Get Lucky with ALDO

Fal and I attended Aldo's Fall Collection launch, Get Lucky, at Zouk last night. The showy Vegas theme suited the glamorous shoe collection to the tee. The event was slated to start at 7.30 in the evening but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. So wait we did for more than an hour. Hors d'oeuvre and drinks were served of course and attendees were invited to take a closer look at the Fall shoes at the display next to the runway.





Oh, Aldo also had a couple of waiters walking around serving the ladies some sexy heels. These are Aldo's Mcintyde retro heels, perfect for divas and divas-to-be, made extra feminine with a pretty bow at the toe. I tried to persuade Fal to take a picture with him instead of taking a picture of him but she stood her ground this
time (haha).

 

The show opened with a bang; a sexy and energetic dance number that closed with fantastic popping and locking by two male dancers. The female dancers donned black mini dresses with playful fringed skirts, keeping the 'hooker' at bay with sheer black stockings instead of fishnets (those would have crossed the line). The highlight of the dance number of course was not the dancing as much as the shoes. The dancers wore Aldo's Colour Pop soft suede pumps in 5 different colours, red, teal, magenta, plum and electric blue. The dance number sure proved that Aldo's pumps are perfect for dancing the night away as vigorously or energetically as you like.



The models looked great in one-piece black corseted bodices onto which mini skirts made with lots of black tulle were attached. Actually, their dresses reminded me of ballet costumes worn on stage, fitted bodices and tutu skirts that show off a dancer's legs to their fullest.

 



Sexy, skyscraping legs aside, the shoes were well displayed and the playful theme was carried through right to the end of the show. Suede, snakeskin and leopard prints were the anchor themes that were featured, reflective of the trends that are hot this Fall season.






Feveravenue's Adam Kerr serving up some suede goodies.

The Childres in gold is my absolute favourite. I will be trotting down to Aldo soon with my 20% off voucher courtesy of Aldo to bag myself these bling bling shoes, retailing for $109. The one I had an issue with is the red, patent Bremseth. It did not pass my 'hooker test', so to speak. So vampish. I told Fal I'd look like a dodgy showgirl if I were to wear those.



There were some prizes to be won of course as is the norm with most bigger fashion events and collection launches. Aldo gave away vouchers for the best dressed of the night, as voted by the attendees. I wasn't too psyched about the prizewinners though. In my book, the few who were shortlisted weren't impressive at all, there were so many others who were much better dressed than those on the runway. I guess they sure did "Get Lucky". There was a lucky draw as well. Honestly, I think lucky draws are the cheesiest and most gimmick-y trick to get people to stay on at any event. However, as cheesy and lame as they are, I cannot help but feel a tinge of excitement when the names are being pulled out and announced (haha). I guess the thrill of maybe having won something is always a fun feeling to experience.

Kudos to Aldo for a pretty successful event and thanks to Feveravenue as well for inviting us along. Fal and I hung out with the team from Feveravenue and hell yeah, we had so much fun.





Lastly, Fal and I would like to apologise for the terrible quality of photos. The story: Fal left home in a rush this morning and I left home rushing like never before in the afternoon. Fal forgot her awesome Olympus and I conveniently left my Canon on my desk. Fal thought "Fir will bring hers" and I thought "Fal will definitely have hers" so we didn't bother making a trip back to grab our babies. Hence, the photos you're looking at in this post are all taken with our Blackberry smartphones. Photography was not a joy with these terrible cameras but we hope to have captured the event in its entirety as well as some of its energy for you to enjoy.

♥,
Fir

Get that Modern Classic with H&M: Part 1

Preppy dressing takes on a whole new meaning with H&M's new Modern Classics collection for men. Expect updated wardrobe essentials as suiting is in focus this season and vivid colours bring a fresh touch to matching cotton slacks or knitwear. Paired with crisp shirts, tweeds and flannels, the look is instantly classic and modern.

Who better to tell us how to style a modern classic look than Tom Stubbs, one of the most well-known menswear stylists who championed the return of the suit and that trend continues today?

According to Tom Stubbs, there is a new hunger for structure, dignity and tailoring, a departure from the slouchiness of the decade. This A/W 2011 will see pinstripes, tweed and three-piece-suits in a modern fit for the younger generation who want to sharpen their look whilst remaining trendy and chic.

Now all Singaporeans can enjoy and own such gorgeous pieces from H&M. As you have probably realised, Fal and I are over the moon that H&M is here.
Still unsure if you want to partake in the renaissance of the classics? Still afraid of wearing a suit and looking dated (like some uncle)? Spend the next 5 mins with Tom Stubbs and model Benj and you'll find that it isn't that difficult to update your look with H&M's new Modern Classics collection.



Inspired? We sure hope so. Watch this space for what we think about these styling tips. Till then, let's just say, enjoy H&M.

Video credits to Barracuda Film & TV.
♥,
Fir

Made well for Alexa

I chanced upon Alexa Chung's second collection for Madewell whilst paving a digital path through the myriad of open tabs and windows on my desktop. This American brand (owned by the J.Crew company) has been surprisingly low-key; I've heard of Madewell but never felt compelled to explore their online store. A quick browse and I was pleasantly surprised as the clothes are simple and practical yet chic and stylish. Much like British It girl, Alexa Chung's own understated chic that has made her the style icon that she is today.

Alexa stars in the Madewell Fall 2011 ad campaign which featured the Fall collaboration in a Southwest backdrop for a road trip feel. The collection is slated to arrive in stores and on madewell.com on September 22. I found some images of the ad campaign that features Alexa herself.





Here's a preview of some of the items in Alexa Chung for Madewell which I snapped from madewell.com.










I have to say that the collection from this preview, just screams Alexa. My personal favourites are 02, 04 and 05 for their laidback feel. Alexa's inspiration for the collection was girls in bands who "lived their looks". I am assuming then, that the collection is grungy yet girly with a hint of attitude. The thing is, Alexa Chung is such a unique and stylish individual that whatever she has on her oh-so-petite frame contains that perfect mix of attitude, grunge and girly, that I am quite certain not everyone else can pull off.

That being said, is it made well for Alexa? Or Alexa for Madewell? I am not entirely convinced that the collection is one that girls of all shapes and sizes can experience and enjoy although I am certain that everyone will love it. Take the last item, for example, the velvet dress with the white peter pan collar. Discounting the fact that this dress is not made for our (ridiculous and hellish) local weather conditions, how many people can actually wear this dress without looking like they just stepped out of Sunday school at the neighbourhood cathedral?

As always, fashion isn't just about wearing what's trendy and cool or wearing what a favourite style icon is wearing. (Case in point: Alexa Chung's velvet dress.) Instead, fashion is about making yourself look good, so as Fal would also very much agree, wear what suits you and we guarantee, you'll always look awesome.


♥,
Fir

The Problem with Shoes

I always have problems with shoes.

#1. There is no space for all my shoes. Impractical as it is to keep buying them, somehow I can never get enough of them. I'm sure we're all familiar with 'buy first think later' and 'the more the merrier' when it comes to shoes! Fal's overstuffed shoe cabinet is physical and tangible testament to those concepts.

#2. The heel
The skyscrapers that I see resting smugly on all the shelves in the shops never fail to make me wonder "how the hell do people walk in those". Before I continue, I must share what I learnt today:


The shoes these days have a platform under the outsole which affords the heel an additional inch or two. That makes the shoe much more comfortable to wear but the fact that the shoe is a towering 4 to 5 inches remains. I am all for impracticality but I draw the line when I cannot function properly in any particular pair of high heels. What's the point of buying a smashing pair of heels only to not be able to walk properly in them? Sometimes, in poorly designed shoes, the base of my foot doesn't rest on the shank and I end up with a foot or calf cramp. I guess discomfort can be dealt with and a wallet full of plasters may go a long way, but if I cannot walk in them or if I look like I am struggling to walk in them then I say forget it, I'll just go with a lower heel.

At a more personal level, I am highly accident prone. I hate to admit it but I am beginning to accept this fact about myself, not to mention my dear friends never let me forget it (ahem). In addition, I do need my precious legs for dancing. Therefore, such towering skyscrapers on my feet? Not ideal.

Wherever possible, I tend to avoid stilettos, preferring thick, chunky or platform heels if I want to "grow" a few extra inches. Not only are they more comfortable, I can last a whole day in them whether I am walking, running or standing. Hence, I am more than pleased with the Fall/Winter footwear this year; shoes that are more textured and detailed with chunky heels. Chunky heels can be sexy too. Enough said, here are some beauties that I would love to get my hands on!


Pyramid Flared Heel from Topshop


Fendi Chameleon Heels


Tommy Hilfiger Loafer Heel


Jeffrey Campbell Woven Slingback Wedge


Gatsby Tie-up Maryjanes from Topshop
heavily "inspired" by DKNY's F/W booties


Marc by Marc Jacobs Deer Embroidered Wedge Boots


Lanvin Snakeskin Derby Shoe
I couldn't leave out the trusty oxfords


♥,
Fir

More for Fall

A short trend report for Fall/Winter 2011. The new lengths, new textures, bold colours, cuts and slits, menswear inspired pieces mean that putting outfits together will be a more interesting affair. Much as I do love summer and all the goodness that the sun brings (like pretty sun dresses and sexy swimwear), I also love knits, jackets, blazers and trenches. Hardly any opportunity to wear those in this sweltering heat but I guess that is why offices have such ridiculously cold central air conditioning. We all have a chance to indulge in some of those tailored beauties whilst complaining, like a true blue Singaporean, about it being too cold indoors and hot as hell outdoors.

1. Blues


2. Bold and bright pants



3. The Tux



4. Thigh baring slits



5. Leather



6. How about a poncho?



7. Stripes



8. The midi (finally)



Trend reports are great for giving us some sense of what's the next big thing the following season but it doesn't mean blindly following the trend just for the sake of it. Personally, if I don't like it, I wouldn't wear it even if it might be the most fashionable thing at the moment. So have fun mixing it up!


♥,
Fir
Photos courtesy of Refinery 29

Looking forward to Fall with Sandro

I chanced upon the young French fashion label, Sandro, today and I was blown away by their tres tres chic Fall 2011 lookbook. The label combines minimalism with a touch of androgeny, mod, edge and colour. Subtle pops of red, navy, camel and mustard stand out against the clean lines created by the sleek tailored pieces which include well-cut blazers, fitted trousers and ankle-grazers. For days when you want to dress down but still ooze a Parisian polish, Sandro is the way to go.

♥,

Fir