TIBI (NYC) Chantal Lace Dress

When you have Emma Watson, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Blake Lively, the fearless ADR, and countless other starry names all selecting sexy black lace for their very recent red-carpet events, it would be difficult to imagine a more obvious demonstration of favour and vogue.
Indeed, a byproduct of the prevailing gothic trend, black lace is definitely one of the most important looks of the season. Whether completely covering a dress or placed as strategic panels, black lace says flirty and feminine like nothing else quite can.
With delicate scallop-edged sleeves and a silhouette-skimming bodice, this vampish yet cute dress from Tibi is a lace-tastic update on the perennially chic LBD. Go for a romantic look with strappy heels and a pashmina, or team with killer spiked heel boots and a lashing of red lippy!
(RRP US$405)

Black lace has clearly been the top embellishment choice for celebrities this season.


TIBI
Amy Smilovic started Tibi in 1997 when her husband was transferred to Hong Kong. She had a choice -- report to her husband at American Express, or start her own business. She chose the latter. Her small collection, heavily influenced by her international travels, quickly emerged into a complete line of women’s wear through word of mouth amongst the ex-pat community and a large overseas order placed through Saks Fifth Avenue. Smilovic’s switch from a business executive to fashion designer was a natural one considering she used to be with Ogilvy & Mather advertising, she studied both business and art in college, and she is a dynamic illustrator. Tibi fashions are now found in over hundreds of upscale stores around the world including Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols and Harrods.

ELIZABETH AND JAMES Embellished Cavalry Blazer

Still just as key a must-have item as ever, the "boyfriend" blazer this season is slightly more shaped-to-the-body, with a bit more volume in the shoulders, and intrepid embellishments (beads, sequins, studs, etc) which give a look that’s more eye-catching and ready to hit the town.
This Elizabeth and James blazer, by the Olsen twins, does the shoulder detail trend in a way that's decidedly more chic than your high school marching band uniform. Despite the extra drama, this piece remains versatile and polished, thanks to the simple reason that the bronze-fringed epaulets are totally removable. Military or minimalist, this pick lets you make it up as you go!
Use it to toughen up a floral dress and heels, or wear it with office trousers or jeans for a look that's both stylish and comfortable -- the possibilities are endless!
(RRP US$545 -- Come in and be dazzled with our price :-))

Etc.

Hehe, this incredibly colourful and intricate short by design duo Yum Yum London really brightened up our morning. Not your usual parking woes maybe, but yeah, you never know what will hit you when you take on the muscle-bound challenge of parallel parking :-D

SACHIN + BABI FOR ANKASA (New York) Roma Top

NEW BRAND ALERT!
Known for the embroideries they provide to some of Seventh Avenue's biggest brandnames, Sachin + Babi for Ankasa's more-is-more aesthetic has defined their ready-to-wear line since its inception two years back.
There will be no end to the line of admirers when you venture out in this languid top. Perfect for the lounge, club, or as you host your year-end party, this elegant French jersey draped 'Roma' top gets a touch of glamourous detail in the form of sequins. Shake it on with a body-con bottom, and leopard-print heels, and don't forget your phone for all the numbers you'll acquire ;-)
(RRP US$325)

SACHIN + BABI FOR ANKASA
Brand founders Mr and Mrs Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia’s is a fashion love story. The two grew up in different Indian cities, both in fashion industry families, but didn’t meet until the third day of fashion design school at New York’s FIT. The college sweethearts started out as a supplier of beautiful Indian textiles (ANK Embroideries) to some of the fashion industry's leading designers (including Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, and Giorgio Armani), as well as making their own “Ankasa” home lifestyle brand. Then, in 2008, the visionary pair introduced their RTW brand Sachin + Babi for Ankasa with the mantra that luxurious textiles could translate to any design aesthetic. Filled with subtle glamour and plenty of romance and style, the Ahluwalias’ unique way of designing casually luxurious clothing appeals to every woman looking for a little shimmer without going over the top. Sachin + Babi for Ankasa creations are starting to catch the attention of many Hollywood stars.

FEIT Footwear (Australia)

Sometimes in life you come across something that is just a little bit extra special. The small Sydney-based shoe company Feit (pronounced “Fight”) is just one such something.
In 2005, Feit was born as the brainchild of Josh and Tull Price, two Australian brothers set on changing the footwear landscape. (You might know the elder brother, Tull Price, as the dude who, at the age of 20, co-founded Royal Elastics, the athletic and leisure shoes that fastens with velcro and elasticated cord instead of laces.)
In the years since, Feit has been quietly producing what must be some of the best-made sneakers on the planet. Those who own a pair of Feit will know this already. For those who don't yet, be prepared to be wowed by the build quality and techie bits that make Feit shoes kick ass :-)

Among other features of Feit shoes:-

• Lasts made in Italy by a septuagenarian master cobbler Signor Verdiccio Paderone.
• Sole developed using Vibram technology.
• Footbed based on US SWAT team shoe footbed designs, maximising comfort and minimising heat and odour.
• “Maximum capacity”. Unhappy with the rampant waste levels in the industry, the Price brothers set a production limit depending on capital and material availability. If there is only enough llama leather to make 30 pairs of shoes, they will only make 30 pairs.
Considering that Feit is a VERY low volume premium label, the price really is better than a good price.


The photos don't do it justice, but the Feit A2 Standard Issue in Ox-Blood is neat, clean and exceptionally well made.

ELIZABETH AND JAMES Silk-Charmeuse 'Explorer' Blouse

This season, Style.com is touting the "blouse" as a must have item, while Elle says "military looks are in full force". With this 'Explorer' blouse by Elizabeth and James, you get the best of both worlds!
Crafted from luxurious silk-charmeuse, this richly-hued top with a relaxed fit and utilitarian accents will look keenly sharp with skinny black pants and pin-thin heels for a sophisticated take on workplace or downtown dressing.
(RRP US$245)

Happy Awal Muharram

Happy New Year to all our friends commemorating the Hijrah.

[Photo: Laura Watilo Blake, Ohio, USA]

REBECCA TAYLOR Quilted Patch Jacket

Drawing her inspiration from fond memories growing up in a fairy-tale seaside village in New Zealand, NYC-based designer Rebecca Taylor adds a little bit of the ethereal to every one of her designs.
This quilted patch jacket showcases the designer's obsessive eye for detail and understanding of what makes a woman feel pretty. Soft, sparkly, warm -- just like the kitties in Rebecca Taylor's logo! -- this piece is a wonderful and stylish alternative for the gal who wants a little more “special” than just another jacket.
Try over your favourite tee and jeans, or layer over a simple dress.
(RRP US$425)

STEFFEN SCHRAUT (Germany)

NEW BRAND ALERT!
German fashion doesn't make many headlines often, but surely Steffen Schraut is on the way to becoming his country's less starry equivalent of Phillip Lim, a.k.a. the man who truly knows how to make women happy.
As a young boy, the Dusseldorf-born Schraut discovered his passion for fashion as he enthusiastically paged through his mother’s fashion magazines. After a successful career as a trend scout for renowned international brands, Schraut launched his own fashion line in the Spring of 2001.
Gifted with a sure sense for future trends, Schraut’s designs are indeed all about straightforward trendy styles. At the same time though, the fashion entrepreneur is also noted for translating cutting-edge trends into totally wearable pieces.

Pretty good looking guy, huh? Interestingly, this hard working and industrious designer goes by the motto that the focus should remain fixed on the product, and not on its creator.
• Steffen Schraut Silk Blouse with Fabric Mini Rose Blossom
Rose, rose, I love you. This luxurious blouse features a stand-up collar, draped with feminine fabric roses. Elegant, cool and noble, pair this modern classic with a pencil skirt for the office, or with jeans or tuxedo pants for the evening.
(RRP €179)
• Steffen Schraut Belted Dress
The wide and straight cut on this tunic/dress is nice and figure-flattering. Lest you think it is a little too comfy, there’s a belt that accentuates the waist. Decorative reaped flutter sleeves further add party glamour.
(RRP €229)
The eye-catching Steffen Schraut AW2010-11 campaign, featuring Fanny Francois, was styled by Mira Uszkureit and shot by French heavyweight Gyslain Yarhi.
Trivia: A representation of being “well-defined and self-assured”, the corporate logo of Steffen Schraut is created by design-godfather Peter Schmidt, who in the last four decades also did the corporate identities of, among many, many, many others: Aigner, Chopard, Ebel, Hugo Boss, Jil Sander, Joop!, van Laack.

TRETORN (Sweden) Skymra Marina Slip-Ons

A great twist on a classic, Tretorn's Skymra sneakers feature an oversized elastic strap that ensures a secure fit while showcasing a modern asymmetrical design and signature Tretorn look.
A simple sneaker for laid-back days or, if you’re the type who dislikes the hassle of shoe laces, just great when you need to get out the door on time in the morning!
P.S. Be prepared for compliments, if not plenty of "did-you-draw-the-lobster-yourself"s :-D
TRETORN
Founded in Sweden at the end of the 19th century, Tretorn’s association with life on and off court rapidly created something of a cult following surrounding the brand, a status which was firmly secured when Wimbledon winners took to the grass in Tretorn in the 1970s. Inspired by the high profile and success of the brand, Tretorn's canvas and leather Nylites were literally the only shoe in which to be seen wearing on North American campuses throughout the 1980s. Lean and understated, the Tretorn sneaker was as good as the first luxury sports shoe on the market. Tretorn’s expertise in rubber-made products demonstrates a consistent commitment to quality and brand over hype, offering a collection most appreciated by those with a practical sensibility and a lifestyle largely enjoyed outside.