Jan. 29th, 2012

If I learned one thing from writing a blog, it’s that shopping online and planning out purchases makes shopping – and life - much easier. Now I never walk into a mall looking for “a cardigan” without knowing exactly which one I want, where I can find it and examining its online description first. Needless to say, flipping through different links sitting on your butt is far easier than flipping through racks and walking back and forth through a crowded mall. Though it does somewhat diminish the excitement factor… but I should get over that anyways.

Truth be told, I wasn’t 100% comfortable in this outfit. Camel isn’t always a slimming color, and I kept tugging and pulling my cami, uncomfortable with its low v-neck. I purchased this blazer at more than half off, and I absolutely adore the clean-cut details and simplicity. It doesn’t even have a button, but a hook in the middle.

As I was flipping through my old pictures I realized I wear too much cotton, and that can look frumpy when you’re piling layer upon layer of soft fabric. I’m always in search of garments of elegant cut and fabric but not too difficult to take care of. That’s very difficult to find, unfortunately, so my last many purchases have been accessories. 

xoxoCat

Spring 2012 HIT LIST

Hahaha…hopefully my title doesn’t offend anybody. What I mean is, I made a short list of a few key items I’m going to be on the hunt for this upcoming Spring, as I sit here looking outside my window and observing the snow fall. The fashion community is like a clock that’s always two seasons ahead. I remember when the temperature in Vancouver just began to rise in May, and bloggers are talking about the colors they’re going to wear for fall.

Haha, you wish. Just when I see the sun for the first time, you’re telling me fall’s coming?

However, when people start rushing Spring in right after the holidays, I don’t mind as much because it gives me false optimism.

Clockwise from left: Sweater from Banana Republic, Angora Knit Dress from COS, Kenneth Jay Lane necklace from shopbop, Corey skirt from Club Monaco, Classic Leather Shoulder Purse in Vemillion from Coach, Wool Circle Skirt from COS

I think my wishlist is an idealization of what I want to become, less so my style at the moment. I still love prints and monograms, but I idolize those who wear monochromatic outfits with no logos in sight. Slowly, I am tearing myself away from the trendy “It” bags to simpler clothes with creative details, or a vintage touch, like the Coach Classics purse and the Banana Republic sweater.

Recently, I discovered the European online retailer COS. The grey sweater dress and wool skirt above is by COS. It’s really too bad they only ship to the UK, because they create some of the most beautifully cut, understated knitwear and dresses I have ever seen. So European! I’m absolutely paying them a visit the first time I go to Europe.

What’s on your wishlist?

Xoxo Cat

Jan. 15th, 2012

Ohmygoshdarnit, dressing nicely in cold weather is unpleasant. Anyone who says otherwise is just trying to find a silver lining to a very dark and often snowing cloud.

Do you guys know of bloggers who live in cold areas, but do these very beautiful, artistic shots wearing sheer tights and short dresses with a thin cardigan?  

Go to www.lookbook.nu and it’s filled with girls like that. I’m not hatin’ – well actually I am, because I myself wouldn’t be able to stand for so long as to take a picture wearing sheer hosiery – but I just don’t think they spent the entire day volunteering and walking around outside drinking hot chocolate like I DID.

And I wore this:

In days like today when I feel my creativity draining, I reach for my favorite items that at least make me look put-together.

If any of you are looking for a basic but durable layering casual sweater I highly recommend this one by TNA from Aritzia stores. I have it in two colors, and I wear them all the time. I wore one today, as well as in THIS post. They have a variety of colours available. I see it on every girl in Vancouver, sadly.

http://aritzia.com/fashion/sweaters/neon-newport-raglan-t-shirt

Pros:

•  Machine-washable and durable
• Relaxed draping is actually slimming, looks great by itself or layered.
• Comfortable
• Relatively affordable ($30-ish now, during the sale)

Cons:

• It will pill a little bit, after many washes and wears
• I noticed my older one stretched quite a bit, and is now more off the shoulder, but it was meant to be a casual sweater anyways.

Secondly, I know some of you are considering the Alma Vernis by Louis Vuitton. 

Personally, the thing I love most about my bag is the look. Otherwise, some honest pros and cons.

Pros:

• Not as popular as the Speedys, thank fashion lords…
• Relatively durable, since it is a very structured patent leather handbag.
• Elegant and classy. Although it is patent leather, it is a color and shape that I will love for many years.
• I have not noticed any aging process. No patina, fraying, obviously. One good sign is to check out the Alma’s for sale on eBay. When the used ones look new, it’s usually a good sign.

Cons:

• I banged it into a garbage can and now it has a tiny scratch on the corner! WTF?!  I kicked my patent leather heels into various obstruction and it is spotless…
• It is LV, and it is monogram. It’s a pro or a con depending on your preferences.

Alright! Finally sleep time. Thank so much for reading!

Btw, what stores do you guys frequent most often?

Xoxo Cat.

Coat: Banana Republic Factory

Sweater: TNA

Skirt: Club Monaco

Scarf: Burberry

Handbag: Louisssssss

What in the world (of Hermes)?

Often times there are peculiarities in the fashion and retail market that pique my interest. For example, this Christopher Kane clutch that vaguely reminds me of a colorful ice pack:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/173788

Or perhaps Marc Jacobs’ collection for Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection featuring a much-too-beautiful carousel:

http://fashionista.com/2011/10/jaw-dropping-marc-jacobs-sets-louis-vuittons-spring-show-on-a-carousel-kate-moss-closes-and-no-word-about-dior/vuitton-rs12-6080/

But recently, I saw…THIS.

http://usa.hermes.com/man/ready-to-wear/jogging/hooded-zip-sweater/hooded-zip-sweater-22463.html

Unless my eyes are deceiving me, this is a $2,000+ hoodie (Hermes calls it their “hooded sweater” because they’re not colloquial). Now, I’m not going on the “Who would pay $_________ for THAT?” rant because I’ve been that person before once or twice. But nonetheless, isn’t the gym the one place you’re allowed to be sweaty, makeup-free and completely unfashionable? There has be a price ceiling for these 100% utilitarian items! Along with sweats, socks and sneakers shouldn’t even be made by luxury designers, let along be bought by customers.

What do you guys think?!?!?!

By the way, if you want matching jogging pants, that’ll set you back another $2K.

xoxo, Cat.