Many a fashionista will tell you that accessories maketh the outfit. It's a relatively inexpensive way of adding individual flair to an otherwise cookie-cutter trend. Recently I stumbled across the online store Madison Honey Vintage and fell in love with this piece of Apple Delight selling for a budget-friendly $US22 - shipping included. And as to whether you should make these earrings your own, the answer is simple: "Yes! Yes!".
Today I want to introduce a regular Friday feature to The Matryoshka Files, a bit of fun to end the workday week. It's inspired by the fabulous movie High Fidelity, with John Cusack and Jack Black, who play characters obsessed with compiling their ultimate 'Top 5' lists for various life scenarios. If you haven't seen the movie (you really should, it has a killer soundtrack) here's what I mean...
It's a game I've played with all sorts of friends and creates a great debate at a dinner party or wiles away the hours in a doctor's waiting room/airport terminal/traffic jam with your other half. So each week I'll provide my own list according to a set topic but would love to hear your own versions too. After all my comments box is feeling a little neglected!
When you're the owner of some serious curves, it's often difficult to find designer labels that cater to your extra va-va-voom. Thankfully, Alexander McQueen could always be relied upon to produce an impeccably cut dress.
A gritty Londoner who trained on Savile Row, he caught the attention of the legendary Isabella Blow with his graduation collection and became known as a rebel amongst the fashion elite. Sadly, he took his life earlier this year after a long battle with depression.
I never fulfilled a long-held dream of reporting from one of McQueen's Paris runway shows but I was lucky enough to acquire a few key pieces that will never be parted from my wardrobe. Given my devotion to McQueen, I was pleased to discover that Visionaire have just released pre-orders for its gorgeous tribute book - Spirit - with an impressive list of contributors including Steven Meisel, Mario Testino and Lady Gaga. Visit their websitehereto sign-up for your copy and also to check out the stunning video that captures the essence of the McQueen legacy.
The book is no small investment at $US295 but just like the designer's own work, it's a piece of art.
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 acrossOhh 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 thatOoh I Loverecoup 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.
There have been very few times I've wanted to walk out of a film that I've paid good money to watch, but Sex & The City's latest big screen offering was one such occasion. This post may be late as no doubt many of you have already seen the sequel but I've been longing to share my thoughts as someone who lived and worked in the United Arab Emirates and has a little inside information on what really went on. Intrigued?...
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.
Many a fashionista will tell you that accessories maketh the outfit. It's a relatively inexpensive way of adding individual flair to an otherwise cookie-cutter trend. 
