Yours truly is back from the land of “Truly Asia”. I’ve to admit, I didn’t shop extensively - except for two pairs of shoes from Vincci also known as VNC in Singapore. The shoes were not part of the plan as this trip is a family reunion, rather than a shopping adventure. But, my quick retail therapy followed after my mum’s win at Genting’s Casino. Technically, my shoes were generously contributed by the late Uncle Lim. Thank youuu!
Vincci or VNC is prolly one of the trendiest, and most affordable Malaysian shoe boutiques. I grew up wearing Vincci shoes for as long as I remember. And till this day, I would stop by and shop at any Vincci stores whenever I head back to M’sia. I enjoy feasting my feet in the buffet of shoes of the season - although I dare to admit, they’re not the most comfortable. Plus, they don’t last forever. Hey, they’re cheaper than shoes in Singapore!
I believe in investing in good, comfortable shoes and pretty feet (no blisters pls!). But Vincci are fun shoes - low risk, low cost right? Well, I can’t afford a Manolo Blahnik yet but you’ve to start somewhere. Vincci is my shoe haven since forever… it’s good to reminisce. OK, did I mention I love the new campaign with this model’s pixie hairdo? I want that hair (if my Mickey ears disappeared).
(Photo: Vincci)
(Photo: House of Holland)
This is the girl who made a stiletto shoe from BMW car parts. Enough said.
Atalanta Weller simply redefined “innovation” in fashion, and reinvented shoes - entirely. This newcomer, and little-known name popped up in this year’s London Fashion Week as one of the collaborators for ‘House of Holland‘. In an interview with UK’s Telegraph, Weller said “It’s a proper collaboration. [Henry Holland]‘ll tell me roughly what he wants, I’ll go back to him with sketches”. Her infamous “wicked glossy spike-winged wedges” spotted on Agyness Deyn (see above), has caught the attention of shoe enthusiasts and fashionistas. She said in an interview with i-D magazine that her shoe design influence originates from “a ’50s Cadillac meets Las Vegas neon aesthetic” - wow, I don’t even know I can digest that.
(Photo: Telegraph)
I find Atalanta’s work very inspiring. I mean, car parts?! Absolutely crazy but cutting edge. The above stiletto shoe was created from “reconfigured BMW parts while design collective TO22 sliced through the 1-series at an angle, creating a shimmering silver laser-cut hanging, backlit by red film lights, that worked well in the cavernous concrete space of the London location”. The metal spike heel and tyre-rubber sole combo is an instant killer formula. You know what my boy said, “It’s the only way you get boys to look at your shoes”.
HAH, well said. I’m going to chop up someone’s BMW tonight.
I love New Zealand. I truly enjoyed my experience with NZ’s breathtaking nature, unique indie art, and of course, the beaches! My first roadtrip to Raglan, a little quaint beach town situated in the West Coast of the North Island. It’s my virgin experience on black sand beaches but I’ve to say I was blown away! The sand glistens in the sun, kinda like diamonds hehe. After a hot day baking and swimming, I strolled around the town and here are some unique shops that caught my eye:
According to the website, the Jet Collective is “an art collective made up of 5 Raglan artists, an eclectic group coming from a diverse range of disciplines and backgrounds.” Their gallery carries quirky, and a variety of designer items ranging from clothing, accessories, jewelry and you-name-it. We didn’t manage to buy anything in the shop although a “certain” ring caught our attention. But, thumbs up for a pretty cool shop!
![NZ: Jet [Raglan]](http://www.fash-eccentric.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/raglan-jet.jpg)
Kanuka Design Gallery is quite touristy when you first walk in. But you’ll soon find really awesome NZ products that you will want to bring home with you. The website says, “Kanuka Design Gallery showcases the face of creative New Zealand to the people living in and visiting the beautiful seaside township of Raglan. Kanuka Design Gallery exhibits glass, ceramics, pottery, sculpture jewellery, paintings and many other creative New Zealand products.” I got some pretty postcards from there.
![NZ: Kanuka [Raglan]](http://www.fash-eccentric.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/raglan-kanuka.jpg)
Famed for handcrafted leather shoes since ‘73, Soul Shoes is definitely worth to stop by. They’re not cheap but if you look closely at the shoes, the handywork is magnificent! I bought a leather card holder from there - to satisfy my shopping pangs! The bags are gorgeous but they cost about $200 and above!
![NZ: Soul Shoes [Raglan]](http://www.fash-eccentric.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/raglan-soulshoes.jpg)
That’s all for Raglan, my favourite beach town in North Island. Tune in for more NZ fashion report!
If you ever have “problems” matching your shoe and your pants, here’s a solution:
Photo: Radek Leski, Studiozupa
The Converse Extensions by Daryl van Wouw is revolutionary, yet totally cool. However, it’s not very practical if you’re going to visit a friend. How are you going to remove your shoe without removing your “pants”? Not recommended for Chinese New Year visiting.
Chinese New Year is less than 2 weeks away and it’s the perfect excuse to shop till ya drop this weekend! Post-Christmas or Pre-CNY sales are still on. It’s going to be super crowded in town today! Here’s my CNY shopping list for today:
1. Black/Red Mary Jane Heels
This would look perfect for my ‘dress’ (which I haven’t bought yet!) that I’ll be wearing for my BF’s brother’s wedding. Obviously I can’t afford this particular one by Christian Louboutin. I need to check out at this new shoe outlet at Wisma Atria called Schu.
2. The “Dress”
I bought this Peggy dress from Swirl at FashBash last December (see header picture, I’m wearing it!). I’m wearing this to the Best Friend’s wedding in next month. So, I kinda need another dress for the ‘Brother’s’ wedding. I’ve been scouting around but no luck. Sigh, there’s this one dress… from Coast. Then again, I don’t wanna end up looking like a bridesmaid - you know what I mean.
3. The Clutch
Mum asked me to get her a clutch before going home for CNY. I like this bow shaped clutch from Nine West. It comes in royal shiny purple as well, but I guess gold is versatile for a mix-n-match look. Otherwise, I spotted a cute pink Tuilleries Evening Jocelyn at Kate Spade last week at Raffles City. Nice, but a little bit over my budget.
Alright! Time for a haircut at 11am, and then the shopping begins. Later!
Natalie Portman: Beautiful, talented actress (not to mentioned, Oscar-nominated), Harvard Grad, style icon and now, eco-evangelist. What can you not to like about this amazing woman? I envy her because my boyfriend thinks she’s gorgeous - but I approve his excellent taste. Better Natalie, than Pamela Anderson.
Yesterday, Miss Portman launched her virgin line of limited edition ‘vegan shoes’. Te Casan’s values listed “Every human being is a limited edition. We offer every woman the possibility to express herself in her own way – through limited edition shoes.”
As a proud, enterprising Vegan, Natalie said, “As a vegan, it’s been challenging finding designer shoes made of alternative materials. This collection offers a great selection without compromising quality or style.”
But hey, there’s a catch: Her shoes cost between a whopping range of USD$255 to USD$275! Ouch, talk about feeling the pinch in your pocket. Why being eco-friendly comes with such a high price-tag? It’s like paying the extra dollar for organic food, and vegan products.
Her shoes are now ready for pre-order for you crazy fashionistas out there. I’m sticking to my “McDonald’s” of shoes, thank you.
Move over, Crocs! There’s a new sole lover in town - Dopie!
Since it went on sale in April, Dopie sandals by Terra Plana, is a big hit in UK & Europe. It may look funny, or quirky at first look - but these sandals are definitely the next big thing in Asia.
A unique collaboration between industrial designer Matthew Harrison and the eco-friendly shoe company Terra Plana. The Dopie makes it the “sandal in a simpler and pure form: a single shape sole to protect the foot that folds up between the toes to provide control. An optional strap is provided to add extra functionality to Dopie beginners.”
Made from recycled EVA and foam rubber, Dopie is the perfect sole companion for Singapore’s crazy recent weather. With its funky colour-palette, it’s time to make a switch from our favourite Crocs to the cooler alternative.
Moi first blog post was originally intended to bring you into the wonders of winter fashion. Alas, what’s a fashionista to do when it has been raining nonstop for 3 days? 3 whole days? Leaving my disappointment at not being able to get a tan aside, I have delved into ways to dress chic and gorgeous while trying to stay dry in this apparent monsoon season that has assaulted the tiny island where upon yours truly resides.
Upset that the rain has ruined your fabu faux far animal print shoes and your hippie birkenstocks and resent the way the rain squelches in your shoes all day after you are caught in a rainstorm in the morning? Well, look no further to save your feet as you slip into these wonderful rain boots From Chooka: 
Just slip on these boots over your jeans or pants - and you can save yourself form the dreaded “I have wet clothes on me and look awful” feeling. What’s not to love? These boots have adjustable buckles at the top of the shaft for loose or tight fitting, removable insole and even adds a wee height with 1″ heel. It is also forgiving and stretches to fit a wide calf. Boot’s height is approximately 11 1/2″ and is 14″ in calf circumference.
You can mix and match these Chooka boots by picking up one in every color.
Feeling punkish? Here is the Skull and Crossbones boots:
A few more to fit your fanciful moods:
My top fave - Turquoise colored “Tattoo” boot
And fanciful “cupcakes” boots
Go over to Nordstorm right now to get one before the rain ruins all your shoes, fashionista!
And of course, no blog post about looking chic in the rain is going to be complete without a proper rain coat. Wrap yourself in rain resistant Sateen trench coat with a wool liner from Hilary Radley and you’ll forget that the rain even bothered you in the first place.
