ELIZABETH and JAMES - Shift Dress

If you're one of those who wrote off Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen's clothing labels as just another frivolous celeb stamping their name on otherwise average clothes, get ready to eat your words.
While it's true that people have incredibly mixed feelings about the twins (especially when it comes to fashion), their second clothing line after The Row, Elizabeth and James (named after their siblings), has been received with wide open arms by fans & critics alike.
Acting as muses & co-designers, the Olsens love combining vintage-, couture-, even menswear-inspired designs with unusual detailing & unique fabrics. Each item is well-thought, well-made, & well-fitted -- just like the eclectic pieces the twins themselves are seen rocking, day to day, through the prying lenses of the paparazzis.
If you've enjoyed following the Olsens' development into trendsetters or if you simply appreciate fashion as much as the twins do, don't miss Elizabeth and James for haughty style made approachable.

Elizabeth and James Shift Dress
The classic shift dress is made modern the Elizabeth and James way via mid-weight jersey fabric, a sheer organza yoke, & interesting pleating at the bust. Exposed zipper in the back further enhances the sheath's seductive yet refined glamour. And do throw on a pair of pop-colour heels (left pic) for even more umph!

50 years of DR. MARTENS

Everything old is new again, & who better to solidify that archaic adage than Dr. Martens!
Yes, it's official: Dr. Martens are hot, again. They're in all the mags/blogs/city streets -- especially in Japan, where they're selling faster than hotcakes, doughnuts & Transformer movie goods -- & all the hip European kids are wearing 'em. Dr. Martens for men are popping up on stylish punkettes like Daisy Lowe, Agyness Deyn, Erin Wasson & Irina Lazareanu. Even the eternally-cool Johnny Depp reportedly ordered Dr. Martens as party favours (!) for his daughter's birthday party. Oh & Depp wears them to his movie premieres all the time, of course.
From the looks of things, the revival of these iconic shoes -- remember your favourite pair from your days of teen/post-teen rebellion? -- is only going to get bigger. After resurfacing with new styles & successful collaborations with Stussy, Beams Japan & Yohji Yamamoto, Dr. Martens has hooked up with Raf Simons, producing special capsule collections & some pretty crazy gladiator sandals for men. A pair of Dr. Martens worn with the right outfit somehow looks fresh, cool, & modern -- it may seem to defy logic a little, but hey, it works swell!

The Dr. Martens boot, known also as Doc Martens, Docs, & DMs, was originally developed by two German doctors, Dr. Maertens & Dr. Funck, who made the shoes, with air-conditioned soles, for sale to German women with foot trouble. In the 1950s the concept was spotted by boot manufacturer Bill Griggs of Northamptonshire. His family firm made the famous bulldog boot used by the British army, but they were looking for a new product. With the permission of the German doctors, the family business made some key changes to the design &, from 1960, sold them as workmen's boots. The boot became a fashion statement, & there are now more than 250 different styles of Dr. Martens footwear sold in over 78 countries. ('Dr. Martens' is an anglicised version of 'Dr. Maertens'.)
Incidentally, to celebrate the upcoming golden jubilee of its most classic boot (the "1460" or cherry red 8-hole, born 1 April, 1960), Dr. Martens had invited designers & artists from Britain & around the world to give the boot a makeover. The results are pretty zany & wacky -- go here to see all 69 impressions.
Some of our faves (by Kansai, Benjamin Cho, & Sean John, respectively):-

3.1 PHILLIP LIM T-Shirt Dress

Just what we wanted!
This loose-fit 3.1 Phillip Lim number resembles over favourite dress-down, the good ole super-comfy oversized T-shirt (which some of us still sleep in!), except it's made from smooth & drapey silk... genius!
Thin drawtrings below one shoulder & at one side-hem allow for subtle variations in how you put this piece on. You'll appreciate the elegant kinetic print, & the low dolman sleeves (to cover up those sliiiiightly flabby arms), too.
Also imagine the dress with some pearls/jewellery & heels -- it'll certainly take you nicely into any semi-formal occasion. ...Quite perfect for that upcoming wedding party, yes?
*Available in 2 colours.

MINT JODI ARNOLD Yoke Tank

Interesting tribal-inspired pattern at the yoke, front and back, adds a little glam to a sweet, Summery style in this Mint Jodi Arnold design. We also like that it's long enough to be tucked in, or worn belted.

CATHERINE MALANDRINO Gunmetal Scroll Dress

Exposed zippers will continue to be a style directive over the next few seasons & here's another fresh take from Catherine Malandrino. With coiled zippers as a decorative element (instead of a function), this cap-sleeved dress gains a certain street edge. Still totally feminine, this fashion-forward piece will take you into the seasons ahead with trend-setting power.
Wear it to a cocktail party, or a special dinner at friends'.

ADMIRAL FOOTWEAR

You may be thinking, hmmm, Admiral Footwear is not exactly a "famous" brand to be worn on your feet -- especially since we've got so many cool selections to pick from, hehe -- but we betcha didn't know that this is a highly desirable label in the fashion section of Japan. (The retro-styled SS2009 collection, for example, is selling out fast there.)
This Japanese sensation actually started life as a World War I military clothing factory in 1914 in the UK, producing uniforms for the British Royal Navy. Embracing their sailor roots, the company adopted its logo from the cuff mark of a British Admiral. After the war Admiral looked toward sports, taking its knowledge of Navy uniform design & production & incorporating it into rugby, football, tennis, & cricket clothing. It wasn’t long before the newly designated sportswear brand became enormously popular in Britain. Admiral enjoyed international popularity in the 1970s & 1980s when the brand supported the national football team of England. The brand eventually slinked away from the spotlight, but has discovered newfound success in the Japanese hip & haute sneaker market -- particularly in the last 4 years.
With the fashion world today generally taking significant direction from Japan, Admiral is set to surge into an exciting new field as it approaches its centenary in 5 years' time (2014)!

Admiral Sneak-Facts:-
• Admiral is distributed through Sojitz General Merchandise Corporation Japan.
• Many Admiral models are named after towns & villages in Britain.
• Admiral was the brand of choice for the national football team of England from 1974 to 1984.
• Members of Japanese bands Bonobos, Galactic, Cool Wise Men, & Good Luck Heiwa are all Admiral Footwear wearers.

Source: アドミラルフットウェア, Sneakerpedia/Sneakerset

NEW ARRIVALS - Monday, 6 Jul

Monday morning update: More NEW ARRIVALS at wondermomo + Whoop!
For ladies, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Catharine Malandrino, Helmut Lang, Rebecca Taylor, Vera Wang Lavender & Vince are in.
For the boys, meanwhile, we have Lee X-Line premium denim, Burberry Black Label (Japan), Onitsuka Tiger kicks, & Doc Martens Men.
Open daily, rain or shine.

THEORY Two-Tone Shirtdress

Theory found a clever way to style a blouse & pencil skirt: by putting the two together & cinching it with a built-in belt. What you get is a two-tone, colour-block dress -- nice & sophisticated for the office, don't you think? Goes great with bare legs, pumps, stilettos, or a fitted blazer!
* Also available in white/black combination. Other chic Theory pieces in store, too!

Theory is a fashion house based out of NYC. Launched in 1997 (by third-generation doyen of the garment industry Andrew Rosen & friend Elie Tahari), Theory became a phenomenon of the U.S. contemporary designer-wear market in the sense that it achieved significant success without any traditional fashion PR -- no outdoor posters, no in-store events, no products in Oscar goodie bags.
This "anti-brand" ideology did not change even after the label was sold to Japanese firm Link International (now LTH) in 2003. (Rosen stayed on as president & now heads up other brands in the Link portfolio as well, including Helmut Lang & Uniqlo.) Today, still content with its low-key public image, Theory continues to churn out collections known for their uncomplicated silhouettes, quality, fit, & most notably, for being almost impossible to identify.

NEW ARRIVALS - Sunday, 28 Jun

Stop in this Sunday (28 Jun) & you'll be the first to see our New Arrivals!
Paul & Shark Men, RL Purple Label Polo (Men), 3.1 Phillip Lim, Elizabeth & James, Helmut Lang, Mint Jodi Arnold, Rebecca Taylor, Schumacher (read about the label here) & more!
It's indeed a happy Sunday so far :)

Image: happy40nz

REBECCA TAYLOR Dinner Party Dress

Dainty & delicate!
This Rebacca Taylor top is adorned with delightful beading & rhinestone detail at the scoop neckline & bust. Also, elbow-length dolman sleeves give great coverage to slightly flabby upper arms :)
Slip this on, & you'll seriously instantly feel like hostessing a fun gathering of close pals & family!
Or, partner it with shorts & heels (like the model) for a stylish day about town.

New from CATHERINE MALANDRINO & HELMUT LANG

Stop everything, & run over quick to check out these NEW stunners!

• Catherine Malandrino Zip-Trim Ruffled Dress (top).
High style elegance meets edgy downtown in this dress with a striking zipper-trimmed ruffled detail across & down the front. "Wow," is all we can say. This is THE kind of dress to make an entrance in!

• Helmut Lang Silk Romper (bottom).
With a perfect V-neckline that slims your face & torso, this short jumpsuit is one part sophistication, one part playful, & all parts brilliant! Whether day or night, all you need to add on is a pair of sexy pumps & you're all set!

* Also instore: Helmut Lang drop-crotch harem pants. (Another key trouser trend that was revived when big-name designers rumouredly took inspiration from an outfit worn by French Vogue uber-editor Carine Roitfeld.)

New from UNITED NUDE

Co-founded by a Dutch architect Rem D. Koolhaas (nephew of the Pritzker Prizer laureate architect of the same name) & Englishman Galahad JD Clark (a seventh generation of the Clark's shoe-making dynasty), United Nude shoe designs are usually inspired by an architectural idea or a design object, like a chair, so that every shoe has its own story.

• A reinterpretation of the iconic 'Barcelona' chair created by Bauhaus architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe & collaborator Lily Reich in 1929, the 'Mobius' was the first shoe created by United Nude. A heart-broken Koolhaas apparently designed the 'Mobius' to try to win a girl back. The girl left all the same, but Koolhaas & Clark then realised they were sitting on a surefire hit. The 'Mobius' is characterised by a single strip that forms the sole, heel, foot-bed & upper of the shoe. ...Reminds us of the lucky number '8', which goes around & around & symbolises never-ending happiness!

• Ray & Charles Eames' famous aluminium office chair inspired the United Nude 'Eamz' series, featuring pumps & sandals, even a 'tech' sandal (see lower right of pic), that integrate the chair foot into the heel of the shoe, a feature that seems to suspend it in mid-air.

No matter what the shoes are named, United Nude's design credibility & typical sculptural shapes have made it popular especially with design-conscious shoe-lovers. Try it on soon for a look & bounce that will put a spring in your step even on those awful hard-to-rise mornings.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day... to the No.1 man in our lives.

Photo: Steve Schofield

ALICE + OLIVIA "Cheryl" Top

The Alice + Olivia "Cheryl" blouse -- in a subtly shimmering salmon/peach shade -- is perfectly sweetened with a bow & band of matching gleaming satin charmeuse. Also, didja know that the adjustable neckline can actually be worn on- or off-shoulder?
Completely flattering with a slight empire waist -- we love it dressed up or down.

Dresses... MANOUSH + ZADIG et VOLTAIRE

Summer is the season of the dress & we're here to help you find the piece that will work hard for you all season long -- whatever the occasion!
From Bohemian-inspired frocks that will carry you from beach to a dinner date, to the essential slinky dresses that will see you through countless Summer parties & weddings, we've got all the trends covered. See two of our favourites from French designers this week:-

1. Manoush, which means 'gypsy' in French slang, has proved more than a flash-in-the-pan leftover from the boho craze of the last couple of years. Founder-designer Frederique Trou-Roy's creations -- like this cute & fun silk rainbow dress -- are filled with kooky, folkrolic details, making them a hearty rendering of the inspirations gathered from her frequent travels to North Africa.

2. Stylish French girls swear by Zadig & Voltaire & we urge you to experience the wonders of the sexy strass-embellished Ruban Deluxe Dress.

ROBERT RODRIGUEZ One-Shoulder Top

They say one-shoulder is better than two this season. (Well, maybe not better, but different, & that's a good thing!) This gorgeous one-shoulder top, which plays on NYC designer Robert Rodriguez's love of old-Hollywood glamour while giving a nod to classic tailoring techniques, also features bold tiered ruffle detail. The look is totally seductive, without being one bit slutty.

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Jumpsuit & Romper

An "it" trend since late last year, the jumpsuit/pantsuit/romper popped back up on so many different Spring Summer runways, it's hard to keep track of all of their appearances. You would've spotted a wide range of celebrities wearing assorted jumpsuit styles as well. Yes, jumpsuits are literally on fire this season & a fun throwback to the 70s. So why not jumpstart your day in these instant-chic 3.1 Phillip Lim designs? Depending on how you style them, these all-in-ones can look downtown cool & glamourous in equal measure, & be very comfortable too. Plus, they really are the best ultimate "lazy" wardrobe solution -- a top & trousers/shorts in one.
* We're stocking jumpsuits by other designers as well, come find the right pieces for your Summer wardrobe.

NEW ARRIVALS - Friday, 5 Jun

5 Jun is Fun Friday at wondermomo & Whoop!, with new arrivals from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Genetic Denim, Manoush, Mint Jodi Arnold, Robert Rodriguez, Zadig et Voltaire, Zegna Sport Men & lots more!
Our doors are open daily from 11:30am to 8:00pm. See ya :)

REBECCA TAYLOR Bohemian Dress

We wish all our dreams were as sweet as this little bohemian dress by Rebecca Taylor!
Just the thing for a mid-Summer day/night out.
(BTW all the Rebecca Taylor stores have a giant poster of this dress displayed in their show-windows now.)
* Restocked in very limited quantities on account of exceeding loveliness & popular requests.

VANESSA BRUNO Sleeveless Gathered Dress

At first glance, Vanessa Bruno's clothes may seem a bit plain, but true fans know better. The simplicity of Bruno's designs are always offset by a combination of chic Parisian flair & refreshing atypical cuts. Take this lovely sleeveless gathered dress, for instance. The sweet ice-cream colour lightens the unusual cut & will show off your Summer-bronzed arms nicely. And because this piece is all about the details (ribbon on the neck, pretty fin-like pleated panels), understated accessories are all you need to pair it with. Wear in the day with simple flats, then slinky heels for the evening.
* A couple other sassy lil' dresses by Vanessa Bruno also available... Come see!