ASH (Italy) Denim Platform Pumps

We don't need a new trend to be reminded of how much we love our jeans. But given this season has revealed a whole new affinity for denim accessories, we thought these towering heels in distressed denim from ASH of Italy is a fantastic new way to stay on top of the trend. The 4 ¼” heel is made comfortable by the inch-high hidden platform in the front and the great angle of the shoe. Pair them with everything - from your favorite LBD to skinny jeans - for a fashionably look that will wow 'em!
(RRP US$165)

This season, denim rules in the form of shoes, bags, playsuits, jewellery and iPad sleeves, all showing that mixing it up is never a bad thing.

DICKIES Chino and Cropped Pants

For nearly 90 years now, classic American work wear brand Dickies, more officially known as Williamson-Dickie, has had a strong and proud heritage of providing tough, quality clothing to workers.
At the beginning, Dickies produced work uniforms. With the onset of the Second World War, Dickies garments were used to clothe soldiers. During this time, the company's most successful product was the khaki pant. Otherwise known as the "chino", and first worn by Texas oilfield workers, the khaki pant became a standard during the 1950s. Soon students, professors, golfers, and others from every walk of life were wearing khaki pants. In the late 1950s, Dickies’ expansion to Europe and the Middle East was helped by expatriate American oilfield workers who introduced Dickies clothing throughout the region. By the late 1990s, Dickies had also expanded its jeans line, and the brand’s popularity as a fashion statement had increased to a surprising degree. Dickies was featured in slick fashion magazines, sold in expensive boutiques, and seen on musicians, movie stars and models. In recent years, Dickies has also shown that they keep an ear to the streets by actively coming together with folks like Stussy and Converse. Dickies' collaborations with established Japanese players (Junya Watanabe, Mastermind, just to name a few) are especially far ahead. This sudden chic has certainly had a very positive impact on the brand.
Dickies uses 3M Scotchgard technology (able to repel stains and maintain the fabric’s original texture after wash) in many of its products.
Available in-store: Dickies' straight-slim chinos and Dickies cropped pants.


Dickies pants and tees unite the stars of the East and West: Show Luo, A-Yue Chang, Li Chen, Lee Jun-Ki, Avril Lavigne, Kristen Stewart.


John Cusack at his dry, self-effacing best in Dickies (and High Fidelity - one of everybody's favourite cult films of all time).

TORY BURCH Washed Leather Mini Bag

With its light weight, portability and easy organisation, this exceptionally adorable bag -- from the rarely disappointing Tory Burch -- is ideal for when you don't feel like shouldering too big a load but still big enough for carrying all of life's little necessities.
No logo plate adorns the design (surprise!), but its styling is as cute as a button, with chain links and key fobs providing interest and character. The beautiful washed leather - the sort you just want to stroke like a domestic animal - lends timeless elegance to a jaunty silhouette. It is also super practical: despite its small size, this bag has double zippered compartments ideal for carrying your money, phone and make-up for a day or night out.
Also available in black.
(RRP US$350)

GIVENCHY Lace-Up Silk Blouse

Givenchy, the famous Parisian fashion house once associated with Audrey Hepburn and 1950s romcoms such as 'Roman Holiday', dances to a different beat in the 21st century. For his 2011 RTW collection, creative director Riccardo Tisci cited as one of his inspirations the artist Frida Kahlo and Mexico’s Day of the Dead to create pieces for strong women with an intense romantic streak.
With its billowiness and elegance, this blouse design from Givenchy is perfect for day or night, and easily dressed up or down for any occasion. We’re especially crushing on the lavish laced-up sleeves - it’s a detail we’ve rarely seen from other designers, and definitely sets this stunning piece apart from others of its kind.
(RRP US$475 or €263)

ELIZABETH AND JAMES Tweed Shorts

The new alternative to skirts, shorts have become a year round wardrobe essential. Cut from a tweed fabrication, these tiny, leg-lengthening shorts from the Olsen twins' Elizabeth and James line are tailored with belt loops and frayed trim at the waistband, slant hip pockets, and sides, with a vent pocket at back. Paired casually with a little sweater and ballet skimmers, they are cute and chic, but dressed up with heels and a coordinating jacket, they are both fun and sophisticated.
(RRP US$285)

PSJ (PAUL SMITH JEANS) Floral Tote

Have you noticed how, for Spring/Summer trends, floral prints have made a big entry - even for menswear? If the blooming collections of D&G, Jil Sander and Topman Design were any indication, it seems that everything is coming up roses (and daffodils, and daises, and lilies…). In celebration of one of the season’s hottest trends, PSJ (Paul Smith Jeans) has created this lightweight and roomy tote - with the flower power of the moment, and the practicality of a shopping/errand/travel carry-all. So boys, it's time to let your sensitive side flourish!
And best part is, this bag is totally unisex, so buy and share it with your GF (or mum) :-D
(RRP £78.00)

ALEXANDER WANG Lace Twist-Tie Dress

The devil is in the details in this LBD by Alexander Wang aka the coolest kid in Manhattan. The soft, stretchy allover lace fabric is gathered and twisted along the front to accentuate your shape, while the burnout texture at the sides adds visual interest and just the right amount of flirty appeal. Wear with a blazer and nude pumps for work, then pair with sexy ankle booties and high-shine accessories to glimmer in the night.
(RRP US$595)

TIMBERLAND BOOT COMPANY Counterpane Series

"Depression-era inspired fashion" sounds highly contradictory, but even during the hard times in the late 1920s to 1930s, folks who had to pinch their pennies often managed - with great creativity and resourcefulness - to produce unique goods, including fashion, for themselves. Old clothes, feedsacks, scarps, even worn-out tyres were given new life and transformed into things like day wear, quilts and shoes. Colours may be more sombre, but design and cutting overtook trendiness, and artful artisanship came to the forefront.
Inspired by footwear from this long-ago time, the shoes from Timberland Boot Company tell a story of ingenuity, purposeful details and versatility. Nope, these aren’t the ordinary Timboes you’ve come to know, but rather a heritage range, under a separate division independent of the parent company. It is said that all Timberland Boot Company shoes (and clothes) are handcrafted using a process called "Worn and Repaired", which makes every article unique from its brother/sister.
Timberland Boot Company’s "Counterpane" series in particular is an absolute home run. Created basically to demonstrate the lost art of shoemaking, every mvery material, colour, stitching, detail and even flaw is intentional. The styles are simple and ridiculously comfortable, rugged yet polished, casual but also dressy enough to throw on with a suit and tie.

We'll be the first to admit that the Timberland brand doesn't make us think of dressy shoes, so we’re just completely surprised (in a very good way) at the old-school cool of the Counterpane Oxford. (RRP US$250)

A cousin of the Counterpane Oxford, the Counterpane Half-Cab is also pure unbridled style. You'd be hard pressed to find issue with this gorgeous shoe. (RRP US$275)

Post-industrial fantasy is not the only conduit that links the Timberland Boot Company to the past. The brand’s flagship store and showroom in Fournier Street, London is an old warehouse which has played host to a sack weaving business, a banana and tomato wholesaler and a clothing business. It is the perfect space to articulate the essence of the brand's storytelling.

SEE BY CHLOE Denim Shopper Tote

This sturdy multi-purpose denim tote sweetened with a "See by Chloé" graffiti is roomy yet extra convenient, folding down compactly (to fit in your handbag) and then expanding nicely for all your shopping needs. Great for the grocery store, beach, travelling, carrying the kid's stuff. It’s attractive enough to venture into town, too, of course. Comes with a drawstring closure to keep your belongings secure.
(RRP US$110)

JOHN VARVATOS STAR USA Denim

A bit youthful and more preppy than the John Varvatos collection, John Varvatos Star USA --launched in 2006-- still embodies all that’s hip, masculine, and wearable, which personifies the charismatic designer himself. The slim, straight-leg fit John Varvatos Star USA black denim look even better than they feel - and they do feel amazing. Wear them with pretty much everything - from a round-neck T-shirt to a classic wool blazer - for a smart and stylish look.
(RRP US$165 ~ US$198)

Today's Hidden Gem: MINNETONKA MOCCASINS

Since 1946, Minnetonka Moccasins has been producing relaxed, free-spirited footwear based on traditional Native American shoes. As popular as the footwear is, the company has managed to keep itself out of the spotlight. It doesn’t advertise, release public statements, and until recently, didn’t have an internet presence. Yet, you can go into many shoe stores in the United States (or London, or Seoul) and find their footwear flying off the shelves.
As long as Minnetonka has been making moccasins, they have been sewing beads on them. The Thunderbird bead design, a perennial bestseller, is a classic recognised around the world (and has been featured in numerous magazines and TV shows including NBC's Today Show and ABC’s Desparate Housewives). Made of soft, breathable suede on a flexible, slightly elevated crepe sole, the T-bird mocc is your go-to shoe for when you crave classic style and undeniable comfort.

CARE TIPS: Minnetonka suede moccasins normally just need a medium-stiff nylon brush -- avoid metal or brass bristles. You can use a suede cleaner and a water/stain repellent. Leather moccasins like a little neutral polish and a wipe over with a soft cloth.


Top Japanese models Hasegawa Jun and Rika put on one hell of a leg show in their Minnetonka flat moccs.