Zara-licious

Continuing on my Zara splurge from last week, these are some wicked new duds I purchased online for £39. A little Acne / Isabel Marant-ish, no? You know I don't like posting iPhone photos but this is just how much I love you. You needed to see these bad boys for yourself and hopefully go out and cop a pair (attempt at being gangster = check!). Paired with a Jill Sander tank, Stella McCartney shoes, and a necklace from a Sardinian street market.

P.S. Pics taken in my somewhat refurbished bedroom! All things are on hold at the mo, because of the sad budgetary constraints, but I'll show you a few pics of the shelving unit in the next couple days! Holla atcha gurl. (check!)

Walking faster with Nike Free Run

The other day I decided to try a new coffee joint a friend recommended awhile back. I'm no coffee expert but Mass definitely is a close contender, so I brought him along to taste test it. We went to Ozone Coffee and while we were there, we grabbed a quick bite as well.

Took the opportunity, since Ozone was literally right around the corner, to wear my new awesome Nikes. This is my second pair of runners in the last...7 years? I have been wearing the exact same pair since 2005. I used to only wear them when going to the gym, but ever since I got these bad boys I've been wearing them almost daily. In fact, I'm currently thinking of a way to them tomorrow...

Back to Ozone: above decent coffee (says Mass) but a quaint reminder of a typical NY cafe. One of the best (and worst) things about East London, specifically Shoreditch, is the increasing number of cafes / casual diner types trying to be overly 'East End'. I think Ozone just misses that target.

Have yet to try more of the Shoreditch grinds but with these babies on my feet, who knows where it'll take me.

Paired the runners with some leather pants from Danier, Nico Didonna sweater stolen from Mass, Giordano linen shirt, Wilfred coat, and a Balenciaga bag.

I love that comfort can be such a focal point of an outfit without letting go of an original style. Oh, and by original, I really meant it! If you look closely to my previous post, you'll see my iD inscribed, LLI 84. Colours were also designed by yours truly. If creating your own masterpiece fancies you, just hop on over to the Nike iD online shop and start designing away! I used all black except for neon green in the mid sole and under the mesh. It costs £85 with about £5 for shipping in the UK.

Happy colouring!

Nike Free Run iD

My wicked new kicks. Outfit post coming tomorrow.

Nike Free Runs iD

Wedding Venues

Over the weekend we went to Florence to check out wedding venues for our upcoming nuptials. We soon realised that you really cannot rely on the photos online because the entire venue feels different when you get there.




After a very early 6am flight into Pisa, we drove to Florence to check out the first of five venues. These photos were taken at the first site, a castle in the Chianti region. Beautiful place but I think too out of the city for us. Once you get there, you won't be leaving for three days.



Walked around the huge property in these new Zara shoes. I'm always a little apprehensive about buying shoes from high street stores, not because I think I'm better than them, but because they almost always have a slight defect in them. For example, these shoes had a metal tag inside the sole of the shoe therefore I was always wobbling left and right. Odd right? Sometimes you get what you pay, and in this case it was £29.99.

Aside from that, I loooove the colour combo and would wear them again! Would probably forego wearing them whilst touring a property though.

Miu Miu blouse, Palizzi necklace, Current Elliot jeans, Zara shoes, Hermes belt

Delayed insta-mondays!

For this rendition of insta-Mondays I want to talk to you about Crockett and Jones. I'm a bit bias when it comes leather goods for the soles; I have had it drilled in me that Italian shoes are by far superior to any other shoe out there. When it comes to design, I definitely could not agree more. Between the French and the Italian, they both get my heart rate up. However, when it comes down to pure quality minus the aesthetic, I do think that English craftsmanship is pretty spot on.

There are many fine English shoemakers in London: Church's, Oliver Sweeney, etc., particularly for men. Men can have a mold of their feet made and a shoe that is custom made to fit that specific mold. The model is then kept in their library of clients and every time you want a new pair of shoes, they will gladly make another pair in accordance with those same specifications. Pure luxury at a price of £2000-3000. Some men say its the smartest thing they've ever done; one pair will last them 20 years by getting them resoled every year.



For others, there are stores like Crockett and Jones. Still unbelievable quality but at a more marketable price tag of £350 and up. Same principles apply where a single pair from here could last you years depending on how often you wear them. Just get them resoled every 6 months and remember to use your shoe tree and this fine shoe will keep going for as long as you can. A sound investment for any man.



Over the weekend, we made a pit stop in C&J and Mass tried on some of their shoes. First they measure your foot like above and then pick out a shoe that fits with your measurements. If you do decide to purchase a pair, they will keep your file on record along with your measurements, and when you come in next time you just need to say your surname.



I saw these amazing slippers they had for men which could also be customised with a monogram / colour / lining of your choice for £240. Fortunately I found the same slippers at their women's store down the street! I got a generic stock pair without any customisation or monograms for much less.

If you want to try out a pair of their shoes I suggest going to one of their two stores on Jermyn Street.

“If you want to know the measure of a man look at the shoes he wears“ - Aristotle Onassis

Ladies Day

Yesterday was International Women's Day. Now I can't say I was aware of this holiday before my facebook newsfeed at 7am, but any reason to celebrate us ladies is fine with me. Coincidentally, it was also the day where my gf and I decided to meet up Bicester Village for some much needed girl time and shopping. You may or may not know that I LOVE myself a good deal. In fact, I swear by the Outnet. I don't often shop for high street items; I tend to like to save my money for a quality piece. If that quality item comes with a bargain price tag, then we're sold.



You can understand how Bicester Village got me excited. For those of you who haven't been and are planning on going, it is a simple 45 minute train ride from London Marylebone station for about £30 return fare. When you arrive at Bicester North station, a shuttle will whisk you away to the outlet where you can hunt for the bargains. Of course, like many outlets, you have to search and the stuff is likely to be from two seasons prior. However, if you're like me, I know that no matter what the trend is right now, I would look disgusting in pastel yellow so it doesn't matter if its not current. Like the French girls do, always wear what suits you, not the season.

After a long coffee chat, my gf and I walked through all the stores first before buying anything. I think this approach allows you to consciously budget your money and decide what you really want vs what is just a good deal. In the end, I came out two pairs of shoes richer, both dawning gold and black contrasts. I'll show you the second pair soon as I plan on wearing them asap!


Gucci sandals

Next stop, the antiques trade show, thanks to another generous gf who gave me a spare ticket!

Trending topic

That's my sister above, right. Some people say we look alike, some not. Whether or not our physical appearances match, there is one thing that we definitely are not identical in: our fashion style. Notwithstanding our 6 year difference, she is much more laid back than I, often wearing simple solid colours. When I was at home, I noticed her Clarks shoes and asked her about them. Apparently in the early 20's world, Clarks are having a major comeback. Clarks, Hush Puppies, Toms etc. These are all solid, sturdy brands that have been around for ages and yet all it takes is for a couple kids in University to start buying them and they become the hottest thing.

I wish THESE were the trend when I was younger...would've been 10x more comfortable than those hideous white platforms from Stitches (remember those?!).

Anyway, back in London I started noticing these shoes on everyone in Shoreditch and got to browsing around online for them. I found a great bargain here on Hush Puppies. £50! (PS. for all you mothers, there are also some good deals on kids shoes on there).

Of course, browsing online isn't the same without reverting back to what you know best. On net-a-porter, while everyone was busy perusing Karl's new collection, I noticed that the Isabel Marant Dicker boots are back in! I tried for months to get my hands on pair with no success.

And while I'm at it, here is my updated list of favourite shoes and their accompanying designers (clicky on their linky!):
Alexander Wang, he who never fails
Jimmy Choo, this unbelievable ICON collection.
Christian Louboutin, the man who made sex on heels.

Happy shoe shopping!

new favourites

I bought these online at Saks (because they are much cheaper in the US than in the UK) and had them shipped to my gf's parents place where she brought them back to London for me. I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep them because they are pretty skinny at the top making my large legs (I attribute my big legs to ballet...16 years of ballet will do that to you) look larger.

Should've never doubted my Alexander Wang...he knows how to make a good boot, great.

Wore them out last night to a 30th birthday and some drinks at the Electric. They felt good all the way home. So good that I think I'm going to wear them again now to brunch.

Have a good Sunday!

theyskens theory

Tartufo would like to introduce you to my new shoes. They're incredibly high but not so much because whenevers theres platform we don't count that height in the overall distance away from the floor...right? Jo and I debated over these and another pair of shoes for an hour at Theory in the Meatpacking District and eventually was sold by the associate giving us 25% off (score!).

Still have many more photos from TO and NYC to show you but in the meantime this is Saturday. We went to a dinner party organised by my friend Jenn at St.Johns. We ate an entire pig head to toe, yum. Followed by drinks in Farringdon. I missed yoga the next morning :(

Okay, off to do work...I'm about an hour and a half late in starting my day!

Theyskens Theory boots, AA skirt, Forever 21 shirt, Acne belt, All Saints leather jacket

peg leg

Obsessed with peg legs lately. Found these sparkly trousers at Zara for only £29.99 (ironically saw it was £39.99 online).

Zara trousers, Rupert Sanderson heels

quality

What £300 shoes will buy you...some superglue after 4 months of wear. GRR.

Brazilian pedi

Stella McCartney shoes paired with my first Brazilian pedi. Painful but worth it. Big thanks to my favourite Brazilian who sat with me for hours while I got my nails 'fixed'.

new choos

Bought these while in Milan a few weeks ago. They are my go to pair for everything...dress down, dress up, anything works. My first pair of Choos too! Python skin Jimmy Choos.

FBFF for May 6: Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

This week for FBFF, Katy of Modly Chic has asked us to talk about shoes.  I'm not a shoe-aholic, but I didn't have to force myself to write this post either.  I really do believe that shoes can make or break an outfit. 

What is your go-to pair of shoes?

In the fall and winter, I wear these Born Crown riding boots almost constantly:

I wear them with skirts, with dresses and over skinny jeans.  They are ridiculously comfortable and they go with everything.  They weren’t inexpensive, but my cost per wear is probably down to pennies now.

It’s a little different in the spring and summer – I have several pairs of sandals, peep-toe flats and wedges that I wear fairly regularly.  Although, I’d have to say my favorite pair is actually this pair of bronze sandals that I got from Target years back:

They were less than $20.00, but I absolutely love them.  Like my Born Crown boots, they are super comfortable and, I’m convinced, go with everything.  I’m actually considering getting these resoled because they are just that comfortable.  It may seem silly to resole a $20.00 shoe, but it seems sillier to buy a new pair that I may not love as much.  I’ll just have to see what the cobbler says.

What goes into your shoe buying decisions?

I consider form, comfort/function and cost when buying shoes.  I will not buy or wear a shoe I consider ugly.  Workout shoes are a bit different because I don’t care what they look like, but for my every day shoes and special occasion shoes, I need to like how they look.  However, if they are beautiful shoes, but supremely uncomfortable, I won't wear them.

The combination of function and comfort are a big consideration for me.  I need to be able to ride my bike and comfortably walk around all day in my everyday shoes.  For special occasion shoes, it depends on what I’m doing.  Am I going to be dancing or just going to dinner?  I have shoes that are comfortable in either situation.

Cost-per-wear may be my number one consideration when buying shoes.  If it’s a shoe that I will wear at least once per week over a couple of seasons, I’m willing spend more money than on a special occasion shoe.  Especially because, in spite of my best efforts, I don’t go to that many special occasions.

The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color?

Black, I think.

When it comes to shoes what are your favorite brands and why?

Most of my shoes are all different brands – I’m not devoted to any particular brand and will usually just wear what I like.  The brand I have the most pairs of are actually BC Shoes – they’re comfortable and inexpensive, both of which I like.  I also own a couple of pairs of Born Crown boots – they make lovely flat and low-heeled boots that work well with my calves.  I would like to get more Corso Como shoes – I’m a big fan of the padded foot bed they offer and like their styles.  Aside from that, though it depends more on shoe than the brand.

If price wasn’t an issue, you’d own which shoe?

Probably these Gucci beauties:



Gucci S/S 09 (Photo from Style.com)



I know they are a couple seasons old, but I just love the combination of the bright orange patent with the wood platform.  They look so fun to me.

where's your horse?

FRATELLI ROSETTI riding boots, THEORY blazer, GAP boys sweater, Zara jodhpurs, CUSTOM glasses

I literally searched high and low through London and Italy for these boots. When the associate finally called me three weeks later, I didn't skip a heartbeat before I was over there and trying them on.

Fratelli Rosetti is a lesser known genius creation of hand-made Italian leather goods. Mostly donning classic pieces, it's construction and structure is unbeatable. As always, I truly feel shoes are the one thing you can't do vintage.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the top part of these boots are removable, revealing an ankle boot underneath. GENIUS.

CALDESI

LISA: MAJE dress, BURBERRY trench, DRIES VAN NOTEN shoes, ROBERTA FREYMANN bib necklace, MIU MIU purse

MASS: NICO DIDONNA trousers/jacket, CUSTOM from ITALY shirt, NYC belt, CAMPANILE shoes

Two weekends ago, Mass and I headed out to Reading for my friend's son's christening (isn't he adorbs?). Following the ceremony, we stopped by my favorite town for my favorite meal in the UK: Caldesi in Campagna in Bray. Some of you might recognize Bray to be home of the infamous Fat Duck, but I like to think of Bray as home to Waterside Inn and Caldesi.

Mass took me here for my bday last November and it was heaven. Caldesi is where I first laid eyes (and nose) on my eternal favorite produce, the white truffle. This time around was no less spectacular. Although Bray is a small town known for its Michelin star restuarants (houses two 3-stars w/in a 2km radius), it's such a treat when you need to get away from London. (Caldesi also has a restaurant in London (Marylebone) but I prefer the ambiance in Bray).

Boarding to Sicily now for the rest of the wknd. Will be back in London Tuesday. Have yourselves a fantastic weekend.

who would you rather be, the beatles or the rolling stones?

Wearing: Nico Di Donna jumpsuit, Necklace gifted from Mass from Stefanel, Frog ring from street vendor in Chianti, Italy, Silver ring on top of frog ring gifted from Mass from Mont Blanc, Silver ring from art market in Shanghai, Mesh silver ring from Tiffanys

More than clothes, I love love love accessories. From street vendors to Bulgari (not that I have any of these pieces). And in case you haven't noticed, the bigger the better. Statement pieces are key. I like to cover all my exposed skin with pieces from all the places I visit. This necklace I saw in Shanghai but it was ridiculously priced (as are most Italian merchanise in SH) so I held off buying it. When Mass was in Rome a few weekends ago, he picked it up there for me (alongside an even more gorgeous multi shaded green ring made using glass from Venice, and if you follow me on Twitter I posted a snapshot there). Clearly my accessories binge has not gone unnoticed to the bf.

Oddly enough however, on my feet I like simplicity, especially in a good flat sandal. I think it is partially because I'm short, therefore my legs are short so the less clutter on feet means elongating the little leg I have. Always been a fan of Giuseppe Zanotti for his jeweled foot creations. My online window shopping has brought me to these. Simple I know, but I think they should do the trick. What do you think?


Ciao for now!