Navy Blue Polka Dot Dresses

I'm getting all dotty -- polka dotty that is. Navy blue polka dot dresses to be specific.

I've posted before about loving the combination of a navy blue polka dot dress with red ballet flats particularly on Scarlett Johansson.

Here are a couple of navy blue polka dot dresses I am loving:

Dior Polka Dot Dress with Pleats

 Sleeveless Polka Dot Knit by Ralph Lauren

Laila Azhar Polka Dot Dress

If you're looking for a more casual, Sunday-brunch-like styles:

Vera Wang Lavender Label Navy Polka Dot

3.1 Phillip Lim Ribbon Tie-Back Dress

Wet Seal Zipper Polka Dot Dress

Brooke Polka Dot Dress

Michael Kors Grace Dot Knit Dress

Here's one I found in brown:

3.1 Phillip Lim Dot Bralette Dress

And of course as a jacket whore, this would have to make the list:

Ringspun Frock Coat

As for the red flats, that'll have to be another post.

Images sourced from Farfetch.com, Macys.com, Cusp.com, Zappos.com, Barneys.com, Asos.com, Wetseal.com, Shopbop.com, and Delias.com

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Ultra Wide Angle Lenses

Okay, before you read on... this isn't a fashion post. It's not about clothes, bags or shoes or any style.  It is however, what I am loving right now, what I've been researching for the past couple of days.  So, if you're still interested read on.  If not, until the next fashion post.

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I'm torn between two lenses -- the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM or the Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX 11-16mm f/2.8?

First, the Canon:

From what I've learned through Googling, the difference between a 10mm and a 11mm is apparently A LOT.  Now as a newbie, I don't really see it but I guess it's safe to take the professional's word on it.

The Canon also offers a wide range of focal lengths from 10mm to 22mm so it's very flexible.  I believe you can take decent portrait shots at 22mm (correct me if I'm wrong...)

And the Canon is well, it's a CANON.  Not a third-party lens and will definitely have great resale value.  That's if you want to give it up later on.

As for the Tokina, I've read a lot of rave reviews about this UWA lens.  It's main plus point? It's got a maximum aperture of f/2.8.  That's a good setting for low-light or nighttime photos giving you a faster shutter speed.

It doesn't have a flexible range compared to Canon with only 11-16mm but since I've already for a kit lens of 18-55mm, it won't be too bad -- if you don't mind the hassle of switching lenses.

As a third-party lens, Tokina is one of top 3 out there.  But as a third-party lens, I would've thought it would be considerably cheaper than the Canon.  From the initial research I've done there is little difference in price (in Singapore at least -- if I'm wrong do let me know).  If you're going to shell out for the Tokina, then what's $50 or so dollars more to get the Canon?

Now, if the Tokina were significantly cheaper than the Canon I'd get it.  But since both are in a similar price range, then I think Canon wins.

Well, I guess I'm not torn between two lenses. I'm just torn because it's too damn expensive!

Image source from Canon.com and TokinaLens.com, respectively.

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Style Watch: Jessica Alba

I'm kinda liking Jessica Alba's outfit here

Well, except for the boots but I expect that's because of the rain. Although, she could've gotten herself a pair of Jimmy Choo boots.


Or maybe I'm just frustrated I can't do the whole layering bit. *sigh*


Image source from PopSugar.com.


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Style Watch: Pink is Gold for Girls

Pink Is Gold For Girls by amputatedleg featuring Miu Miu shoes

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Mango Reague

I've always loved Mango despite the fact their shirts are often too clingy and smallish in sizes.  I know some people have the impression of Mango being expensive... well, yes there are some stuff that are expensive but they also have very affordable pieces.  So really, you guys should go and take the time to look.

Lately, I've been visiting Mango stores a lot for their slim cut jeans (SG$49 - SG$89), wallets and bags.

In the last month, I got myself two bags (don't tell my mother!).  But for the life of me, I don't know what the styles are called.  The first bag I purchased, I found online.  It was listed as "HANDBAG G.. REAGUE C" on MangoShop.com.  However, for the second bag I could not find any sign of it online -- even after an exhaustive day Googling.

Here's the first one:

I have that one in grey.  It costs around SG$45 (rough conversion from Philippine Peso where I bought mine).  It's made of the softest leather and it's HUGE.  You can stuff a lot of stuff in there.  Once I had my Roo-Carriage, a book, an umbrella, two shopping bags and a folder in it with room to spare!

For the second bag, I'd have to update later once I get a decent picture of it.

Image source from MangoShop.com

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Gucci Boston Bag

Whenever I happen to pass by a Louis Vuitton store, I always check out their iconic Speedy bags.

Always check out but never had the urge to purchase one (never mind the fact I can barely afford one!). Why? I don't really like Louis Vuitton's brown/beige/ebony/azur LV print and so-so on their boxy print.

That is until they came out with a new style (and in black!) -- the Louis Vuitton Mini Lin Speedy:

The LV print is not so "loud" in this style.

Lately, I've found myself almost at the brink of buying one -- several times but still no. Because while I love the bag, I'm not really an LV girl. Would rather spend on Gucci. So, I've been surfing through Gucci.com and found their version of the Speedy bag.

The Gucci Boston Bag. 

They come in two styles (as far as I know, that is):

"Joy" medium Boston Bag with D ring detail which comes in 5 colors:

• Gunmetal crystal GG lamé fabric with black leather trim
• Silver GG coated fabric with silver leather trim
• Beige/ebony GG plus with dark brown leather trim
• Black Guccissima leather with black leather trim
• Chocolate Guccissima leather with chocolate leather trim

"Techno Tag" medium Boston Bag with luggage tag which comes in 3 colors:

• Black neoprene GG with black leather trim
• Beige/ebony GG fabric with brown leather trim
• Magenta neoprene GG wth magenta leather trim

I like the "Joy" medium Boston Bag in Guccissima leather. Time to save!

Image source from Gucci.com, LouisVuitton.com and Purseblog.com

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Birkin Bag ... Cocktail Napkins

Can’t afford a Birkin bag? Been on the waiting list for years? Tired of hinting to your boyfriend/husband to get you one? Then worry no further, you can get your own Birkin bag at a very affordable price and in 8 colors at that!

Well, here you go:

Birkin Bag Cocktail Napkins by Avril Loreti

HA! Don’t we all wish it was as easy as that. Unfortunately,  part of the thrill of having your own Birkin (the real one!) is the exclusivity.

While majority of the population can’t afford one, most of us — the woman half at least — know what a Birkin is. Or maybe not? If not, Google it.

I am reminded of a Gilmore Girls episode where Rory (played by Alexis Bledel) was given a Birkin by Logan, her well-to-do boyfriend. She had no idea what it was — just that it was  a bag. She didn’t even blink at the Hermes paper bag it came with. Funny.

Anyhoo, according to Supermarket this was designed by an Avril Loreti:

Avoid the two year waiting list and indulge in your very own set of Birkin Bag cocktail napkins. Flaunt a new set of cocktail napkins with prints of the most luxurious Hermes handbags at your next cocktail party!!
Set of 8 cocktail napkins with illustrations of The Birkin Bag in a variety of colours!

Description: 8 cocktail napkins, folded size 4 1/4″ × 4 1/4″, open size 8 1/2″ × 8 1/2″. White cotton/poly blend.

It’s a nice gift idea for your friends (who are bag whores ladies like you!) and nice conversation piece for bridal showers and girl parties.

For those who don't know what a Birkin is, according to Wikipedia:

The "Birkin" bag is a purse manufactured by leather goods and ready-to-wear manufacturer Hermès. It is named after British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin, a longtime resident of France.


Read more about the Birkin Bag.

Image from FabSugar.com / Supermarkethq.com

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Style Watch: Shoe Envy

Shoe Envy by amputatedleg featuring Christian Louboutin Shoes

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Style Watch: Black Love

Black Love by amputatedleg featuring Burberry

Style Watch: Cropped Chinos with Black Blazer

Keri Russell

A very classic look updated with a loose white tee and cropped, slightly high-waisted chinos.

Now the question is, where to find great fitting chinos?

Image from FabSugar.com

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Harness Boots by Frye

Harness Boots by Frye

With definitive O-ring, straps and studs, our classic boot holds a treasured spot in American culture and around the globe. The timeless design features a squared toe, cushioned shock-absorbing memory insoles, a leather stacked pitched heel with rubber lift, and durable Goodyear welt construction. 

Based on size 6: 14.5″ Shaft circumference, 15″ shaft height, 2″ heel height; Medium width. Apply Frye Leather Conditioning Cream with a cotton cloth. Made in the USA.

No, it’s not a men’s boot. It’s actually for women. Very androgynous looking. Not only it’s a good boot to pair with a pair of skinnies, it’s also nice to pair with a girly-girl outfit.

Wonder if this brand is sold here in Singapore… But even if it was, it’s not really something I can wear in this hot, HOT climate.

Image from TheFryeCompany.com

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Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Recently, I’ve had this insane urge to purchase Ray-Ban Wayfarers in black. I don’t even know yet if the style fits the shape of my fat face.

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Folding RB4105

Here’s another style in brown:

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Square RB2151

Other than Wayfarers, another Ray-Ban classic is the Aviator style:

Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal RB3025

Here’s another style I found on their site that looks nice:

Ray-Ban Cats RB4128

My problem with shades are — [1] I don’t really use them as much as I should. Only during traveling or days at the beach and [2] I eventually either lose them, get them squished and broken in my purse or forget all about them.

As a “solution” to this dilemma, I end up buying cheaper alternatives. After all, there are a lot of no-name shades out there that copy these styles.

But the thought/feeling/idea of buying original just gets to me. For the relatively steep price of SGD220 to SGD240 per piece, I promise myself it’ll be different this time. I won’t lose it. I won’t break it. I won’t forget all about it and use it everyday. I wish!

For now, it’s best to let this urge stay that. An urge. Period.

*sigh*

Images from Ray-Ban.com

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Balenciaga Le Dix Motorcycle

I know this is an old style  (Spring 2008, I think) from the Balenciaga handbags collection but I just saw this bag in this color somewhere. Who wouldn’t love that color? Well, maybe a lot but I love it!

Balenciaga Le Dix Motorcycle in Sky Blue

It’s also available in these other colors:

 

Aren’t they adorable?

Images from Trendora.com

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ROO-Carriage by RooTote

I can’t believe how excited I was to finally find this and get one for myself (and for my mom!). It’s the ROO-Carriage by RooTote.

It’s a bag in a bag. It’s a small structured bag with lots of compartments for everything you have in your purse. You put the ROO-Carriage inside whatever bag you’re using and everything is organized and not shuffled around. When it’s time to change bags, simply get the entire thing out and into the next bag. Everything is still exactly where you want it to be. No more frantic rummaging and diving into your bag looking for your ringing phone or due EZ-Link card.

It’s every OC’s dream come true! (that’s Obsessive Compulsive for those of you who don’t know).

Disclaimer: Forgive me for the cheesy comic-y captions. I did this on my iPhone and Comic Touch was the best app I had for the job (and I was too lazy to start up my laptop).

Here are the photos, front view:

Let’s take a look inside:

Also in the middle zippered compartment are my flash drives (2), hair clips and iPhone/iPod USB cord.

There’s also a zippered compartment on the right side.

For those in Singapore, you can find it in Isetan Department Stores. Got mine at the Shaw branch.

They have a website: RooTote Japan or RooTote Australia — not sure which one is the right one. The first I got off their tag. The second I found through search but strangely enough they don’t carry the ROO-Carriage line. Happy Hunting!

I love it!

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Mulberry Alexa

Mulberry Alexa in Brown

Also comes in these fun colors:

According to Fabsugar.com:

British model and Social Alexa Chung has major muse power, even if she doesn’t know it. After fellow Brit and Mulberry creative director Emma Hill spotted her with a vintage Mulberry men’s briefcase, she was inspired to create an updated version. Since then, the new style — named Alexa — has replaced the vintage as her sidekick.

It’s lovely, I wish I can afford it. I can just dream for now.

Image sources: Fabsugar.com

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How I Met Your Mother Shirts

I’m a big fan of the comedy sitcom, How I Met Your Mother. As I was browsing through Amazon, I found these shirts:

And here’s another one:

And lastly:

I want the Legendary shirt!

Image sources: Amazon.com

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