Couture Wrap-Up

[L-R] Jean-Paul Gaultier, Valentino, Elie Saab, Chanel, Armani Prive

One reason why fashion designers are a constant source of fascination, apart from their outrageous personal attire and controversial remarks about plus-sized models (yes, we are talking about you, Mr Lagerfeld), is their ability to transform everyday references into walking pieces of art. 

This is no more apparent than during the showing of the Haute Couture collections in Paris. A dwindling number of houses dared to venture into fashion's most priciest realm this past week but for those who did, the results were staggering...

The house of Dior is the grand dame of Haute Couture, and the Fall 2010 collection ensured it lived up to its reputation with an extravagant bouquet of vibrant blooms.

Riccardo Tisci opted out of a tradition runway show in favour of an intimate showcase, allowing editors to get up close and personal with his intricate designs of Chantilly lace, appliqued leather and ostrich feathers for Givenchy. Inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead Festival, one garment alone represented 1600 hours of craftsmanship. 

Where To Buy This Tiffany Bracelet for .68 Cents

Think I am joking? This sensational headline is just a trick to grab your attention? Well, you're in for a pleasant surprise if you haven't already come across Ohh I Love 
 
A designer lover's dream, this auction house sells major luxury items at a fraction of the price. We're talking Louis Vuitton's classic Speedy Bag, Marc Jacob's hobos, Tiffany pearl earrings and quilted Chanel wallets.  

What's the catch? It's a little akin to gambling. Each member has to buy a bidding pack, the cheapest being a pack of 30 bids for $29.99. The next step is to search for your must-have item and begin clicking away. Keep in mind that Ooh I Love recoup their costs by charging you $1 each time you bid while also raising the total price of the auction by 2 cents. Every bid also resets the auction clock.

So even though you may REALLY, REALLY want that Fendi clutch, exercise some restraint as there is no guarantee of winning!

My first experience was with a beginner's auction and that's what I would recommend for anyone eager to give it a try as it's your best chance of actually winning. I won the Tiffany Toggle bracelet (pictured) for .68 cents but actually paid $13.58 at checkout when the cost of all of my bids plus the shipping fee was factored in - and that's excluding the initial purchase of the bid pack.

I will state that I had some hiccups following the purchase and had to be pro-active in contacting the customer service support staff to ensure delivery. To their credit, they did respond to my emails promptly and I couldn't have been happier when the little blue box did finally arrive.

Some tricks for new players; watch the 'How It Works' video to ensure you understand the process thoroughly, wait to bid in the very last few seconds of the auction, don't participate in auctions during peak periods like weekends or lunch hours, don't bid too early, the website provides all statistics on previous winners so do your research beforehand and finally, stick to your limit!  

What am I eyeing next?  This Louis Vuitton Neverfull. 

The Perfect Matryoshka

I am fortunate to own this rare beauty. It is not only a constant reminder of how much I love all things Chanel (apart from house's recent penchant for clogs) but also of my former life.


Exactly one year ago my husband was one of the many casualties of the GFC and I suddenly found myself having to give up my beloved job as a globetrotting editor for a Dubai national newspaper and adopt not only a new home in San Francisco, but also the role of penniless housewife desperately waiting for her work permit to be approved.


While my little Matryoshka is a fully functioning handbag, I also keep her on display on our mantle as a reminder of a glamorous period of my life when opportunity seemed endless; plus she's a limited edition and it would be criminal to hide her away in the closet!


So in the spirit of Ms Matryoshka, this blog hopes to be a celebration of stunning design, treasured experiences and all the stuff - material or otherwise - that makes getting out of bed worthwhile. I promise, I am rarely this twee.