? The gown is by Zuhair Murad.

 

Category 3: I'd definitely wear it

 

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Jessica Chastain in the most stunning Alexander McQueen dress

 

Source: Hollywood Reporter 

Alexandra Lamy, wife of Oscar winner Jean Dujardin. Understated yet elegant.

 

And finally, the booby prize for most disappointing:

Source: Mirror.co.uk

Ange, you wouldn't look good in anything right now - you are skeletal. The video of you striking unnatural poses with your leg out would be funny if it didn't make me sad.

The Snood: Because the Scarf got Boring

This is a snood:

"A snood is historically a type of European female headgear, or in modern times a tubular neck scarf."

These were all the rage in the UK last winter. I predict they will be hitting Oz shelves in the hundreds.

Ways to wear the snood:

Will you be wearing the snood this season? I don't like how it looks over the head, but whatever is warm works too.

Trend: Wacky Wedges

Some of these are a little high or too "put there" for my liking, but they certainly are unique!