Harsh winter days are spent burrowing myself in the sheets with the laptop to keep the tummy warm. There was also a revelation that radiators are good surfaces for taking photos as illustrated by the Gareth Pugh x MAC post.

Besides makeup, I ended up taking photos of the shoes I brought along for the trip and some photos of bags, jackets and accessories.

Seems like the shoes were arranged in order of comfort. I kid, the dsquared reps are actually more comfortable than the Theyskens Theory reps.

My buttery soft lambskin bag is one of the lightest bags I own, it’s useful cause I tend to bring too much stuff out and despite that, it won’t give me much of a shoulder ache. I’ve had bags that are heavy on its own and I tend not to bring them out too often.

A clear favorite, my Datya leather jacket from All Saints. Kept me warm for a few winters now.

This H&M jacket is also one of my favorite to wear. It’s so smart-looking and I’m glad I got Dawn to buy it for me in London.

Pretty glad it was a productive day despite choosing to stay in.

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We met up in Holborn for lunch. I really like the area for some reason – you can easily head from there to soho for food, or to St. Paul’s for shopping. I much prefer this to the crush that is Oxford street 90% of the time.

The weather’s really starting to bite as we slowly edge out of autumn and into winter… Arissa gave me this cape when we met up in Paris, and I can’t stop wearing it! <3 It’s definitely not warm enough on its own, but it’s perfect when thrown over a leather jacket. Speaking of which, I’ve taken to abusing layering my clothes – I remember distinctly how my friend compared me to a cabbage when I was taking off my coat(s) indoors.

I like how unapologetically clunky these boots look. They are also really wide at the base, and remind me of hooves sometimes. Ultimate man-repeller boots.

Outfit breakdown:

• Cape: m)phosis
• Leather jacket (worn inside): All Saints
• Cardigan (worn inside): All Saints
• Skirt: m)phosis
• Boots: Ann Demeulemeester
• Accessories: Alexander McQueen

P.S. I will briefly be home in Singapore around mid December! I can’t wait to inhale all the food I’ve been craving since moving here. Chicken rice and nasi lemak! And 24hr McDelivery!

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The weekend in Paris came and gone in a breeze but it remains one of my favorite memories with Dawn. I’ve been to Paris a few times but mostly exploring the city on my own. It’s very different when you have someone close roam Paris with you. One of the biggest draw was to have all the awesome food that we ate.

Like all tourists do, we headed to the Eiffel Tower and snapped some pictures there. The weather was lovely and we had the most awesome lighting.

My replica Dsquared Nappa Spine heels did not break on me this time. Praise the travel gods!

The ASOS O-ring collar was sent to Dawn in time for her to pass to me while we were in Paris. It makes for a really nice statement piece.

Dawn and I were just talking the day before about finding the bridge (Pont de Bir-Hakeim) where the Ariadne’s dream scene was filmed in Inception. We didn’t really think much about it but chanced upon it when we were around the Eiffel Tower area. We’re really huge fans of Inception and it was just awesome being there.

Black Outfit breakdown

• Jacket: Taobao
• Pants with leather details: H&M
• White draped vest: Far East Plaza
• Camisole: H&M
• Shoes: Replica Dsquared from Taobao
• Bag: Taobao
• Metal collar: ASOS

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I know I haven’t really been posting the last month, aside from making the costume from scratch and trying to source for fabrics, I had to juggle work as well. Not a cool feat.

Onward to the haul!

Bunch of outers that I got lately since winter is approaching.

From left to right:

• Topshop Blazer
• Sheer chiffon vest from taobao
• Draped contrast jacket from taobao

The contrast jacket has got to be one of my favorite purchase (clothing-wise anyway) from taobao thus far. I am feeling generous today so I will include the taobao link to the jacket.

An array of bottoms I got because I seem to be wearing the same old jeans. All of them are from H&M except for the chiffon skirt looming at the back. It’s not exactly something I can put on during winter but I guess it’s still sensible to buy some clothes that I can actually wear in Singapore. There is a favoritism towards leather detailing these days.

And here’s my favorite part. SHOES!

Someone on Formspring asked if I’ve considered the androgynous look. Truth be told, with my short hair now, I look more like an adolescent boy but menswear-inspired shoes can be so much more comfortable than my heels. These are from a local brand called “Depression”. The straps make for an awesome detail when worn cause they wrap around the ankles. I dropped by their newly opened store in Cineleisure. Do visit it, they have menswear as well.

Adding on to this new-found love for menswear-inspired shoes, I also got this pair of Alexander Wang replicas from taobao. I was surprised at how well-made this pair of shoes are. The leather (no idea if it’s real leather) is buttery to touch and it doesn’t cut. I would definitely recommend buying it. Don’t quote me on the other products they have though, I only bought one item from them.

Next up is this pair of Theysken Theory replica. They look almost like the real deal except if you look closely, the insoles are from Jeffrey Campbell. That bit amuses me greatly. However, the first night I wore it, I got 6 blisters and the back loop which holds the straps down at the back broke on me. The only merit? They look awesome.

Regular readers of this blog would find these familiar. I had actually bought a pair of these dsquared replica in my last taobao order. I broke them when I was in Moscow, it could be the way I packed it or the lousy quality of the shoes itself. Long story short, I needed it in my life and I had to get a replacement. I don’t remember the last one’s link so I searched for another seller instead and prepared myself for the similar blotched quality. When it finally arrived, I was pleasantly surprised, they were definitely built better than the last one and there was no bubbly paintjob to be seen on the heels.

Lovely bag! Only draw is that the shoulder straps are thin and to support its weight and all the stuff that going to be inside is going to be a huge strain on my shoulders.

I laid my eyes on this envelope clutch when I was at the H&M showroom earlier this year. They’re versatile and simple enough to match with any outfit.

Lastly, there’s this beautiful lambskin totebag which I also got from taobao. They’re a tad pricey (for taobao standard) cause it’s real leather. I think they’re a replica of the totebag from Celine but who cares?? It’s a simple design but I’m quite afraid of putting heavy stuff inside cause lambskin isn’t as tough as calf leather. It took the longest to arrive at Peeka‘s China receiving centre though.

Pretty long list of stuff that I have here but then again, I haven’t blogged in ages. Sorry about that but now that we are approaching the end of the year, I hope that I can finally find time to blog regularly once more. Thank you all for reading!

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Can someone just PLEASE invent teleportation already? I just can’t wait to be home.

Also, I started playing dressup cause there wasn’t really anything to do.

You can really make out the odd drapes of this tshirt from the side view.

Dressup was actually an excuse to abuse the awesome lighting that I had that day. I’m going to miss it.

Black Outfit Breakdown:

• Tshirt: m)phosis
• Leather shorts: H&M
• Shoes: Rick Owens with the feathery stuff from m)phosis.
• Boots: Ann Demeulemeester.
• Metal cuffs: m)phosis
• Necklace: Far East Plaza

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Landed in Christchurch a few days back. It seemed like a mini retreat, with the city centre closed there wasn’t really much to do except snapping some photos and cooking. I went nuts in the supermarket.

It was still a little chilly despite moving into summer. I can never get used to the timezone here. It felt like I was isolated from the rest of the world and I have trouble getting to sleep.

Circle scarves are so 2009 but they do a good job of keeping me warm.

Black outfit breakdown:

• Blazer: Zara
• Circle scarf: Seoul, Korea
• Boots: Ann Demeulemeester
• Jeans: Forever21

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I think it is especially hard when you are leaving home for a long period of time – you’ve got to consider footwear for every occasion, as well as take the weather into account. I wish shoes weren’t so heavy so I could bring every pair with me.

Here are the “finalists”: shoes which I think are both comfortable and functional, and most importantly, shoes I will wear often. Nothing worse than wasting luggage space on a pair of shoes you may only wear once.

The boots.

Clockwise from top: H&M Engineer booties. Exceeding comfortable and practical. Doc Marts lookalikes from Bugis Street. They don’t look like much, but they are a godsent when there is lots of snow around. Ann Demeuleemester wedge boots. One of the most comfortable pair of shoes I own, and I can wear them for slightly dressier occasions.  Dolce & Gabbana lace up boots (loot from the Club 21 accessory sale!). They seem awesome for cooler weather, and I can wear them when I don’t want to appear too sloppy.

The shoes

L-R: Yves Saint Laurent trooper pumps. Because it’s absolutely necessary for you to pack at least one pair of shoes for formal occasions. And who knows when you might need it for themed parties? Aldo pumps: I am still waffling about bringing this pair. I might swap it for more “everyday” shoes instead. Vvestiges balenciaga inspired wedges. Purchased from the lovely Venetia! Part of me rather doubt the practicality of open toed sandals in where I’ll be heading, but they look too good worn to be passed up. My toes will just have to be wet and freeze. Aldo wedges. I am unsure about this because they are open-toed as well, but at least I can wear these with socks!

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Bargaining with the Hongkies (?) is a pain in the ass, they’re rude and they quote ridiculous prices that you have to get down to at least 50% of what they quote or else it’s a ripoff. Someone tried to charge me US$30 bucks for a card reader. Seriously! (I might’ve even snorted out loud) By the time I was almost out the door, the price was down to less than US$. I shit you not.

So anyway, back to the good shopping.

I was outlet shopping and then I went to H&M.

I ended up buying all these at H&M and that is on top of the shoes that I managed to find at the outlet mall that I went to.

I think leather shorts are a staple. I got myself 2!

I’ve been eyeing these accessories ever since I visited the Singapore H&M Showroom. I was actually quite surprised to see them as I had not expected them out at the stores yet. Hurray for unexpected find.

Another item that I had my eye on when I was in the showroom. So glad to see it in the stores. The clasp is pretty steampunk according to Dawn.

The clasp on this bag makes it really convenient for me to retrieve stuff from it.

I didn’t manage to include these Gareth Pugh boots in the main picture. I must’ve forgotten. Anyway! These were from the outlet mall that I mentioned and I am loving the contrast in the materials used. There’s also a patent + suede version but I am a klutz and will most likely scuff it to death.

These Rick Owens were from the Lane Crawford outlet and they are amazing to wear. The incline is a little steep but I guess it will take a little getting used to.

I am definitely taking my words back now. I love shopping in Hong Kong and I will definitely look forward to a trip there!

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As mentioned previously, Dawn and I made an order on Taobao via Peeka.sg !! Taobao is like the equivalent of eBay except more awesome, it’s like a wholesale site without having to buy in large quantities.

The catch is that it is based in China which means

1. Your search terms would have to be in Mandarin
2. You’ll need a proxy site, China bank account or a shopping service in order to buy from Taobao.
3. Like eBay, you’d have to beware of scammers. There’s a constant need to check for seller ratings if you wanna buy something

And no, I will not be writing a tutorial on how to buy from there cause Peeka.sg is based in Singapore and I wouldn’t know if there are any ways you can shop on Taobao in your country, it’s far too complicated and I won’t endorse anyone who might potentially scam you.

Where were we? Shoes~!!!

Half of them are authentic and the other half  are knockoffs which I bought from Taobao. It might be hard to tell at first glance though.

These Dsquared Nappa spine boots are not the real deal. When they first arrived I was quite disappointed with them cause the heels were spray painted and it was a horrible blue-white which I hate. Also, one of the heels had bubbles from a blotched spray job.

They look fine in the picture cause they’re been sanded down, primed and air brushed to look like actual bones (by the best boyfriend in the world no less). They’re much more convincing and pleasing to the eye. I’ll see if I can find WIP pictures.

It is surprisingly comfortable to wear though.

Ann Demeulemeester Spring/summer 2011 half boots. Real deal, love them to bits as I went all over NYC trying to find them. Really really comfortable, I spent the whole day in them without any aches.

Another pair from the Ann Demeulemeester 2011 collection. I got these for 50% off from the Club 21 sale in Singapore. My awesome friends got me vouchers from there for my birthday and I had to spend it on my absolute favorite brand ever.

Rick Owens knockoff which I got from Taobao. In short, these shoes stink, they have that fake pleather smell which I hate, I hope airing them out would help. Also, they are very stiff, I haven’t worn them out so it’s hard to tell if they’ll be comfortable.

Other purchases included the Alexander Wang inspired mirror clutch and the Linda Farrow Mickey mouse glasses which I also got from taobao.

In summary, you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. There is definitely a difference in quality between authentic items and knockoffs. I don’t advocate one or the other and I think it’s really a personal preference, choice, availability and of course how much you’re willing to splurge. The Ann Demeulemeester shoes were expensive and I could only afford them with the subsidy of my friends (who are AWESOME by the way).

However, I do think that awesome shoes should be available to everyone one way or the other.

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I love these Ann Demeulemeester knockoff sandals I bought in Far East Plaza. They are seriously one of the most comfortable shoes I have! They don’t seem awfully well made though, I just hope they don’t fall apart on me any time soon.

Outfit breakdown:

• Leather thorn hairband: DIY (tutorial here)
• Cape/Blazer: The Scarlet Room
• Camisole: H&M
• Harness: AudraJean on Etsy
• Skirt: m)phosis
• Shoes: Far East Plaza

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