Pre-orderable

Now that pre-ordering has become democratic, as in, moved online to the designers' own websites and Moda Operandi, I am actually considering partaking. But not without extreme caution. It is fascinating to see items fresh off the runway, in clear and zoom-able photos available for (pre) purchase.

As of today (there are new collections going up on Moda daily) here are some of my picks:

Prabal Gurung: Pre-order until Feb. 24


The covetable embroidered neoprene sweatshirt is sadly out of my budget, at $2895.


Steer-skull ensemble with Christmas-tinsle bomber


White and gold steer-skull dress with sheer ruffles


Double steer skull cuff

Alexander Wang: Pre-order until Feb.22



I love this ensemble- a ribbed bonded leather sweatshirt with a leather and draped jersey skirt.

I am coveting much of Proenza Schouler's new collection and eagerly awaiting what items will be available for order at Moda. The element of "protection" and influences from karate gis, kimono, Bhutanese basket weaving, fencing and armor just sucked me in. And I love the colour. Lately I've been wanting to add more optimism (which I translate as colour and pattern) to my wardrobe. A mint sweater from H&M attempted to make a break-through, but in the end it went back. It felt a little wrong, but kimono, karate and armor? That just feels so right!

My favourite looks:









(vogue.com)

MUJI Giveaway!!

When I was in New York I picked up another one of these little stacking containers that I used for my lipstick in this post, and grabbed an extra one to give to one of you!

All you have to do to win it is tell me in the comments what your favourite lipstick or lip product is.

The giveaway is open worldwide until Feb 19/12. CLOSED

Congratulations to comment #15, porrothecat! Please contact me with your details.

New additions

I meant to share some of the things I received for Christmas, but never got around to it. J and I just got each other our trip to New York, so that was easy. My brother got me a spa gift certificate, and my parents got me some books, a grey cashmere robe, Byredo Accord Oud perfume (yah!), and a Hudson's Bay throw.

If you are into Samurai armor (maybe one or two of you out there?!?!) I highly recommend Art of Armor. It is excellent! Samurai: An Illustrated History is what the title suggests, a history and brief overview of armor, and the Art of Armor is an extensive look at the samurai armor collection of the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum in Dallas including huge close-up pictures.

Trade Show Comfort

It's trade show season for us industry-workin' folks. I just got back from Denver a few days ago. I gave in to my aching feet during a trade show in the summer and bought a pair of Nike Free running shoes. I've got to say, they are unbelievably comfortable and light and don't look bad at the same time! Mine are black with a spot of yellow- I believe the Livestrong version. I love the triangular pattern and mesh overlay that provides a lot of breath-ability.

I must admit though, that I am a bit at odds with how to integrate them into normal non-workout outfits. The only outfit I can bear to wear them with so far is my Damir Doma leggings, Rick Owens sheer drop crotch shorts, Damir Doma slouchy tee and long jersey cardigan for a sporty/grungy/rick owens-y mix.

They saved my feet for at least one day, the others I wore my Alexander Wang ankle boots. By the way, it looks like the Anouck boot has been re-issued with an elastic panel, if you missed out on them the first time around. I'm not sure how I feel about the elastic- luckily I need another pair of black ankle boots like I need a hole in my head.