Seeing Double : Eyelets Sneakers

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This is a case of seeing something similar, but on different seasons. Rewind to July 2010, I spotted this eyelets sneakers at Zara which I think is pretty cool. Something quite out there for a highstreet label to do compared to the usual hi-tops that they used to produced. Very slim, and in between the eyelets are the studs to make it even edgier.

And fast forward to Spring 2011, a quite similar eyelets sneakers appeared on the designer label's shelf. It's from Marc Jacobs, which have even more fori on the body of the shoes... scattered to even the toecap. Though not as slim as the one at Zara, at least all the eyelets are fully functioning giving you variety of ways to fix the laces. Look closer then you can see that the eyelets pretty much uniformly arranged in a diagonal arrays. Cool design. And it's leather, so that's a plus!

My finding at Zara in July 2010.

Marc Jacobs leather eyelets sneakers @ luisaviaroma

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You Say Classic. I Say Classical... App.

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Ever since my first post that I've already bought a guitar, I've been talking about it on and on. The truth is, I'm still learning to play the instrument till today. And the other real truth is: it's DAMN hard! Harder than learning how to drive. Harder than learning Fluid Mechanics. Or even harder than designing a distillation column! (That's a word to my nephew btw, who's asking me whether he should design a distillation column or absorber for the Design Project - the Chemical Engineering stuff..lol).

And it's true. Playing guitar is so not easy. With all the chords, the frets, the strings to 'pluck'... it's mind-boggling. How you combine all the notes together that make a song - to me, that's like trying to climb Kilimanjaro. So complicated! I dunno how those people out there could make it look that easy ~ and with all the oh-so-endearing tunes that it makes.... I know there's lots of time and effort being spent on this stuff.

Anyway, for those who's a novice like me (or even less than novice!), you now have a choice on whether...

Ruch-front tee @ Asos.

Vest @ H&M

Raw denim @ Uniqlo

Wool fingerless glove @ Marc Jacobs

Studded leather cuff @ He by Mango

Neo-leather asymmetric biker jacket @ Uniqlo

iPad, in the YSL patent leather iPad case.

Brilliant isn't it? Now, for those who have an iPad, you can download the app that resembles a guitar. Codename: Classical Guitar app. And it works! With all the chords that you can scroll down to select, the strings seems to work flawlessly as if you're actually playing a real guitar! And yes, it sounds better of course as compared to how I played. Nggg...

What's more? There's also options to select whether you're right- or left-handed. Or whether you wanna do auto-pluck (so that you won't have to worry about 'recessing' the other strings in a chord). Or even to have a different frets without having to mess around with the actual 'clip'. Brilliant.

And the best part: the app is FREE!

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NYFW: In Love with Marc's Satchels

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At last, stylish satchels for the guys has finally arrived after this season it's been awashed with Mulberry Alexa lookalikes in the women's trend section. Seen at Marc by Marc Jacobs SS11 show in NY Fashion Week, the satchels looks very buttery soft in many color choices like tan, herbs green and taupe. I really love the first two designs which I think a modern interpretation of the classics satchels that I used to see on the street.

Also, there's some kind of progression of the designs too - from having a traditional satchel look to suddenly morphed into totes with two front pockets with a flap, and a superstylish chic fabric one in off-white.

I don't normally like Marc Jacobs bags. But these lots are an absolute exception. To me these bags are much more grown-up and sleeker version of typical Marc by Marc Jacobs that I used to have in mind. :)

[pix from gq style]

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Olive green & Island blue

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Tee - Katerinalexandraki
Shorts - Two in A Gondola
Swim-suit (hint of) - West Coast Cooler gave me
Flip-flops - 10euro MJs
Crystal waters - Kolokytha, Elounda - Crete

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FF Thought #6

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This must be the most honest designer item I've bought. It's a Marc by Mark Jacobs souvenir pendant from his Paris store, priced at 15 euros, featuring a brand tag. I can almost hear him say: "you want something cheap with my name on it? I can give you something cheap with my name on it". No precious stones, no knock-off.

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72 euros can buy...

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So here's what 72 euros bought me at a Mark by Mark Jacobs store:

No kidding... Especially about the "protect the skin you are in" tee i'm particularly proud of, knowing I've somehow helped the research towards the prevention and cure of skin cancer. Coming from a sunny country like Greece is, I am very aware and keen on the matter.

However, having bought all these MJ labeled stuff for this price, and as much as I liked being able to afford them, I cannot help but noticing the..."cheapness" of it all! I mean great, Marc Jacobs is not really known for invention and creation but rather for being inspired by street markets and being rather commercial. But buying a designer bag for 22 euros?

Am I really buying Marc Jacobs or am I simply funding his business with all I can afford? And if I am buying MJ then how should someone buying the less affordable line under the same signature feel? Do our buys have the same credit? All these questions....

Anyways. Just before I left for Paris, I got an award!

Laroux of Clothes Before Hoes finds my blog is fabulous and I am truly honoured to be receiving this by someone whose blog I follow and admire!The rules for accepting this, as featured in Laroux's post, are:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which you think are fabulous.
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Laroux decided to nominate just 5, one blog at a post. I will do all 10 (!), np, but will keep the one-blog-at-a-post system, so the blogs I nominate as "fabulous" get the attention they trully deserve.

First of all, let me pass this on to Lopi, I am a big fan of her blog and I really like her style! Check it out: Fashion Architect.

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Shop Windows in Paris

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Or at least the ones I was particularly interested in. In this post, Marc by Marc Jacobs - Place Du Marche Saint-Honore and Colette - Rue Saint-Honore. There was no way I would leave Paris without visiting those;)

The Marc by Marc Jacobs store is at the corner of the square Du Marche Saint-Honore, at the opposite side of the American Apparel store (which I raided but will show off the trophies at another post). At first glance I just noticed the huge peace symbol but coming closer... remember this post? I got so excited, I must have walked in in such a rush, that the security guard decided to hunt me throughout my visit.

Prices were crazy (=ultra affordable). Will be showing you soon what I made out of them. Coral pink and bright yellow seem to be the colours of choice here for this spring.

Next stop was the legendary Colette, with a brand new window (the changed it the night before).

These drummer girls are wearing Tao by Comme Des Garcones. Navy blue is the colour of choice for Paris at the moment. Colette is such a great boutique of special little things, from books to accessories, to shoes not to mention cosmetics and hair products. Everything in there seems to be some special or limited edition, speaking of which, let me tell you that the Jeremy Scott line for Adidas will be available there in two weeks from now (so no joy for me there).

The main reason I went there was to get as close to this pair of Marc Jacobs sandals as possible. For 650 euros though I realised I could buy about 10 pairs of Marc by Marc Jacobs rain boots or pay for another three visits to Paris return (croissants included) and decided to pause this buy. For as long as I can anyway since I could still buy them online here.After hours of walking through all the different levels of the shop, I decided that what I needed and at the same time could afford was James Brown's new hair products (James Brown as in Kate Moss' hairdresser and not the singer, as the sales advisor stressed out in a very cute french-english accent).

Having tried them, I can now tell you they are worth the hype. I thought they did wonders to my very long, punished by the freezing parisian wind, super-dry hair.The bag was interesting so I brought it back with me. Not sure what my friends will think of the gifts I bought them, I sure do hope I'm in the dark blue area!!

I wish I'd found more stuff I liked in there but my budget range clashed with my speed in grabbing ltd ed. tees in my size as well as my taste and timing within the season. In other words? Expensive taste, slow shopper and should visit again in March!

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Marc Jacobs, MMD

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Oh - Make My Day, Mark J!

Actually, it was my friend who made my day by giving me this Marc Jacobs lipstick pen. I know this has been around for quite a while, but dear friend visited San Fransisco recently and after all this time, put an end to my lust.

I think they are as cheap as $1.20 but it's so not about the price, this pen* is kewl.

*the strass emblazoned pen next to it was one I had bought myself from Sunny Side Up. Best substitute I could find here in Greece, equally cute, no?

She also gave me this, which at first thought was a fun pack of matches. It is fun alright, matches it's not:)

Sure Marc, safety first. Fashion can get certain messages across simply and loudly.

(potentially silly quest.: is this really Marc Jacobs' hand-writting? Gee man, you write like a five-year-old:P)

*Cheers Kristine, totally MMD;)*

P.S. I've decided. I am buying the Marni shoes. To be continued...

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