Wishing for Spring - the aftereffects of watching Atonement

OH, Let it be spring!!!

I just caught Atonement on TV, in which Keira Knightly and her on-screen sister strutted around in sheer blouses, skirts, and dresses that made me long for spring to come. I was wrapped up in four layers of clothing as I was watching the show, including my white puffer knee-length jacket. I'm sure you understand how I feel.

In fact, if you are a frugal shopper, winter is probably one of the best times to buy spring apparel. One of my favorite colors that came up again and again in the Atonement movie was the color white that you see the character Brioni (Keira's sister) wear over and over again, perhaps to signify her innocence of mind. Most of the pieces she wore were one-piece white dresses, which I love for their simplicity.

Here are a couple of white one-piece dresses from French Connection on sale for less than $50 at 6pm.com:

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Keira Knightly who wore vibrant colors and striking patterns to signify her passionate on-screen personality.



Her outfits in the show were rather unforgettable, and afterward, I found myself attracted to daring patterns such as the Flying High Dress and Fairytale Flower Skirt below from French Connection:

I also like a combination of the two extreme, where I can pair a white tank top (with embellishment such as the one below) with a flower skirt like the one above:

Well, to be fair, it wasn't always Spring in the movie, Atonement. Most of the later parts of the movie was in drab winter tones to highlight the dread and despair that the characters find themselves surrounded by. But that is as depressing as my empty pockets this Xmas, so I think I shall choose to remember only the flouncy and poignant romance in the spring of Atonement instead of the dearth and drama in its winter.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

LA Sales - December 9, 2009

Sample Sale Info taken from Refinery29.com.

Hansel from Basel Holiday Sock Party at Creatures of Comfort
What: Pick up the perfect gifts at Hansel from Basel's Holiday Sock Party at Creatures of Comfort. Take advantage of a special buy 2 get the 3rd half off promotion, enjoy drinks, food, and more. Plus, check out Creatures of Comfort's ongoing 30% off fall sale.
When: Friday, December 11, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Creatures of Comfort, 730 North Edinburgh Street, (between Waring and Melrose avenues); 323-655-7855; and online at shop.creaturesofcomfort.us.

West Third Street Holiday Party
What: West Third Street kicks off their annual holiday festivities with sales and promos throughout the neighborhood. Enjoy live music, drinks, and score in-store discounts and sales at faves EM & Co, Satine, Milk, and others.
When: Thursday, December 10, starting at 6 p.m.
Where: Shop along West Third Street, (between Fairfax and La Cienaga Boulevard); for more info and free parking, check out westthirdstreet.com.

DecadesTwo Chanel Event
What: DecadesTwo is going all out for their annual Chanel event. The famed-vintage boutique has amassed a large collection of over 500 Chanel handbags, shoes, Boucle jackets, costume jewelry, and more. Get there early for first dibs on the coveted French faves.
When: Wednesday, December 9, from 10 to 7 p.m.
Where: DecadesTwo, 8214 Melrose Ave., (between N. Harper and N. La Jolla avenues); 323-655-1960.

Chic Little Devil Holiday Sample Sale
What: Pick up the perfect gifts at Chic Little Devil's holiday sample sale. With discounts of up to 90% off and prices starting at $5, browse their large selection of clothing and jewelry from Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Ports 1961, Diabless, Vintage Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, and more.
When: Thursday, December 10, through Sunday, December 13, from 10 to 6 p.m.
Where: Chic Little Devil Style House, 1206 Maple Avenue, 11th floor, (near E. 12th Street, at the Bendix Building); for more info, check out chiclittledevilstylehouse.com.

Joey Showroom Sample Sale
What: Score great deals at Joey Showroom's seasonal sample sale. Check out discounted clothing from Black Halo, Cardigan, Rhys Dwfen, Goldenbleu, and more. Cash only.
When: Wednesday, December 9, through Friday, December 11, from 10 to 3 p.m.; and continues every Friday for the month of December
Where: Joey Showroom Sample Sale at the Cooper Building, 860 South Los Angeles Street, Suite 215, (between E. 8th and E. 9th streets); no phone.

TenOverSix Sale
What: TenOverSix is marking down their awesome selection of fall shoes and accessories for men and women by 30%. Shop select sale items from Acne, Rachel Comey, A.P.C., Dieppa Restrepo, and more.
When: Ongoing sale
Where: TenOverSix, 7427 Beverly Boulevard, (at N. Vista Street); 323-330-9355.

Sirens & Sailors Holiday Bazaar
What: Sirens & Sailors and MohawkSwap are gathering their friends for a unique holiday bazaar. Stop by and check out some of L.A.'s unique clothing designers, jewelry makes, craft artists, and more.
When: Saturday, December 12, from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Sirens & Sailors Holiday Bazaar at the Mohawk Warehouse (next door to the Sirens & Sailors store), 1106 Mohawk Street, (near W. Sunset Boulevard); 212-483-5423.

Scout Sample Sale
What: Joey Grana's Scout Boutique is hosting a 1-day sample sale. Find their in-house collection of dresses, tops, leggings, and more priced at wholesale and below.
When: Saturday, December 12, from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Scout, 1646 North Cherokee Avenue, (between Hollywood Boulevard and Selma Avenue); Hollywood; 323-658-8684.

Opening Ceremony Sale
What: Opening Ceremony's fall/winter collections are now 30% to 50% off. Shop their coveted designer goods from Boy, Opening Ceremony, Acne, Alexander Wang, Band of Outsiders, and more.
When: Ongoing sale
Where: Opening Ceremony, 451 North La Cienega Boulevard, (between Rosewood and Oakwood avenues); 310-652-1120; and online at openingceremony.us.

Ooga Booga and Keep Company Mini Shop
What: Ooga Booga is teaming up with Keep Company for a special holiday pop-up shop. Head to Keep Company's Fairfax store and shop their Ooga Booga Mini Shop featuring great gift items under $100. Find items hand-picked by artists/designers: Alexandra Cassaniti, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim of Opening Ceremony, and more.
When: Now open until the new year
Where: Keep + Ooga Booga Mini Shop, 523 North Fairfax Avenue, (between Rosewood and Clinton streets); 323-655-1010.

Vionnet Sale
What: Shop sweet deals at Vionnet's holiday sale. Expect markdowns of up to 50% off select items, including pieces from their own Decolette line.
When: Ongoing sale
Where: Vionnet, 158 North Robertson Boulevard, (between Beverly Boulevard and Alden Drive); 310-289-9202.

Milk Holiday Sale
What: Since you're going to shop, earn something sweet yourself with Milk's holiday promo. Spend $100 and get $10 off, spend $200 and get $20 off, and get 10% back all the way up to $50.
When: Now through December 24
Where: Milk, 8209 West Third Street, (between South Harper and South La Jolla avenues); 323-951-0330; and online at shopatmilk.com.

Space 15 Twenty Gift Shop Pop-up
What: Space 15 Twenty is presenting a new holiday go-to, their Gift Shop pop-up. The shop will feature 7 mini shops featuring: holiday cheer/ornaments, cameras, music, d.i.y., books, women's accessories, and men's accessories.
When: Now open
Where: Space 15 Twenty, 1520 North Cahuenga Boulevard, (between W. Sunset Boulevard and Selma Avenue); 323-465-1893.

South Willard Sale
What: South Willard's excellent selection of men's merch is now up to 30% off. Check out fall/winter sale items from Patrik Ervell, Dries Van Noten, Band of Outsiders, Stephan Schneider, Pierre Hardy, and more.
When: Ongoing sale
Where: South Willard, 8038 West 3rd Street, (between South Crescent Heights Boulevard and South Laurel Avenue); 323-653-6153; and online at southwillard.com.


Online

Rarechic Holiday Sale
What: Rarechic is gifting shoppers with a special 35% discount on any item—sale or non-sale. Treat yourself to new goods from Society for Rational Dress, Bliss Lau, Erin Fetherston, and more.
When: Now through Thursday, December 10
Where: Shop online at rarechic.com.

Marion Mercer Discount
What: One of our favorite vintage e-boutiques Marion Mercer is treating R29 readers to a special 30% off their entire site. Browse through their selection of pristine designer offerings, including vintage Prada, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and much much more. Promo code: REFINERY29.
When: Now through Tuesday, December 15
Where: Shop online at marionmercer.com.

Vince Camuto E-Commerce Launch
What: Shoe designer Vince Camuto has recently launched a new e-commerce shop. Check out their selection of gorgeous leather booties, classic Marla pumps, and more. Plus, be sure to enter their $1,000 shoe giveaway and get a special 25% off orders of $150 and up.
When: Discount promo runs through Sunday, December 20 ; contest runs through Saturday, January 30
Where: Shop online at vincecamuto.com

Steven Alan x Toki Collection Trunk Show
What: New jewelry line TOKI is teaming up with Steven Alan for special online trunk show. Click on over for an exclusive peek at their new spring line.
When: Now through Wednesday, December 9
Where: Shop online at stevenalan.com.

Hansel from Basel Sale
What: Just in time for winter, take 25% off Hansel from Basel's comfy socks and fun hosiery during their holiday sale. Promo code: gobble gobble.
When: Now through Thursday, January 7
Where: Shop online at hanselfrombasel.com.

Alex & Chloe Black December Sale
What: Pieces from Alex & Chloe's Black Diamond collection are now on sale at their e-boutique. Click on over and browse a selection of discounted necklaces, rings, t-shirts, and more.
When: Now through Wednesday, December 30
Where: Shop online at alexandchloe.com.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Azuri Cashmere Pashmini

Brrr, it's cold in here.

Winter is here and here are my lust-of-the-day items at greatly discounted prices!!

Amethyst Cashmere Pashmina Shawl (Was: $150.00, Now: $23.20)

Grey Feather Pashmina Shawl (Was: $125.00, Now: $19.20)

Eggplant Cashmere Pashmina Shawl (Was: $150.00, Now: $23.20)

Crimson Reversible Ombre Pashmina Scarf (Was: $115.00, Now: $21.60)

Champagne Classic Cashmere Pashmina Shawl (Was: $200.00, Now: $47.20)

I have two Pashmini shawl/scarf, both given to me by chibi over the years, and they are the love of my life. I mean...THEY ARE SO WARM!!! So easy to use, so versatile, and SO WARM!!!

Ok, so I walk around my house in a huge puffer jacket, and I like the heater on full blast. I was born in Indonesia and grew up in Singapore. Can you REALLY blame me for my aversion towards the cold? Huh? Can you? Now someone please buy me those beautifully colored Pashmini scarfs!!!

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

ABS Black Lace Brocade - To keep or not to keep

I just bought a black lace brocade ABS dress from Hautelook and it just came in the mail. Size 6 is apparently WAY TOO BIG for me. I really don't know what to do, I can get it altered, of course. But for my purposes (to wear to my engagement dinner), would this be too dark and not auspicious enough? What do you think?

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Sabo Shop Photoshoot and Unique LA

I apologize for not blogging for a week there, what with black friday, cyber monday, and Bloomingdales sales. I got a new Canon SD 780IS in RED (my fave color), a Hugo Boss suit for chibi (how dashing!), and presents for chibi's family in Taiwan.

Other than that, chibi and I were also busy doing a last minute shoot for Sabo Shop's Holiday'09 collection last week. Despite the thrown-together studio at our Santa Monica place with inadequate backdrop and lighting, chibi did an excellent job photographing everything and then editing them in post-production.

First, he photographed each piece in isolation. Then, Sabrina from Sabo Shop (girl in white below) styled and directed the model shoot.


Here are some of my favorite unedited shots from the shoot that did not make it into the final shots:









This last one chibi took as I was walking away, and I looked like a nonchalant passerby. I thought that was really cool.

Now, if you look carefully at the unedited photos, you will see the line running down the middle on the backdrop. The story for that is, chibi bought a pipe from OSH the morning of the shoot and extended Sabrina's white paper backdrop to make it broad enough for the shoot. We had gotten another girl to be the model, but she had a neck accident and couldn't make it, so I had to fill in. I was REALLY glad Sabrina had many wigs and huge glasses to hide my face. I also gave chibi quite a big of trouble not keeping to my spot in front of the backdrop.

Last thing I'll say is, the clothing line from SABO was incredibly comfortable to wear and easy to layer together!! I also loved the jewelry and body jewelry from v from vera wong and Metal and Hyde. I went to the UNIQUE LA marketplace over the weekend to help out at their booth and it was tons of fun! See Sabrina's facebook for more photos!

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale Report

Held twice a year, the Monique Lhuillier sample sale was held on Dec. 6 at the Tiffany Auction building at S Grand Ave. and 12th St. downtown LA.


Some extremely committed brides came at 4am to get to the front of the line. On the other hand, chibi and I came at 9am and the line has extended around the building for a block.


So, as the story goes, chibi and I waited for 3 hours before we got in. This is because they allowed only a certain number of people to go in at one time, and the people who got in can stay as long as they want, trying on things in bulk. Thus, no one gets in until enough people give up their search for the perfect dress. Did I mention that it was freaking cold that Sunday morning? My nose did not stop running.

Inside, it was chaos. I felt really bad for the poor dresses with exquisite lace, tulle, chiffon, and taffeta, most of which has been torn in one place or another. The dresses were stacked closely on overcrowded racks with no one to tidy them up. The few attendants there were busy asking people if there was anything they were done trying on, so that the dresses can be STUFFED back (quite literally) onto the racks for others to pick from.

There was no organization by size, only by groupings of lace dresses, tops and bottoms of two-piece dresses that you can mix and match, then one-piece dresses, and evening dresses. A lot of the dresses did not have sizes on them. According to the guy allowing us entry, this is because these sample sale dresses were sometimes custom made for a certain bride, and then failed quality control and got thrown to what I call a "chaotic murder" for beautiful dresses.

I appreciate the sample sale prices though, which was 40% to 90% off, and that made Monique Lhuillier affordable for a frugal shopper like me. Moreover, the materials used on Monique Lhuillier wedding dresses were obviously so much better than the ones used on David's Bridal dresses. But just think about it. some dresses were left open with hooks that did further damage to the lace dress squashed next to it. Plus, there were yellow spots on some dresses, many people stepped on the dresses unknowingly, and the dresses were TORN IN MANY PLACES!!!

Nevertheless, I did see around a dozen brides happily leave with a wedding dress. Those dresses and brides were lucky. I mourn for the dresses that not only did not find a new owner, but also got cruelly ravaged in the wait. The sample sale site was effectually a tomb for those dresses.

Postscript: Oh the drama! One of the brides had tried on something in the dressing room and wanted to buy it, but it had gone missing as one of the zealous attendants had return it back to the racks. The bride panicked, came out looking for it, found it, and with an extremely worried face, had a friend comfort her. I guess focused brides-to-be do get what they want out of this wonderful sample sale opportunity. For those of you who missed this one and are interested, there should be another one around May of next year.

Personally, my heart is still with Morgane Le Fay's dresses. *sigh*

Continue Reading...

Summary only...