Disaya`s Costume Jewellery Collection Rocks!

Disaya Sorakraikitikul graduated from the distinguished Central Saint Martin’s College of Fashion and Design in London, and her craftsmanship definitely shines brightly in her jewellery line.  She also makes ready-to-wear collections, but it is her sparklers that I am totally besotted with.

Playful yet sophisticated, these sets of earrings combine plated brass and faux pearls. The pairs are not identical, which brings an unexpected surprise and makes me covet them even more. 

This rabbit ring will be hard to beat for its sheer prettiness and ability to add drama to any outfit. Made of plated brass and faux-pearls, it is heavily adorned with Swarovski crystals. It is clearly one of my top choices for any occasion….quite simply, I can`t get enough of it!

And how about wearing a ring which depicts a horse in such painstaking detail?

I also have Disaya`s edgier pieces, like these peacock earrings, with heavily encrusted wings.

Finally, have a look at a couple of delicate necklaces. Both strikingly beautiful and original. I layer them up to create a bolder look but fully appreciate the loveliness of each.

Uncompromised quality, and a quirky design makes Disaya`s costume jewellery appealing to all generations and I am very happy to own these inspirational and desirable pieces.

http://www.disaya.com/aw14/

Designer Outlet Shopping – 5 Golden Rules

Do you want to discover real bargains at designer outlets? Do you want to make your shopping spree truly enjoyable? Are you after value for money? Here are 5 golden rules that will help you achieve your objectives:

Research before you head to any designer outlet – some sell very specific merchandise and selected lines from the designer`s collection. For example, Michael Kors` outlet in Bicester Village sells handbags and accessories but not clothing.

Cheshire Oaks Michael Kors` outlet sells: clothes like this emerald-coloured,  figure-hugging dress; leather goods such as handbags, wallets, belts; and also sunglasses.

Ask for additional discount – politely and privately, not in front of other customers. I`ve done it on a numerous occasions and had been successful in securing an additional drop in the price. You may have bought several items from the same designer, or you are not getting much of a reduction in the outlet, compared to the original price. These are viable reasons, but don`t expect to be given any more leeway. It all depends on the manager`s discretion, so don`t be a spoiled brat….be reasonable, well-mannered and respectful of their decision. No-one is forcing you to buy anything. If the price is too much, walk away.

Know your style and don`t be tempted by brands you would never wear if their stock have not been dramatically reduced. Are you a Mulberry or Burberry handbag-lover?

I am for trying new things, but there is no point going way out of your comfort zone. Don`t be blinded by the fact the item had been heavily discounted. If you don`t have any A-line skirts in your wardrobe, it would be unlikely you would wear such a skirt. If it`s not your style, you would have thrown your money away, even if the item you bought was inexpensive.

If your favourite designer doesn`t have anything amazing on offer when you visit, ask the store manager if they have other designs still sitting in the stockroom. I`ve done it on a few occasions and every time ended up buying fabulous goods, which were brought out especially for me. Let`s not forget, any designer outlet is a business and they need to sell the stock they have before bringing in the new items. However, if you ask politely and indicate what you have in mind (I usually ask for dresses in size 0) there is a chance you would get your hands on something that suits your taste, and is wallet-friendly.

There is much more on offer than just shopping. I still remember sitting outside Starbuck`s in one of the designer outlet villages, soaking up a sun, and chatting with my companion, before we resumed shopping.  Don`t make the day, or a few hours pass without having a delicious lunch, or a drink. Make it into an occasion, and enjoy bargain-hunting and saving your hard-earned cash, in the process.

 

Lust - A Short Story

Trust you would enjoy reading this short tale, I`ve written a while ago. I am wearing a dress from Whistles, and jewellery from Missoma.

Lust - A Short Story  

Sébastien is watching a group of young men painstakingly cleaning their boats at Ponta Preta. The ocean is breathing rapidly, in and out, taking the blond sand from the beach and carrying it to its cerulean-coloured depths. The men start tossing buckets of water at each other, to amuse this enchanting mermaid, who decided to grace this sun-scorched seashore. She admires their ripe muscles, clearly visible under sodden t-shirts.  The warm, Saharan wind gently embraces her peachy skin, and lifts up a few ruffles of her skirt.  She laughs and so do they. Her corset-style bodice heaves with each gulp of salty air.  The sky blushes and the sun kisses the ocean `good night`. Sébastien, you are likely to break a few hearts tonight… let`s go! It is time to dance on the rooftops of Santa Maria.

How to Wear Boots Like Stylista

Wearing a combo of boots + chunky jumper + trousers is simply boring, and won’t earn you any points in style stake.  Instead, pair them (the heavier, the better) with a flimsy dress, like this Versace attire.

While living in Singapore I hear the cries of frustrated fashionistas because the hot and humid weather prevents them from wearing boots. Fear not sisters – you can make your boot work in any season. You just need to find a lightweight version: made of stretch fabric or delicate leather. These snakeskin Sergio Rossi cuties can be easily worn with bare legs and a summer dress – in this case it is a Missoni number.

Booties are in vogue now. So take advantage and alternate between above–the-knee and a bootie. Just make sure you choose something worth writing home about, like this beauty from Versace collection.

Quality is king. Always. Invest in statement skins, and look for unique pieces. I love these Versace booties.

Don`t discount the high street. You can find real gems in the sea of mediocrity. These Topshop boots scream uptown chic. Especially when paired with a gorgeous dress from Chloé.

 

Jaeger`s 130th Anniversary Party

This evening a newly refurbished Jaeger`s store at 145 Kings Road, Chelsea welcomed a crowd of fashion-savvy shoppers, to celebrate two occasions.

Firstly, we raised our champagne glasses in honour of Jaeger`s 130<sup>th</sup> anniversary. Secondly, we applauded the re-launch of this particular boutique, which had been occupying a prominent position on London`s fashionable Kings Road, for the last 50 years. I am wearing a dress from Chloé, shoes from Michael Kors and a handbag from Anya Hindmarch.

Jaeger had been known for using quality fibres like cashmere, silk, merino wool and even camel hair to create their outstanding collections.

Much of it is made in Great Britain, and the brand is understandably proud of this fact.

Tonight, we had a surprise waiting in store – ila, an organic British skincare line, offered free mini-treatments: hand and arm massages using luxuriously velvety body cream for vital energy.

We admired a special edition of multi- coloured silk scarves, designed by Italian artist Luisa Bezzi. For every one sold, £25 will be donated to the NSPCC.

Rarefied but uncomplicated, theses cashmere sweaters are definitely a connoisseur`s choice.

I favour bold jewels, and therefore was enchanted by these beauties.

However, my `most wanted` were these bracelets.

 

Happy birthday Jaeger – after all those years, you are still a major British fashion force. http://www.jaeger.co.uk/

Hay Hill Gallery`s evening with Richard L. Minns

Tonight I attended Hay Hill Gallery`s exclusive evening with a master sculptor Richard L. Minns. A former boxing champion, rodeo competitor, and a world-class athlete who is still holding over 12 world’s records in endurance sports, he also forged a successful career as a sculptor. His understanding of human form and attention to detail in portraying human anatomy is prevalent in his work. I am standing in front of a piece that forms part of his Atlas Shrugged Quadrilogy. It is entitled ‘  I own the world!`. I am wearing a leather t-shirt from Whistles, and my clutch bag is a limited edition `Moi?` collection from Marks & Spencer.

Atlas Shrugged Quadrilogy is a series of four inter-related sculptures that illustrate Ayn Rand`s philosophy. The sculptor – pictured tonight – explained that Ayn Rand had a profound influence on his life.

 

Tonight, we were privileged to view his interpretation of Ayn Rand`s philosophy in art form.

This amazing piece is called `Genesis: A new golden world`, and is made of bronze, brass and stainless steel.

The sculptor pointed out that an alpha male and an alpha female represented here  – both physically perfect – share the same ideals and goals, and their destiny was captured in the title `Together we are indomitable!`

This is my favourite masterpiece - `Escape to freedom` - where Minns` modern Atlas smashes his way out of the world of collectivism so he can create his own perfect world and freedom.

More info about the artist: http://www.hayhill.com/minns/minns_2.htm

Asian Art in London

 

Between 30th October and 8 November, London`s leading Asian art dealers, auctioneers, and prominent cultural institutions are presenting Asian art: paintings, antiques, ceramics, glass, and other exciting artefacts. It is part of a programme of happenings, called Asian Art in London, and creates a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with artistic tastes of India; Japan; Vietnam; Korea; the Himalayas…and more. I am in front of Phung Pham`s `Artist`s Model` - lacquer on wood. I am wearing a dress by Tory Burch, and snakeskin boots from Sergio Rossi. I bought this python handbag in Singapore.

I visited one of the galleries - Guy Peppiatt/Stephen Ongpin Gallery – for an afternoon of art talk, followed by ambassador's reception.

Raquelle Azran, who curated a truly amazing exhibition at the gallery, talked us through habits of harmony in Vietnamese fine art. She pointed out that space and time unite in the artists` impressions of the world.

She mentioned that the spiritual world doesn`t collide with physical one, but co-exists happily. Here is `March of Time` by Dinh thi tham Poong.

And highlighted the works of art that showcased harmony of historical Asian tradition with modern Western culture, as evidenced by the work of Vu Thu Hien - above.

The artists use old techniques, like lacquer on wood - example above - but make references to modern subjects in their work, to emphasise their dialog with the past. This is yet another harmony that Raquelle was keen for us to understand and appreciate. Watercolour on handmade paper is another traditional technique, which was showcased at the gallery in its full glory.

The talk was followed by a reception hosted by H.E. Ambassador of Vietnam to the United Kingdom and Ireland Nguyen Van Thao. It was clear that both, the ambassador and the curator had a deep appreciation of Vietnamese artists and they succeeded in bringing Vietnamese art to life at this sophisticated gathering.

More information: http://asianart.com/exhibitions/aalondon/index.html