Thursday 30 October 2014

Got wood?

If only I had a nickel for every time a friend made fun of me for my obsession with wood, metal and leather ...

Wood feels homey, warm and familiar, bringing me back to my childhood and my hometown I guess.

I can't put my finger on it - it's something about the simplicity and the clarity of the patterns and the materials that draws my eye. Wood is honest, it's inspiring; its flaws blend in in an admirable way.

It gives a sense of nature which we've all somehow lost, and it contrasts nicely with metal, quite the representation of urban living. Yes, perhaps that's what it is - the internal unease, the different dynamics we hold within.

I was in NY recently and I added a few things to the wood, metal & leather family which instantly became favourites - below with a few more from the permanent collection ;).


Leather book phone case, Ebay
Wooden USB stick
MIANSAI cuff by Michael Saiger
Carpenter Watch, Lorenzo Buffa - MoMA store

Mesh Gau Bracelet, Laura Santi, MoMA store

While there, I also got a cheeky little double piercing at NY Adorned - I came across it randomly on another blog a week before I landed and I knew it was going down for sure.

The guys there are really friendly; the girl at the reception is the one who introduced me to the gorgeous Miansai cuffs.

They customise the jewellery and the piercings per se to your own taste and body. They do have a massive gallery where you can get a good idea of their products -golden studs, spikes, etc.- and services, which differ from season to season, making them more unique.

To me their game-changer  factor lies within J Colby Smith's subtle piercings, which pay tribute to the name by literally adorning body parts. His work carries a simplicity that fascinates me. The combination of really delicate piercings and luxurious materials comprise probably the smartest move I've seen in the industry so far, "exonerating" piercing on places...other than your lower ear. What this means essentially is that you can still have your piercings and still look "professional", in the conventional sense, and elegant, as these piercings don't take away from your natural characteristics, but they rather enhance them.

For those of you who will ask, I would say it is a bit pricey, however, it is a customised service and the jewellery itself is high quality (gold, silver and so on). At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. so totally worth it - fyi that's how it looks like:



Needless to say, a post with the best places to visit in NY and best shopping spots will follow shortly!

x M

Sunday 9 February 2014

Introducing: Blackmans Shoes

Yes.

I have to admit - I used to make fun of people who wore Doc Martens, especially with it going extremely mainstream lately and EVERYONE ending up wearing the same shoes. But then I grew up and realised they're so popular because they're simply comfy and beautiful. They are quite pricey I find though, although the quality lasts ages. But still.

Anyway, if you were looking to buy them for cheap, look no further! I came across this small shop near Brick Lane, which is said to be one of London's best kept secrets.

Behold - introducing: Blackmans shoes.

There's a really interesting documentary on them here, explaining their way reasonable prices - being the first ones who brought the brand to London they have a deal with the retailer providing specific styles in low prices. Plus you can get a taste of the fun, approachable and unique owners, who will definitely provide a traditional market experience.

To give you an idea price-wise, the Cherry Dr Martens 1460 Boot, which has a typical high-street price varying from anything between £70-£110, is £56 at Blackmans! Yeap, that's right. 

Unfortunately they have the most basic Dr Martens styles, like 1460 in Cherry and Black, and a few of their 1461 shoes. That's why I had to get my new favourite work shoe, Dr Martens Aggy Army BT Boot, from an actual Dr Martens store a couple of months back- worth it this one time because they're simply gorgeous!

Moving on, they also have a few dessert boots styles and plimsoles from other brands, making it all in all a frickin' bargain!

As their sign reads: "The Devil wears Prada, but the people wear £5 plimsoles".

x M



Dr Martens Aggy Army BT Boot

Dr Martens 1460 Boot
Blackmans Shoes

Friday 31 January 2014

#ZaraSale

Hey fellas!

Just thought I'd drop a quick post and let you all know - if you don't already- that since it's that time of the year again, Zara has a sale!

A big one, up to 70% if I'm not mistaken.

I was on a non-shopping resolution which lasted a whole month ... oops. But hey, on the bright side, got a beautiful studio dress -among others- for £20 with the initial price being £110!

Which obviously means it is quite a good time to get your hands on all those gorgeous things you were craving but couldn't afford before.

Here's some of my favourite pieces, which I'm sure you can still catch online if you hurry!
Hope you'll all enjoy your weekend!

Happy Chinese New Year :)

x M

LONG GREY MARL SKIRT

COMBINED FLORAL JACKET


CROP TOP WITH ZIP

NUBUCK ZIP SKIRT


PRINTED BLOUSE WITH ELASTICATED WAIST


FLORAL PRINT DRESS


LINGERIE-STYLE STUDIO DRESS


PRINTED DRESS WITH LACE TRIM