A Mistake Has Been Made...

An update on my most recent acquisition, purchase and, finally, mistake.

ACQUISITION: Gucci Glitter Web Sneakers with Studs

Not too long ago, I was drooling over some cool new kicks Gucci had released, but little did I know, I would soon possess my very own pair. I specify this as a recent acquisition, because they were once again generously handed down to me by a friend. The fact I'm wearing sneakers may come as a surprise to some of you, since I haven't worn anything resembling a pair of runners since high school (around nine years ago!). I swore off the sneaker life, but with the latest resurgence in casual kicks as a trendy option, I've decided there is no harm in getting back on the comfort train.

While these sneakers boast all-over glitter texture, the glitter is actually very fine, which makes the sparkle more akin to a subtle shimmer. The laces are woven through with metallic threads, and Gucci's iconic red and green stripe slashes down the sides. In terms of hardware, there is a line of silver studs along the back, and although you can't see it in this photo, there are silver carved tiger heads on the tongues. As wonderfully excessive as the exterior is, it is really the interior of these sneakers which impress me. The inner is lined in soft red leather. Can you believe it? Incredible. I can't wait to wear these babies out once the weather is warmer and less muddy.


PURCHASE: Topshop MOTO Deep Let Hem Jamie Jeans

I have been going to Topshop religiously lately to keep an eye on whether these black floral-embroidered jeans on my wishlist are on sale yet (alas, no), so I wasn't really expecting to come away one day with a pair of blue skinnies. My dad pointed out a pair of Let Hem jeans on the sale rack for $27 (worn in my first picture above). I wasn't immediately into the lighter wash and design of the jeans, but with a price like that, how could I say no? The jeans are made from a soft stretchy denim, so it fits gloriously around the legs, and the length is cut perfectly at the ankles, which makes these pants great for wearing with my aforementioned sneakers. Although I'm still not sure whether the raw let hem necessarily looks good, it is a cheeky homage to my nerdy teenage days, when jeans never fit me and I actually had to fold up my hems and hand-stitch them sloppily into place. The awkward, tell-tale line two inches above my ankle used to make it more obvious I did a DIY job. So these Topshop pants hold some meaning to them, because here I am as an adult, embracing my past by letting my hems down and having all it show.


MISTAKE: H&M Shirtdress

Last year, I bought a shirtdress from H&M for $15. It was elegant and sophisticated with its burnt orange tone, black piping along the v-neck, and gold hardware. My boyfriend liked it (which meant something considering he usually has a neutral opinion of fashion), and I even got complimented on it during an interview by the hiring manager (who, might I say, was quite stylish herself). Nonetheless, I should've known the dollars I saved on the purchase would soon come back to bite me in the bum.

You know my motto for those on a budget: buy affordable items which look expensive. The fabric of this dress passed my test; it was soft and light-weight enough to disguise as something more costly - but I should have listened to the tiny voice in the back of my mind telling me the buttons were too cheap. I liked the look of the gold hardware so much I ignored my intuition. I remember going through the rack to choose the dress with the least damage to its buttons, as if I could somehow sneakily evade this dress' eventual fate. Obviously, the fact the other dresses already had scratches on their buttons should have tipped me off.

So, one year later, after wearing this dress a couple times over the short summer months, looks like the washing machine got the better of it. The fabric remains pretty decent, but two of the five buttons are now noticeably scratched. Sigh. Mistakes will be made in this journey of buying affordable fashion. Luckily I don't regret purchasing this dress because it's still a pretty nice-looking shirtdress, but I will have to get creative and think up a way of restoring the buttons to their former glory.

Image Source: Topshop

We Gucci

It's about time we talk about Gucci.

At the beginning of 2015, Alessandro Michele was named Gucci's new Creative Director after Frida Giannini announced her departure from the role. Giannini had memorable collections throughout her 12 year tenure, including a powerful 2011 season that swept the industry with its colour blocked glamour. However, as an old classmate of mine once put it, the brand became irrelevant thereafter. In the years ensuing, nothing Gucci put out could quite rouse the hearts of the industry like it once had. It became bland and repetitive. Looking back at my own blog, I stopped writing about Gucci after 2011. The brand likely dropped off my radar completely, which is why I don't have much recollection of Gucci's later works.

But when Michele arrived, he wasted no time hitting us with his new vision. His vision is inventive, unapologetic, and most importantly, exciting. 2016 was a good season for Gucci - that's when Michele really found his stride.

Gucci Resort 2016

I first took note of Gucci again with its Resort 2016 collection. I came across the collection's short film, which tells the story of guy-meets-girl (in a long chevron midi-dress). There was something so enchanting about how the richly textured seventies designs popped in their bold, saturated colouring. Compared to how things were before, this was an acid trip. Michele firmly reminded us that fashion, and particularly Gucci, can be fun.

Gucci Spring/Summer 2016 RTW

Spring 2016 and Fall 2016 were also joy rides. Wild motifs decorated sheer dresses and shimmering fabrics. Sporty, retro, glamorous...Gucci is the eclectic flower child of the 21st century. Fashion influencers had Gucci's fur-lined loafers on their wishlists. Magazines scrambled to showcase the gossamer floral motif dresses. Its green embroidered duchesse bomber jacket was the epitome of all bomber jackets. In short, Gucci became relevant again.

Gucci Fall/Winter 2016 RTW

With that, though, I must say I am less enthralled by Spring 2017. The runway was awash in a smokey red glow, similar to that of an opium den. The drugged-up, hedonistic aura was intensified by blank-eyed models walking past in awkward stumbles and confused dazes. It appeared this was where forbidden desires became fulfilled. The show was a rose bearing its thorns.

Gucci Spring/Summer 2017 RTW

While the premise is delightful, the surrealism became excessive in a way that seemed garish. Ruffles were blown out of proportion too deliberately, the styling was unsettling for the sake of being weird, and thematic elements seemed recycled from previous seasons. I hope Michele does not get caught up in what the industry wants Gucci to be. I hope he stays in touch with his inner sentiments so that his collections always come from a place of authenticity. But so far, Gucci has been revived, and I look forward to what more it has to bring.

Image Source: Vogue

Boxing Day Breakdown

In Canada, December 26 is Boxing Day, a day of year-end sales and buying frenzy. Realistically through, nowadays Boxing Day is more like Boxing Week and the sales are quite meager. With the weak economy and rise of online shopping, the malls are hardly as packed as they once were. Nonetheless, going out on Boxing Day is almost a family ritual for me even though we often leave empty-handed. For our shopping trip this year, I tried on a number of dresses, but found nothing I wholeheartedly wanted. Along the way, I came across a couple of pieces I found interesting - some of which I tried on (and bought!), some of which I simply admired.

Self-Portrait High-Neck Column Dress

Let's start off with something bold! I saw this Self-Portrait dress in Holt Renfrew, and was impressed by the quality of the thick teal lace overlay. At first I thought it was entirely see-through and meant to be used as a layering piece, but then noticed the bandeau and skirt inner. This is clearly a daring dress, but I like the plentiful display of skin juxtaposed against the midi-length and high-neck silhouette.

French Connection Slick Chain Mini Dress

Hudson's Bay was one of the stores this year that had fairly good sales. My mom found this French Connection chain dress discounted to around $40. What I found really unique about this dress was the string of chains across the chest and along the hem. The dress fit me perfectly, but as usual, I felt uncomfortable with the way the arm holes cut in. Shame!

Banana Republic Chiffon-Fringe Blazer

I saw this chiffon-fringe blazer hung up on display and thought it was a great update to a wardrobe basic. I would style the blazer differently than shown here to make it classier and draw focus onto the fringe, but I would have to try it on to really determine if it's as good as it looks on the rack. I did notice the fringe tended to stick to whatever is underneath, so it could be a nightmare trying to keep the strips nice and aligned.

Burberry Kensington Trenchcoat

At long last, I have tried on a Burberry trenchcoat! My mom picked up one of Burberry's classic Kensington trenchcoats in my size, and I was surprised by how well it fit. I always thought I was too short to pull off a trench, but the impeccable tailoring of the world's most famous trenchcoat maker balanced out the length perfectly. One day, if I ever buy a trenchcoat, I know there's only one place I'll get it from.

Banana Republic Red Full Skirt

At last! The only thing I bought during my trip. I have always wanted a full skirt because I think it is a staple for the sophisticated woman. I tried on this Banana Republic skirt I found on sale for around $20 (and in size 00P!). Not only did the skirt fit well, I liked the sturdiness of the thicker fabric and the standout shade. I practically made a split-second decision to buy it (I am rarely such an impulse buyer), and only realized once I got home that the skirt comes with the added bonus of pockets!

Banana Republic Shirred Drop-Waist Skirt

This is another skirt from Banana Republic I would have bought if it came in my size. I generally don't think I look that good in looser, shorter skirts, but the fitted waistband above the ruffled drop-waist helped create a more flattering shape on my frame. The skirt was short, but not too short for my comfort zone. I absolutely adored the soft pink colour and lightweight fabric - it made the skirt pretty and feminine, but also flirty.

H&M Glittery Skirt

I've always wanted a sequin skirt because it can add such great texture to an outfit, but it's difficult finding a unique design in both good quality and price. I found this sequin skirt from H&M in a cool iridescent shade on sale for only $10, so I thought I'd give it a try. While it fit pretty well, the quality was too obviously lacking. As you can see in the photo, the inner lining is actually shorter than the skirt, leaving a portion of the hem a little sheer. Even though I like the concept, the execution does not pull through on a skirt of such cheap quality. The sheer edge emphasized the thin material and the hem easily puckered into a wave in the back. An example of why I always shop with a discerning eye in fast fashion stores - sometimes quality can be cheated, sometimes it's just too obvious. 

Gucci Fur-Lined Slingback Pump

We started with something bold, now let's end with something bold. These Gucci fur-lined slingbacks are absolutely crazy! These are shoes that keep on giving - first the red leather, then the kangaroo fur, then the gold heel, then the two large crystals behind the heel. It's sensory overload, and although I initially thought it was a bit much, I've seen some brave ladies sporting these in street style pictures, and they look like the ultimate fashionistas.

Image Source: ASOS, Revolve Clothing, Drez, WhoWhatWear, Lyst, H&M, Gucci  

Guilty Pleasures

My latest trip to Holt Renfrew involved helping my friend pick up - not a handbag this time - but nine items of clothing (she's a bit of a spender).  Currently, Holt Renfrew is having their Summer Sale, and they have racks of shoes included in this sale.  I took this as the perfect opportunity to try on shoes I could only dream of owning.  In total, I tried on six pairs of shoes, but the following three, I think, are worth talking about.

First up is the Gucci Kelis Platform in purple.  The moment I saw it, I was head over heels.  I loved the Spring/Summer 2011 Gucci collection, and the fact that this is straight off the runway had me giddy in lust.  As well, the deep purple velvet pairs glamorously with the gold python in true Gucci style.

Verdict:  As hot as these shoes are, they're only meant for admiring.  The heel is much too high and dainty for me to handle, and with two thin straps holding my foot in, walking was far from easy (how do models do it??).  Despite its impracticality, the shoe looked fairly good from all angles when I was standing, especially from behind.  These straight-from-the-runway heels might be best left on the runway, but trying them on was priceless.

Up second is the Valentino Mesh Floral Sandal in black.  I first saw this pair of heels in a magazine, and when I saw it in Holt Renfrew, I was reminded of why I love Valentino so much.  The label's wispy, ethereal femininity is translated through the mesh, floral appliqué and lace-up back ankle strap.

Verdict: This shoe is as beautiful on the rack as it is when it's worn.  I was afraid that the appliquéd front would be overwhelming and heavy on the foot, but the mesh, delicate peep toe and open heel ensure that the shoe remains light.  While the lacing at the back makes putting on the shoe take more time than I would like, it's the details that count.  Height-wise, this shoe was much easier to walk in than the Gucci's, and out of all the shoes I tried on, the Valentino's are the ones I would actually buy if I had the money (and the appropriate occasion).

Lastly is the Givenchy Gold Toe Ballet Flat.  This pair of shoes wasn't on sale, but what caught my eye was obviously the gold metal toe.  It's industrial, but altogether very glamorous, and I like the contrast between the hard metal toe and the soft blush pink.

Verdict: There's not much that can go wrong with a pair of flats, and the metal toe adds a nice tough-glam touch.  It's a unique pair of flats, and you can rest assured you won't see look-a-likes on the streets.  The back of the shoe did scratch my foot, but that can probably be fixed with proper sizing.  However, while there's no risk of stubbing your toes, accidentally scuffing the metal toe just might make your heart break a little inside.

To finish off my shopping trip, I popped some chocolates from the front desk in my mouth, and grabbed my complimentary pretzel and old fashioned bottle of root beer.  Anyone who doesn't dare step foot in Holt Renfrew simply because it's expensive doesn't know what they're missing.

Image Source: Gucci, Valentino, Givenchy

Gucci Fall/Winter 2011 RTW

I absolutely loved the colour blocking at Gucci for Spring 2011, and I was delighted to see it again for Fall/Winter 2012.  Frida Giannini once more worked with deep, lustrous jewel tones, but they gave an entirely different look than that of Spring 2011.  This time, the '70s were a huge influence, seen most evidently in the bow blouses.  The first part of the show consisted of fur and python done in mystical cool colours: 

As the show warmed up, so did the colouring.  Fur and luscious patent leather were then done in warm scarlets (the puffs of fur remind me of the fox tails at Louis Vuitton a couple seasons ago, but done here more elegantly):

The fur then began showing up in smoky, muted tones:

For evening, Giannini brought out long, sheer chiffon dresses bursting with hand-dyed silk flowers:

Considering the prominence of the '70s for Spring 2011, this collection is nothing new.  But Giannini gave us enough glamour to make it seem just right.

Watch the entire show here.

Image Source: Vogue