TWENTY8TWELVE BY S.MILLER Boating Stripe Faux-Wrap Top

There's nothing that says “Summer!” more than French sailor stripes worn by the water.
High-profile sisters Sienna and Savannah Miller of Twenty8Twelve have thought outside of the box and taken the stripe pattern to a new form. With intricately sculpted faux-wrap, this modal top features interesting draping across the front and a nice weight.
The simplicity of the boating stripes makes this a handy backdrop for pairing with classic pieces like solid blazers and trousers.
And, yes, if you are adverse to florals, this would make a lovely alternative :-)
(RRP £85.00)

Happy Wesak Day

Happy Wesak Day~!

(Buddhist flags, a symbol of faith and peace, hoisted at Castle Juval, South Tyrol, Italy.)

[Image: projekt 365]

ASH (ITALY ) 'Iris' and 'Iman' Flats

Don't settle for just any round-toe flat. Go for one with style to spare, like these modern classics with bite from Ash of Italy. The ballet flat shape is timeless and can be worn with anything, but the stud detailing adds cool, contempo edge :-)
Top: Ash Iris
Bottom: Ash Iman

MORE ON ASH
Are you under the impression that Ash, originating in Italy at the start of this decade, is known only across Europe and the USA?
Perhaps you'll be surprised to learn that Ash has made it pretty big in Russia, and other territories, too. North Asian celebs flock to Lane Crawford (with locations in both Hong Kong and Beijing) to stock up on their Ashes. Ash especially enjoys massive popularity in South Korea. Just earlier this month, Hallyu megastar Jang Dong-Geon and his new bride actress Go So-Yeong were both snapped in Ash footwear as they jetted off to honeymoon in Bali.

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Sleeveless Tank with Ruffle Trim

Capture the spirit of Spring-Summer with this soft and easy tank with Tank with the prettiest scallop laser-cut trim from 3.1 Phillip Lim. Perfect alone or layered under a blazer or cardigan!
(RRP US$295)

HACKETT LONDON Short Sleeve New Classic Polo Shirt

While it may not be the most cutting edge of brands, Hackett London does what it does extremely well.
The near three-decade old brand prides itself on having its own point of view on menswear -- based on quintessential British style, yet with its own distinctive take to keep things fresh.
You may be familiar with Hackett's men’s formal wear, but the company’s roots actually also trace to the sport of polo -- so it's no surprise that Hackett makes a wonderful line of polo shirts (as well as rugby shirts, et cetera).
The Hackett New Classic Polo Shirt with a twill applique number on both the chest sleeve and back comes in a tailored cut that’s trimmer in the body. Perfect for relaxation and play.


HACKETT LONDON
At 16 years of age, having failed his exams in his native Bristol, the young Jeremy Hackett was told by his father: “If you don’t pull your socks up you’ll end up working in a shop.”
The irony of this threat straight away became apparent. Hackett was already working in a men’s store in his home town and decided that was indeed what he wanted to do. He moved to London and secured a job on the fashionable King’s Road, before accepting a position at a tailor's shop on Savile Row. As a sideline he bought and sold second hand traditional British men’s clothing. Hackett met Ashley Lloyd-Jennings in Portobello Road while both were combing the market for good second-hands. A business partnership is soon started with a small stall in Portobello themselves, selling clothing that’s been cleaned and repaired.
When it became apparent that market demand will always exceed supply of quality second-hands, Hackett and Lloyd-Jennings decided that the answer was to manufacture from new. They were able to create their ideal collection, a range that contained all their favourites but displayed a bold use of colour and pattern, presenting a fresh take on British men’s style, which attracted the sons of the then archetypal “Savile Row customer”.
Today, in addition to scores of standalone shops, Hackett is represented in hundreds of concessions, outlets and stockists across the UK, Europe, Japan, Dubai, Kuwait, Mexico, and South Africa.
Lesson? Never listen to your father’s advice if you want a retail empire that bears your name? (We kid, we kid.)


(Pic) Mr. Jeremy Hackett himself caught the eye of Scott Schuman (aka, The Sartorialist) earlier this year (Jan, 2010).
Jeremy Hackett is also known as " Mr. Classic," the title of his regular column for the London Independent on Sunday, which airs his witty, incisive views and observations on fashion and style.


Hackett also actively sponsors world sporting events and organisations. Tailored clothing and accessories are designed and sold in connection with existing sponsorships including the Aston Martin Racing Team, the British Army Polo Team, the London Rowing Club, the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race, the Valencia Open Tennis Tournament (Spain), and the Lotus F1 Racing Team.
(Pic) Lotus' Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli, dressed in Hackett for the track... and Monte Carlo.

DOLCE VITA 'Adra' Studded Peep-toe Platform Heels

Living La Dolce Vita -- Life is meant to be lived... as fashionably as possible! So give your prim pumps a rest and take to the town in these risqué 'Adra' peep-toe studded platforms by Dolce Vita.
Contrast pyramid and round studs aside, these babies will induce height in a totally walkable way. By how much, you ask? How about 5 whole inches!
(RRP US$240)

Platform Heels
Platform heels are first said to have been used in ancient Greece to increase the height of important characters in the Greek theatre. Their popularity rose significantly in 70s and 80s, especially among musicians (remember David Bowie and KISS?). In the late 90s, the sensational UK girlband Spice Girls brought platform heels into mainstream fashion as they frequently performed in these shoes. Catching onto the trend, women (and men!) began to go for these footwear statement in a big way. Platform shoes are of particular advantage for women who love to wear high heels but find it hard to balance in thin-soled, spikey stilettos.

ABOUT DOLCE VITA
La Dolce Vita, in Italian, apparently means the good, sweet life, or the easy, laid-back life. Since its 2001 launch, U.S. label Dolce Vita has showcased chic footwear and clothing lines inspired by those very ideals. Young, restless and glamourous, the brand’s head designers are literally their own muse. Their needs and wants reflect those of their buying public. One of them, the charismatic and multi-talented Ivy Kirzhner, also happens to be a photographer, performer, music artist, and the lead of Aikostar, one of the key Filipino-American fronted bands in NYC. How cute is Kirzhner when she reportedly said this about her occupation (as a shoe designer): “Being Filipino-American, the Imelda-ness flowing through my veins has got a lot to do with it!”

Dolce Vita designers: (L to R) Jillian Shatken, Amy Amato, Ivy Kirzhner.


Dolce Vita footwear has proven to be a big hit with celebs.


Watch the Dolce Vita Fall 2010 preview at FashionWeek LA:-

NEW ARRIVALS - 23 May (Sun)

May is a month for new things to grow, and they are really growing in wondermomo and Whoop!
Loads of NEW ARRIVALS -- for both ladies and gents -- will hit the stores this Sunday, 23 May.
Come by and be the first to get your hands on them!
Thank you for reading... see you (^_^)v

ELIZABETH AND JAMES Lace BF Shirt & Tee

Lace always makes us feel flirty and sexy yet naïve and romantic.
Lace is also one of the hottest fashion trends this year.
But figuring out how to wear lace without looking like the doily your grandmother crocheted in her youth can be quite the challenge.
Leave that to supertwins/celebrity designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
This season, through their label Elizabeth and James, the pair has reinvented lace to create alluring pieces that can easily be mixed and matched with the rest of your wardrobe.

1. Elizabeth and James Sleeveless Lace Boyfriend Shirt (top)
The genius of Elizabeth and James to reinterpret this much-loved staple in lace -- your boyfriend's shirt never looked so chic!
Give it further girlish flair with a long metallic chain necklace and body-hugging bottoms.
(RRP US$245)

2. Elizabeth and James Mondrian Lace Tee (bottom)
A biggish, boxy tee is cut from delicate lace for a feminine update on a classic silhouette.
Both the lace fabric and the slightly wide scoopneck show a hint of skin for a sexy yet chic style.
Mix this top with skinny jeans or slouchy shorts for a perfectly fresh and relaxed look.
(RRP US$245)

STUART WEITZMAN Beadles Beaded Jelly Thong Sandal

According to iconic shoe guru Stuart Weitzman in a recent interview:-

Q: What do you think will be the hottest shoe trends of Spring '10?
A: Clogs, peep-toe booties, wedges and translucent shoes.

With beads that seem like they're just floating on your feet, these clear jelly thong sandals add twinkle to your toes. Perfect fun for warm weather!STUART WEITZMAN
As Stuart Weitzman was growing up in Long Island, NY, the family dinner conversations inevitably turned to shoes. His father was also a shoe designer and manufacturer and had Weitzman folding tissue and packing boxes at the factory. His father even secretly put one of the sketches Weitzman did into production -- and it sold very well. It is because of his apprenticeship under his father that Weitzman is one of the few shoe designers who is also a skilled pattern maker. After graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Weitzman initially had his eyes set on Wall Street. However after his father's unexpected death, Weitzman and his brother took over the family business and grew the company into Stuart Weitzman, Inc. Known for their bold-eccentric designs, materials and details, Weitzman's shoes are today well-sought-after commodities among stars, socialites and moguls.

3.1 PHILLIP LIM "Rubick's" Shoulder Bag

The first thing we like about this small-medium bag from 3.1 Phillip Lim is its dimension -- just ideal for ladies who never want to leave anything behind, or bookworms with their chunky novels :-)
Next, we appreciate the artigiano belt straps with four sets of holes (for adjustable length).
Note also that the leather body of this shoulder tote is constructed in a chevron-like pattern for extra interest.
We don't know the story behind its formidable "Rubick's" moniker, but as you can see, there is really nothing confusing about this bag. Snappy and functional, it instead offers a world of possibilities, from a day at the office to an after-work tête-à-têtes at the coffee bar :-)
In black and other colours.
(RRP US$550)

ELIZABTH AND JAMES "Multi" Collection

Looks like the “Multi” print really got the Olsen twins’ creative juices flowing. Using the same dainty and feminine floral-pattern fabric, the designing duo behind Elizabeth and James have also come up with the following pieces:-

• Paper Bag Skirt (RRP US$265)
This little bottom looks just as sweet paired with a black or white pocket-tee and Chucks, as it does dressed up with a silky blouse and strappy heels.
Love the slant front pockets and patch back one, too!

• Single-button “Tokyo” Top (RRP US$245)
This Elizabeth and James bestseller is offered sleeveless this time around.
A pretty, oversized topper to breathe new life into your old tank or tube, or to be shrugged over your slinky slip dress for night.

TWELFTH STREET BY CYNTHIA VINCENT

Texture is one of the details that gives ordinary flats some personality!
Crafted with crinkly metallic leather, Cynthia Vincent’s Keller Ballet Flats features an easy-to-wear low-cut vamp, a roomy, rounded toe and a lightly elasticised collar for a secure fit.
Wear with everything from jeans and dresses to pencil skirts!
(RRP US$218)


TWELFTH STREET BY CYNTHIA VINCENT
Cynthia Vincent’s story isn’t the kind about a time-honoured design dynasty that has a legend of 154 years (hehe, any guess who that might be?). Instead it is about a relatively young fashion brand that’s so energetic and contemporary that it’s constantly winning the notice and praise of both the fashion mag editors and members of the entertainment industry.
A graduate of the Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design, Cynthia Vincent embarked on her post-college career by working first in London, then in California. In 2003, with more than two decades of experience under her belt, Vincent was ready to transition into her own design endeavor. Named after the street on which she grew up in the suburbs of LA, her Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent label became a very personal project. Vincent has since expanded her unique vision to shoes and handbags. Known for their casual-elegance, on-trend but never trendy style, and universal appeal, it's no surprise that Vincent’s clothing, shoes and accessories are a popular choice among a devoted and widening celebrity following.
Just this past April, the shoes collection designed by Vincent for U.S. retailer Target created head-over-heels excitement when it sold out almost as soon as it popped up. Read about the experience of two shoeistas here and here.

* NOTE: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dresses available, too!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day.

Don’t forget to call your mummy :-)

Also we thought you might enjoy this: A skit by U.S. comedian John Roberts, who has the uncanny ability to capture the inane in every day life -- especially when he plays “everyone’s mother ever”.
While we may not necessarily relate to growing up with a Long Island mum (trust us though, we’ve definitely had our share of mortifying mum antics), that " I told ja, I don’t want anything," --- that has GOT to be universal to all mothers :-)

VANESSA BRUNO Cape Sleeve Dress

Vanessa Bruno is one of those French designers who’s so perfect that all the ladies we know are always drooling over her clothes in their flawlessness.
Cape-sleeved pieces are a subtle interpretation of the kimono sleeve, and we’ve always been a huge fan of that trend. With dramatic yet comfortable sleeves, a nipped-in waist, and a universally flattering length, this design by Vanessa Bruno would look good on anyone.


P.S.: Not only does Bruno produce lust-after items season after season, but the serene beauty of her creations spills over into her poetic campaigns as well. This one is for Spring/Summer 2010.

(WARNING: This clip will make you want to move to Paris, wear your hair in a messy bun, and prance around in lacey camisoles and delicate pastels to the sounds of piano virtuoso Gonzales. And dang, who else but Lou Dillon to make stomping around in a cloud of chalk dust look so cool?)

Etc.

If you have yet to flag Mother's Day on your desk calendar or Blackberry -- just a couple of days away -- think of this as your cordial reminder.
This week is also kind of your "last window" to get hustling for the perfect gift :-)
(We welcome you to explore your options at wondermomo and Whoop! :-D)

P.S. The great "50% off" jeans sale is extended! Hurry, hurry.


[YouTube: Mother's Day commercial from Columbian telco Exprésate Etb.]

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Twisted Cuff Jumpsuit

A jumpsuit is a one-piece garment that was traditionally worn by -- heh heh -- children, grown men, construction workers, and astronauts (among yet many others...).
BUT! Fashion being fashion, anything inspires :-)
Thus the jumpsuit has “jumped” back onto the fashion radar, as the hot trend-of-choice of 2010.
Despite popular belief, jumpsuits are actually pretty easy to get on and off. They’re also really versatile. Just throw on your
a. cropped black blazer - for work, or
b. statement neckpieces - for play, or
c. wedged espadrilles - for a slouchy-chic weekend look!
If you're new in joining the jumpsuit mania, this one from 3.1 Phillip Lim with a twisted cuff is quite the perfect one to get your feet wet. The relaxed-fit and fluid fabric will flatter a variety of body types.

MODERN VINTAGE Shoes

Want to look more sophisticated? You can’t beat snakeskin. Get the look right -- like with these stunning Modern Vintage open-toe heels -- and it will add major style to your neutral ensembles.
And after you get these, all that’s left to do is to wear them with everything… or nothing! (Hehe.)
Oh and to read up on how to walk in four-inch stilettos :-)

Official U.S. retail price = USD250!

MODERN VINTAGE
Modern Vintage was launched in 2003 by Brian and Rick Cytrynbaum. The Montrealer brothers co-own the Majestic Mills group, which manufactures and produces for an impressive 175 brands (and counting) worldwide -- including Earnest Sewn jeans, and Nicole Richie’s Winter Kate and House of Harlow lines -- with its core competency in apparel and footwear.

Known for the clever innovation associated with age-old European brands, Modern Vintage shoes have in recent years increasingly become the choice for many celebs who don’t wish to walk the red carpet wearing the same predictable labels.


Modern Vintage also scores big brownie points with us for having one of the prettiest brand logos around :-)