Classics

A VERY MCQUEEN HALLOWEEN - ALEXANDER MCQUEEN - A/W11 SCARF COLLECTION from BABETTE PAUTHIER on Vimeo.

I know there's nothing new about the Alexander McQueen skull scarf, it seems everyone including 'non-fashionistas' know and wear it. But, the above vid really accentuates the artistic dimension that went into its creation.

As you know, I am pretty simple when it comes to my style. I like sticking to neutral but accentuate with accessories and I will only spend money where I feel there is value for time to come. Pieces like the Alexander McQueen skull scarf has the best of both worlds: classic and value.

With so many brands knocking it off (like this one from Topshop, there is no doubt that buying the real thing will last you a fashion lifetime.

Admittedly, I bought a knock off Alexander McQueen skull box clutch from Topshop last year and have worn it once. There's something about fakes that make you forget you have them in your closet. You can buy your real scarf here or I have found some better deals on places like ebay and gumtree.

How do you wear your skull scarf?

Happy browsing!

MCGINN designs

MC GINN frames, AA tshirt, KENNETH JAY LANE snake ring, PANTHER ring (gifted from Janet in Turkey), LARGE SILVER ring from SHANGHAI street vendor, MONT BLANC silver ring (gifted from Mass)

Being Chinese of origin, my parents have blessed me with a lot of things...but one thing they haven't been able to give me was a nose with a bridge. If I had perfect vision or laser eye I wouldn't have any problems with this nose, but because I'm halfway to blind in both eyes, I need glasses. In Italy, i.e. for Mass, frames are an accessory rather than a necessity. I decided to jump on the bandwagon too.

I had these frames custom made to fit my nose (because if you're Asian, you know exactly what I'm talking about...no plastic frames will ever stay up without nose pads). While I was there, I also picked out the design/colour I liked and voila! Brian McGinn of BONAFIDE MCGINN, friend and glasses genius, hand-crafted these beauties for me. The detailing, especially along the sides, is amazing. If you're in the market for a pair of custom frames, go see Brian.

Lastly, as you remember from my post here, my amazing friend and photographer Janet, bought me the above panther ring from Turkey...she knows me so well. While she was there, she also picked up another ring for herself...Congratulations to the newly engaged!!

Heading to Paris tmr for a wedding...will see you when I get back!! Have a great wknd everyone.

What's in the bag?

CURRENT ELLIOT jeans, AA tshirt and sweater, LA FAYETTE in PARIS shoes, LE MARAIS in PARIS scarf, HERMES KELLY purse

I wanted to really accentuate three of my favourite accessories so I put on a very plain outfit and tried to make them pop. I bought the scarf on my most recent trip to Paris and I absolutely adore it. I've somehow just started wearing it like a jacket. It's huge, like a blanket, the colour is fantastic, and it adds that necessary extra when I can't seem to find the right necklace.

The shoes I bought last year on a trip to Paris. Again, the colour is divine. We loved it so much, both my gf and I bought the same pair.

Finally, the bag. During my last trip to Paris I saw this Hermes Kelly in a vintage store (great store btw, will try to get a pic when I'm there this wknd...) and I fell in love with it. I didn't make the purchase then because I thought it was overpriced for some plastic. A few weeks later, my ebay purchase arrived in the mail from Tokyo. From a 1997 Hermes exposition in Japan. Although I won't be wearing it everyday, it's an absolute fantastic collector's piece.

9 men and a lady

ph by Janet

QUEEN'S WARDROBE back ruffle chiffon blouse, STORE ROOM silk shorts, NINE WEST shoes, CAMERUCCI scarf, SHANGHAI bag (in case you haven't noticed, I wear this bag everyday)

A few evenings ago I wore this outfit to a wine tasting. 15 bottles, 9 men and me. It was a blind, Bordeaux tasting and by the end of it I was not just the only girl, but also the only sober one.

Nevertheless, I learned a lot about all regions of red wine, but specifically the appreciation on Bordeaux. I also confirmed my theory that when men like something (be that basketball, wine, or cigars :)) they become obsessed with it.

red, white and blue?

LISA: FENTON JEWELRY by DANA LORENZ necklace, AA jumpsuit dress, BCBG belt, TOPSHOP shoes, RAYBAN sunnies, SHANGHAI purse (seen here)

MASS: NICO DI DONNA shirt/pants, LARDINI loafers, MARC JACOB sunnies

In celebratory spirit of the 4th I wore my blue and white with a dash of red ensemble. Ok, reality is, I never once factored in the 4th as a theme for my Sunday attire but happy coincidence right? This Sunday we covered all our main food groups: Chinese and Italian. Dim Sum at Princess Garden with fellow Canadians, and pizza/pasta at Portobello (seriously one of the best restos in ldn for pizza, near portobello market aka notting hill). In between was spent eating gelato at Cocorino and smoking cigars. Guess we really were in American spirit with all that eating :)

Just a tidbit about the necklace: on the day the previous post was shot, I was carrying a bottle of wine to a BBQ and it promptly ripped through the bottom of the gift bag and broke on the sidewalk of Oxford Street splattering my legs/feet with red wine. I stupidly tried to move the glass (because there were children around) and ended up getting a deep gash in my middle finger. Mass came running to my rescue alongside the entire first aid section of Boots. Soon after the mini-crisis we were buying a present for a friend's birthday at Liberty. In the sale section we found that amazing Fenton necklace (again, 75% off!). Made with gold and VERY heavy, it was the perfect statement piece to add to a nautical dress. I've worn in twice in the last 3 days. Not at all what I was expecting to do that day, but fabulous nonetheless.

not what you're wearing, but how you wear it.

Wearing: Theory elbow patch blazer, button up shirt from HK, AA shorts, Calzedonia socks, Elizabeth & James cut-out wedges, Kenneth Jay Lane snake ring

Remember my post back in the winter? You'd think that by the time summer came, men (I say this word loosely) would be used to the abundance of leg/skin frequented around the city. Apparently not. I couldn't even link Mass' arm down Soho because of stereotypical judgment glances that I was paid for. Stop wearing shorts you say? No. Stop complaining then? This is why I have you and the blog :)

I see shorts on almost every fashion blog, around every street corner, on every other girl (and sometimes boy). Do they get hoots and hollers?? Tell me, when you go out in above the knee shorts or mini skirts, are you getting the same response?

Regardless, the prime focal point of this outfit is the KJL snake ring that Mass bought me from NYC this past week. Love at first sight.

Hope you're having a great weekend so far!

Ciao ciao!

HELP I WANT TO BE IN PRISON

ph. by Bona Drag

I am in looooove with this Pamela Love Double Cage Ring. Anyone know if they sell it in London? Or EU?

Thanks beautifuls! Ciao!

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!

they still strike me as being totally iconic

MIU MIU 101


Wearing: Miu Miu bow tie, Ring from street vendor in NYC, Theory blazer

First started by Miuccia Prada in 1992. It is her younger, daily-oriented line from the house of Prada. Created a with a little more dare and edge, this line is takes the conservative appeal of Prada and brings it to the forefront of what's aesthetically new. The collection was named after Miuccia's nickname. Though the flowered patterns on the chunky shoes and cartoon characters on collars may not be everyone's saving fashion grace, Miuccia has quite the subtly inserted her playfulness into the everyday line.

Though no expert, I remain a big fan of Miu Miu. A simple piece like the one above creates the whole outfit. The bow tie is from s/s 2010 and gifted from Mass.



s/s 1995, Drew Barrymore for Miu Miu

Happy hump day!

Ciao bella :)

BF finds

One of the amazing things about living with your bf who loves to dress up as much as you do (i swear he's straight) is the luxury of having an extra closet to choose from. I'm lucky that Mass isn't possessive of his items because I do tend to wear them a lot; they somehow manage to move into my closet space on their own! I wear everything from hats, to scarves, to sweaters. Today I decided to wear one of his watches. It's a Chalet Fiat watch given to him for xmas from his bro & wife, and sis. It's oversized, and I love it.

The middle finger ring I'm wearing is definitely not his old pinky ring that I found, but rather a gift from him last week from Milan. It's the Mont Blanc Profile Wish Ring . The second ring is an old old Tiffany's Mesh ring that I should really get rid of (its from an ex bf) but I love the ring itself and have no sentiments towards where it came from, therefore I should be able to keep it right? Verdicts?!

Ciao from Hoffman Square