It Only Hurts the First Time -- Christian Louboutin Pik Pik Flat

 (Below) The Wicked Red Sole That Killed Us All...

 (Below) No More Stepping On My Feet!

How hard I've been trying to restrain myself from the allure of Christian Louboutin was history now. Because I finally succumbed. Still bewitched by the sharp spikes and golden rivets, I present you the most sought-after flat of the season, the Christian Louboutin Pik Pik! With hours of waiting in front of the computer and refreshing the CL on-line shopping site, I was lucky to get the last one in my size. They were sold out in 25 minutes since its posting.

The Christian Louboutin Louis Spikes is truly a show stopping piece; so are its entourage including the glamourous Rollerball and the splendid Pik Pik. Never being a performer of any kind or even knowing one, I unwillingly convinced myself to stay away from sharp edges. But I guess it's the repetitive life that I'm stuck in right now or maybe some inner cosmos just got exploded, my needs for a feel of cold and sharp painfulness just couldn't contain anymore. The spikes ripped this suffocating cloth wide open and I can finally breath. Well, that was a bit dramatic but you see what I'm saying, right?

The Pik Pik is way over what I usually pay for shoes and I honestly can't think of any occasion to wear it. But the hell with it, I'll throw a party just so I can wear my Pik Pik!

You know what's horrible about Christian Louboutin Spikes? They got you addicted once you taste the fresh blood sipping from the soles. I just got the Louis in black Patent leather with spikes even without discussing it with the rational half of me.... - -! So sick & so happy...

Let's Spend Many Summers Together--Bottega Veneta Lagoon Nero Faded Vintage Calf Tote

(Below) She likes her new home :)

(Below) The on-line pictures better justify the effortless shape of this tote bag;

(Below) Carry it as a handbag or a shoulder bag by adjusting the handles.

The expandable overlays make it both stylish and practical! 

(Below) A Bottega Veneta Iconic Intrecciato Heavenly Sky Blue Wallet  

that has been with me for 3 years...and it's still outshines any other wallet!

Is it crazy to adore a bag so much that I can't stop thinking it months before its release? Or am I gone insane to actually miss the bag even though I know it's finally resting on my tiny closet shelf, safe and sound? Well you might have a cure for my insanity but I'd rather stay sick, holding my new Bottega Veneta bag!

I know I say this very often but it's truly love at first sight with this one. The mysteriously color of blue and green are what they call "lagoon". What a beautiful name! With the faded dark corners, it's like diving into a lagoon with a pin-hole camera: deeply drawn into this otherworldly beauty. The veins, did I mention the veins? The lagoon becomes even more vivid with the veins wandering all over. And the Intrecciato trim completes the bag with an iconic BV stamp! Like I'm committed to many other relationships with bags, I'll cherish this one forever.

If you're reading this and got all excited and maybe even emotional, then you've got a problem. If not, you've got a bigger problem because you're aesthetically impaired!!! Man!!

In The Spot Light -- Prada Espadrille Wingtips with Thick Micro & Rubber Sole

The moment that I saw this heavenly Prada Espadrilles walking down the runway, I knew that I have to have it. When the first shipment arrived, I did stop by the SOHO store to greet them. Because the limited color combinations available and being a "rational" shopper as I am, I decided to wait. So I left the store, and then the Prada Espadrilles of Summer 2011 extravaganza begun.

The shoe has been featured on every existing media out there. I remember seeing it several times a day just by checking my emails. Soon it was on the news of New York Magazine and the shoe has been sold out everywhere, around the globe...  I was devastated><

So I begin checking the Prada On-line Shopping Site regularly (several times a day) and hoping that there will be a new shipment or something. As far as I know, all Prada shoes are directly imported from Italy and the E-shop has its own inventory system. All of the styles were listed as "Available soon" and then one day, it quietly turn into "Buy". The soles of these espadrilles has been significantly reduced in hight when put into production and the women's version is "less damaged" as to men's. So I got a women's version in size 40 (I'm men's US size 9, and this style does run big). I assume the backlog has been somewhat cleared and there're actually several sizes that are still available here. Get one before it's completely gone!

Gentlemen's Espadrilles -- Phillip Lim Leather Espadrilles from Spring 2011

My First Ever Espadrilles

(Below) Finally, a show box that I don't wanna throw away

because it's beautiful and functional.

(Below) Wearing Band of Outsiders Shorts

& Dries Van Noten Shirt

(Below) Dries Van Noten Fall 2010

On a recent trip to New York,  I tried on this espadrilles at the Phillip Lim store at SOHO and instantly fell in love with it. While I was getting bored with the mediocre spring cloths and disappointed by the spare men's collection, I spotted this espadrilles lying innocently on the display table. Believe or not, I was going to make fun of its odd shape and the fact that it is...em....well.... an espadrilles. 

As an ethnic minority, I somehow developed a dislike for clothes that are too ethnic. My style, if I have any, has been more of urbanized preppy. Among all the colorful and bold prints, I thought espadrilles are "too ethnic" for a "city mouse" >< But my friend insisted that I should try it on since he's more of a "country mouse".

Well, you never know! I'm not sure if it's the buttery soft leather or the plaited rope sole, but my feet has never been this comfortable. I just couldn't hide my fondness for the shoe and with "deliberation", I decided to get it when it's still available. The city mouse couldn't be more embarrassed for his pragmatic opinion about espadrilles... so are you a city mouse or a country mouse? 

Weaponized--Phillip Lim Spiked Berry Wristlet and Caramel Colored Leather Backpack 2011

Sharp spikes! Carry with caution.

(Below) I missed all the spiky fun with Christian Louboutin

And finally, I got myself sharply equipped ><

(Below) Meet Mr. Glass-is-half-full!

And I'm serious thinking about going back to school because of him.

(Below) An afternoon sunbath is good for the skin...

(Below) I love everything in Caramel!

Wearing Lanvin Trainers and Topshop Low Clutch Jeans

"Street punk" is so very in trend. From all the spiky sneakers of Christina Louboutin to the studded biker jackets of Burberry Prorsum, everyone is sharpening their shiny spikes for the coming fashion riots. As much as I enjoy the punk influence and the occasionally S&M implication, I just don't think I can pull of anything with sharp edges.

However, I'm having a fatigue of my "well-trimmed and clean" look of myself (did I just say that - -!) So I got myself this Phillip Lim spiked Berry Wristlet, actually for women, to spice things up. I haven't carry it out in the public since I got it, but I do enjoy the "pain" whenever I play it alone with my hands. (You're sick ....><) Anyway, the clutch comes in many colors: black with black spikes, grey with silver, brown with silver, purple with silver, are some I've seen. If you're looking for something to accentuate your outfit as well as a weapon in case of emergency, this the one! They're sold out at most places and only a few available at ssense.com


Oh, and the backpack? A treat for the inner schoolboy of mine that craves everything in caramel!

Love Remembered in Cameo -- Bottega Veneta Spring Summer 2011 Cameo Jewelries

I love Bottega Veneta! I love their takes on combing classics with just the right amount of edginess. I admire their respect to traditional craftsmanship and am constantly amazed by their beautiful and intricate works. It sounds cheesy but I visit their stores as a trip to a museum of artworks. The only difference being that I do occasionally bring back the real artworks, not those souvenirs $-$!

The cameo are hand-carved at Naples, where cameo was first practiced by ancient Romans. The elaborate metal parts were darkened silver filigrees. Cameo jewelries are elegantly making a come back. Maybe it's only hallucination, but I do remember watching a classic movie about a beautiful but sad love story, in which the cameo ring being a key prop. Unlike many other jewelries, cameos, with a portrait of a beautiful lady, seems to be telling a mysterious love story. Please educate me if you know anything interesting about cameo rings><

Baby Bears -- Adidas Originals + Jeremy Scott Teddy Bear Sneakers 2011

(Below) The Pink Ones Are Not Mine.... I Swear! 

 (Below) Prada Techno Jacket and Acne Jeans 

 (Below) In What Day, I Can Go Out... ... 

The Spring Summer Jeremy Scott for Adidas Originals is as romantically naive as usual. The fire, lightnings, wings that glow in the dark, and of course, the fluffy teddy bears are almost too childish for designer fashion. And I know I'm probably too old for this but who can resist fluffy brown smiling bears?! I bet Anna Wintour secretly owns a pair and wears all the time when at home...

Not to mention that all the fuss about this pair on the blogsphere even before it hits the store. I called the Originals store at Georgetown way back in February, but they didn't have a waiting list so it's basically first come first served. I was lucky to accidentally dropped by the store on its first day of sale. I went there the next day to buy my friend the pink one and most of the sizes were sold out already...

If your inner child is also craving for this pair? Run fast to the store:)

Wrapped Me Tight -- Duvetica Down Vest

(Below) Wearing Band of Outsiders Split Collar Cashmere Sweater

& Lacoste Live Gingham Shirt

(Below) Dear Kenny McCormick... I don't wanna be killed anymore.

(Below) Chinese Pop Diva Faye Wong Wearing Duvetica Down Jacket

Photo Credit: 00o00

I'm having a serious fever with colorful down jackets these days. Maybe it's the excruciating cold weather, or I'm just tired of the black and gray of a typical winter. The down jackets from Duvetica, a similar brand of Moncler that's also from Italy, caught my attention with its neon colors and a zipper that can zip up all the way to your head with an extended zipper around the edge of the hood. I guess this is what Kenny McCromick's been wearing all these years in South Park. 

Compare to Moncler, a company known for fancy down jackets, Duvetica's colors are more edgier and funkier. Not to mention the many more choices you have with Duvetica. And what is most appealing is that they're about 30% -50% cheaper than Moncler! But the quality is as superb:) So why not? 

Duvetica jackets are mostly available at Barneys Co-op stores. and Shopbop.com

Skull and Pearl -- Luis Morais Jewelry at Aloha Rag

(Below) The Signature Bracelet from Luis Morais

Made of 18k Gold and Ebony Beads

Top on My Drooling List

The aesthetic of Luis Morais, the most sought-after jeweler based in Miami, is a combination of gothic dark and elegant light. Using varieties of luxury materials including Brazilian ebony beads, crocodile and lizard skin, sandalwood and gold, his high end jewelry has been an instant hit since its debut in 2000. 

He started his jewelry workshop by DIY a bracelet that he saw on a magazine. Due to popular demands, he had to make many similar pieces for his friends. As the requests piled up, he quit his job and started his own business. And now his collection are available around the globe in many high-end designer boutiques. If I knew DIY can turn into a successful business like Luis Morais, I would pay much more attention to the arts and crafts class when I was in school... 

His collection is available at Aloha Rag and the Bergdorf Goodman store at New York:)