The Newbury Diaries

Newbury Diaries morphing into Likky Likey

2008-04-02T21:58:00.001-04:00

I have finally come back after a hiatus of 5 months, and am starting anew with a new blog, Likky Likey. Hope that you all will come and read my new writings! Thank you. :)

Hello Kitty for kids only, please

2007-11-01T10:39:00.002-04:00

As global commerce becomes more competitive, and brand loyalty demands an astute consumer who won't flinch at the latest products but buy at their every whim, it is without fanfare that I bring to you a collaboration between Sanrio and Rebecca Minkoff for a line of luxury leather bags and accessories.

Let me say this. I love Hello Kitty. Actually, my first love was for My Melody, but I slowly gravitated to the flagship star in my teens, when Angel Hello Kitty was created. I didn't love HK's original red overalls, but put her in a lacey sky blue gown, and I was sold. (An ex's friend's gf happily referred to her as Dead Kitty, but I'm sure that the Sanrio execs didn't care what you called her, as long as the $$ came rolling in.) I bought tons of those bean bag kitties, dressed in all kinds of different outfits. It got so out of hand, especially when friends started buying them for me for my birthday and holidays, that I told them the madness must stop. Then, you know, I grew up. I stopped buying Hello Kitty. The dream fantasy was no longer relevant, and the cast of characters who sat so vigilantly in my room were packed and put away. But Sanrio, the aggressive force they are, saw all these HK enthusiasts fade away from their realm. So in comes products aimed towards adults. And this is where I REALLY think they have their strategy all wrong.

I was slightly apalled when Kimora Lee Simmons came out with a line of Helly Kitty diamond jewelry. In my mind, it was an unnecessary brand extension that reaches out to the super rich, which seemed to defy what HK was all about: a cute, universal brand designed for the masses, but due to their unique merchandising plan to release new designs every month, the owner was always unique because there were so many choices. A grown woman wearing a diamond Hello Kitty pendant teetered on the tacky, as if to say that this child-woman isn't able to let go of her youth even as her income level has risen. What message is being sent? Confidence, chastity, or victim of the brand?

At least, with the KLS jewelry, they were passably pretty. I am non-plussed by the total lack of design and effort that went into these bags. They are functional, surely, but NOT stylish! Where is the Hello Kitty anthem in these bags? If I wanted a black leather bag, there are SO many QUALITY bags to choose from in the world. Why would I fork out $650 bucks for a boring black bag that is lined with the most uninspired Hello Kitty pattern ever? What genius sat around and decided that this is quality branding? Very, very disappointing.

Anyhow, maybe if you REALLY love HK, you will buy this, but you can't even pay me to carry this bag. They are just hideously, hideously boring. You're better off carrying a Rebecca Minkoff original.

Hello Kitty Rebecca Minkoff for Momoberry Sanrio Collection - $150-$650

for my amusement

2007-10-30T20:59:00.000-04:00

After many nights of bleary-eyed exhaustion from watching the Sox WIN BIG at the World Series, I can finally enjoy my other past-times: music, movies, and books! I don't have anything new or exciting to announce, but wanted to share with you my recent purchases.

Wal-mart has a Blu-ray bundle deal right now to get 2 DVDs for only $25, which is pretty cheap! My brother bought me "Chicago," but there were two more that I wanted, so I ordered them yesterday.

I can barely remember what actually happened in either "Casanova" or "King Arthur," but I do recall liking them, so I don't mind forking out a little money to see them in all their full digital glory. At the end of the day, one is a comedic love story, the other an action-packed love story, so I must be in a sappy mood. Who doesn't love a love story, especially when the people are all so pretty to watch?

I'd mentioned in one of my entries that I'm slightly obsessed with Matthew MacFadyen (Mr. Darcy!!!). I'm such a huge fan I even went off to London to see him in a play (courtesy of my honey, who took me there for my bday over the summer), and had my pic taken with him, as well as get my copy of the play signed! Anyhow, I haven't bought much of his work, save for the first 3 seasons of BBC's "Spooks" ("MI-5" in the US) and of course, "Pride & Prejudice," but I always intended to collect his work. I finally caved and bought some random stuff from Amazon UK, items I can't get in the US.

I guess some years ago, before MM started to do films, he, along with some other Brits, worked on a project where they read famous poems, which you can watch on DVD or listen to on CD. Yes, sounds mindlessly boring, but for me, one of the reasons I'm a fan is his voice! He has this deep, booming voice, which is just so sexy, and perfect for narrating. So what do I buy? Both the DVD, the CD, and even an audio book narrated by MM. Yes, I'm a little crazy. But at least with the CDs, I can listen to them during my very long commute to work.

I also bought Naoki Honjo's "Small Planet" book. I couldn't see his London exhibit, but at least I can enjoy the book.

Yes, the nesting period is beginning, so all of this will keep me quite busy and amused.

Casanova and King Arthur DVDs - $25 (special Blu-ray bundle)

Essential Poem (To Fall In Love With) With Daisy Goodwin DVD- £8.98

Essential Poem (To Fall In Love With) With Daisy Goodwin Audio CD- £12.99

Stories We Could Tell, by Tony Parson Audio CD - £7.33

Naoki Honjo: Small Planet, by Masahiko Sato - £21.50

a bag for your bubbly

2007-10-24T23:47:00.000-04:00

While I have not been very impressed with Alice Temperley's line at Target, she maintains her luxury status by continuing to collaborate with other high-end brands, and at least this time, the creation is both functional and whimsical. In Temperley's second collaboration with Moët & Chandon (she designed a limited-edition tiara for M&C last year), this time around, she has designed a bespoke bag specifically for the champagne company.

As Moët & Chandon is a part of the LVMH world, it only makes sense that for this weekend/picnic bag, Temperley was inspired by "the grand wardrobes and bespoke travel trunks created by the master malletier Louis Vuitton during the second half of the nineteenth century" to get this look. I'm not sure I buy that. Can you feel any of LV's heritage in this bag at all? The metallic canvas borders on cheapola ghetto-fabulous, and the pyramid studs are SO yesterday. If anything, the most adorable thing going for the bag is the detachable champagne carrier. Of course, when I travel, I MUST be able to tote my bubbly with me. It's the gospel! What, don't believe me? Alas, I don't know if this is ingenious or ridiculous.

Anyhow, if you see something exquisite in this bag that I just don't see, and you're in London, head to any of AT's stores to get your own weekend bubbly toter. Yup, the bag is only available in London.

Alice Temperley Bespoke Bag - £950 - available at Temperley London stores since Sep. 1

Buy for the Environment

2007-10-23T21:01:00.000-04:00

More and more, everywhere around us, we are reminded how precious and unpredictable the weather and climates can be, all because of the damage we have done as mankind to the environment. Between the wildfires in California, the book that I'm currently reading, which talks about how quickly nature would reclaim the land if humans just disappeared one day, and my absolute decision to purchase a Toyota Prius as my next vehicle (nope, no Honda CR-V after all!), I know that suddenly, anything we can do to help the environment is not just something trendy to do, but something that ABSOLUTELY must be done.

If you're not a hands-on kind of person, and maybe you don't feel green just yet, but don't mind exploring ways to help without getting your hands dirty, there is ~still~ a way to help. Buy something! While Confucius would say "if you want to save the planet, stop buying more stuff, you are creating more pollution and crap that will take forever to biodegrade," the corporations like to gloss over that minor note and have you focus on the big picture, which means releasing one-of-a-kind items on eBay, and making sure proceeds from the auctions go towards the environment. Not fundamentally the savviest or logical way to do, but I suppose it's better than nothing, especially if they're already in the midst of producing these items anyhow.

Club 21 has chosen to support the protection of the environment — a global and urgent issue — in commemorating its 35th anniversary. Proceeds from the auctions will benefit charities supporting this cause in nine countries where Club 21 has a presence: Wildlife Warriors Worldwide (Australia), Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong), Kehati (Indonesia), The Malaysian Nature Society (Malaysia), The Singapore Environment Council (Singapore), The Homemaker’s Union and Foundation (Taiwan), The Thailand Environment Foundation (Thailand), Fields in Trust (United Kingdom), Rainforest Foundation (United States), and Planet A|X formed by Armani Exchange (United States).

Club 21 is a luxury retailer originally based out of Singapore, and while I have never heard of them, I'm sure that as a marketing move, this will give them very good global exposure. While the items currently posted on eBay are nice, they don't seem stellar enough to garner some of the bids that people have put up, but I suppose if it's for a good cause, there shouldn't be any guilt, right?

I like this Calvin Klein ostrich duffel, but something about it also makes zero sense to me, 'cause if I truly needed to use a duffel, it's almost guaranteed that that bag will be abused and tossed around, and I don't think ostrich skin was designed for that. Perhaps this was designed for a classier jet-setter than I.

This latex bag from Marni is also super cute. It has both a raw sexiness and a subtle femininity to the design. This item seems to be the most popular, as it currently has the highest bid in terms of dollars.

And while the clothes up for sale aren't really wowing me, I dare say, if I had the cash, I would love this black glass vase from Armani. Pure sophistication. Who doesn't love a glossy black orb on display in their living room, and signed by Mr. Armani himself?

This auction is only phase I. There will be a phase II on Nov. 4th. So if nothing entices you now, just save your pennies for the next round. After all, it's for the environment. You're a hero if you buy! :)

ck Calvin Klein Ostrich Skin Duffel Bag - currently at $710

Marni Leather and Latex Handbag - currently at $1,225

Armani/Casa Timbuktu Glass Vase - currently at $810

Club 21 Auction Catalog - Auction 1 starting Oct. 18, Auction 2 starting Nov. 4

Club 21 eBay Store

Sporty Fashionista...

2007-10-22T11:18:00.000-04:00

Hope you haven't missed me much (hah!), because I haven't posted in a while, but since I started this blog to discuss items I've bought or want to buy, and I haven't desired anything in the last few days, there wasn't much to write about. As I'm in the midst of job hunting, I do believe I will reward myself with a very nice gift once I find that special job with (hopefully) a larger salary. For now, even pining for something is not really optional.

Anyhow, if you're in Boston like I am, we're all obsessed with more important things these days, such as sports. Yes!, yesterday was really a big day for us, what with the big wins by the Pats and the Sox going to the World Series!!! I can't rattle off stats or really tell the players apart, except for hunky Brady (melt), but I can appreciate a good game when I see one, so it made for an exciting Sunday to have all the guys come through for us, keeping me company on the tube while I wafted through the mess that is my room, and trying to organize between touchdowns and homeruns.

The really great thing I love about sports in our little city is the camaraderie and team spirit that oozes out unconditionally. And there is no other way to support your fave teams than to wear the team colors, or even better, actually sport the official gear.

It's been a long time coming that female fans actually had something special designed for them, instead of wearing their bf's oversized jerseys or having to cut apart t-shirts just to look a little cuter. There are now many choices for the stylish sport connoiseur, although there are some that I frankly have to question. I am NOT about the items that just have logos slapped on them. The product really needs to be about the design, team colors, and style that is unique to the person wearing it.

My only rule is NO pink! I myself am guilty of owning a pink, baby blue, even a coral baseball cap for these two teams, but I think if you're going to show up and watch the game in person, there is NO reason you can't wear the team's colors. The NE Patriots are blue, silver, and if you'd like, red. The Sox are plainly red, and if you'd like, navy blue. That's it. I seriously don't know where the pink came from, except that someone in marketing thought that this would be a REALLY good idea to fill that female niche sorely needed from clothing revenue. I think it was a good intro., but now there are really quality designs for the woman, so ladies, PLEASE steer clear of the pink if you are going to the game. Wear the team colors. You'll look like an actual fan~!

These are my top picks for the coolest Pats and Sox pieces for the woman with style.

New England Patriots:

I love this jacket only because I think it's so appropriate for the weather out here. Rain or snow, esp. since football season heads right through winter, this is an essential piece that will keep you warm and looking hot.

Underneath the jacket, only a cute little t-shirt will do. I think this is such a cute design based on the official jersey. If only they can create this shirt with your fave players' name and number on it. I think that would make it even more perfect.

To cap it all off (please excuse the pun), is this very feminine, but color appropriate satin cap. It's a little on the blinging side, but surprisingly, I like it! It's a great look worn with the coat when it's converted to a vest (for those warmer days). I like that with this red, you can even wear it to a Sox game! (I'm all for the mantra that one item can come with many uses.)

While the NFL has some really cute pieces, you definitely can't deny that the MLB also saw potential in designing for the ladies. They not only saw an opportunity there, they had Alyssa Milano design and model the stuff. I can't disagree that if she really did design these pieces, she did good. My top picks below.

Boston Red Sox:

This is such a cute sweater. Very sexy, too, but the team spirit is undeniable here!

I love this red top. It's another sexy piece, but can be layered under the argyle sweater above, or worn alone. Adorable, and it looks comfy, too!

This is another cute piece. I think it would look great to have all three of these pieces layered together, frankly. And if you need a cap, really, wear the red Pats satin cap. Until the Sox have their own red satin cap, I don't see this as a faux pas.

I might have some shopping to do after all...

New England Patriots Ladies 4-in-1 Coat - $89.95

New England Patriots Ladies VF Active Roster Shirt - $44.95

New England Patriots Ladies Satin Cap-Red - $19.95

Boston Red Sox Women's Argyle Top "touch"™ by Alyssa Milano - $39.99

Boston Red Sox Women's Burnout V-Neck Tie Top "touch"™ by Alyssa Milano - $54.99

Boston Red Sox Women's Ruffle Full Zip Hoody "touch"™ by Alyssa Milano - $59.99

UPDATE: Murakami Exhibit in LA's MOCA

2007-10-17T22:06:00.000-04:00

More info. has been leaking out about the bags. I first spotted this bag on this blog, but it's now confirmed that this will be one of the pieces sold at Murakami's exhibit.

Also, according to November's Elle magazine, the character on the diary is called Chibi Kinoko, which means "little mushroom."

A girlfriend and I are attending a bachelorette party in Vegas in early Jan., so we're ~thinking~ of making a pit stop to LA right after for a couple of days, so ~maybe~ I will get a chance to see the exhibit and get my hands on these goodies. What do you think? Is it worth the plane ticket?!?

st-st-st-stuttering

2007-10-17T20:53:00.000-04:00

I just wrote recently about how difficult it is for me to pay attention to TV advertising, what with all the clutter and distractions around me, but another one quickly caught my attention, and once again, it's really because of the song.

I love this song! It's so quirky. And cute. And fun. And hard to sing along. I will def. look into getting the album. It's by a British band called Ben's Brother, and the song is called "Stuttering." Check out the ad that caught my attention, and the full song, too!

Ben's Brother

If you could only have one bag...

2007-10-16T10:54:00.000-04:00

...what would it be? How hard would it be to let go of your entire collection and only hold onto one sad, lonely, but gorgeous piece?

I've been thinking about that every since I finished reading "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster." I know I've referenced this book many times (the author should really thank me!), but if I had to summarize the entire book in one sentence, it would be "The conglomerates *cough* Louis Vuitton *cough* are evil, but buy Hermès and Chanel, they are the real prince and princess of Luxury Land." Ironically, I own neither, so now I'm re-thinking my whole purchasing process. Have I been doing this all wrong? Why not use that consumer power for something truly refined instead of mass-produced?

My answer to my own question would be the Hermès Birkin. Hands down, this is one of the most iconic bags in the world, but it is also classic, made truly by hand, with all natural and wonderful materials, and unique in itself. Dana Thomas' in-depth description of the meticulous process needed to make this bag made my once-elevated LVs fall as quickly as an elevator whose cable has snapped and is hurtling, crashing, into downwards descension. Who has deceived me more than I have deceived myself?

Don't get me wrong. I don't love my LVs any less. But now I must tell myself, should I stop buying completely? Other than trying to satisfy the hoarder in me, why buy so many bags? When did the madness begin, and what makes sense now? Is it the hunt for the bag that exhilirates me? If so, then it was wrong for me to buy, because if I enjoy the hunt more than I can use the bags, there is obviously some deep chasm I need to fill, and bags are not the answer.

If you think I'm going to sell all my bags now, hah!, you are dead wrong. Each bag bears a memory now. It's not that easy to let go, even though I've thought about relinquishing some to the world of eBay. The pink Christian Dior pochette that was so hard to find, but which after I purchased, I never used. Its white leather flowers are still pristine, in all its dainty, milky glory. There is the red patent leather Marc Jacobs hobo that I thought would look so great slung on my back. It wasn't until it arrived in the mail that I found out how ridiculously big it looked on me. Still, the patent leather is one of the most gorgeous materials I've seen on any bag....it was just too big on my frame, so it now sits somewhere, waiting to be cherished. I have even thought of letting go of some of my prized LVs. The cute multicolor pochette that they don't even make anymore. I also have the clutch, which is more in line with my wardrobe, so why keep both? And so the gears in my head turn, wanting to absolve them, but wanting to hold on as well.

I am now on the biggest hunt; for a meticulous, gently used but loved Birkin that won't set me back TOO much. This can be a hunt for years, so maybe I won't buy anymore, because the hunt will keep me at bay. Maybe it's because I'm approaching 30 next year; a more adult, classic bag is calling out to me to replace the girly fantasies that my other bags provided in the past 5 years. Vanity Fair had a lovely article written on the Hermès family, which you should definitely read. They perceive themselves to be truly about the craftsmanship, rathering than the marketing (if you want to believe them), but I think we all can agree that as of the present, they have not sold out just yet. If they can hang onto themselves and not allow the giants of the business world swallow up their "family business," then shouldn't we hold onto our own souls as well? Do you buy because you love it, or just to have it?

Hot Bag for the Cold Weather

2007-10-14T20:28:00.000-04:00

While I have been in denial that autumn is finally here, I can't deny that fall is also the best time of the year when it comes to accessories. One of my favorite trends this season is the use of patent leather. The shine from the high-gloss treatment luxurizes even the most boring leather.

I wish that I could afford all the exotics that are so hot this season, but mock croc is a nice substitute, provided that the pattern is done with beautiful craftsmanship. This is why I love this purse from Furla. Made of Italian leather, this bag oozes sexiness, and the hefty size of it means you can lug all of your fall accessories, such as gloves, scarves, umbrellas, or anything else that you need to keep warm as winter descends. I love that not only has the leather been embossed, but the designers put enough thought to add pleats to the leather to give it a very interesting texture.

I know I've been gushing about the LV, but I might think twice after seeing this bag. It's easy for me to love the latest "It" bags not because of the hype, but because I get carried away with the newest versions that have been stylized and improved upon. However, I think that this bag has "classic" written all over it, and who doesn't want a nice, glossy bag that can be carried through the seasons?

Furla Frida Large Shopper - Onyx - $645

Life Inside the Music Box

2007-10-14T16:31:00.000-04:00

I'm an advertiser's worst nightmare, since I'm definitely one of those multi-taskers who will surf the Net, watch TV, listen to music, read a book, AND play on my PSP all at the same time. It's a wonder that anything can grab my attention, or if I can remember anything I've been doing. Through all the noise, on occasion, some ads do catch my attention.

Take this JC Penney ad. The visuals are absolutely magical and whimsical. Day to day, we all forget what it's like to have a wild imagination. I believe that the success in the creative for this ad is that even as adults, we should be able to experience the fantastic in our every day lives.

In addition to the ad, I LOVE the music. There's a fanciful quality that I can't quite explain, but I adore about this song. Sadly for JCP, I won't be shopping there because of the song, but luckily for the singer, Regina Spektor, I like her voice enough to buy her CD. Take a listen, and let me know what you think. Sometimes, mass-produced albums can be so played out on the radio. Very refreshing to hear, this Ms. Spektor.

JC Penney
Regina Spektor

got my phone!

2007-10-14T12:14:00.000-04:00

Got my phone, got my phone, got my phone! I didn't end up with any of the girly styles I thought I was going to get. Instead, I chose the LG Chocolate in Blue Mint. I think it's so pretty! It's more of a music player than a phone, so I need to start uploading some songs on it as soon as I get it. One of the first will HAVE to be the "Across the Universe" soundtrack.

I can't wait to 'til it gets here! I love new gadgets!

LG Chocolate - Blue Mint - $129.99 (with 2-year contract at Verizon Wireless)

yummy yummy

2007-10-14T12:02:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share a pic of the egg tarts I learned to make yesterday. They came out looking pretty AND tasty. Think I can start a bakery now? :)

Thanks to my honey and his family for teaching me how to make this delicious treat!

Across the Universe

2007-10-13T01:20:00.000-04:00

I just came back from seeing "Across the Universe," and oh, what an ode to the Beatles, one of my all-time favorite bands. Yes, this movie was a cheesefest, what with the sappy love story, some really ridiculous dance numbers, and not-meant-to-be-funny-but-I-laughed-out-loud moments. Still, I love how the music was incorporated into the storyline, and the actors were all great, especially since they had to sing their own songs, and thank God they didn't butcher any of the classics. Jim Sturgess was very likeable, and it didn't hurt that at a passing glance, he could've passed as Paul McCartney's (my fave Beatle!) doppelgänger .

The theatre I went to kind of sucked when it came to both the screen and the audio. The film was grainy and the sound had some glitches in their speakers, so it kind of ruined the magical aspect of what the movie was meant to do, but this only means that I need to get a copy of the DVD when it comes out.

I am SO getting the soundtrack. (There are two versions, pre-order the deluxe edition to get all the songs!) The covers for all the songs were all really wonderful.

I read that hype for this movie has been slow, and I wish they actually did a little more marketing for it, but DO go see it if you get a chance, it's really a film worth supporting. There were plenty of Beatles references thrown throughout for the rabid fan, but also a lot of humor and quality performances for the movie lover. Throw in the CG effects, and it's eye candy throughout.

Go see it!!! :D

Pretty Brady

2007-10-12T13:09:00.000-04:00

This post is for my honey, 'cause he's a HUGE fan of the New England Patriots. While celebrities shilling for fragrances and colognes are a dime a dozen, I HAD to post this because we love Tom Brady, and we're happy that he finally got a sponsorship deal!

It's about time, really. While watching the Pats game last Sunday, we lamented the fact that we see Peyton Manning EVERYWHERE (cocky SOB), but poor Tom never gets anything. All he gets are bad press about his cheating coach, or his relationship woes (child born out of wedlock to an exgf, while dating hot new supermodel gf), etc., etc. But let's face it. He's a talented QB. He's hot. And he's a nice guy. He deserves any money that comes his way. And it appears that someone out there was willing to be that sugar daddy.

Coty Beauty has signed Tommy boy as the face of Stetson Cologne for two and a half years, and the new ads are out! This is a side of him I've never seen. Normally, he's either in his Pats uniform, or nice and clean-cut in a suit. They really went for the whole "I'm-sexy-smell-me-buy-Stetson" look where he's just gazing seductively at the camera (and thinking about how this will help pay for child support). But I digress. I think he looks great. It's the cross between the Marlboro man and an Ambercrombie & Fitch model. Sexy, rugged, innocent, really.

But let's get real. I don't know anyone who actually buys Stetson (do you?!), so is he helping Stetson build up their brand equity, or are they pulling him down? Think he could've done better? Except that this is somewhat of an all-American brand, maybe he could've associated himself with a more luxurious brand? What do you think?

Well, here's to many more sponsorships, Brady! And bring us home another championship!!!

Photo Source

Al Gore Wins Nobel Peace Prize!!!!!

2007-10-12T11:46:00.000-04:00

I know that this is supposed to be a forum about the more light-hearted things in life, such as fashion, art, and books, and maybe you really don't care about my political stance, but I can't contain my glee. Al Gore is sharing the Nobel Peace Prize with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)! Congrats to them all for bringing such wide attention to the effects of global warming and climate change!

His film, "An Inconvenient Truth," really moved me, and I am now more aware of the carbon footprint I leave behind. Even talking with friends, we discussed in what ways we can try to help the environment. As this world is so precious, we really need to do more to preserve it for the future. When there's a heatwave in the middle of October in New England, you know that the world is changing, and not for the better.

Anywho, I've been plotting for several years now to think of a way to contribute, maybe create my own organization to help with the cause. I have this idea, but it hasn't come to a full fruition yet, so in the meanwhile, I will continue to help by doing other little things.

My interest in the environment doesn't lie with just climate change, but the effects of a lot of human manipulation and intervention that affects every step of the ecological chain. This is why I'm currently reading Alan Weisman's "The World Without Us." I want to learn more about how far we've affected the planet, and if we all disappeared, how quickly will Mother Nature take over. It's all about balance in the world, and the work that Gore has done really shows that whatever needs to be done should be done now.

Again, congrats, congrats. I'm so happy!!! (Can you tell I'm a big supporter? :P)

Murderous Shoes

2007-10-12T09:27:00.000-04:00

By logic, men should never design women's shoes. Because they will never be the consumer, they allow themselves to create under the pretense of high design, pushing the envelope, if you will, but the results are pure sadism and fetishism. There is zero sympathy for the woman in question.

In the New York Times, they highlighted the impossible shoes that marched across the runways recently. One look at these shoes, and you KNEW that a man designed these. Even for a runway show, yes, fantasy is the norm, but I also think there's some sort of condescension coming from the designer, where they objectify the woman and subject her to painful shoes, which is highly unnecessary.

The one shoe that maddened me the most was one designed by an Antonio Berardi, an Italian-English designer. It is a platform shoe with a non-existent heel! “When you walk, it is almost on tiptoe. You look really dainty.” What is he, smoking crack? Make a REAL shoe, and I'll applaud your efforts. Maybe he secretly wanted to see one of his models wipe out. :P

Some other shoes that made me cringe: Yves Saint Laurent shoes where the bottom of the feet are balanced on thin soles that barely support, and these horrid Alexander McQueen geisha-on-steroids clogs.

After I finished reading Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Fan, I am grateful that we live in a world where feet are not subjected to torture. Set in 19th-century China, one of the more memorable scenes in the book are of the process of foot-binding. I have seen photos online of the foot after it's gone through the process, where the end-result is a "golden lily" foot that is about 3 inches long, the toes hideously curled under the foot. Imagine walking on a stump for most of your life! I don't think I could've beared it.

But how far have we gone when men continue to feed their sexual fantasies by subjecting woman to shoes that are just ludicrous? I know that shoe fetishes exist. An exbf had one, and although he taught me to appreciate the beauty of a fine-quality shoe, there were also those moments where if the shoe doesn't fit, if it hurts, then you stop wearing it. Sorry, my feet are mine, and I won't force them in.

Painful shoes are now a commonality for a lot of women. I'm not even talking about stilettos or platform clunkers. I've had ballet flats pinch me in a spot so hard that at the end of the day, my little toes were numb. I used to be very bold with my choice of footwear, wearing 4-inch heels, or shoes that had funny-looking wedges, even slingbacks that I teetered-tottered on 'cause they looked zexy. But as I've gotten older, sensibility took over. Or maybe my pain tolerance gave way. Whatever it is, I still love a nice shoe, but please, let it not hurt. And will someone please tell that to the guys?

Opals are a Girl's Best Friend

2007-10-11T12:59:00.000-04:00

I've loved opals for many years now, and have been searching for the perfect opal ring, but never quite found what I've been looking for. I love the all the crazy colors they come in, from deep turquoise blue, to white with flashes of orange and red, or blacks that eminate purples and golds. No other semi-precious stone astounds me in quite the same way. I dream of owning a big fat opal that I can wear proudly on my forefinger on my right hand. Where are you, my dream ring?!

Opal is widely available, but that's where I think the problem lies. Because the stone can be sliced thin to accomodate many kinds of designs, the stone itself has been devalued over the years, and no one makes NICE opal rings. I don't know the whole history of opals, but it's sad to see how such a beautiful stone gets relegated to some pretty gaudy designs. Whether it be of the dreary mid-western look, ethnocentric native-American styles, or kitschy icons of the beach (dolphins, clamshells, palm trees), it seems like opals are treated like third-class citizens in the world of semi-precious stones, and I really wish that some fantastic jewelry designer will see the potential and create a dream piece of jewelry.

Obviously, this is not a stone that can be polished to sparkle like a diamond. But I see high probability that with the right designs and marketing, this stone can be elevated to first-class status. Look what Mikimoto did for pearls, and Tiffany did for diamonds. These days, Van Cleef & Arpels sells pieces made with onyx, turquoise, and mother-of-pearl by the dozens. Right now, Australia owns the claim to fame for opals, and you can bet that it's not the fashionistas who are buying the pieces, but tourists who want to bring back a reminder of the world Down Under. Usually paired with (boring) sterling silver, opal just hasn't been given too much thought as the ultimate gemstone.

So imagine my delight when I opened up my October issue of Self, and dressed on Sarah Michelle Gellar, was a big, fat, bee-yoo-tiful opal ring. Framed in gold and diamonds, the opal is a wonderful orb that dazzles in multitudes of blue. I so want it! But dare I inquire as to the price? The ring was created by Fred Leighton, so one can imagine how costly this would be, tantamount to anything else designed by FL that would be exquisite but also extraordinarily expensive.

I have emailed them to inquire the cost. Will let you know if I hear back. I know it's not within my price range, but I'm nosy like that! Argh, it's so gorgeous!!!

UPDATE: This beautiful "fine Australian opal and diamond ring" can be had for the grand price of $25,000. ;P* Me want so bad!!!

Vuitton in Technicolor

2007-10-10T11:41:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that bags are the big revenue generator for Louis Vuitton. While the classics bring patrons back, it's the shock value that bring LV free publicity. So for Spring 2008, in what appears to be free reign over the collection despite the bottom-line, Marc Jacobs went ballistic, and in collaboration with artist Richard Prince, devised the most insane line that I've ever seen Jacobs do. They have really pushed the boundaries between commercialism and art.

To start off, the palette was inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants. What you end up with is a very nonsensical but uniform array of neon and acid colors, where some bags appear to have been spray-painted on, others imprinted with text, and in some cases, there is a Warholian effect with the color inverse of the famous LV logos and flowers.

The show itself was a very straight-forward inspiration from Prince's work. Models dressed as nurses were inspired by Prince's Nurse paintings.

The colors of SpongeBob permeate the line of clothing, starting with the bright yellows, melding in with the soft dreamy blues, creams, exploding with the red, and finally, ending with the darks, as if entering the bottom of the ocean. The collection ends with your eyes descending on the myriad of purses that look like they fell out of a rainbow on crack.

Even the self-references on some of the bags made me laugh. It's like the painting on the wall in a museum, and you need to look at the plaque to read the name. So when I look at this bag, not only is it a bag, or that it's an LV bag. You can now call it by it's catalog name. It's really going beyond branding, and re-assessing the identity of the piece. (Think I'm bull-shitting? This is what the art world's all about, my friend.)

The big question is, would you buy it? I think there's something so fundamentally free to be playful and just let all proper wisdom go out the window, and create something really edgy and zany and not be apologetic about it. But beyond "art," can the same view be that this is less about the artist, and more about capitalism at its worst? Now that Jacobs has taken the classic house of Vuitton and turned it upside down, but will charge you double or triple the norm, how do you take this piece of art and not look at it with some sort of distaste, as if the joke isn't so much the humor of taking something so dowdy as the classic monogram and having fun with it, but that the joke's on you 'cause you bought into the hype and mass hysteria for a bag that aesthetically, is, quite honestly, pretty ugly?

How different is the bag below from the Coach Scribble line? Who copied who, since Coach was ~~copying~~ inspired by Murakami's Multicolor Monogram? Why not buy the Coach instead, if "art" is really what you're after? (Yes, I really don't like Coach, which is why I bemoan the fact that you would even compare the two. Coach cannot replace LV!) When do you hit yourself on the back of your head and say that this is all a scam? Do these artists really believe in their work, or do they think that the can keep pushing, and no one can ever push back?

I have no idea which of the actual pieces will be available for sale, but I would love to see it in person. I have read comparisons of this collection to the Murakami collections in the past, but I thoroughly disagree. Murakami's pieces were of a very decisive, simple, direct, feminine, and clean aesthetic. Prince went the opposite. He didn't reign anything in at all, it's in all directions, some pieces still running with the ombre fades that was influenced by Vermeer, others mocked the proper printing of the logo on canvas, and yet others had really bad cartoon art on it. Seriously? Seriously.

If you catch me carrying one, would you call me an art collector or a sucker?

Photo Source 1

Photo Source 2
Photo Source 3

Kanye and Murakami are in love...

2007-10-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

Just kidding! But the way these two guys have been gushing over each other in the open media, you would think they've just met their soul mates. I guess if they can't be lovers, they can be co-designers. Kanye West is apparently in collaboration with Takashi Murakami to create a jewelry line.

Kanye wore a proto-type to the Givenchy show in Paris this past week, and he posted some pics on his blog. Squint, huddle towards the screen, and you might be able to make out the giant pendant he's wearing.

If you can't tell what it is, let's just say that based on a sketch Kanye did while on a trip to Murakami's studio in Japan, the collection might be a lot of robots and manga characters.

Apparently, these two kindred spirits began working together when Murakami designed the covers for Kanye's latest album. They no doubt probably also bonded over their LVOE of LV, as Murakami has famously created limited edition designs for the luxury house, and Kanye sings about LV in his hit songs.

In August's Harper's Bazaar, Kanye posed with his fiancée in his office decked out with giant Murakami flower pillows (I so want them!!!), and of course, LV trunks. So you see, these guys have so much in common. No surprise that they are now friends (but not lovers).

I actually loved the line of cartoon pendants Murakami did for LV several years ago, but mind you, they were completely out of my budget, so I could only admire them from behind the glass cabinet in the LV store on 5th Ave. I wonder what the outcome for this collaboration will be, but probably really gaudy bling. Stay tuned!

Red Hot Keira

2007-10-09T00:32:00.000-04:00

Here are more pics of Keira from the Coco Mademoiselle promotion. I wish that Chanel would just release a collector's DVD so I can watch this "film" and all the behind-the-scenes on my plasma! Karl Lagerfeld, can you hear me?!?!?

Photo Source

new car...whee!!!

2007-10-08T22:06:00.000-04:00

I think I know what my new car's going to be...the 2008 Honda CR-V!!!!! Isn't it so purdy?!?!? I need to test-drive it, of course, and this will mean that I can't quit my depressing job, but considering that my last car is a dying, 9-yr old Camry, I really need to get something new before the inclement weather hits, so, sacrifices, sacrifices.

Can't wait to take it for a spin!!! Do you like it?!? I even like the color above; I think this might be it!

Honda CR-V - starting at $20,700

not so nimble

2007-10-08T20:38:00.000-04:00

In my excitement over the Prada clutch I saw several weeks ago at the new Neiman Marcus in Natick, I completely forgot to tell you about my impression of the Louis Vuitton boutique downstairs. It was like the other boutiques, but a little too crowded and feeling like a fish market with the amount of people grabbing and peering and trying on bags (the store did just open up, after all, but you would think this is the first LV store in the Boston area!). Anyhow, my eyes initially lit up when I saw the bags from the Monogram Olympe collection. Note that I said, initially. And then it went all downhill from there. I tried it on, and it felt so absolutely wrong.

It wasn't just the size. I mean, I'm a petite girl, so you could've stuffed me into the bag and called it a day. But the lumpiness of the leather. It's practically sacrilegious to take soft Italian lamb leather and embroider LV logos all over it to the point where I felt like I was carrying damaged goods coming out of the washer. It didn't feel like a fine, designer bag. It was all so goofy. And the way the SA told me it was so limited, etc. I couldn't help looking incredulously at her. I know that LV can do better than this!

The bag is named after nimbus clouds, hence, the bag is supposed to have this cloudy, puffy feeling, but I wasn't feeling it. I wonder if the Stratus (below) is still available, as that bag has much better form, and I love the resin chain that hangs across. But the Nimbus? Just not right.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Olympe Nimbus PM - $1,940

Louis Vuitton Monogram Olympe Nimbus GM - $2,550

What do you think?

2007-10-08T19:29:00.001-04:00

So I need an honest opinion. I might have the opportunity to get this YSL Bow Bag for 64% off the retail price, and yes, it's brand new from this season. Do you like it? Think it's worth $425? Do you think it looks silly 'cause of the giant bow, or cute and whimsical? I can't decide if it's gaudy and one giant embellishment too many, or absolutely adorable paired with t-shirt and jeans. 'Course, the more I look at it, the more I love it!

I just realized today that I don't have one normal, conservative black purse. All of my bags are either colorful, or if in black, just a tad crazy. Guess I don't like having just any ol' bag. I see this bag fitting in quite nicely with my collection, but let me know what you think! Yay or nay? :D

Now, if only I can get a YSL Muse for 64% off. Sigh...

currently listening to...

2007-10-08T00:27:00.000-04:00

Clumsy - Fergie

Half the Sky (半邊天) - Miriam Yeung (楊千嬅)

When There Was Me & You - Vanessa Hudgens

(You Want To) Make A Memory - Bon Jovi

sex and the city - everything wrong with the clothes?

2007-10-07T19:28:00.000-04:00

I'm DYING to see the Sex and the City movie, but I'm heavily re-thinking that, if only because thus far, I've been terribly disappointed by what the wardrobe department has in store. While SATC has a legacy of really exciting fashions, it was only after several episodes of re-runs last night with the girls over food and wine that we really panned a lot of what they actually wear on the show. Everyone had at least one awesome outfit, but some were boring, most were really over the top, and most memorably, Carrie's outfits were the absolute worst...hoochie mama hooker, anyone?

And now, this. I don't know what the plot is, and I generally like to NOT know before I see a movie or read a book, but assuming this is for a wedding with Mr.Big, really, what is going on here? Don't get me wrong. I love love love the veil and hairpiece, especially the peacock feather. It's very haute couture...actually makes me think of something Dior would do. But the make-up! It's so...clownish. And the dress! What is up with the ill-fitting top? If she's too thin for boobs, couldn't they stuff her, or get her a push-up bra? It looks ridiculous.

It appears the other girls are her bridesmaids. How did they fare? Charlotte is in her boring black dress with pearls. Miranda's bright orange hair is done up in these silly Shirley Temple waves and wearing a royal blue dress. Samantha has some sort of Carmen Miranda thing going on in a bright red frock. It's all very discombobulated.

zombie boobs...ugh

What do you think? Am I being too harsh? If this is the wardrobe for the wedding, what are they wearing for their "normal" scenes? Maybe the movie folks will light this thing just right, and they'll all be behind Vaseline lens, and the dream wedding will indeed look very dreamy. For their sake, I really hope so. :P

UPDATE: According to Perez Hilton, this is just for a fantasy dream sequence. Thank God! I would've cried for Carrie if she really wore that to her wedding. I had a feeling anyways; why would the producers and publicists be lame enough to let plot-revealing scenes leak out? But still...how can this be her fantasy dream dress?!?

Photo Source

Lilliputian London

2007-10-07T00:27:00.000-04:00

Oh, how I wish I was in London again.

All of my life, I have had an obsession with miniatures. There's something just charming about an item that has been reduced in size, but still maintains its form and function. In the 7th grade, there was a girl I knew named Martha, and she had the most darling miniature dollhouse. I dreamt that one day I could have something as lovely as what she had. I also kept articles about famous dollhouses that were commissioned by royalty, where the chandeliers actually lit up, the sinks had running water, and the books could be read, with the aid of a magnifying glass, of course.

This is why I'm very excited about an exhibit that unfortunately I cannot attend, but I can still appreciate the artistic persepctive. At Paul Smith's Albemarle Street store in London, there is currently an exhibit of Japanese photographer Naoki Honjo's latest work. Using a method known as tilt-shift photography, and shooting from somewhere up high, such as on top of a building or from a helicopter, Honjo manages to reduce one's depth perception, thereby making real settings look like artificial lilliputian villages. In the past, his works have only been of Japan, so I wish I could be in London to see his works of all the famous UK landmarks. Wouldn't that be a wonderful souvenier, to bring back a photo that captures all the excitement and chaos of this wonderful city into little enchanted fairylands?

The exhibit ends Oct. 12th, so if you're in the area, definitely take a look, and if you do get to see it in person, let me know how it went! Were the photographs worth purchasing? If the price was too steep, there's also Honjo's book, "Small Planet." I'm going to order that real soon.

Paul Smith - Naoki Honjo "Small Planet" exhibit - 09.28.07 - 10.12.07 - £3,000 per piece of work

"Small Planet," by Naoki Honjo - £21.50

I HEART...!

2007-10-03T20:40:00.000-04:00

I want I want I want!!! 'Nuff said?

The official photo from LV didn't quite capture the beauty of WHY I love this purse, so below is a pic from the Purse Forum. Sigh... It's so gorgeous...but I can't possibly buy another LV! I have too many expenses. Need to buy a new car. New phone. Have my 5-year anniversary with the bf. His 30-year bday coming up. Wedding in Bermuda to attend. Bachelorette party in Vegas. X'mas. Argh!!!!! I need a new job with a higher salary!!!!

According to LV, the gradient in this purse was inspired by the works of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. He is perhaps most famous for the painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring," which incidentally inspired both a novel and movie starring now ubiquitous Vuitton spokesmodel Scarlett Johannson. As Justin Timberlake most famously sang, "What goes around comes all the way back around." Oh yeah, ScarJo was also his love interest in the video. OK, enough already...six degrees of separation is so much fun! or incestuous... :P

The purse doesn't have milkmaids or stuffy old merchants popping out of the canvas, so what was the inspiration? Vermeer is most famous for his use of light in his paintings. I suppose this is what LV meant when they say that his work inspired the specially silk-screened pattern, where when you look at the background of the pattern, from top to down, the color fades from brown to black. As you look at the logos, from bottom to top, it gently fades to where the logo is almost indiscernible near the zipper. The handles are all done in black patent leather, which of course allows light to bounce right off of it. I think for something that looks like just another Speedy, some thought definitely went into this collection.

Naysayers could lament that this isn't any different from what other brands have been doing with their leather treatments, such as Prada's current Ombre collection, but I think this is a bit more interesting in terms of what Marc Jacobs decided to do with the classic monogram. Definitely a bag that can be carried through the seasons.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Mirage Speedy - Noir - $1,800

There is also a Bordeaux (red) version, but I wasn't loving that. Black all the way!

Dress Me Up, Dress Me Down

2007-10-03T10:13:00.000-04:00

I'm not a great shopper in terms of clothing, but I do love design. Call me cheap, but I really hate paying retail price for clothing. It doesn't matter if it's high-end or H&M, I will dig through the sales rack. This probably goes against the grain since I will pay an obnoxious amount of money for handbags, but that's because a bag could last me forever. Clothes? Not so much. A few washes here, a snag there, and then it needs to be replaced. So what can possible change my tune? Marimekko, that's what.

So this isn't exactly Newbury Street, but out in Cambridge, a Marimekko concept store has opened up for business. Based out of Finland, Marimekko is branching out around the world to spread their high-concept Finnish designs.

Run by independent retailers, Marimekko concept stores are shops that sell exclusively Marimekko products and carry a comprehensive selection of merchandise from all the different Marimekko lines: clothing, interior decoration and bags. Developing and anchoring the concept store idea based on Marimekko’s lifestyle thinking represents an important part in Marimekko’s internationalisation strategy.

While browsing their online catalog, one designer stood out in terms of design. Samu-Jussi Koski's classic and clean lines are at once modern, but if paired with the right accessories, are also quite whimsical. His current collection was influenced by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren's novel "Madicken," set in the 1920s, and Mai Farrow's film roles from the 1960s. Both influences are obvious, from the silhouettes of the billowy dresses to the fun, colorful prints.

I might even consider paying retail for design like this...!

Check out the collection at Marimekko Cambridge

because I'm inane...

2007-10-02T16:54:00.000-04:00

I REALLY want to stop buying Louis Vuittons, but this is certainly something I'm not about to pass up on. Takashi Murakami, the Japanese artist famous for plastering his cartoon creations all over the the LV monogram bags, has a new gimmick. He is going to have an art exhibit running in LA's MoCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), and along with this artwork, there will be a freestanding Vuitton store selling an exclusive version of handbags and leather accessories with a special character printed on them.

Murakami was a big reason I started to buy LVs. It started out so innocently, beginning with a pochette covered in cherry blossoms (pink on brown). Then I bought another one, in a different color (red on cream). I chased every future Murakami piece I could afford, from owning 2 cherry handbags (one of them a runway piece accented in bright red lizard - GORGEOUS!) and a wallet embellished with a panda. Not to mention the variety of clutches and wallets I bought with the colorful monogram on white canvas. (Never was a fan of the black canvas.) I even succumbed while on a trip to Italy...I stood in the Venice LV store like a deer in headlights, and I HAD to buy. So I did.

While the curator of MoCA thinks that having the store within the exhibit breaks the barrier between low and high art, I don't know if I buy into that. If that's the case, why are these bags costing $800-900 each? Why not lower the cost? And is it about art anymore when pieces right then and there are for sale? Are the pieces on exhibit for sale, too?

Also, why isn't MoCA getting a cut of the profits? MoCA isn't charging LV rental space for the shop either. Maybe MoCA needs to invest in some finance guys to help them out here. Sounds like Bernard Arnault got his way and found another way to make money without giving anything up.

I have no idea how I'm going to get my hand on one of these goodies, but if I need to call the museum, or even fly to LA, I might have to. Maybe this can be a treat for X'mas break. :P After all, LV promises that there will be enough merchandise to last the length of the exhibit. I hope that's true, 'cause I can't wait!

“© Murakami” Exhibit at MoCA (10.29.07 - 02.11.08) - handbags and accessories for $875-$920

Images

Woman of Leisure

2007-10-01T13:50:00.000-04:00

So I finished "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster" yesterday. It was a good read, although vaguely similar to how "Fast Food Nation" was written. I guess I must enjoy these investigative-reporting types of books. The behind-the-scenes view is really quite interesting, and I felt I was being educated while embroiled in some secret gossip about the industries.

Having said that, I don't know if I want to go into detail about summarizing any key points, or even trying to review the book. I read what others said about it online after I finished the book, and while most reviewers seemed to think that the author emitted condescension when discussing that mass-democratization of luxury was bad for the business, my interpretation of this observation is that in trying to churn out luxury for the masses, you lose the real meaning of luxury, which is an item of utmost quality, appeal, and value. I also think, based on personal experiences, I am not rich, but I know I have expensive taste. I am not the gilded woman who could walk into a room and stop traffic. But as a patron, I appreciate the finer things in life, even if normally I wouldn't be able to afford it. So where would I fall in this realm? I'm not one to tack on everything and logo myself to prove that I have "taste." But even if my bank account can't sustain my tastes, I would still try to save up for that special something. How would Dana Thomas, the author, choose to categorize me?

This leads me to a certain fascination that I have had on-and-off ever since I read a 2-page article in Vogue years ago, maybe even while I was in high school. This is the concept of a "tai tai," which is a Cantonese term for "wife." In Hong Kong, tai tais are an affluent and impeccable bunch. They are a prestigious group of married women who do nothing but eat, shop, gossip, play mah-jong and look flawless for their husbands. They are like trophy wives, except more immaculate by Western standards. There is a certain aura that surrounds what is expected of a tai tai. One does not just marry into wealth. They must embody taste, knowledge of the world, and are fluid in conversations ranging from finance to travel, culinary delights to fashion. A tai tai looks radiant all the time, and are often chosen for their beauty. They are not a subject of scandal. In their spare time, they attend charity events and gala balls. It is a world that is not as simple as living off of her husband, getting massages and facials every day, and endless shopping, wearing the latest in luxury apparel. A tai tai is an extension, no, a beacon that tells the world what good taste her wealthy husband has. She represents her husband. A tai tai is like a full time job, with no end in sight. Any misstep, and she can fall from grace.

Not much is written about tai tais in the Western subtext. The paparazzi in Hong Kong have an endless fascination with them, and are giddy with delight any time scandal does happen, although the rest of the island would look down disapprovingly, as if to say that this certain tai tai has ruined them all. The traditionalists in Hong Kong astound me, for this is a city that claims to be so cosmopolitan, so liberal, so modern. But as the social rules of a tai tai dictates, wealth does not free one from the traditional restraints. If one is to survive in the norms of the Hong Kong social scene, they play by everyone's rules. That includes flaunting as much as one can of one's wealth, but done in an exquisite manner, not through crass or obvious nonchalance about grace and style. Tai tais who exist in this exclusive circle could have been born from wealth or come from humble means. If they were born into wealth, then becoming a tai tai was only natural. Born from some more ignoble situations, then youth and beauty were keys to find that magnate who could whisk them away into the stratosphere of wealth. Gold diggers? Doesn't matter. In the rarified moments that they are chosen as brides, they can be tamed and molded, much like a My Fair Lady, to become a tai tai. Once this woman has made it into the inner circle, it is her duty to maintain her status.

The book only hit on the concept of a tai tai briefly, but it made me question what luxury means in the modern day, if it doesn't apply to consumerism. A tai tai, who may not be blue blood, can wield more financial power than some of the wealthiest men in the world. Their job, after all, is to shop! If she can be trained to have an aesthetic appreciation of things, and can cull together an air of refinement that keeps people in their place, is she the equivalent of mass-democratization of luxury? Where is the line drawn, to say that one "deserves" a luxury good, while someone else, no matter how hard they try, even if they had the money, can not befit the definition of a luxury goods consumer?

In case you were wondering, the photos for this entry is of Cherie Chung, one of my idols when I was growing up. A radiant Hong Kong actress blessed with beauty and talent, and best known for her films with the young Chow Yun-Fat, she married (for love!) into wealth and retired from the entertainment industry at the height of her career in the early '90s. Recently widowed, she has spent at least the last five years promoting environmental organizations and activities, and lately has been the spokewoman for Piaget, as she is still very popular in the HK media. A woman of all dimensions, she is in my mind, the ultimate, classy tai tai, with no flaws, respect from high society, and an enduring legacy. Can you believe that in these photos, she's in her late 40's? This is luxury that money cannot buy.

cell phone drama

2007-09-29T10:44:00.000-04:00

I'm so mad!!! So this morning, I thought I'd do myself some good, meeting up with a friend to go for a long walk, get some grub at a local diner, then walk some more. Well, we didn't walk very far. Probably 10 minutes in, I lost my cell phone. We walked back three times to retrace our steps, but to no avail. Somewhere out there, an a-hole of a non-samaritan has wandered off with my phone! The thing I miss most are the photos I took with my phone. That's the biggest thing. Plus, the phone itself was a unique version that I bought during my trip to Hong Kong; a purple Motorola Razr.

So now, I have to buy a new phone. This is an additional expense that I don't really need, but I'm changing plans, so maybe I'll get a decent free phone, or a nice upgraded one at a discount.

I was with AT&T/Cingular, but am thinking of changing to Verizon or T-Mobile. Of the phones available, the following looks good. Any thoughts out there?

I like the Verizon phones a lot more than the T-Mobile ones, but at the end of the day, the plans have to be good, too. What to do, what to do?

I must be in girly mood, 'cause I'm gravitating to all the feminine colors...lol...

Verizon:

T-Mobile doesn't seem to have as many choices, and I'm not in love with the Samsungs, which seems to be rampant among the company. Here are the ones that I kinda like.

T-Mobile:
I think I want either another Razr or Chocolate...

Motorola Razr

LG Chocolate

Keira and Chanel, Together at Last

2007-09-28T12:34:00.000-04:00

I wanted to post about this sooner, but allow to me say how much I'm enjoying the new Chanel Coco Mademoiselle campaign, featuring Keira Knightley. Directed by Joe Wright, it's Pride & Prejudice all over again! No complaints here! (He did after all direct her in P&P, and again in one of her latest films, Atonement. They must love working together. And if you didn't know already, P&P is one of my all-time FAVE films. I've seen it at least 12 times, not including the BBC version. Matthew Macfadyen! But I digress.)

Smile, Keira!!! :P

The film, as Chanel prefers to call it instead of a commercial, is lush, fantasy-driven and immaculate. Unlike the Nicole Kidman ad for Chanel No. 5, which was based on Moulin Rouge and required her to talk at the end, Keira simpers and pouts through the clips, dabbing a bit of the Coco Mademoiselle on a male model, prancing through a soirée, and coming up all radiant smiles and bubbles at the end. She makes us believe that with the right perfume, everything is beautiful and perfect in the world.

I have never tried Coco Mademoiselle before (my favorite fragrance of the moment is Christian Dior's Lily, which was limited, so sadly, is no longer produced), and I'm picky about my scents, but if CM does indeed smell like jasmine, I'm all for trying it.

Joss Stone sings Nat King Cole's version of L.O.V.E. This is also one of my all-time favorite songs, and I think it befits the ad. The ad is about all kinds of love; love for the perfume, love for luxury, love for men, parties, love yourself!, and love for life.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle - $18.50-$120.00

Luxury Lost

2007-09-28T10:27:00.001-04:00

I was so excited when my book from Amazon finally came! Been waiting forever so I can read this. I am talking about Dana Thomas' "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster." It also ties in nicely with my recent post on shopping/fashion fatigue. I'm only on the first 20 pages, since I started the book late last night, but already, the introduction carries a theme of cynicism and suspect in regards to what the current luxury industry is all about.

The book starts off by introducing Xi'an, once a major metropolis in China's history whose significance lies in its relationship with the Silk Road, and foundation of the arts, music, poetry, and architecture of ancient China. (I was just there last year, so the memory of the dusty city is still with me. The Terra Cotta Soldiers really are a sight to behold!) The historical synopsis on the city that was two thousand years ago segues into the counterfeiting industry, a foreshadowing of things to come in future chapters. As a Chinese-American, I do find myself sensitive to the idea that people's perceptions of Chinese people could be that we all love counterfeits. Not true! I am completely against it, and although I haven't read far enough to know how the author plans to portray this segment of the population, I hope that it's a fair assessment. The thing is, these Chinese people are so talented and smart, if they could only come up with their OWN brands, and train their artisans to fashion their own one-of-a-kind creations, the counterfeiting might slowly decline. But this is for another post...

The next chapter of the book talks about the history of how the current luxury industry came to be, starting with Louis Vuitton (as the most successful of all the luxury brands). From its ignoble beginnings, and ending in some very frank quotes from Marc Jacobs about LV as a business, there is a certain downtrodden message that I hear when I read about LV's history. Aside from the illustrious heritage the company has painted for itself via current marketing campaigns, the reality is that unless you order something that is truly unique and unavailable to anyone else, it is like buying something from the Gap. Mass-produced, with an inflated price that is thirteen times the cost of production, it is mind-blowing how they have managed to sell sell sell SO much, and no one ever calls them out on it. I guess there's no way to call them out unless you just boycott them, which doesn't say much if you've only bought a wallet here or there. The nouveaux riches, as is expected, are the ones who are buying LVs in an onslaught. Hence, another reason the book starts out with China. This is the mecca for the next generation of buyers who will buy buy buy.

So far so good, the book is easy to read and filled with interesting facts. One interesting factoid? LV was in with the Nazis! Well, not in. But they sold to the wives of the Nazi party to stay alive as a business. Very sketchy...! Will write more as I go through the book.

Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster, Dana Thomas - $27.95 (cheaper at Amazon)

Dancing my heart (and fat) away...

2007-09-24T11:58:00.000-04:00

So this morning, I got up at the crack of dawn to play a dancing game on my XBox 360. You may think that this is a little off-topic on my normal gushing of my latest purchases/dream commodoties, but I assure you, I am very much on the same agenda here.

Let's face it, we all want to look good, and in order to look good, regardless if you plan on donning a one-of-a-kind frock or a big ol' potato sack, you need a good foundation to build on. I am ashamed to admit that I've been letting the foundation go to shits. I have exactly two months to get my body back in shape in time to attend a wedding in Bermuda and to celebrate my honey's big 3-0, so now is the time to put some effort into this embonpoint I call my body.

I am a creature of my environment, so although I can't quite pinpoint what it is exactly, I hate going to the gym. I hate the sterile and monotonous feeling, of being around other sweaty people, of having to lug my body out there for hours, away from my creature comforts. I'm an all-or-nothing kinda gal. I either fanatically go to the gym for hours on end, or if I feel like I'm only going to devote half an hour to something, I'd rather be doing something else, like taking a walk through the neighborhood, or even better, hula hooping while watching my fave TV shows. (My longest record non-stop on the hoop? 45 minutes, baby!)

So other than keeping my gym membership so that I have the option on hot days to take a dip in the swimming pool, the best activity that you can do, at home, for cheap, for fun, and in the privacy of your own home, is to play DDR. I am committing myself to include DDR as part of my full workout.

XBox 360 came out with Dance Dance Revolution Universe, and my, has the game improved on itself. For one, the music is SO much better now. They actually have hits you've heard of that are dance-friendly, instead of all that Euro-trash-pop that spat out synthesized chanting over uproarious bass beats that made no sense. I played for only 40 minutes this morning, having tried out 13 songs. I want to ante up the difficulty level, and maybe even try the Workout mode (I stayed on Game mode this morning 'cause I want those Achievements!), so overtime, my cardio workout will be more complex, and hopefully, will start to slim down my waistline.

I'll let you know if I see any effects over time, but considering all the personal accounts of little tubby boys losing tons of weight after playing DDR for hours, do I have any reason not to believe?

XBox 360 Dance Dance Revolution Universe - $69.99

Origami Delight

2007-09-23T17:03:00.000-04:00

I am dying with excitement! No sooner have I posted on being tired of buying expensive bags that I don't even use do I come upon the latest glorious piece that I am absolutely salivating on, and it's available for pre-order! Behold, the Bottega Veneta Origami Knot clutch. It's gorgeous! And cute! I'm the queen of origami to my friends, so how appropriate is this perfectly and cleverly designed concoction of art. Somewhere on the web I saw a black version, but I think the lighter colored version shows the texture of the leather much better. Such an intriguing take on their usual basket weave. The price tag is just harrowing; NO way can I justify it. But I can dream, and maybe if I get that new job I've been holding out on, I will treat myself. For now, another dream piece. I want this more than the Prada clutch, yes.

New obsession, check. Bank account, not quite there. Insane asylum, soon to be a patient. :P*

Bottega Veneta Origami Knot Limited Edition Clutch - $3,680

Fashion Fatigue

2007-09-23T14:59:00.000-04:00

Is it possible to be just sick and tired of shopping? I started off this blog by mentioning how in the past five years I've allowed myself to indulge in whatever designer bags catch my fancy. I believe some of my friends even thought me strange, going through a retail addiction phase so manic they could not relate anymore. As you grow up internally as a person, and allow yourself more luxurious options in life, there is also the general rift that can come with hanging out with your friends who may think you un-wise and wasteful, shallow or pretentious, especially if there is a significant income level between you and the others. This is why friendships are best when money is not of particular focus.

But I digress. For years, the Louis Vuitton obsession took over me like a druggie. I bought into the Marc Jacobs fantasy like a born-again Christian, frenetic in my chase of the next limited collaboration. More often than not, I got really good at keeping track of the newest items that didn't even show up in their customer service's computer database yet. So I would call back, or ask to be added to some waiting list. By the way, one thing I've learned is that the waiting list is open to everyone. The idea of VIP depends on who you ask. A local SA may not know me from Joe Schmoe, so maybe I won't get my ass kissed as much, but I have in my collection enough of a variety of limited pieces that if I had any sense, I'd sell it all so I can easily buy a new car and maybe put down enough to almost pay it in full. A car, or a closet full of unused purses? Which one would you choose?

So even though I started this blog only about a week ago, I have to admit that I'm now experiencing shopper's fatigue. I buy fashion magazines by the truckload, and am almost a bit tired of the mimicry that shows up in all of these glossy pages. Everyone gushes over the same designers. If I could paint a clear metaphor of what a fashion magazine is, it's that it's the equivalent of the high school newspaper, and all the popular people made it into the pages.

And what is luxury, anyways? Is it the materials, the design, the length of time it takes to create the creation? I grew up making a lot of jewelry. I have had compliments paid to a bracelet I made while shopping at Saks. If I had been smarter, I would have sold them on it and tried to get a buyer to look at it, but I wasn't business-savvy enough. When LV tried to sell their canvas bag with their logo in beads, I loved it, but could not substantiate the price in my mind, no matter how high the LV myth was elevated in my mind. Something told me that if I spent enough weekends sitting with glass beads purchased from A.C. Moore, I could do the same with my own initials, and aren't custom items more of a luxury than a mass-produced item? How blurred are the lines between luxury and DIY?

The last two handbags I purchased were both limited pieces. While on a business trip in Las Vegas, I wandered into the LV store there, and besotted, I purchased the LV Monogram Dentelle Batignolles Horizontal, with the lace in silver. I lugged it through the airport in its box, not ready to use it just yet, and now that I'm back home, I've used it just ONCE. It's not because I don't think it's fabulous, and I definitely would not sell it, but I can't think of when to use it. I work in the boonies, so no one at work even cares or appreciates designer pieces. So it sits in my living room, untouched. I really should put it back in its drawstring bag, but if I don't keep it out, I might forget that I even own it.

The other bag I bought was also one of those "If I get it, great, if not, that's ok, too" purchases. I first saw this Montaigne purse in Bottega Veneta's spring 07 campaign. Loved it!!! I pre-ordered it on the website, and was told it may or may not be available, because it was SOooo limited. So months later, after I had even forgotten that I had pre-ordered it, I get an email from the SA that it was available. Did I still want it? Of course I said yes. It arrived in all it's girly pink glory, the leather so soft, the bag as romantic as the advertising promised. I pictured myself using it on bright sunny days, when I went shopping or brunch with the girls. But I never did. I have NEVER used it. The rainy spring and unpredictable weather of summer prevented me from wanting to leave the house with it. I didn't want it to be ruined; it was so pretty! So now it sits unused, in my bedroom waiting for that perfect moment when I can expose it to the (kind) elements. Will it ever be utilized?

Since my BV purchase, I have not bought another designer purse. I've been buying cotton shoppers, which are lighter to carry, and I've been drifting back to my classic LVs, and not the ones covered with cartoons or other limited accoutrements, which was such a draw for me in the first place. The last few things I've purchased were 2 Proenza Schouler for Target suede clutches, a Devi Kroell for Target faux-python clutch, and 2 faux-leather Simply Vera (Vera Wang for Kohl's) bags. Yes, I'm going cheapskate here, but still getting the designer touch.

I would really like a black BV; I find that might be more useful for everyday use, where if the leather is scuffed, at least I can't see it, and there's something very confident in myself to not carry a bag that has logos and instant recognizability all over it. But I don't feel compelled to go out and buy one right now. I got the Gucci catalog in the mail the other day. I only own one Gucci purse, and I got a lot of use out of that bag (and a lot of compliments), but the new Gucci designs seemed redundant, desperate, and not very mind-blowing. Plexiglass on leather? I obviously DON'T need another purse when I have new ones that I have never used. And plenty uses out of the cheaper bags.

So you may see more posts from me pining for the latest fashions. But will I be buying anything? Maybe I just need a break from all of this retail therapy.

Louis Vuitton That's Love Canvas Tote - $1,720

Louis Vuitton Monogram Dentelle Speedy - $1,420 (a cheaper alternative to the $1,720 for the Batignolles Horizontal)

Bottega Veneta Montaigne - $1,980 (brown for fall, but inquire for other colors)

Target (for the latest GO deals)

Kohl's (for the latest Simply Vera deals)

Paintings Du Jour

2007-09-23T13:57:00.000-04:00

Continuing on my adoration for the latest Bottega Veneta fall campaign, I think the one reason I love the ads is because it reminds me a lot of the paintings by one of my favorite artists. I'm too poor to own any originals, but Spanish artist Nydia Lozano paints these gorgeous portraits of young women in mid-states of pensiveness, conversations, preparing for a party, or sitting in their gardens. Take a look below and you'll see what I mean. I hope to one day be able to buy an original. Prints just don't capture the beauty that an original has.

Nydia Lozano Official Website

Bottega Veneta is my Dream Fantasy

2007-09-22T14:56:00.000-04:00

I am in love love LOVE with the current fall campaign for Bottega Veneta. The photos are by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz. When I look at these ads, they don't look like they are selling just purses and shoes. They are selling a lifestyle. Set in an intimate setting, where all the ladies look like ladies and are swaddled in feathers and furs and gilded in gold, it is an absolute perfection that only BV can promise.

Doesn't the male model look like Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5? :P

This is my favorite photo! The models look like they are almost ready to head out, and have some last minute primping to do. This photo looks like a painting!

Capture the mood at Bottega Veneta.

What was the big deal anyways?

2007-09-21T20:56:00.000-04:00

So I fluttered over to Target the other day to check out the Alice Temperley collection, and what a disappointment. I don't think any of the fashions looked quintessentially British (which is what exactly?), or even Temperley-like. I thought she was famous for all the beading and gilding and tunics and such. Or did I confuse her with another designer? The looks felt so old and dowdy. And French looking. What's with the berets, bows, and ruffles? I just checked her official website, and it seems that this season, she was inspired by Paris and Russia. OH-KAY...but was this the best representation of her work for the mass audience?

There weren't that many things that I wanted to try on, but I did try on these four items.

The first was this ivory cropped jacket. Online, it looked fun and whimsical. But in person? The fitting felt off. It was short, and puffy. I felt like a misshapen mushroom. Also, the material didn't feel like wool. It felt like a very soft felt or fleece material. Wasn't very awe-inspiring. So unfortunate.

What I really wanted was to try on the blue version. Maybe that would've looked better.

The next item I tried on was this dress. It was cute in concept, but I'm more of a busty girl, and the ruffles were far from flattering. Also, the cotton material felt like it could wrinkle easily, so I didn't think it would work if you run around a lot. Especially for someone like myself, who commutes for over an hour each way to work every day, by the time I get to the office, there would be wrinkles all over my ass.

This dress was cute, but not very special. I guess this is considered one of the few pieces that have that pop of color, but the print itself wasn't especially stylish. Especially since this season is all about the geometrics, the floral pattern felt off, neither classic nor trendy. Also, why would I pay $40 that looks like something I can get for $10-$15 bucks at like a Tello's or something? :P The one redeeming thing is that the fabric is nice, much better than the dress above.

This shirt was by far my favorite. The version I tried on was gray, and it was a very nice, muted piece. The shirt I tried on was the last one left, and it was smaller than I'd like, so I didn't buy it, but the fabric was nice and flowy, the ruffles actually work really well on this piece, and I could see it matched with jeans and heels for a night out. I couldn't even find the gray one online, so maybe I'll be able to catch it in another Target.

Anyhow, I would say that altogether, the collection is a mixed bag. I would say that most of the collection was uninspired. Not a very successful GO collection from Target this time around. But check it out for yourself.

Alice Temperley Melton Wool Cropped Jacket - Ivory - $44.99

Alice Temperley Melton Wool Cropped Jacket - Athens Blue - $44.99

Alice Temperley Long-Sleeve Cotton Voile Dress - Cloak Gray - $29.99

Alice Temperley Short-Sleeve Floral Crepe Dress - Pink - $39.99

Alice Temperley Victorian Ruffle-Front Blouse - Antique White (but get it in Gray!) - $29.99

Simply Vera, Simply Fabulous

2007-09-21T19:57:00.000-04:00

The Simply Vera collection by Vera Wang has barely made it out of the gates, but already, Kohl's is offering 30% of on most of their store, including the Vera pieces. Don't feel ripped off, though. If you were holding out on some of her signature pieces, most of them have already been sold out, and are now being held hostage in the land of eBay.

I was lucky enough to visit the local Kohl's early on and bagged several items, which aren't even on the website anymore. I bought the signature piece from the collection, the pleated navy blue dress with exquisite beading details. Love it!!! It fit me perfectly...I bought the last one that ran in the smaller size. I plan to wear it to a friend's wedding in Nov...I think it will look very cute and pretty!

This coat looks really nice in person. The black version was a tad dull, but the camel fabric shines in the light. You can also see the texture of the fabric much better in the lighter color. A perfect light jacket for fall.

I love these two purses. The monochromatic clasps really work for me. I don't like the hobo in the black, but I'm contemplating getting the clutch in black. Can be both dressy and casual, and black is always versatile.

I already wore my camel jacket once, and it's great. However, just because I found some pieces that I like doesn't mean that the entire collection was perfect. More about the not-so-great pieces in the next post.

Kohl's Simply Vera Collection

Crystal Paradise

2007-09-21T15:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my mom's birthday, so my gift to her? A Swarovski crystal flower, from their Flowers of Paradise collection. I have to say, out of Swarovski's entire collection of animals and figurines, these are one of their finer pieces. Colorful, vibrant, and eye-catching, I don't think they're kitschy at all. If anything, they're rather elegant. Personally, I'd rather wear something from Swarovski than have it on display, but if you're looking for a gift idea, and the recipient loves flowers, these will make a great present. My mom certainly loved it!

Swarovski Damboa - Blue Violet - $200

Gossip Girls - Dressed to Sell

2007-09-20T10:03:00.000-04:00

I was watching the CW's Gossip Girl last night not because I thought I was going to see the best acting on television (although Blake Lively's performance was certainly enlightening and refreshing to watch), but because of the fashions! This is supposed to be Sex and the City Lite, where all the people are pretty, and the clothing, impeccable. There were some very pretty frocks featured, since in only the first episode, there were already TWO parties that took place. Throw in some preppy school uniforms that HAD to be accented with designer duds like Chanel, and this show can easily become a walking ad for all the fashion houses.

One piece that caught my eye was Serena's gold sequined top for her date with Dan. She dressed it down with a jacket and long scarf over it, so it was more boho-chic and not disco diva. Remove everything and only wear it with a gorgeous tan, and I think it's a dress for all seasons. I scoured the web to find out more about it, and only came upon this article. They mentioned that items from the show were going to be featured on their website and will be for sale, but the CW site doesn't seem to have this feature up and running yet.

Anyhow, I'll probably keep watching because the storyline is interesting thus far (I know that this is shallow drivel...this is why it's called "guilty pleasure" and no different from The Hills, imho), but looking forward to seeing all the fun fashions they're going to put on screen. At least, until the REAL Sex and the City opens up in the theatres.

P.S. Loved Serena's mom's purse...it looked like an ostrich Hermès Birkin

Tory Burch Sequin Tunic Dress - $450

I Wanna da Prada...

2007-09-19T23:42:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend, I finally got to tour the new Neiman Marcus in Natick. My God, was the place delectable. It was like a very fashionable zoo. More tourists and window-shoppers than real patrons, perhaps some habitués from Saks or the old NM, but the items were all on display in shiny, gleaming, come-buy-me set-ups, and the sales people were very friendly (unlike some other locations, where if you're not dressed right, you're not treated right), so it was altogether a very lovely jaunt through the mall.

I almost waltzed by this one display when my honey pointed out this gorgeous clutch to me. With all the purses I own, I only have one Prada purse, and one wallet, both of which I only bought because it was impulsive and on sale. Well, this has got to be one of the first Prada pieces that I ever thought seriously about buying at retail, only because as a fall bag, it might sell out, and anyhow, I can see this being a very classic piece that will never look dated. Isn't the ombre gorgeous?

The clutch comes in three colors: gray to black, beige/brown to black, and gray to red to black. I LOVE the red. I want it soooooo badly, but I have been spending a lot lately, and I can't justify purchasing this clutch, as much as I love it. So I'm going to sit on this for about a week. If after a week, I still want it, and it's still available, then I think I will get it. Argh...temptation! This will be the longest wait ever!!!

Prada Vernice Sfumata Clutch - $850

False Advertising?

2007-09-19T16:17:00.000-04:00

When I saw this pic of the latest Visionaire venture, I almost fell in my seat! $375 is certainly not expensive to own a gold LV Monogram Miroir portfolio, including a beautiful tome of photographs. I was counting down the days until I could order from Visionaire's site. And I quote:

Guest Art Director Marc Jacobs teamed up with photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott on the newest installment of the coveted fashion quarterly, Visionaire, which comes housed this time in a limited-edition Louis Vuitton case designed by Jacobs. Alas and Piggott photographed a series of intimate portraits of today's most inspiring contemporary icons, traveling to New York, London and Paris in search of their personal muses. Subjects include actors Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson and Selma Blair; singers Jennifer Lopez and Lil' Kim; models Gisele Bündchen, Stephanie Seymour and Christy Turlington; New York City Ballet principle dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied; and fashion designers Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney, to name a few.

Then came this. I surfed onto the Visionaire site and they were accepting pre-orders. Except, the case is now not a portfolio, but a regular, probably-made-out-of-cardboard case!!! WTF?!? Is this sneaky advertising? Or did they decide that production-wise, it wasn't viable to make an actual portfolio?

Anyhow, I decided to subscribe to get an issue anyways, because I can't say no to Lou-ee, even if I know I'm being ripped off. This is the more affordable Louis that will go up in price over the years. And with a subscription, I get 3 other wonderful editions of Visionaire. I'll let you know what I end up getting in the mail. Crossing my fingers here. :P

Visionaire 52. Private - $375

Shopping to Save the Trees...!

2007-09-19T15:34:00.000-04:00

If you've ever been to Asia or the UK, you will have come upon magazines that come with freebies. The freebies range from jewelry to small cosmetic bags, to keychains, a supplemental guide to the latest food/celebrity/fashion, or hair accessories. I'm a huge sucker for these little trinkets. Half the time, I end up buying the magazine just for the trinket! It saddens me that the US has not adopted this marketing ploy, but it might be better for me, since I already buy or subscribe to so many magazines in the given month that often, I'm months behind in my reading. Imagine if they gave me free shampoo for, I dunno, Cosmogirl. I don't know who reads that crap, but I'd prolly buy it for the shampoo. Lord knows I did when I was in HK...and I can't even read Chinese!

Anyhow, I digress. While in London, I bought some random magazine for a cotton bag. I don't even remember what the mag is called, but I remember thinking that the bag was cute, so I bought it. It's by Dorothy Perkins, whom I've never heard of, but a quick check on Google tells me that this is a very well-known fashion chain in the UK. I love my bag! Because it's cotton, and not even lined, after several months' use, it will probably wear away to nothing, but for now, the charming print makes me think of summer (how quickly the cold north wind hangs down in Boston), and I will use it for as long as I can.

I just checked the Dorothy Perkins website, and they are selling cotton shoppers to raise money for the Woodland Trust. This is my kinda company! Be in style, and save the environment while you're at it. Can't argue with that. Sadly, the one bag I have my eyes on is sold out (the lime green one below)...but there are two more styles for sale. So, get them while you can so that you can say your bag is helping the planet. I much prefer this than the overhyped Anya Hindmarch "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" any day, since it's so much cuter, and do I daresay, will have a more direct impact on the cause.

Dorothy Perkins Woodland Trust Shoppers - £10.00

My Bag is My Mood Ring...

2007-09-19T10:54:00.000-04:00

"...a handbag can be found the secret to having a life more glamorous, dimensioned and storybook than one’s own." - Guy Trebay

It's true. I believe we purchase designer goods because we are seeking a higher, more sophisticated, heavenly, beautiful version of our lives. If we can't be dressed from head-to-toe in Louis Vuitton, then maybe a handbag here, a keychain there. Mix it up with finds from H&M and Target GO designers. As our income increases, and the corporate monsters work with up-and-coming designers on the next big "IT" items, we then try to compete to have the next nicest piece, whether it's from an atelier in Copley Plaza, a discounted find at Filene's Basement, or scoured from eBay.

We do the same for our homes. Ikea, anyone? Perhaps upgrade and get something nicer from Unica Home instead. And so the story goes, where consumerism can be at best, therapy, at worse, an addiction.

I don't think I have an addiction. I do know that in the last 5 years, I have spoiled myself immensely, purchasing limited edition Louis Vuittons that I have never used, and occasionally pledging my allegiance to Prada, Dior, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta. The one item I covet is a Chanel white python purse which I was never able to find. After seeing it in a Neiman Marcus catalog, I loved it but didn't have the foresight to clip the damn thing and bring with me when inquiring in the boutiques. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. I've brought my purchasing down a notch in terms of quantity, but I've allowed myself to ante up in terms of cost per item. So, is this an addiction, or merely a mature assessment of paying more for better quality and design?

Ahh, design. Allow me to expound. I don't buy these pieces only because it's designer. I buy it for the design. For the feeling I get when I carry it out. I find that my bags have been an expression of my mood, and where I am emotionally. So whether I'm buying a $2,000 handbag, or a $20 cotton bag, I use them all the same, and love them all equally.

My latest mood falls somewhere between sophisticated professional and young artsy dreamer. I am toggling between my very reliable LV Bucket and a cotton bag from the Tate Modern's Salvador Dalí exhibit.

There is a history with the LV bucket bag. When I first saw a friend carry it in college, I had never heard of Louis Vuitton. Did not know you had to spend hundreds, even thousands for a handbag. When I found out, I thought it was absolutely ludicrous. But something about the shape, the simple brown and tan, the unoffensive message it sent; it really spoke to me. I pined for it for years, but didn't purchase one until I was a year out of college. It made me feel very grown-up. It is still one of my all-time favorite bags, despite the many bags I have accumulated over the years. It is the purse that made me feel like an adult.

The Tate bag is silly, and I don't particularly love the museum or Dalí, or ants, for that matter, but the irreverence made me feel young and magical. I've been asked by several people about the bag. Because it's covered in ants (a theme that appeared in many of Dalí's works), maybe people thought I was just a tad strange. I just love it because it reminds me of London, where I went to for the first time this past summer for my birthday. It was a magical trip (thanks to my honey), and the bag brings me back. Plus, I felt like a true artist, lugging it with me to my precious metal clay art class, a session that I treated myself to this past summer so that I could continue to be creative, despite my very grown-up job. It is the bi-polar in me, to switch between these two bags so effortlessly, and convey a different persona to people who don't know me.

Such is the magic of a handbag.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Petite Bucket - $925

Tate Modern Salvador Dalí and Film Tote - £9.50