Plus, I always secretly wanted to be a (little) red-haired girl...
PS: God bless democracy :-)
mercoledì 5 novembre 2008
Charming
Found Marla Bloom work through her Modepass Page and I'm loving her photographs. Sleeping beauties, flowers, peacocks, apples (poisoned?)...isn't this an enchanted world? Like living in a fairy tale!
Plus, I always secretly wanted to be a (little) red-haired girl...
PS: God bless democracy :-)
Plus, I always secretly wanted to be a (little) red-haired girl...
PS: God bless democracy :-)
lunedì 3 novembre 2008
Softspoken
My passion for hats and hair accessories continues, I can't help! Fall is officially here (or so it seems) and I can finally wear my new favorited crocheted things: the emerald windowpane beret and the wonderful colorblock cowl in grapefizz, both from the super talented Rachael.
Visit Rachael's Etsy store for more fabulous goodies. I would buy everything...
...but on top of my wish list there is one of her wonderful hand embroidered Freudian slips.
So cool!
Visit Rachael's Etsy store for more fabulous goodies. I would buy everything...
...but on top of my wish list there is one of her wonderful hand embroidered Freudian slips.
So cool!
domenica 2 novembre 2008
November Board
Considering I fill a notebook per month with wish lists, to do lists and all that things, I decided to share with you my current shopping obsessions.
American Apparel.
Despite their gross ads, I'm developing an insane addiction to American Apparel. I've just realized that when I have to buy basic pieces like tees and tanks I tend to choose always dark colors, 99% of times black...I probably need something "quite" to pair with bold key pieces and accessories! AA items are no exception. The unisex tri-blend tee - loose fit but just a bit - is definitely something I would wear with a little high waisted skirt (like the AA pleated schoolgirl skirt that hopefully will come soon), just to de-girlify the outfit. The scoop neck dress (scoop neck is another obession per se at the moment) looks like a perfect little black dress, thought it is available in one size only and it is probably a bit sheer...mmmh, has anyone already bought/tried on this dress? Maybe I'd be better to look for the classic double U-neck one...
Sequins.
Don't know exactly how it happens but I'm currently in love with pretty much everything with sequins sewn on. The skirt above is from Asos, the top is Sonia Rykiel, but I'm loving this vintage one too.
Mary Janes.
I already have a pair of high heeled mary jane shoes, but these raspberry ones are definitely adorable...and really inexpensive too. I don't want to pay hundreds of Euros for a pair of shoes I can't wear everyday!
Dark lipstick.
I didn't wear dark lipsticks in 8/10 years, but it's definitely time for trying one again. Dark purple shades are my favorites...I need a trip to the beauty store. Soon.
American Apparel.
Despite their gross ads, I'm developing an insane addiction to American Apparel. I've just realized that when I have to buy basic pieces like tees and tanks I tend to choose always dark colors, 99% of times black...I probably need something "quite" to pair with bold key pieces and accessories! AA items are no exception. The unisex tri-blend tee - loose fit but just a bit - is definitely something I would wear with a little high waisted skirt (like the AA pleated schoolgirl skirt that hopefully will come soon), just to de-girlify the outfit. The scoop neck dress (scoop neck is another obession per se at the moment) looks like a perfect little black dress, thought it is available in one size only and it is probably a bit sheer...mmmh, has anyone already bought/tried on this dress? Maybe I'd be better to look for the classic double U-neck one...
Sequins.
Don't know exactly how it happens but I'm currently in love with pretty much everything with sequins sewn on. The skirt above is from Asos, the top is Sonia Rykiel, but I'm loving this vintage one too.
Mary Janes.
I already have a pair of high heeled mary jane shoes, but these raspberry ones are definitely adorable...and really inexpensive too. I don't want to pay hundreds of Euros for a pair of shoes I can't wear everyday!
Dark lipstick.
I didn't wear dark lipsticks in 8/10 years, but it's definitely time for trying one again. Dark purple shades are my favorites...I need a trip to the beauty store. Soon.
venerdì 31 ottobre 2008
Animal Children
I'm in love with the "Bestia Parvulus" photographs series by the canadian photographer Pamela Klaffke (prints available here.)
Aren't they a perfect inspiration for Halloween costumes too? A good outfit and an animal mask like those ones are the perfect compromise if you want a 50% charming, 50% creepy effect. Imagine a brigade of these little girls in a deserted street or a park after dark...brrrrrr....great!
I should definitely buy a rabbit mask like that one!
Aren't they a perfect inspiration for Halloween costumes too? A good outfit and an animal mask like those ones are the perfect compromise if you want a 50% charming, 50% creepy effect. Imagine a brigade of these little girls in a deserted street or a park after dark...brrrrrr....great!
I should definitely buy a rabbit mask like that one!
giovedì 30 ottobre 2008
Rib Bones And Other Various Parts
I know, I know, I'm a baaaaddd blogger...and I'm so sorry for this long silence. I even must add I don't have a real excuse apart from lazyness...I enjoyed these last warm days (yesterday it was like summer, no jokes! And today, apart from a crazy -Mary Poppins's coming - wind is still a beautiful day) but I'll do my best to post more often in the upcoming weeks and months, when cold and rain will sadly be here.
Tomorrow's Halloween and I'd love to be again in New York...
we don't have a real one here, no nice children and the trick or treat thing...just a bunch of local teens who think Halloween means eggs, flour and toilet paper everywhere. Not a pretty thing when you found them even in your letter box!
By the way, what you're planning to do and, first thing, to wear?
With the lace trend and the dark make up one I think the Corpse Bride should be the easier option! But it seems a lot of inspiration come from next Spring catwalks too...
From left to right: Givenchy, Christian Lacroix and the amazing Rodarte dress.
(Read a related post and see more pics on Style.com)
The fashionable evolution of the classic skeleton costume a la Donnie Darko?!
So girls&guys, have a great, candy corn filled, Halloween :-)
Tomorrow's Halloween and I'd love to be again in New York...
we don't have a real one here, no nice children and the trick or treat thing...just a bunch of local teens who think Halloween means eggs, flour and toilet paper everywhere. Not a pretty thing when you found them even in your letter box!
By the way, what you're planning to do and, first thing, to wear?
With the lace trend and the dark make up one I think the Corpse Bride should be the easier option! But it seems a lot of inspiration come from next Spring catwalks too...
From left to right: Givenchy, Christian Lacroix and the amazing Rodarte dress.
(Read a related post and see more pics on Style.com)
The fashionable evolution of the classic skeleton costume a la Donnie Darko?!
So girls&guys, have a great, candy corn filled, Halloween :-)
domenica 19 ottobre 2008
Nine Questions To Treasured Little Things
This week, for the new "episode" of the Nine Questions series, I interviewed a fabulous Etsy seller. Although I think sometimes vintage clothing on Etsy may be a little overpriced, there are little gems as well and Tresured Little Things is certainly one of them.
The store, ran by the super nice Charmaine is located in Hong Kong and most of the vintage pieces available are from the fantastic Japanese market. This means tons of amazing lightweight dresses with pretty prints...guess where the dress below - one of my favorite - come from ;-)
Prices are really affordable, but more than this, right now Treasured Little Things is having a fantastic 50% off everything listed before 7th August, excluding items in the sale section.
What are you waiting for?!
1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR STORE. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH Tresured Little Things?
No matter where she goes, my grandmother is always wearing a Chinese cheongsam. She always looked so beautiful and well groomed, oozing elegance from a time long forgotten and much treasured. She gave me one of the tailor made cheongsam she wore when she was at her 20s, that is when my love for vintage bloomed. Since then, I have developed an obsessive compulsive disorder with collecting vintage things.
After graduating from SVA with a graphic design degree and working for a few years in nyc, I decided to move back to Hong Kong. With clothes, flips clocks, old books and all kinds of gadgets I have collected through out the years that amounts to the size of a shipping container (yes the huge ones you see parked at docks), I realized it's impossible bring them all home, so I decided to part with my collection through Ebay. It was such a fun process that I wanted to continue even after I returned to HK. And so, Treasured Little Things came into existence. Now, I hand pick vintage pieces mostly from the Japanese market. I can't get enough of their pretty prints and patterns! This is all thanks to my granny.
2. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PIECE YOU'RE BUYING FOR THE STORE? ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY YOUR PERSONAL TASTE?
If I'm not truly passionate about something why would someone else sees the value I see in it. So, yes, my personal taste is a great influence to what I buy for the store. I look for items that are in good condition and have great details (be it the pattern or an unexpected porcelain button closure placed inside of a wrap dress). I also have an obsession with smooth and slinky fabrics.
3. IS NOT SAD AND "HEARTBREAKING" TO SELL A PIECE YOU LOVE, LETTING IT PASSES ON? AREN'T YOU TEMPTED TO KEEP ALL FOR YOURSELF?!
I'll admit that I really want to keep everything I find, but with the ever growing mountain of clothes I have collected through out the years, I realized even if I wear a different piece everyday, hell even if I change outfits 3 times a day, there are still too much to wear. And it makes my day when my customers send me photos of them in their new dresses.
4. HOW MUCH OF YOUR PERSONAL WARDROBE IS VINTAGE?
I have a nice mix of vintage and non-vintage clothes. I like the idea of melding the old with the new and each gets to shine.
5. AND WHAT ABOUT CONTEMPORARY DESIGNERS AND PERSONAL HOT SPOTS?
I'm in love with Maison Martin Margiela's impeccable tailoring and use of fabric. Roger Vivier's shoes are divine. I'm so glad the label is once again living up to its reputation of excellence under the artistic direction of Bruno Frisoni. Monique Lhuillier's contemporary line also catches my eye.
Lok Ku Road in Central area of Hong Kong is a street full of stores selling vintage gadgets. I have found a first generation HP business pocket calculator (1973) there before. You have to look really hard for unique things on this street, as store owners usually just stack everything in a pile and it's quite difficult to see anything at first glance. Peel Fresco Music Lounge is jamming with great live music almost every night.
I still go back to New York 2-3 times a year. Zucco Le French Diner in nyc is a great little restaurant and the food is authentic and delicious! You must try their Coq Au Vin! Taisho on St Mark's offers yummy Japanese yakitori and opens til late on weekends. The last time I was there, I came across Marmalade Vintage on Ludlow St and they have a nice shoe collection.
6. DO YOU THINK THE INCREASINGLY INTEREST FOR VINTAGE IS ONLY A TREND OR SOMETHING HERE TO STAY?
It's here to stay!
7. IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE TO GO BACK IN TIME, WICH ERA AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?
Definitely the 1920's, the sequined and beaded flapper dresses are to die for. And the rise of a new kind of women was a sexy movement in itself.
8. DO YOU THINK VINTAGE IS A GOOD WAY TO EXPRESS THAT SENSE OF NOSTALGIA PEOPLE (LIKE ME...) MAY HAVE FOR PAST DECADES THEY DIDN'T EVEN LIVE TROUGH?
Absolutely! Every piece has its own story, and in a way you are continuing that story when you choose to wear a piece. When I hunt for vintage, I look meticulously at every part of the fabric. Although it's disappointing when I find an iron singe mark on a piece that I want, but at the same time, I can't help but let out a giggle and think "Mrs. 1960s what were you day dreaming of?"
9. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR VINTAGE LOVERS AND COLLECTORS?
I get a lot of requests asking me if I have a similar piece to one that was already sold. The truth is I seldom see repeats, so if you see something you really love and it's within your budget, don't hesitate. Hmm...what else...Soaking your clothes in a little baking soda and water, gets rid of that old, mildewy smell even better than detergent.
The store, ran by the super nice Charmaine is located in Hong Kong and most of the vintage pieces available are from the fantastic Japanese market. This means tons of amazing lightweight dresses with pretty prints...guess where the dress below - one of my favorite - come from ;-)
Prices are really affordable, but more than this, right now Treasured Little Things is having a fantastic 50% off everything listed before 7th August, excluding items in the sale section.
What are you waiting for?!
1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR STORE. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH Tresured Little Things?
No matter where she goes, my grandmother is always wearing a Chinese cheongsam. She always looked so beautiful and well groomed, oozing elegance from a time long forgotten and much treasured. She gave me one of the tailor made cheongsam she wore when she was at her 20s, that is when my love for vintage bloomed. Since then, I have developed an obsessive compulsive disorder with collecting vintage things.
After graduating from SVA with a graphic design degree and working for a few years in nyc, I decided to move back to Hong Kong. With clothes, flips clocks, old books and all kinds of gadgets I have collected through out the years that amounts to the size of a shipping container (yes the huge ones you see parked at docks), I realized it's impossible bring them all home, so I decided to part with my collection through Ebay. It was such a fun process that I wanted to continue even after I returned to HK. And so, Treasured Little Things came into existence. Now, I hand pick vintage pieces mostly from the Japanese market. I can't get enough of their pretty prints and patterns! This is all thanks to my granny.
2. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PIECE YOU'RE BUYING FOR THE STORE? ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY YOUR PERSONAL TASTE?
If I'm not truly passionate about something why would someone else sees the value I see in it. So, yes, my personal taste is a great influence to what I buy for the store. I look for items that are in good condition and have great details (be it the pattern or an unexpected porcelain button closure placed inside of a wrap dress). I also have an obsession with smooth and slinky fabrics.
3. IS NOT SAD AND "HEARTBREAKING" TO SELL A PIECE YOU LOVE, LETTING IT PASSES ON? AREN'T YOU TEMPTED TO KEEP ALL FOR YOURSELF?!
I'll admit that I really want to keep everything I find, but with the ever growing mountain of clothes I have collected through out the years, I realized even if I wear a different piece everyday, hell even if I change outfits 3 times a day, there are still too much to wear. And it makes my day when my customers send me photos of them in their new dresses.
4. HOW MUCH OF YOUR PERSONAL WARDROBE IS VINTAGE?
I have a nice mix of vintage and non-vintage clothes. I like the idea of melding the old with the new and each gets to shine.
5. AND WHAT ABOUT CONTEMPORARY DESIGNERS AND PERSONAL HOT SPOTS?
I'm in love with Maison Martin Margiela's impeccable tailoring and use of fabric. Roger Vivier's shoes are divine. I'm so glad the label is once again living up to its reputation of excellence under the artistic direction of Bruno Frisoni. Monique Lhuillier's contemporary line also catches my eye.
Lok Ku Road in Central area of Hong Kong is a street full of stores selling vintage gadgets. I have found a first generation HP business pocket calculator (1973) there before. You have to look really hard for unique things on this street, as store owners usually just stack everything in a pile and it's quite difficult to see anything at first glance. Peel Fresco Music Lounge is jamming with great live music almost every night.
I still go back to New York 2-3 times a year. Zucco Le French Diner in nyc is a great little restaurant and the food is authentic and delicious! You must try their Coq Au Vin! Taisho on St Mark's offers yummy Japanese yakitori and opens til late on weekends. The last time I was there, I came across Marmalade Vintage on Ludlow St and they have a nice shoe collection.
6. DO YOU THINK THE INCREASINGLY INTEREST FOR VINTAGE IS ONLY A TREND OR SOMETHING HERE TO STAY?
It's here to stay!
7. IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE TO GO BACK IN TIME, WICH ERA AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?
Definitely the 1920's, the sequined and beaded flapper dresses are to die for. And the rise of a new kind of women was a sexy movement in itself.
8. DO YOU THINK VINTAGE IS A GOOD WAY TO EXPRESS THAT SENSE OF NOSTALGIA PEOPLE (LIKE ME...) MAY HAVE FOR PAST DECADES THEY DIDN'T EVEN LIVE TROUGH?
Absolutely! Every piece has its own story, and in a way you are continuing that story when you choose to wear a piece. When I hunt for vintage, I look meticulously at every part of the fabric. Although it's disappointing when I find an iron singe mark on a piece that I want, but at the same time, I can't help but let out a giggle and think "Mrs. 1960s what were you day dreaming of?"
9. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR VINTAGE LOVERS AND COLLECTORS?
I get a lot of requests asking me if I have a similar piece to one that was already sold. The truth is I seldom see repeats, so if you see something you really love and it's within your budget, don't hesitate. Hmm...what else...Soaking your clothes in a little baking soda and water, gets rid of that old, mildewy smell even better than detergent.
venerdì 17 ottobre 2008
Destination Cocosa
A new luxury experience is waiting just for you!
Be prepared to join Cocosa, the new exciting members-only e-commerce fashion site offering exclusive sales of designer brands at half the price.
The site's owned by Bauer Media, publisher of the uber stylish Grazia, among many other famous magazines so the site uniquely combines its sumptuous sales with leading fashion editorial, an exclusive coverage from fashion experts and wardrobe advice from the most respected fashion journalists, ensuring an experience normally reserved for the fashion insider.
Each selection of wonderful must have designers goodies, handpicked by Cocosa's experienced buyers and focused on one specific leading designer brand at a time, will be running for a limited period only (48 hours...Hurry! Hurry!) and offered only to the invited lucky customers.
The first sale is in 3 day times so if you're UK based (at the present only UK residents may purchase from Cocosa) be sure to get a pre-registration to the site using the special invitation code create just for The Cupcake Diary's readers: enter cupcake in the "I've Been Invited" section and become one of the founder members, the first to receive notifications of each new sale!
The brands registered so far for sales which start in 3 days time are: Mawi, Matthew Williamson, Christian Lacroix, Amanda Wakeley and PPQ. Don't miss them!
Be prepared to join Cocosa, the new exciting members-only e-commerce fashion site offering exclusive sales of designer brands at half the price.
The site's owned by Bauer Media, publisher of the uber stylish Grazia, among many other famous magazines so the site uniquely combines its sumptuous sales with leading fashion editorial, an exclusive coverage from fashion experts and wardrobe advice from the most respected fashion journalists, ensuring an experience normally reserved for the fashion insider.
Each selection of wonderful must have designers goodies, handpicked by Cocosa's experienced buyers and focused on one specific leading designer brand at a time, will be running for a limited period only (48 hours...Hurry! Hurry!) and offered only to the invited lucky customers.
The first sale is in 3 day times so if you're UK based (at the present only UK residents may purchase from Cocosa) be sure to get a pre-registration to the site using the special invitation code create just for The Cupcake Diary's readers: enter cupcake in the "I've Been Invited" section and become one of the founder members, the first to receive notifications of each new sale!
The brands registered so far for sales which start in 3 days time are: Mawi, Matthew Williamson, Christian Lacroix, Amanda Wakeley and PPQ. Don't miss them!
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