Haute District

Draping Glory

2010-10-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

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There's something about a woman's anatomy that attracts so much attention. And I mean not only from our male counterparts but more often than not from other females as well.

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The smooth curves of her hips and the sensuous arch of her back... her movement like a slithery snake, so gentle and effortless yet beckoning an unsuspecting admirer...

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Indian history and tradition tells us that a woman is considered a jewel, a thing of beauty. So precious is she that it almost necessitates her being decked out in splendour from the top of her head to the ends of her toes.

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The 'saree' - a 6 meter long fabric designed with intricate embroidery, stones and prints has long been a traditional garb of an indian woman. However, close scrutiny will tell you that it is also the most sensuous garment a woman can put on because it has indeed been designed to show off all the curves of the woman.

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With more and more young women wanting to take advantage of this beautiful garment, the saree has been draped in so many different ways today that you'd be considering adorning one for your next evening out!

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I mean, take a look at all of these pictures I have posted here. Seriously....doesn't the saree look modern and chic yet dripping with sensuousness that would send men a-frenzy?!

While promoting my lot of sarees during the Pink-tober Charity Bazaar last Sunday, I found out that the saree is not just for the Indian woman but the Chinese and Malays and French and Eurasians bought these sarees from me too and with such excitement glowing all over their faces!

Guess what? All the sarees that you see in this post are available for sale right here at Haute District.

Pick one. Then email me at HauteDistrict@gmail.com with the Item Code for more info and price.

Call a friend who knows how to tie a saree or email me for help at HauteDistrict@gmail.com. Believe me, you'll enjoy every ounce of attention you will get!

Pink-tober!

2010-10-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

We love our breasts!

Pure nourishment and pure pleasure comes from our bossom. A truly blessed (and worshipped!) lot, women are the most colourful and dare I say, fashionable of all living creatures in this part of the galaxy! So, there is a lot to celebrate...life...love and healthy breasts!

(Valentino Spring/Summer 2011)

However, there are special circumstances in which some women have had to live through - breast cancer has been a fight that has been going on almost forever! The need to support and finance this fight against a disease that has robbed loved ones of their pillars of strength, is key to ensuring the future generation of women have a chance to claim back their lives even after being diagnosed of breast cancer.

(Blumarine Spring/Summer 2011)

That is why I applaud the people and organizations who have taken a great interest in this and especially this month of October, MAKNA along with a host of other caring organizations are hosting a Charity Bazaar to raise awareness regarding Breast Cancer. Also, they have declared this month as Pink-tober (really, I'm not kidding!) to commemorate this cause.

(Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2011)

Since pink has always been a fav colour of mine, I have lined up throughout this post designers who have used this colour in their recent Spring/Summer 2011 fashion shows.

My label, Catherine D. has a new pink piece specially for Pink-tober - the Prettie Dress (pictured below). A sweet and chic pink chiffon dress (free size) with laser-cutouts at the skirt. Priced at RM 125 only with free delivery anywhere in Malaysia, this is a great buy.

(Catherine D. Prettie Dress)

When you buy this dress, you will also be contributing to the fight against Breast Cancer since I will donate 20% of the selling price to MAKNA. To top this, with any dress that you buy online via this website I will also donate 20% of its selling price to MAKNA.

FYI, I will be opening a booth at the Pink-tober Charity Bazaar - so come visit and see the Catherine D. collection there.

So shop away...knowing that while you enjoy Pink-tober, you would also be saving lives!

Price Drop

2010-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

We're bringing in new items for the new season. So, guess what? Last season's items have just gotta go!

We're giving you up to 80% Discounts that will make your day. Always going the extra mile, we're also offering FREE delivery services for purchases of 2 items and above (normal delivery charges is RM8 per item).

This is the best time for you to grab a good deal when you see one!

So, just click on these items below to place your order OR if the prices are stated at the bottom of the picture, just email to hautedistrict@gmail.com to order.

RM 49 (Sequined Tube Top)

Fits size 6 and 8

RM45 (Size 10) Cotton stretchable fabric.

RM15 (Fits Size 8 and 10)

RM25 (Fits Size 6) Chiffon fabric.

RM33 (Fits Size 10) Jersey and silk fabric.

RM120 (Pleated chiffon skirt and Wool-blend jacket with diamonds and silk ribbons at collar and cuffs - sold as a set) Fits Size 10.

RM 48 (Fits Size 8 to 10) Knit-wear.

RM 29 (Fits Size 8 to 10) Stretch jersey dress.

RM29 (Fits Size 8 to 10) Stretch jersey dress.

Sheer is in the Air!

2010-09-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

I truly love this guy! I mean... he always never ceases to amaze me.

From dressing Michelle Obama to one strong collection after the next, Jason Wu is 'da man'!

I'm talking about his Spring/Summer 2011 collection (shown throughout this post) that showed in New York this month. The pieces were so sweet you could get a toothache just looking at them and his use of soft sheer fabric was truly master-class.

While the models wore nothing but skin underneath those confections of blouses, we'd have to bring out our lacey camisoles to wear them. But I really don't mind. I've always had this fascination for layering sheer and lacy inside-wear. And am beside myself to see that next season's love for the sheer will indeed make me scour my closet for all those transparent blouses I shamefully hid.

A little tip about layering underneath sheer blouses - there is NONE! Anything goes, really. For office, you can wear nude/skin coloured camis and for any other occasion, you can wear just about anything from sexy lacey ones to even racer-back t-shirts. YES, t-shirts underneath soft sheer blouses. Totally revolutionary, isn't it? You've just got to try it, I tell ya.

Take a look at the Renee Blouse from the Catherine D. collection below. A sheer blouse in synch with Jason's next season's vision. Click on the picture to shop it. If sheer is in the air, you'd be the fashionable few who wants to catch that cold!

Seasons Clearance SALE!

2010-09-14T19:57:00.001-07:00

Unbelievable but true! Those are the prices you can expect this Saturday 18/9/2010.

Yes, we are having a ONE DAY Season's Clearance Sale of the Catherine D. Spring/Summer dresses at up to 80% discounts. You can expect prices starting at RM20 onwards for dresses and separates.

There will also be accessories and ethnic pieces such as as fabrics and sarees up for grabs.

Details are:

Date: Saturday 18th September 2010

Venue: No. 17, Jalan SS2/49, Petaling Jaya. (near Kayu Nasi Kandar and Chow Yhang)

Time: 10.00am to 7.00pm

Payment terms: Cash.

This is a one-day sale, so don't miss it!!

See you there!

Fallen Yellow

2010-09-14T04:41:00.000-07:00

I can see it.

Barren trees with naked twigs against a a cold blue sky. Gold and orange leaves floating playfully as gushes of wind blew them around. And then as easily as the Autumn wind came, it left, abruptly dropping them to land layers upon layers on the ground.

Yes, the autumn or fall season is here. While gloomy weather is ahead, there is still gold floating about everywhere. Perhaps a reminder from above that every sombre moment is just a pause before something as valuable as gold comes around?

Designers for the Fall/Winter season are quick to muck around with darker shades but the brilliant few actually get off the predictable road and present out-of-the ordinary shades to brighten the cold weather. Wouldn't you know it, my personal favourite, yellow, really perked up some pieces from Miu Miu (pictured above) and Marc Jacobs (pictured below).

I guess a Catherine D. collection will not be quite complete without at least one piece in this pick-me-up hue. The Chelsea Dress (below) is a beautiful piece with its extraordinary cut on French Knit fabric to its one-side ruching that gives it that edginess.

Take the cue from Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs. They know a thing or two about being fashionable. While they hug the colour yellow for Fall, you should show some love too and pick up a piece or two of yellow. Click on the Chelsea Dress pictured above to shop it.

New Arrivals - Pretty Frocks

2010-09-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

Its time to indulge. I mean, if you want to really have fun in the spirit of what Cyndie Lauper crooned back in the 80's, then indulge in your feminine, girlie side.

It doesn't mean getting matchy-matchy with pink bows and pink shoes and a pink dress ala the Japanese Harajuku girls. Today, what it means is wearing a romantic yet chic dress with an edge. A pretty dress with contrasting strappy booties and a mean hardware and leather bag to go with everything.

What's new this week is 2 very pretty frocks from the Catherine D. Collection. These are really difficult to ignore. So, indulge! Click on the pictures to shop it.

The Amanda Dress

The Nicola Dress

Selamat Hari Raya

2010-09-10T00:11:00.001-07:00

To all Muslim fashionistas, we at Haute District wish you a Selamat Hari Raya and the most fabulous time with friends and family!

Rather than rushing on the road, remember, its OK to be fashionably late.:-)

Flash Sale! has Ended (sob! sob!) Watch out for the next one coming soon!!

2010-09-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

Surprise! Surprise! Boy do I love giving surprises.

Let me introduce to you Haute District's Flash Sale! Every now and then, we at Haute District will sell one or more pieces from the Catherine D. collection at an unbelievable price and only for a limited time only. The Flash Sale ends when time is up or when the item is sold out whichever comes first.

Right now, the Scarlett Dress (below) is up for grabs at only RM59.90! Made from red and black printed jersey with an asymmetrical hemline and black ribbed straps, this dress will look great worn with strappy high heel booties and a edgy wristlet to match. (Click on the picture below for more information on the Scarlett Dress).

So, email me right this minute at hautedistrict@gmail.com to order before anyone else does and before it gets sold out.

This Flash Sale ends 9th September 2010 midnight.

Terms & Conditions:

* Order is accepted on a first come first serve basis.

* Sale price does not include delivery charges. Please email for delivery charges.

In the Nude

2010-09-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

I'm not being crude or whatever your devious little mind is thinking about. This post is most certainly not going to wander into explicit places. However, this post is still going to very much talk about fashion. Speaking of which, the 'nude' I'm referring to is actually this wonder of a colour that we see the world of fashion embracing especially this season.

Yes, I know that its Fall/Winter season now and you'd expect juicy plums, sweet berries, cookie browns and delicious reds to be the toasted colours but right there in the middle of these warm shades is nude. It's so named since this colour is the closest colour to skin tone and therefore wearing it gives little distinction between the wearer's skin tone and the dress she's wearing.

Maggie Gyllenhaal (above) and Dakota Fanning (below) just look stunning wearing nude. Maggie as always does it right with a bright red lip that just makes her whole outfit pop!

And wouldn't you know it, the Catherine D. collection also has a fabulous dress in nude that would look just great on any skin tone. The Katherine Dress (below) is a beautiful piece with tiny embroidered flowers and a contrasting black sash to give it that oomph!

Pair this dress with a red lippie and sexy strappy sandals and just like Maggie, you'll look both fabulous and stunning.

Click on the Katherine Dress picture to shop it.

New Arrivals

2010-09-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

These are some fabulous new pieces from the Catherine D. Fall/Winter Collection.

The Veronica Blouse. A soft white chiffon blouse with pussy-bow tie at the neckline. Comes with a white lace camisole. Only RM102. Click the picture to shop it.

The Marion Skirt. A beautiful black french lace skirt with a ribbed bow at the waist. This one is a classic and can be worn for work or for a special dinner. Only RM135. Click the picture to shop it.

The Nathania Skirt. A sharp-cut black and white stripe pencil skirt with a raw-edged bow at the waist. This is another wardrobe classic that any fashionista must have. Only 135. Click the picture to shop it.

To order these pieces - simply email me at hautedistrict@gmail.com . Its that simple!

Sightings

2010-09-05T06:23:00.001-07:00

The great thing about blogging is that it allows you to be as candid and impulsive as you want. And no one can fault you because after all, that's why blogs were created. It enables mere mortals to share their views and experiences with anyone and everyone. Blogs reflect true democracy and liberation. Which is why I thought of sharing with you what's been happening lately in the Catherine D. world.

There have been sightings....yes..sightings....not of the UFO kind though. It is sightings of Catherine D. dresses at shop windows in PJ and Bangsar.

The one above is the Regina Dress spotted at Monizal Boutique, Amcorp Mall, PJ. This one below is the Clara Dress at a show window at Bangsar Village I.

I tell ya, these sightings were great fun to capture on camera. If you wish to purchase the Regina Dress or the Clara Dress, click on either of the pictures to shop it.

Prints Never Looked So Good!

2010-09-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

I think that every fashionista needs to take some level of risks when it comes to fashion. I mean, what fun will it be if you dressed the same way every single day? I do that sometimes you know. Especially when I'm bored and really need a little kick to lift my spirits. I march to my closet and then pick something really snazzy. Perhaps night wear for day? Pants instead of skirts? Prints instead of plain?

Why not? Prints done right can make you look spunky and interesting. The Regina Dress and the Emma Dress can really refresh your dull-predictable-boring wardrobe. Both dresses pictured below are just amazing with soft fabrics and a feminine cut, your other half wouldn't want to look anywhere else!

Click on the pictures to shop these dresses.

So, come on, be a sport. Throw caution to the wind. Try on these pick-me-up dresses. You know you want to....

Big Shout Out!

2010-09-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

Thrilled!

Somehow that word doesn't quite describe the euphoria I felt to actually see the media acknowledge and offer kudos to the effort put in to build the Catherine D. brand.

With The Star newspaper in the Star Two section (dated 2nd September 2010) publishing the unique designs that the Catherine D. label stands for and Cleo Magazine (September 2010 issue) featuring the Catherine D. Clara Dress (the printed shift dress under the title 'Get Shift-y') that stands out among the shift dresses from other stores, we at Haute District are just brimming with pride!

(Star Two, September 2nd 2010)

(Cleo Magazine, September 2010 issue)

So we give special thanks to Mr. S.S. Yoga who very thoughtfully (after an exhausting interview with me and his own visit to the Haute District blogsite) wrote the article with such thoroughness making sure he left no important detail out lest he compromises on the integrity of the subject he is writing about. Also, Ms. May of Mori Pin Boutique, Bangsar Village II, who is a great friend and true believer of the Catherine D. brand. Thank you for your support.

It really is remarkable how our valued fashionistas picked up on the feminity and sophistication of the Flora Dress that was featured in the Star Newspaper article. This dress is now sold out. However, the Berry coloured version is still orderable (pictured below). Click on the picture to shop it.

Also, another fashionista just couldn't get past the Clara Dress that was featured in Cleo Magazine. This dress is orderable and is pictured below. Click on the picture to shop it.

As always, if you wish to order any of the Catherine D. dresses on this blogsite, just click Order Now! for step by step instructions or better yet, email me at hautedistrict@gmail.com to place your order.

Finally a big shout-out and a huge thank you to all our loyal fashionistas who love the brand and most importantly enjoy wearing my creations! You are truly the stuff that dreams are made of.....

Girly, Flirty, Floaty

2010-09-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

Girly and flirty with romance thrown in is all the rage this season. It really is time to put your feminity first. After all, you are a girl and you want to let out that womanly confidence in you!

Floaty dresses and dreamy silhouette is in the air. Take the cue from my Catherine D. collection for Fall/Winter 2010…..drum roll……these are recent pieces you might be interested in....

The Linda Dress

The Linda dress (pictured above). With layers of soft flowy chiffon, this wrap dress is just perfect for the office or tea with friends.

This dress is a wrap dress with a tie at the waist. This dress will nicely fit a size 6 to 10. This dress comes in 2 colours – grey and cerulean blue. This grey dress pictured above is sold out however, the cerulean blue is still available. At an incredible price point of RM 176, it’s a steal!

The Alba Dress

This dress is an absolute stunner! The Alba Dress is unique and oozing with chic..ness, you can be sure of second looks and inquisitive eyes when you wear it at the office or an official dinner.

This dress has a back zip and comes with a satin sash to cinch at the waist. The skirt is overlapped and the sleeves are bell-shaped. This dress comes in only this colour and is a size 10. You may order this dress in your size or in a preferred colour. A great price of RM175, you will not regret this purchase.

The Cynthia Shirt

This is a great shirt with an amazing cut that will flatter your figure and looks great dressed down with jeans or dressed up with a pencil skirt. Made from the softest blush pink chiffon, you will swell with confidence no matter what task you may have at hand.

The square print shirt above is sold out. However, this shirt is available in plain blush pink chiffon. Priced at RM102, you know you've got this season's must have!

To purchase any of these fabulous pieces, click on Order Now! for details. Or, email hautedistrict@gmail.com to order.

Fall Direction

2010-09-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

With all the designers screaming out to you their idea of how you should be dressing for the next season, it really can be confusing. Well, especially since we're living in a really hot country with unpredictable wet spells, a fur coat and layering just isn't right for us!

To interpret this season's trends to match a tropical country like ours, is your fashion guru, yours truly - Catherine D.

One of my all time fav designer is none other than Philip Lim. As always, he rendered a strong collection but one piece spoke for itself, a shimmery silver and black number that seem to round up what the fall season is all about - glamour and sophistication with a pinch of romance. (piece in question below).

You can find the Catherine D. collection for Fall echoing the spirit of the season. The Delilah dress has all the bells and whistles you would look for in a Fall cocktail dress to wear at that all important occasion. With beautiful hand-made roses at the neckline and hand-sewn sequins on the bodice, this is truly a keeper.

Donna Karan had a little trump card up her sleeve. She decided to do away with the predictable plain, sombre looks and instead perked up some of her Fall piece with swish of floral blue. (said piece is pictured right at the top of this post.) Take a look at the Helen dress (below) from my collection. You couldn't look any spunkier and more feminine when wearing this dress. This is a classic dress with a pleated panel that gives it a unique spin. Talk about Donna and me being on the same page......

White seems to be all the rage as well this season. Celine and Jason Wu had pieces painted in this snowy shade. The Selena dress from my collection will give you that special edge with its simple white sheath embellished with strings of pearls that can be worn any which way you want. (as pictured below).

All of my pieces can be found at the following boutiques:

Monizal Boutique, 1st Floor, Amcorp Mall, PJ.

Mori Pin Boutique, 1st Floor, Bangsar Village II, Bangsar

Nana G, 1st Floor, Bangsar Shopping Center, Bangsar.

Alternatively you can email us at HauteDistrict@gmail.com to place your orders. If you like a design but want it in your specific size, we do that as well. Just email us with your details and we will be more than happy to help.

Get ready for Fall. Do it right here at Haute District.

New Arrivals!

2010-07-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a fresh new image!

We've given Haute District a face-lift and it doesn't stop there. We've added new stuff you will absolutely fall in love with.

Check out these new babes on the block:

The Selena Dress

The Daisy Dress

The Lulu Necklace

Click on the pictures to start shopping!

The Bold and the Beautiful

2010-07-06T05:08:00.000-07:00

(Dress above from Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture show)

FYI, to all you die-hard fashionistas out there, the Couture shows are now in progress.

Pronounced 'koo-too-ur', Couture is the art of designing and making fashionable and custom-made clothing for women (merriam-webster.com). My definition - clothes made with passion, the embellishments and details on each couture piece is alike the music notes Mozart arranged to reflect his soul. Couture clothes are the peeking holes into the artistic genius of the designer.

What the world would do if John Galliano holding the reins of the house of Christian Dior held back during Couture week? Complete, utter chaos! But here he is, at it again. His Dior show held nothing back. He decked out sweet confections of dresses made for princesses and displayed the highest degree of opulence in every layer of silk that floated on the runway.

While each couture piece from Dior is definitely going to break your bank for a lifetime, Haute District has offerings that is uncannily similar though wearable and at prices you will love.

Notice the similarities:

The Katherine Dress

The Clara Dress

Each Catherine D. dress here at Haute District is one of a kind and is only available here online or at our participating boutiques. So, get a little 'couture' of your own. Check out our range of Catherine D. dresses here by clicking on the Shopping links on your right.

Now, who says Couture isn't affordable?

Skirt Lengths Dropping for Fall?

2010-07-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

Don't panic. Doesn't mean you've got to ship all your mini skirts and baby-doll dresses to the Salvation Army. Yes, designers in the fashion heavens have decreed that skirt lengths need to fall - fall at the knee or slightly below it. But a few exceptions here and there is perfectly ok (sigh!).

Alright, but I'd like to shed some light on how to wear these new lengths and not look like you've aged 20 years!

The Fall season as you know means more somber colours mixed with nudes. Black, grey, maroon, blue (not pastels), red and camel is the order of the day. Christopher Kane leads the way (dress above) in that, he cuts the dress to just skim the body while embellishing it with bold embroidered floral designs.

Next in line is Micheal Kors that showed a strong Fall collection 2010 incorporating typical American wear. The dress below is a camel/nude ensemble but notice how he cleverly dips the neckline and finishes off with strong double leather belt to hold it all together. A little feminity and masculanity together sends a very sexy vibe.

Love Dries Van Noten's work. He loves mixing up colours and challenges our expectation of the norm. However, I found this one piece in his Fall 2010 collection a little disturbing - well in a good way, really. Because it has only ONE colour, grey. The dress is in no way brilliant from an artistic point of view. But its simplicity and classic cut is actually cleverly done to make it look chic and youthful.

The crowning glory of this trend just has to be (drum roll....) Victoria Beckham. And I'm not saying this because football fever is in the air. Victoria's style has always been body hugging pieces - as if the dress is second skin. For Fall, she had stolen the show by splashing colours like salmon and bright blue. This piece below is truly stunning and goes to show that just because you're not flashing your thighs, doesn't mean you can't look hot when the temperature (and skirt length) drops!

Miu Miu's Resort

2010-07-01T10:43:00.001-07:00

This is a continuation of my previous blog when I predicted that polks-dots will be big next year. Sure enough, Ms. Prada had the same thought on her mind (i'd like to think both she and I are on the same wave length!).

Always imaginative, always playful and always interesting, the Miu Miu label has never failed to deliver excitement on the runway. Resort 2011 had given birth to some very ingenius creations, first from Valentino, then Moschino and now Miu Miu.

Notice the use of those sweet circles printed on each heavenly piece (all pictures here are Miu Miu). Each of them dipped in sweet and sticky candy colours - apple greens, berry pinks and sorbet blues.

Then for a moment, the polka-dot carnival stops and makes way for persistent stripes, this is just a tiny pause before, the dots continue on taking shape in the form of pants and hot hot pants!

Oh! Who can resist this collection. You're right, no one can. At least not until the credit card well dries up!

Polka-Dot Happy

2010-06-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, a collection just stands out above the rest and every now and then there's a collection that does something new with something old.

Back in the 80's polka dots were seen on almost every designer collection. From blouses to dresses to even pants, these pac-man-like shape squirmed their way through and evolved from minute to giant size. They showed up in every imaginable shade - black on white, white on black and the ugliest orange on green!

Moschino however showed polka-dots off in their recent Resort 2011 collection in a far more refined and imaginative way. So refined, I dare say polka-dots in 2011 will really become big fashion news again!

There were skirts, jackets and dresses all covered with these tiny round speckles along with draping of the fabric and matched with solid coloured pieces. Worn with modern-cut pants and skirts, these polka-dots looked stunning and oh so chic.

If you have a polka-dot piece in your closet (and it doesn't matter if it was from the 80's), bring it out shamelessly. You know why? You can breathe new life into it by rethinking the design. Take off the shoulder pads if there are any. 2011 is all about softness and curves. Tighten the blouse, skirt or dress so as to put more definition to your shape. Cut the length for added youthfullness. And presto! You have created a brand new outfit for yourself.

Take it from Moschino. Love the dots. They will love you back!

The King and I

2010-06-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

Recently, the international fashion industry was abuzz with designers showing their Resort Collections for 2011. I have been closely watching the shows, trying to pick up on literally what's in the designers' brain.

I tell you, there were collections that were too peculiar to me, case in point, the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's The Row (check it out at http://www.style.com/). The one thing that came to my mind was BAG LADY! Sloppy, oversized wear was the theme - of course reflective of what the twins wear. But come on, bag lady?? If you were to wear one of their pieces and walk around pushing a trolley, don't be surprised if someone flings you a coin. That's how you'd look - like a begger on the streets!

However, among all the collections, the one that really stood out for me was the Valentino collection. Just the name Valentino conjures up memories of red long evening gowns and sharp power-suits. The kind a woman rich in years would wear. But imagine my surprise, that this resort collection was so....how shall I put it....young! Yes, young. And absolutely lovely in every sense of the word.

The dresses you see above are just so chic and bursting with character - they're Valentino you know. I know some of you may have thought it would have been a Miu Miu collection - well wrong!

For your information, Mr. Valentino Garavani - the King of Romance, is no longer at the helm of the house of Valentino. He's retired (after making a sinful amount of cash!) and instead two very young designers have taken over - hence the stunning resort collection!

You don't have to walk into a Valentino boutique to get a dress with an edge of chicness. You can shop for it right here at Haute District (Regina dress above and the Anna dress below). Just click on the Shopping links on your right. Ahhh...just a click away to fashion heaven!

Flash Sale!

2010-06-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ends this Sunday 27th June 2010.

At Haute District, we love surprises! We love to surprise you with a really sweet offer. Every now and then, an item will be on sale at an unbelievable price - but only for a very short time. So you need to use your mouse-clicking skills and grab it!

The Flora Dress below is up for grabs. A great dress choice for a special occasion, you'll definitely get compliments after compliments wearing it. Now at only RM99 until this Sunday 27th June 2010. Get it while its hot!

Click on the picture to shop it.

Click Happy!

2010-06-23T01:10:00.000-07:00

Thomas L. Friedman who wrote the book ‘The World is Flat’ was talking about how the new wave of borderless way of doing business was because of Web 2.0, which simply put is using the power of the internet to connect businesses to customers.

This Web 2.0 to the fashion industry has played a pivotal role in the emergence of Fashion 2.0 (a new fashion jargon) that in the very same way, connects the fashion moguls to customers via the internet.

During the F/W 2010 fashion week in London, Burberry made a bold move in embracing Fashion 2.0 by live-streaming their fashion show and enabling customers to order online at the same time. The beautiful coats – my favourite were the cropped ones, sent e-shoppers into a frenzy, hitting away at the ‘Click to buy’ icon.

At Haute District, we embrace Fashion 2.0 and why not? Online shopping has never been this exciting and we make sure of it. Lots of choices and new accessories (pictured all over here)....and we're just getting started!

Why wage war with traffic on the highway? Why bother sweating it out as you look for a parking bay? Sit in the comfort of your office or home (ok, or even Starbucks!) and shop.

At Haute District, we promise that your experience here will be a lot sweeter than your Starbucks coffee! Click on the Shopping links on your right --> to shop for these dresses and more.

A Great Shopping Experience at Haute District

2010-06-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Let’s face it. Women want many things. A diamond ring (the real thing!), a hot car, a super hot man and clothes, bags, shoes…...

This is where we can help you. Just like you, we love dressing up. Nothing like a great dress to make you feel really spunky!

So, here you have, right here at Haute District, the Catherine D. collection of the most gorgeous dresses and all at a price point you love.

Delivery is done within 3 days from receiving your payment for Malaysian orders. International customers - expect delivery within 2 weeks.

Payment Methods with YOU in mind...

1) Choose Cash on Delivery (COD) if you prefer using good ol’ cash to buy a dress from us. We deliver the dress to you, you check it out, and you pay the cash. Simple.

2) If you're comfortable with using PayPal, then we offer you that option too. Just click on the Buy Now button and you're on your way!

3) If you find the dress does not fit you for any reason, just return within 3 days from the time you received it, and you get a full refund.

4) Email us at HauteDistrict@gmail.com for absolutely any information or comments that you may have. We mean it.

No risk. No disappointments. Just pure shopping pleasure!

We just believe in you enjoying your shopping here at Haute District and above all, loving the dress you bought from us!

You know what? We say, live a little. Loosen up. Give yourself a treat. You damn well deserve it!

New Sexy

2010-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Cleavage, so yesterday! Thigh, bordering on ‘slutty’. Mid-riff, maybe - in certain cultures. Back, getting hotter. Shoulder, sizzling hot! Showing off your well toned shoulders is the new sexy and it appeared (and is still appearing!) on major designer runways. Above, Natalia is wearing Stella McCartney’s Spring/Summer 2010.

I think it must be the bare shoulders teased with a sumptuous tan and sprinkled with a little glitter that makes men salivate – and not even one breast in plain sight! What amazing magic can a one-shoulder dress wrought on a mere mortal. To think the power women have…..

This season, I have been using my magic wand as well, a-bra-ca-da-bra-ing my way to offering a range of one-shoulder eye-candy. My one-shoulder dresses take you from day (with a little cardigan or jacket thrown on) to night.

Take a look at the Genny dress. A ripe olive green shade with a satin finish is so flattering. That little pleat in the middle is totally unexpected (in a good way!) and the way the dress moves with you is sheer sensuousness.

The Kim K dress – just perfect for cocktails or a close friend’s wedding reception. Named after Ms. Kardashian, this dress has all the bells and whistles to make you the most beautiful woman in the room!

But when you are in a rather light and cheery mood, the Sandra Dress will be a great choice. Doesn’t matter where you choose to wear it, you can expect compliments.

The Flora dress is sassy, chic and light. Leave your hair down and throw caution to the wind. You will relax in this pretty and comfortable dress.

Click on any of these pictures to start shopping or click on the Shopping links on your right. Enjoy your shopping at Haute District. After all, you’re a woman. Live it!

When Size Does Matter

2010-06-12T05:12:00.001-07:00

There’s no polite way to say it, but when it comes to women defining what size we fall into, we totally crumble under the pressure! If you’ve got a measuring tape hidden deep within the confines of your closet, you’ll know what I mean.

Its really nerve-wrecking when that tape with its cruel numbers wrap around our chest, waist, hips…for once we just long for small numbers! That said, take a few steps back and look at yourself in the mirror. Hey, its you…all you and you are you – no one can be you. And if so, then your measurements are acceptable because they represent you the only one of you in the world!

I know this may sound tacky, but I think too much emphasis has been placed on being model size. In fact, the fashion industry is slowly scrutinizing models and some fashion councils have banned models who are considered too thin. So there you have it! If this is already happening, then why are we gorging on those salad leaves trying to force our body into succumbing to being a model – a goal you have to admit is somewhat ridiculous!

At Haute District, our dress sizes are for real women. Take a look at our Sizing Chart displayed below and is also always displayed on the panel on your right. -->

The dresses for sale here are usually in Size 10 however, if you like the design and want it in your size, do let me know when you place your order.

Life is too short. Be happy with who you are. If you are leading a healthy lifestyle then love what you see in the mirror. It is after all you!

Pure Shopping Indulgence

2010-06-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

Pure Indulgence! And why not. Technology especially in the 21st Century has given women everywhere the opportunity (and the convenience!) to indulge in our most extravagant fashion fantasies. Unlike fifteen...twenty years ago, today it is no longer necessary to leave home to indulge in retail therapy. Everything you need - fashion wise in particular - is just one click away. What more can we ask?

Offering every conceivable fashion information and exclusive online shopping of premium garments, Haute District is fast becoming 'the' fashion destination of the fashion-conscious woman.

Indulge in the Catherine D. label of dresses for any occasion right here! From fabulous summer dresses to embellished ones, you will find your exclusive purchases everything you had hoped for.

Just click on any category under the Shopping panel on your right and you can start your retail therapy. With new items added every week, the excitement will never end.

Your patronage is important to us at Haute District. And so, whatever garment you purchase will have a 3-day return policy (read If it doesn't fit, Return It!) applied to it.

It's all good here at Haute District. Just indulge!

Shopping at Haute District

2010-05-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

Bring out that Fashionista in You!

Oh yes, it’s finally here!! Shopping online at Haute District that is. New items are in!

You can now purchase my designs directly here.....
Just click on any of the following links under the ‘Shopping’ section on your right....

Dresses for Work

Dresses for Going Out

Dresses for Clubbing/Partying

........ and you can start collecting your Catherine D. designs in record time!

I do hope you enjoy wearing my designs. Do check Haute District often as I will be updating the collection with new designs from time to time.

Enjoy your shopping….

Pretty Pleats

2010-05-25T09:23:00.001-07:00

(Skirt and Blouse from Reem Acra Spring/Summer 2010)

I remember the time when I first started drawing a figure of a girl. I’m sure you remember too. Wasn’t too complicated. A circle for her head, a small upside-down triangle for her body, a bigger right-side-up triangle for her skirt and long ovals for hands and legs. Simple.

Then as I grew a little older, the triangles disappeared and were replaced by a more defined body shape. However, the skirt was still rendered to resemble the top of an umbrella. Most often than not gathered or pleated skirts. I think, the reason for this repeated offence is the dolls we used to play with. Most assuredly, they all came down the manufacturer’s assembly line in poufy skirts or pleated ones – the epitome of feminity!

This Spring/Summer 2010, designers have indulged in creating this feminine silhouette. Bursting out in pleats from the waist, designers pay tribute to the fashionista who knows what she wants and at the same time enjoys being a girl.

I love what Jason Wu did this season. What he did was give an edge to a simple pleated skirt by whacking a sunny colour and then teaming it with a striped T. Newsflash: You will find that the T-shirt has evolved from being a casual wear item to a comfortable blouse you can wear to work. Just take care that it doesn’t come with printed words. Leave t-shirts like that for the weekend.

3.1 Philip Lim did the pleated skirt in so many of his pieces in his S/S 2010 collection. A master craftsman, he weaved his pleated skirts with panels made from different fabrics and textures.

Ms. Prada always has tricks up her sleeves. Her sister collection, Miu Miu, boasted the pleated skirt with appliqué collars and sleeves. I love her collection for Miu Miu this season. Its pure genius and so unusual. Sleeves and collars mismatch yet create a perfect silhouette. The pleated skirt here is so sweet with tiny prints on a pastel background. I’d love to wear this ensemble to work.

Zac Posen’s collection this season was just bursting with colour. This pleated piece stayed true to the designer’s vision for you and me. What is spring/summer without colour? All winter everyone was stuck in the doldrums wearing black, brown, maroon even white. Its time to switch gears and just bolt out the door in the colours of flowers and sunshine! This piece is magical with its blocks of colour that just screams Summer!

So there you have it – my list of this season’s best pleated skirts and dresses. When I was about town (KL town I mean), some boutiques were carrying this season’s trend. You can walk into Colours Boutique for price-friendly pieces. However, you should click on the Shopping link on this blogsite to shop my Catherine D. pleated pieces. There’s more to come, so, keep a close watch. I won’t disappoint.

Intimate Moments

2010-05-21T02:29:00.000-07:00

(Lace trimmed camisole set from Juicy Couture)

I have always been obsessed with sleepwear and let me tell you why. Love lace, love tulle, love satin, love sweet little things and where else can you indulge in all things girly and flirty then in your own boudoir!

Slipping on a soft silk satin camisole and to feel its buttery threads caressing the curves of your body is already foreplay step 1. What happens after that is then left to your imagination….

Therein lay the secrets of being a woman. We have this innate ability to sprits ourselves with flowery notes of confidence and sensuality wherever and whenever the situation warrants it. The one tool we use to do that is putting on irresistible inner-wear.

There are so many types to choose from – the more expensive ones that can cost you your half month salary or the more affordable ones that…well…can be purchased for daily use. But for that special occasion, come on, live a little…splurge!

Designers have been conjuring up swaths and wisps of pastel and candy coloured camisoles, loungewear and briefs to the delight of the fashion-conscious fashionista. I love what Stella McCartney does with inner-wear. She’s English and leave it to them to tamper with pastel colours for a frothy finish. This chemise is named the Clara Whispering Chemise and how fitting with its intricate lace and body cut-outs, it is sure to please your other half.

Marni was thinking polka-dots when she designed this camisole. I love that this camisole can be worn in the bedroom but come to think of it, you could wear this underneath a white business suit to chisel off the hard edge and put a little feminity to your ensemble.

But if romping around your boudoir is what gives you the kicks, then, this playsuit from Mimi Holliday is what you want. Tie a red silk ribbon around your waist and you’ve set the mood for a playful chase before lights out.

And for you new brides or brides-to-be, I’m sure the all important shopping you have to do would be a trip to the lingerie department. Don’t sweat it. I’ve got the perfect first-night ensemble. You’ve worked so hard all these months to get your body in shape to wear THE dress and to look your best in the pictures that will be taken as a lifetime memory, right? So, why hide that great body under layers of cloth. All you need is a little teaser and the perfect one is this snow white silk tulle brief with a bow from Damaris (pictured below). That’s all you need to wear…. and it will be a night you will never forget!
(All inner-wear in this article is from net-a-porter.com.)

All Things Pink

2010-05-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

Sweet, feminine, soft, girly, youthful…that’s what the colour pink brings to my mind. Funnily, of all the colours in the world, this one hue has not received enough spotlight though it has played a major role in a woman’s life.

Think about it, from the moment we start recognizing colours as a toddler, we’re surrounded by pink – Barbie’s pink dress, pink ribbons, pink dresses, pink balloons, pink icing on our pink themed birthday party cake….Pink!!

And pink doesn’t stop at childhood, as adults, this colour is still bigger than ever. Remember how many times we have melted just eyeing that sweet blush pink slip with the softest lace or the pastel pink pair of suede flats with the tiny satin ribbon in the front? Not forgetting the simplest yet the most romantic candy in the world – cotton candy. Its floaty, light-as-a-cloud pink sugary wisp has become the star of many a romance movie scenes. Remember receiving a dozen blush pink roses from your Valentine? It sent the butterflies a flutter in your stomach didn't it?

See what I mean.

Spring/Summer is the time of year when designers absolutely flirt with pink and they know very well how it will put a spell on us. Micheal Kors painted his chronograph in bright pink for the outdoors so you can be rough and tough in the middle of nowhere or on a tennis court yet maintain your feminity.

John Galliano for Christian Dior spun a few sheer pink dresses in his collection. This one is my favourite. Short and sassy, this dress is just perfect for a casual cocktail.

Burberry Prorsum had swaths of fabric knotted and intertwined on all their pieces in their collection. This piece is so sweet you’d want to take a bite of it! A great outfit to wear to the office. Yes, you heard me, to…the…off...ice! That’s the thing, why should work-wear be so boring? Well, that subject calls for another post on my blog.

Moschino Cheap and Chic sprinkled blush pink on their pieces. This one is simply flirtatious especially when you’re out partying with friends. Flawless legs required.

So, can you strike this colour off just because you’ve grown up? Nah…not in a million years. Truth be told, at this age (no, I’m not giving away my age), I still have a soft spot for pink and I think its going to be that way for a long time to come.

It's in the Jeans

2010-05-17T05:52:00.001-07:00

I remember my first pair of jeans. I was 13 (ahem…not too long ago). The denim was a blue/white wash, straight leg and because I was a little skinny then, the top of the jeans went right above my waist. The material was a little too starchy for comfort and boy did it rise to my blossoming chest whenever I sat! I hadn’t heard of any fashion magazine then – never knew it existed actually. So you can guess that I hadn’t the faintest idea what to team up my first jeans with. The only thing that came to my mind was my basic yellow t-shirt my mom bought for me and thought it was cool to tuck it in and let the loose stiff waist of the jeans sashay about me as I walked! Thank God no one video taped me then! Gosh, how I managed to get through teenage-hood, I wonder.

Amazing thing is, today, you have an over-abundance of styles of jeans to choose from. Most jeans are of soft denim that moulds around your curves and they all have Spandex! Oh yes, that God-sent creation which took the word ‘curves’ to unimaginable heights!

Drew Barrymore in 7-For-All-Mankind jeans (picture above) is all smiles and that’s probably because of the comfort she feels (I’m guessing and I don’t think I’m too far from the truth..). Unlike my super starchy first jeans, 7-For-All-Mankind brand of jeans along with many others are designed and built to caress each curve and allow room for movement. The cut of a pair of jeans has also been improvised to show off a woman’s mid-riff by dipping the waist of the jeans below the waist line and slightly above the hips. This low-rise or mid-rise cut is the greatest gift to vertically challenged women (interpretation: short/petite) in that it elongates the upper body and therefore balances the proportions.

So, what kind of jeans should you invest in and how do you wear it? The power of observation will teach you….gosh…I’m beginning to sound like Yoda!

Let’s start with the skinny jeans a.k.a second skin denim (ok, I made that one up… so sue me!). But really, the skinny jeans are not for the faint-hearted. It has absolutely no mercy. It will hug your pins so tight some have been known to stop blood circulation! (What is with me today, I think I’ve got my Drama Queen hat on!) So, if you’ve got a pretty ok figure, or have a petite frame, then this type of jeans suits you. Any brand of jeans will carry the skinnies. So pick one out that fits your budget. You can’t go wrong with this one. A little tip though: if you have a heavy bottom or a big hip, you can still wear a skinny only make sure you wear a top that’s long and goes right down to just above your hips. This look below is a great way to wear a skinny for most body types.

The wide leg jean is a great cut that helps to elongate the legs. So you shorties out there, you know who you are….add this one to your collection. Minka below wears it with a cool blue jacket that she absolutely rocks in.

If you’re pregnant, God… I have fantastic news for you….my favourite brand of jeans (drum roll….) 7-For-All-Mankind this season made some jeans to fit your growing tummy. That super soft top sewn above the jeans gently caresses you while helping to hold the jeans in place. Get one and try it. Then post here and let us know how comfortable it was wearing one.

What talk about jeans is complete without mentioning the ripped jeans. Ah yes, the rip that can be customized to show off what you want – knee, calf…..butt cheeks (I’m not kidding here!). But the real fashionista knows all too well that less is more. Check out Terri Hatcher here. Ripped jeans looks so good paired with anything and even more so with a white T. The black blazer is the latest trend that the chic ones pair casuals with. I think Terri hit it on the nail this time. Pardon the pun, but she looks desperately chic!

Comfort Clothes

2010-05-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

Comfort. That’s what we all love. And when it comes to clothes, it is no exception.

This Spring/Summer season, comfort is top on the list and designers did not fail to deliver. Clothes have got to be light as air, breathable clothes while not compromising on style.

Again, if we look closely at what the big designers have done this season, we will know exactly what to look out for in the casual wear department.

Let’s bring out what Etro did for S/S 2010. From the picture above, you can see Etro did olive green (military mode) shorts and blazer (with a casual spin to it) and paired it with a bold striped t-shirt. This look is great for a trip to the mall or for tea with friends over the weekend.

I love this look below. Also from Etro, the material is light as a feather silk on pants! (Karl Lagerfeld loves silk pants as well). The colours in this ensemble are pastels pink and blue with a white cardigan. But you know what makes this whole palliate work? The black strip right at the hips. That’s what pulls it together and gives it that sporty spin. You might want to try something similar with pieces you already have in your closet then maybe sling a black leather belt low on the hip.

You can’t get by this season without a casual weekend dress. This one from 3.1 Philip Lim is just so chic. Its floaty, light and absolutely girly. Notice the uniqueness of this dress. It has a pleated skirt that just swirls as you walk. What I love most is how the designer put in panels of different materials all over this dress. It gives this dress personality. Check out my Catherine D collection for dresses with pleated skirts. Those pieces will swoon you over.

Doo.Ri did sheer dresses this season. This piece below has been cut with a gathered skirt that whooshes about as you move. Its sheer fabric adds a dose of sensuality but when worn with appropriate underwear (let’s face it we just don’t see ourselves walking out the door exposing our inside wear!), this dress will look stunning and can bring you from day to night. My new batch of designs would have sheer pieces – blouses and dresses. These will be hitting the boutiques next week. So, watch out for my post.

This dress from Etro is my favourite of all casual dresses. Firstly because it comes in my favourite colour! Second of all, it’s got the frills at the top which I think is so feminine. The sheer fabric gives it a pinch of sexiness and the sleeves make you look so breezy.

This dress is girliness indulgence. And why not. It’s quite enough to have to put on appearances of authority at work or in business. This dress calls for a time for ourselves. It’s my time…my time and so help me God I will dress to please me!

Marchesa

2010-05-13T07:41:00.001-07:00

Renee Zelwegger and Cate Blanchett were the first few to wear it on the red carpet. A Marchesa dress that is.

When I set my eyes for the first time on a Marchesa piece, it looked like they had borrowed an Indian saree, hacked it with a pair of scissors then wrapped and draped it around, pinned and tucked it in to make an evening dress. That was their debut collection. However, in 2007 the Marchesa designers Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig, displayed their Spring/Summer Collection (the picture above was the first dress on the runway) for the first time on the runway during fashion week. That collection was just beautiful! There were hand-made roses in tulle and silk organza adorning the dresses. It was an incredible show of talent.

Fast forward to today, they have never stopped - consistently making headlines with their meticulous artwork in each and every piece. Georgina Chapman (who by the way is married to movie mogul Harvey Weinstein) has been the face of Marchesa and has worn her designs on the red carpet and gala events with pride.

I love how she wears this dress from her Fall/Winter 2007 collection. What looks like chains is really ropes of rhinestones that were hand-sewn onto the dress. Notice she wears her hair in a carefree style which really brings out the ultra-cool look of her dress. Fashion note: when wearing a statement dress with embellishments, tone down your make-up and accessories. Otherwise you’ll end up looking like you’re taking part in a Vegas show!

She is pictured here with her husband, Harvey. Her dress – Marchesa gorgeous! I am simply smitten by the deep plum colour (which happens to be my favourite colour) and those hand-made roses….a dress to die for, I tell you.

For this season, Marchesa had dresses that were embroidered, some with flat-pressed bows and almost all the pieces had her signature beading. These two here were my favourites from the collection.

It’s fascinating that Georgina Chapman’s Marchesa line emerged just a few years ago and has fast become one of the designer names that roll off the tongues of celebrities and VVIPs . I guess in the fickle fashion business, it not only helps to have talent. It's essential to rub shoulders with A-listers and definitely a plus point being married to one.

All Woman

2010-05-11T22:17:00.001-07:00

I have always wondered what size 0 meant. Haven’t you? Or are you one of the lucky ones who fit sample sizes? It’s quite amazing that a full grown woman’s structure can fit a dress that small. And I say this not so much with envy but rather with utter amazement. I have seen a sample dress size before and believe me, even my 13 year-old niece can’t fit into that!

Victoria Beckham, Kiera Knightly, Kate Bosworth to name a few have, according to some credible authors, been known to wear the controversial size 0. So, where do their boobs go? What about their a…? Okay, okay, I won’t get into the details. But you know what I mean.

I guess some women are (in a more refined language) ‘petite’ and some are just ‘all woman’, you know? The latter being the sometimes envied lot who have the curves that make men melt and salivate while the petite ones empty their bank accounts in search of the miracle serum to endow them where they need it most.

What I noticed about Asian women (in particular Malaysian women) in contrast to their western counterparts is that they try their very best in most cases to hide their curves while in the western countries, they embrace it. Yes, it’s our culture and up-bringing that considers exposure of the cleavage or the appearance of a healthy potential child-bearing hip as vulgar. However, I’d like to find a balance in all of this. Yes, you should not be so seductively dressed to a point it looks like an open invitation (Pam Anderson comes to mind) on the other hand, one should be proud of our womanly curves and show it off with style and elegance. Therein lays the answer. It’s in the balance of things.

The Iron Man 2 star, Scarlett Johansson pictured above (you noticed not much hype about Gwyneth when people talk about this blockbuster. Wonder why?). I seriously don’t think anyone (including male and female) even blinked when she came on screen! The hips, the chest. The very tight clothes she had on. Wow! Anyways, she is here wearing Dolce & Gabbana.

Take a look at Jennifer Hudson. Talk about curves, the woman has it all – breasts, hips and all. Yet you don’t see her drown herself in baggy, loose fitted layered clothing that in truth does nothing to help make a woman look slim. She is seen here in Peter Soronen. I believe Spandex helped here as well.

Beyonce. Overrated but I respect her for being able to carry off a booty….I mean…a body like that. She is in Roberto Cavalli.

So, what’s good on a curvy body? A slim fitted, pencil cut shift like this one by Alberta Ferretti from her S/S 2010 collection will give you that ultra-feminine look without looking too conservative.

I also love this Roland Mouret dress from his S/S2010 collection. True to his work, this dress is architectural and chic. This dress will help to put some proportion to a voluptuous figure while giving it some definition at the waist.

Which is better, petite or voluptuous? No answer to that. In the end though, it all comes down to you being comfortable with your body. That would exude confidence. And confidence can really be sexy!

You Wear the Pants

2010-05-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

(pic is Giorgio Armani S/S 2010)

My dad has always been so strict with us. He had to, I guess, because there was seven of us and just one of him! Okay, we were not exactly angels, you know. As with a lot of household, there was mischief, there was naughtiness ……but children should never be considered normal if they were faultless, should they?

Thinking back to those days when my dad was the only bread-winner in the family, I realised that it must have been pretty tough being the one wearing the pants – the provider, the decision maker, the one everyone depended on.

Today however, women are sharing this role and have taken a new place in society (thanks to women’s lib?). This generation sees more and more women getting involved in other activities apart from managing a home and a huge percentage of them are either in the corporate sector or have chosen to be entrepreneurs.

In the past legends like Katherine Hepburn and Coco Chanel broke the mould and began borrowing from the boys by wearing pants on screen and to work. Since then, designers have been fascinated with such non-conformity. The very thought of women challenging society’s perception of a typical woman’s dress code had tantalized them to morph that masculine wardrobe piece to fit a woman’s curves. She should look sexy, yet intelligent, gentle yet assertive and today’s designers have got it down to a fine art.

While high-street brands like MNG make excellent cut pants, a quick look at what the big designers have done this season should give you some ideas on what looks to shop for.

A pow-wow lunch with business partners for instance, does not necessarily call for black or grey. Giorgio Armani (above) shows that colours can make you look like you mean business just as much.

But if you’re a black/white/grey person, then Rachel Roy gives you a cut of the pants that makes you look chic and gutsy. (below)

When on a more casual affair, Gucci does a mean leather jacket and skinny pants for this season that will surely make you stand out.

An all-girl day out may call for slouchy pants paired with a colourful jacket and top. Donna Karan does it right with this ensemble from her DKNY line. It spells comfort and comfort means a really enjoyable time with your closest friends.

However, no one does sexy pants like Stella McCartney. The white lace blouse with plunging neckline and those camel coloured, perfectly cut pants will make you ooze with sex appeal. Surely no woman would decline looking this desirable and certainly no man will say no to an invitation…..

Spotlight on Vera

2010-05-07T09:57:00.001-07:00

I love Starbucks. The moment I walk into the café, the smell of coffee kisses my nostrils and tantalizes my taste buds. That sudden urge to take a sip of Sumatra or gulp down a frothy Frappucino takes control of me and all too soon I find myself floating to my seat, Starbucks mug in hand and the morning paper in the other. There’s something about a Starbucks morning that makes me look forward to the rest of the day no matter how gruelling my schedule is. Wait a minute….this sounds like a great ad for Starbucks – hey any of you Berjaya Group execs out there? My writing services are for hire! Call me.

Anyways, jokes aside, what I really meant to share with you today is all about froth (hence the Starbucks story J). Froth in fashion? Come on…

Well, whenever I look at Vera Wang’s S/S 2010 pieces, that’s what it reminds me of – froth! Take a look at one of my favourites from her collection below.

The staples in her collection are tulle, lace, satin and - her new accessory collection (the necklace worn by the model below is really strings of beads woven together to form a spider web like pattern).

Certainly different from the usual path taken by the majority of designers this season - her palette boasts no more than the shades of black, grey, white and blue (unusual for spring) . No sun-dresses (the way Dries and Oscar did). No burst of colours that Proenza Schouler or Thakoon used in their collections.

A non-conformist who has been in the fashion industry since 1969, Vera Wang started her designing career, designing bridal wear. Till this day, Vera is the go-to designer for new brides despite her expansion into the ready-to-wear line. Even so, she has won the respect of her fellow peers for her unique and artistic pieces.

I guess, all that froth in her designs really stems from her backbone bridal business. That said, there are pieces that have the working woman in mind. Take a look at these two pieces from her S/S 2010 collection for example. Notice that there is a lot of architecture; in particular the pleating and draping techniques she uses to bring out one’s womanly assets.

As for me, there is no doubt that I would really enjoy wearing one of these to work because it just screams ‘designer’! And all of us, who practically work to live a fashionable life, will agree that coughing up the big bucks would be worth it just for that reason!

The Met

2010-05-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

You know, whenever I hear that New York is the greatest city on earth, I wonder if it’s just overrated. Nope, haven’t been there myself. However, I must admit, that what I see from movies, with all of its glittering lights and skyline, there is a certain electricity (not the one that’s keeping the neon lights burning) that runs through the city. Broadway, the Manhattan bridge, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty are all iconic of the city that got the likes of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys belting out: New York…New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, these streets will make you feel brand new, its lights will inspire you…let’s hear it for New York!

The Met is really short for the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Every year, a fashion gala event hosted by The Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute is held and the who’s who in the fashion and entertainment industry are all invited. The great thing about this event is that every guest gets to flash their most fashionable outfit and they make no apologies for it.

If money was no object in making your choice of a dress, jewellery, shoes, bags….what outfit would you choose? Gosh! That’s every girls’ dream come true! Well, I tell you, these multi-millionaires who get that coveted invitation to attend The Met Gala, have designers that just throw free dresses, jewellery, shoes and bags at them so that their pieces get the spotlight during the event. I know, I know, it’s unfair but don’t hate the players, just hate the game!

I’ve picked 5 of my favourite outfits worn at this year’s gala at The Met. This is actress Kerry Washington in Thakoon for the Gap. I love the bold red colour and Thakoon’s trademark draping. Also, notice that he had the bustier uncovered on one half of the dress and the other had a drape over the shoulders. Gorgeous!

Then you have actress Chloe Sevigney in Proenza Schouler standing here with the designers themselves. What I loved about this dress was the colour of the lace – a certain sea blue, and the way how the waist nips and tucks so neatly and with precision.

Model Chanel Iman had recently caught my attention with her great taste for what looks really good on her – outfits that keep her looking young and hip. This pantsuit is from Micheal Kors. So unexpected for an event like this, yet I feel is so refreshing and chic.

Actress Carrey Mulligan with her famous pixie haircut in my opinion stood out amongst the elaborate evening gowns that most of the guests were wearing. This short dress from Miu Miu is like a breath of fresh air and certainly puts the spotlight on her. Very clever choice.

And finally, what would any New York event be without the presence of the First-Lady-made-famous designer Jason Wu. He shows off his mastery in cutting a strapless evening gown that simply moulds around Camillia Belle’s petite figure. The actress doesn’t really have curves so to speak but in this dress, she is a picture of voluptuousness all thanks to the designer standing beside her.

So, there you have it, my list of the best in show at The Met Gala. Conclusion? It’s not always the long evening gowns that get to be at the centre of attention, in fact, evening gowns can be quite predictable. If you’ve got in your hands, an invitation to a big dinner event, try something short and chic. You might just stand out among the crowd ala Carrey Mulligan. Clever girl indeed!

I Can't Be Tamed

2010-05-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

I was watching E-News and was stunned at what I saw. A video of this mutant human/bird with black feathered wings curled up in a huge cage. This bird woman with sultry eyes, long bronze goddess hair and a black tight sexy body suit unfurled to reveal…. Miley Cirus! This 17-year old with black gothic eyes and donning a $25,000 corset by The Blonds in another scene, was surrounded by sexy dancers while singing “ I can’t be tamed!” in her new music video. OMG!!

At the sight of this teenager caught up in the craziness of the American music industry, this question popped in my mind – why are young teens today racing to become full fledge adults? Are they going to look back one day and think “Have you seen my childhood?”

But in all fairness, there are young adults who have successfully found a balance in what they need to do to succeed in the entertainment industry whilst being true to themselves and maintaining their individuality. They use fashion as a strong way for them to make a statement and help open up doors of opportunities for themselves.

Let’s take Emma Watson – the 20 year old has been such a favoured fashion icon. She knows how to pick a dress that makes her look like a style star yet one that allows her to show off her youth. She's pictured here in Erdem.

Selena Gomez is another young fashionista who knows the perfect dress to wear for a night out. This 17-year old has clearly got her feet grounded and is in no rush to adulthood.

And then there is Twilight star Kristen Stewart. Despite playing the dark deep character Bella, on the red carpet she shines in a light vermillion shift. There are no signs of trying-hard-to-look-mature here.

The talented Dakota Fanning who is only 16 this year knows how to wear her age and in return has won the hearts of many.

So, really have the times changed without my knowledge and the young ones today are given the green light to show off their sensuous side because it could mean an express ticket to stardom? Or should Miley’s latest video be a wake-up call to put a stop to this rush for success that is robbing them of their innocence?

Tom Binns and the First Lady

2010-05-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

Michelle Obama did it. Never has the White House, since Jackie Kennedy, had such a refreshing fashion forward outlook. This First Lady has the fashion instincts comparable to Anna Wintour (US Vogue Editor-in-Chief) who launched quite a many fashion careers. Michelle knows classy art when she sees it and makes an occasion of it when she decides to wear it. I’m not talking about the dresses and gowns (remember Jason Wu’s inaugural gown?). I am talking about her choice of accessories particularly wearing Tom Binns’ pearl necklace to a White House gala event (above).

The chunky necklace is Tom Binns’ trademark and is apparent in all his pieces. Big, with layers upon layers of baubles and hardware, his statement jewellery pieces commands centre stage every time.

Take a look at some of his creations below. You notice that at times he mixes crystals with the unexpected – safety pins!

At other times, he is pure genius in creating an elegant and sophisticated piece fit for a Maharani.

Tom Binns has been designing, manufacturing and distributing jewellery for over twenty-five years. He began his career in 1981 and remains inspired by the early twentieth century Dada movement, the main theme of which includes deliberate irrationality, anarchy, and the rejection of standard beauty and social organization.

With over 20 years of making jewellery, Tom Binns’ designs have greatly influenced the fashion industry. Low and high-end stores have been clamouring to make affordable jewellery that closely depicts his designs and with lucrative results!

Designs similar to the ones I have shown here can be seen in stores like Zara, MNG, and Forever 21.

But if you’re into the real thing, then sites like zappos.com and shopbop.com carry his designs. Be prepared to spend the big bucks though. His designs don’t come cheap.

Flower Power

2010-05-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, I did it again. Guilty as charged! I bought yet another ‘hippie’ skirt and I am kicking myself over the impulsive buy. But in my defense, this skirt is silk with tiny flowers across a mint green background. It has layers of broad frills with tiny ones in between. It fits me like a glove and is not too bulky (some frilly skirts can make you look like you’re hiding your little sister inside!). So there you have it, I have defended myself – verdict changed – not guilty….not guilty….not guilty…..(ok, ok, I’ll sacrifice a shopping trip next weekend and stay home with a good book instead).

The thing about us girls is there is a little hippie inside waiting to be unleashed when the occasion arises. There’s something about the days when the hippie flower power generation decided to not conform but instead live a liberated life. No more bras (yes, for those of you who do not know about this era, in the US, women publicly burnt their bras as a sign of freedom to express themselves and embrace womanhood). That mindset transcended into their wardrobe – more flowy, loose-fitted and colourful garb. Shoes were mostly sandals or strappy flats, bags were big with long straps and some even wore flowers in their hair. It became a cult.

Those days may be gone, but the need to be appreciated and respected for being a woman is a fight that still goes on in many cultures to this day. We may be living in a technologically modern world with many women holding high corporate and political positions, but we want at some point to indulge in our girly fashion fantasies and once again live that flower power life.

Anna Sui to me is one woman designer who has successfully found a way to create current designs but incorporate that ‘hippie’ side of her into each one of her pieces. Take a look at her S/S 2010 collection above. There is an explosion of colours and her designs are floral and at times ethnic in nature. She makes each piece girly, fun and sensuous. Kudos to her for keeping the spirit of the flower power era alive in the 21st century.

When I saw this picture (above) of Jade Jagger (Mick and Bianca Jagger’s daughter) wearing Versace at a 2002 party, I thought to myself, yes, you can still live the flower power life in a modern world. You don’t have to look like you’ve not let go of the 60’s, but instead, you can look young, chic and current even with a flower in your hair. (see below)

Its Spring, its Summer, (its always summer in Malaysia, I know, I’ve not forgotten). Go mad a little. There are lots of floral/colourful dresses around town. Get one. Wear those strappy sandals. Get a huge flower ring and adorn your finger. Stick a flower in your hair (ok, if that’s being too much, then a little hair clip with a tiny flower on it will do). Weekends will from now on be a celebration of freedom and womanhood! Flower Power to ya!

Rocker Chic

2010-04-29T11:43:00.001-07:00

Everybody I know loves watching American Idol and tell me who doesn’t? Ryan, Simon, Randy, Kara and the other lady I don’t much care to mention (who in my opinion doesn’t have the resume to justify her sitting in the judges’ chair – well that’s another story…) make for an exciting watch week after week. This season I’m roping for Crystal ….what about you?

The rocker inspired way of dressing has been on every fashionista’s list. Top designers like Balmain had practically re-invented this style of dressing and made it well…almost unaffordable to mere mortals like us. I’m sharing some great shots of his S/S 2010 (above) pieces for you to drool at anyway.

Ok, enough drooling. With a little creativity and sense of style, you could get the same chic look.

Break it down:
1) Great fitted jeans is a can’t-do-without wardrobe staple. My advise – invest in a really good pair even if it means coughing up some serious bucks.
2) Cool T-shirts. If you walk into Topshop, t-shirts can cost more than a hundred bucks. But you know, for something as basic as that, why splurge? Go to any shop that carries t-shirts at very affordable prices. You’ll be surprised that if you go to the major malls where there are smaller booths, you can actually find t-shirts at RM5 upwards! If you buy plain ones, you can get your artistic friends to draw tattoo like artwork on the t-shirt using fabric paint. That way, you ‘ll have a one-of-a-kind t-shirt that’s 100% your own. Or…get a pair of scissors and hack away at your t-shirt. Believe me, if a Balmain ripped T-shirt can cost thousands, your personalized ripped t-shirt may look just as expensive. Just make sure you wear it with attitude.
3) Blazers - this piece in your wardrobe is what would make your look current and young. Roll up your sleeves and throw on the blazer over jeans or tights.
4) Boots – Nine West has some pretty rockin’ designs. Check out my blog on Shoes Fetish. You’ll get some ideas.
5) Accessories – for these, most boutiques have collections at affordable prices. However, if you really want ones that rock your world, then invest in pieces from Folli Follie and Swatch Bijoux. Better yet, if you visit net-a-porter.com, you’ll find that pieces from new designer Daisy Knights will give you that rocker edge in a more refined way. Go surf, you’ll know what I mean.

So, now that you’ve got the 101 on rocker chic, why not belt out your best this weekend? Sway those hips and know that you look ‘smashingly’ great!

Hello Sunshine

2010-04-26T04:22:00.000-07:00

The weather is really hot in Kuala Lumpur. Thanks to the phenomenon El Nino, the heat has reached sweltering heights. Wearing stockings is unthinkable so is wearing anything that requires more than a layer of clothing.

This season however, designers have tampered with a little bit of sunshine. Yellow or variations of this vibrant shade was seen on the major runways – Bottega Veneta almost always adds yellow to their palate. Emilio Pucci did a great evening piece in yellow (yes, the colour works well in the dark of night).

However, I do know that some may be a bit hesitant in adopting this shade in their wardrobe. Too bright? Too in-your-face? No..no…no…. please!

On the contrary, yellow makes your skin glow. This sunny-side-up colour really gives you that extra kick in your day. If you don’t believe me, why not try it. Go grab that yellow dress that you threw way back in your closet or borrow the yellow outfit your friend has been shamelessly showing off on several occasions. See if it doesn’t put a certain spring in your step!

If you are going to follow my advice and shop for a yellow piece, then consider the following:

1) Make sure the shade of yellow is not fluorescent bright. Usually cheaper China-made pieces are made in this unforgiving colour. Stay away from it. No one looks good no matter how beautiful you naturally are.
2) If you are not too sure if the shade of yellow is working against your skin tone, bring your sister/friend – ask their opinion.
3) Shades that are mellow (even two-tone) works on most skin tones. Yellow can be a fun shade to wear when the dress is cut sexy (take a look at this dress from Bottega Veneta S/S 2010).

Most importantly, check out my collection that will be at Mori Pin , Bangsar Village II and Monizal, Amcorp Mall sometime first week of May 2010. You will find yellow pieces that will make you look scorching hot!

Vintage Inspired

2010-04-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Time travel would really be great wouldn’t it? I’d love to travel back to see my grandmother (whom I never got the privilege of knowing because she passed on before I was even born). However, she left much of her handiwork behind for us, her grand-children, to remember her by. Oh, if you could only see some of them – the crochet pieces were so finely done, her embroidery work exquisite. So really, to go back in time to meet her and see her at work, ‘weaving’ her finest, would indeed be an event unlike any other.

Decades ago during the years of opulence - the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s, lace, beading, feathers and intricate embroidery of gold and silver were painstakingly used to create dresses that seem so fairy-like its as if they were being made for the gods. Yes, indeed it was the goddesses who had the luxury of parading their couture garb at clubs and parties where the music was as intoxicating as the women. It was a time when legends were born and couture became a social standard.

Today, many designers have been making references to the past and who should lead the way this season – Valentino. This dress (shown below here) is truly vintage inspired with its layers of lace and embroidery.

Other designers have managed to collect vintage lace and materials from the past, and designed modern-day pieces (as shown above). These pieces however carry a hefty price tag because of the rarity of the materials used and the fact that there can only be one of its kind in the world.

What I personally find in vintage pieces is the quality of the cut and the polished stitching. Some of the vintage pieces I carry at Monizal Boutique (Amcorp Mall, PJ) and Mori Pin Boutique (Bangsar Village II) are re-worked to give a modern spin to it yet still maintaining its individual characteristic. You should walk into either one of these boutiques and ask to see a Catherine D design. As these pieces are one-of-a-kind, you would want to be among the privileged (ahem!) ones to own them.

Shopperholics Anonymous

2010-04-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

When you are a shopperholic as I am, you just cannot resist a good bargain.

It starts with the thrill and anticipation of a sale (and if you are a member of a department store or premium boutique you get invites to the preview sale - even better!!). Then its deciding if you should just apply leave from work so that you can be there bright and early , even before the doors open. The morning of the sale, you get up with heart pounding deciding what would be the best outfit to wear (one that will be easy to undress and re-dress when trying out clothes). Then not a moment too soon, you're at the door waiting to dive into and emerge with the best sale items ever! Sound familiar.....?

Well, today, if you are a tech savvy shopperholic, there is no need for such rigorous preparation to walk into a brick and mortar boutique. All you need is, to keep your mouse-clicking skills sharp so that you can click away on online store bargains and get them delivered to your doorstep.

Sometime last week, the online bargain store Outnet had a 1 british-pound(approx. RM5) sale for designer items like Stella McCartney and Givenchy. There was such a huge rush, the management was surprised that tech savvy shoppers could buy so many items and at quite literally the speed of light!

So, I visited this online boutique today and found out that the prices they were offering for designer items (once the 1 pound sale was over) were quite good actually. And the sizzling part about this bargain boutique is their Flash Sales where items are priced very low for only a few hours. Shoppers (only those who register an account at the site) will be notified and the e-shopperholics start flexing their finger muscles to grab the offer. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

I have picked some items from the website that I felt were bargains not to be missed (pictured here).

So, go on... click on theOutnet.com online store. You might enjoy staying home more often now and secretly wish your husband/boyfriend could have more 'boys nite out'!

Asian Invasion

2010-04-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I blogged about how we should be supporting up and coming designers to preserve the creative juices in the industry. New designers are a breath of fresh air as they bring with them a very young take on fashion. It's not that I am dissing the more experienced designers. Sure they have been leaders to whom we are greatly in debt to for giving us brilliant tapestries of their work. But the younger generation is giving a fresh spin on techniques that make their designs cool and youthful. That is what all of us want isn't it? - to look young....as long as we can.

In the past three to four years, there has been a string of young and hip designers crashing the international fashion scene. While we have always been used to names like Valentino, Donatella Versace, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan and so on, have you heard of Philip Lim, Derek Lam, Prabal Gurung...? They are the Asians (some have settled down in New York) who have gate-crashed the party and carved a place for themselves in the international fashion circuit. Take a look at their creations.

I am convinced that Asia is a force to be reckoned with - we're big, we take up the largest percentage of internet users in the world and we're the next big cash cow. There's a huge market in Asia and the western world is already hacking at it to get the most of it.

Malaysia is no stranger to the fashion scene either. There's a pool of talented designers in Malaysia that have made their mark internationally with the likes of Melinda Looi, Bernard Chandran, Zang Toi to name a few. There's no stopping the Asians. We want to take on the world!

High Fashion Drama

2010-04-19T03:18:00.000-07:00

The artistic work that get's put into a couture dress is priceless. It bares the soul of the designer. The inspiration that bloomed out of perhaps looking at the soft-silk back of a muse or the sensuousness of her blush pink lips.

The designer and his team puts in twenty or thirty hours (at times even longer) of labour on a dress until he has perfected the movement, the 'float' factor and the way each embellishment is in absolute harmony with his vision of beauty.

The moment the dress is put on, it no longer becomes just another bodily cover with no relationship, no connection with the wearer - it completes the natural beauty of the muse. It becomes part of her. It will make her shine, make everyone around her filled to the brim with envy. And she knows it....

One of my all-time favourite designers - Christian Lacroix (who is no longer designing - I will tell you why in my later posts) has this innate ability to design, cut and then paint his canvas (the cut dress) with ribbons, lace,intricate beading and precious stones to make a dress that just takes your breath away.

Take a close look at these pictures. It just shows how detailed and intricate designers like John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Lacroix and the likes of them embellish their creations that have become their trademark.

The other day I was talking to a boutique owner and she declared that the high-fashion retail business is dying (she was referring to boutiques that carry premium items with premium price tags).

But I wonder - without designers who push boundaries and create confections that give the wearer the 'wow' factor, fashion will be truly boring. It's like a chicken and egg scenario. Low-end garment manufacturers always copy high-fashion designs but put a low price tag on their clothes.

Without designers conjuring up unique and statement-making pieces where would these low-end garment manufacturers get their blue-print?

So, don't let creativity die. Support designers - new and old. Its time to appreciate art for what it is....art!

Disco Shorts

2010-04-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

Disco Shorts! Have you ever heard of even the word 'disco' these days??

When I got hold of these pictures, I was thrilled at the rebel of an idea - Disco Shorts in 2010?

Well for the old timers (you know who you are...secretly at least!), disco nights are when the young things in the 70's and 80's bring out their very best bling and dance the night away at clubs. Nights like that called for big hair (made possible with cans of hairspray), loud and heavy accessories and of course the bling continues from accessories to the dress!

These shorts you see are from designer Ashish Gupta's S/S 2010 collection. He is a UK-based designer who had his debut collection back in 2001 and has steadily gained international respect and recognition. Thanks to him, we have the Disco Shorts sliding back to the 21st century in high-fashion style.

How could you possibly wear these unapologetic shimmering loose cut shorts with style and look so chic that noone would pass you off as a time traveller from the 80's? The picture below gives you the perfect ensemble.

Interestingly though, you could make a variation of these shorts on your own.

1) Get a pair of cotton shorts that have a similar cut. (Make sure they fit you well, you wouldn't want your butt cheeks popping out!)

2) Sew on gold/silver sequins in any design of choice. Sequins can be bought at any arts and crafts store.

3) Wear it if you dare!

Queen of Hearts

2010-04-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

I got up this morning and the first thing I read was an article about Alexander McQueen - a very respected designer. So immediately I was compelled to write and share with you about this wonder of a designer. Fired up my laptop, haven't eaten my breakfast yet but wanting so much to blog about him. Here it is....

The great one - Alexander McQueen or a.k.a Lee McQueen to his friends had taken runway shows to a new level. For his Spring/Summer 2010 RTW collection, he live streamed his runway show. Audiences at the venue were mesmerized by his creative use of the digital world. As models were trotting down the runway, robotic (or remotely controlled) cameras running parallel on both sides of the runway followed each model and captured the details, textures of his clothes while projecting those images on a large screen which acted as the backdrop for the runway. Hard to imagine? Then go over to style.com and click on his s/s 2010 video.

Alexander McQueen committed suicide after being so devastated by the death of his mother whom he loved so much. His death was such a great loss to the fashion industry and many insiders were wondering what would become of his company and the brand. Great thing is, the management had vowed to continue with the brand under the hands of his assistants who have been working very closely with him.

Before his death, he completed 80% of the F/W 2010 collection. (I have included some pictures of this collection for you to enjoy.)

This gold jacket the model is wearing was made entirely of gold coloured feathers. Amazing!

Shoe Fetish

2010-04-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

Haven't been blogging since yesterday....cos I really have other more important things to do? Nah...well ok...yeah certain priorities came first. But I'm back now. :)

My last few blogs were about prints and its really the rage this s/s 2010. By the way, for those of you new to the fashion world a little lesson on the acronyms:

1) s/s 2010 = spring/summer 2010

2) s/s rtw 2010 = spring/summer ready-to-wear 2010

3) f/w 2010 = fall/winter 2010

4) f/w rtw 2010 = fall/winter 2010 ready-to-wear

Then there's ctr = couture rst = resort.

So, the big designers design clothes, accessories, shoes and every fashion necessity around these seasons. So every time you see say MNG having a season clearance sale, what it really means is that they are getting rid of , for example, their spring/summer collection to make way for the fall/winter lot.

This s/s 2010, designers have been really putting their creative wand to work - especially in the shoe department. Take a look at Donna Karan, Jimmy Choo, Fendi, Emilio Pucci and Thakoon. Great stuff. Really funky yet sophisticated at the same time (especially love the Emilio Pucci boots, dripping with cool factor). Wear these with any outfit, and instant glam!

For those on a shoe-string budget (pardon the pun), a quick visit to Vincci or Vincci+ can give you the same high. You may want to try checking out places like Voir , Shoes Shoes Shoes and Rockin Reptile too.

Look at how some of the stars are rocking designer shoes (above).

If you've got a shoe fetish, drop me a comment, ok. Love to hear from you.

Street Prints

2010-04-15T02:16:00.000-07:00

Second day of blogging. This is just great stuff. I was so excited about my new blogsite yesterday, that was all I could think about all day!

Anyways, I'd like to share with you how prints get translated from runway to the street. Enjoy these pictures. To note, prints are great for both day and night wear. You'll just have to wear the sexy ones ala short mini, body-con dresses for night and every other variation for day/night.

Accessories are a must and again, in my last post I said that you really need to chunk it up for night but keep it simple for day/work.

You see, the thing about accessories is you might get bored of them really fast and some accessories are so in-trend that they go out of style before you get to wear them the 2nd or 3rd time around. So, my advice is:

1) If you must spend on branded or expensive accessories, then make sure they are timeless in design so that you get to wear them often and even from work to evening. Semi high-end jewellery will work great such as Monet and Liz Clairborn from department stores like Isetan and Metrojaya.

2) But if you want accessories that are on-trend, then its best to buy ones that don't cost you an arm and a leg but will give you the 'bam!' factor. I'd suggest browsing around places like Amcorp Mall, PJ (especially the one shop on the 1st floor, a few doors from Watsons). They have stuff that are really trendy, tasteful but affordable. Believe me, I have sooooo many pieces from them that I have already filled up my 3rd box!

3) Another tip though if you have that creative wand in your head is: create your own accessories from the old ones you already have. It makes a great weekend project when you're about to pull out your hair from boredom. I once dismantled a diamante rose from an old necklace and sewed 2 black chiffon strips of cloth to both ends so I can tie it around my neck. Turned out to be a pretty funky chocker and best of all, it looked quite expensive. Try it!

Red Carpet Runway

2010-04-14T00:27:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share how some celebrities are wearing fabulous dresses on the red carpet. If you notice, prints are big this spring/summer and they are just having fun!

I love how Alexander McQueen's digital print dress was sighted on the red carpet recently (I told you I'd talk about him again!). If you could look even closer, the dress actually has 2 different textures with the same print. I have a close-up shot of this dress. There's actually alot of pleating and draping that went into it.

And then there's Scarlett. Need I say more. This girl has got the figure and personality to match. This dress is a Dolce & Gabbana - absolutely fabulous to the ..nth!! Notice the white strip at the sides of the dress that gives it a sporty effect on the whole animal print.

Right below you will see fashion designer/celebrity Stella McCartney (yes, she's the daughter of the legendary Paul McCartney of the Beetles) in really cool chic printed dress of her own design.

And that is how prints are translated from runway to red carpet. In my next post I'll share about how prints get translated from runway to the streets.

Prints Please

2010-04-13T21:07:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I'm really excited about blogging now. You notice that this is my 3rd post of the day, so bear with me.

Let's talk about prints. Come on, you people! Prints were everywhere on the runway from New York to Paris to London (especially London!!).

I find that here in Kuala Lumpur, there are alot of sceptics when it comes to prints. Too bright? Too colourful? Too loud? Too much?!!

Naw. It isn't too much. It's art.... art! If you look at the big designers, you'll notice that now with a modern cut of the dress, these prints really make a statement - and a chic one that is. (pictures provided from my fave print designers)

I myself have designed some printed dresses. Check out my chic collection at Mori Pin Boutique in Bangsar Village II and Monizal Boutique at Amcorp Mall, PJ. These pieces are one of a kind and in super cool shades and fabrics.

The real way to wear prints are:

1) Wear simple accessories or none at all if you're wearing prints to work. However if you're wearing prints for a party or clubbing, then, a chunky pair of earrings or layers of cuffs mixed with bangles on the wrist will make you look hip. (Although, try not to load on the accessories all at once. Think less is more)

2) If the prints are an overall dark shade, then you could wear a darker shade of stockings or tights for dinner/clubbing.

3) Short printed dresses will make you look young and chic (my dresses are mostly at or above the knee)

Lastly, prints are supposed to be colourful, so embrace colours. After all, are you waiting until you are almost near your grave to wear prints? Pleeeeease, now's the time and you know it. Wear prints with an attitude. Believe me, you will have people following your sense of style.

Sad Tribute

2010-04-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

Its really sad to see two of my most admired designers slip off the fashion scene. The great Alexander McQueen whose vision and creativity has been such an inspiration to all fashionistas globally. Remember his digital print creations ......

Also, I am a huge fan of Christian Lacroix. The man can do no wrong, I tell,ya. He is just so big in the romantic drama of fashion...seriously. If you look closely you'll see what I mean. Take a look at some of his runway creations. I have provided you with a closeup image as well so you can really appreciate the details and textures of his designs.

More of these 2 will be mentioned in Haute District from time to time. So, expect it!

All About Haute District

2010-04-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

Fashion has had such a big impact on me since when I was a kid. Growing up in a family of 7 children of which 6 are girls, you know that you just cannot escape the fashion bug.

Today I decided to create my first (first in my life!!) fashion blog. Okay, okay, I guess you people out there have been blogging a lot longer but give me my 5 minutes of glory here, okay. This blog is my first digital step to sharing my experience in fashion.

Also, I have been designing some pieces on the side. So I really can't wait to give you a peek at some of my designs.

Now, where is my digital camera.......