Vacation Shopping

Yes, it has been a long holiday break here. Speaking of which, my latest entry is somewhat inspired by my recent vacation in India.

India, first of all, is probably one of the most colorful, fabulous and flashy fashion cultures that I’ve come across yet. Though one of the leading fashion capital in Asia, the locals especially women, still favor their traditional wear over contemporary fashion. A local paper featured the launch of an international fashion house that has just opened their first men’s wear flagship store in India. Apparently, it was too competitive and not as lucrative to cater to women customers – who favor their saris and salwar kameez more than anything else.

A beautiful bride laden with precious stones and a heavily embellished sari.

Anyhow, back to my point. While I was thoroughly enthralled and fascinated by the blaze of colors and blings (read: infinite sparkling embellishments on saris and heavy layering of blinding jewellery), it occurred to me that this fashion style works wonderfully on Indian soil – but not outside.

And this is where many of us make a hideous mistake – shopping for clothes and accessories while vacationing. (Most) women have a weakness for shopping and buying things that catches their eyes and things that normally catch the eyes are usually colorful, dazzling and uncommon e.g. things that you see while vacationing in some exotic place. India for example is a good illustration.

Splendid color combination on a stylish gentleman no less.

It is absolutely fine to shop for exotic interior deco and furniture while on vacation – as long as you can get them home. However, shopping for your wardrobe is extremely risky. First of all, unless you’re shopping from an international brand, you’re most likely buying locally influenced styles, traditionally exotic clothing and accessories. Chunky bracelet, dangling earrings and the omnipresent sarongs are among the few common crimes. We are carried away by how gorgeous the locals look and get so inspired that we forget that their beautiful open toe sandals will probably not work well with the winter fashion back home. Layering yourself with tons of diamonds and precious stones may be a show of wealth in India, but doing the same thing in some other countries places you in gangsta categories or worst – gaudy.

It is fine to purchase a few pieces of item that you have thought through thoroughly that it definitely goes with several of your clothes back home and most importantly, go well with your personal style. Heck, you need to be able to carry off the look for quite a while.

The only exception is if you’re vacationing in a place where their local fashion flavors are currently delectable to the palates of fashion designers worldwide.

All I want for Christmas is...

It’s almost a month away to the season of exchanging gifts! Besides putting together the best outfits for all the parties and festivities that are to come, it's also time to put together a (fantasy) list of what would be nice to get during this holiday season.

All I want for Christmas is peace and happiness.

And if possible, I wouldn’t mind getting any (or all) of the following:

THE green Gucci dress that is sinfully elegant with its ruffle sleeves and luscious emerald color. But most of all, the front slit that oozes sexiness and reminds us of the time when Gucci was Tom Ford. Truly a timeless piece - something to make your granddaughters jealous because you're not passing it on to them!

It's time to hike up the fashion ante at work. Set the benchmark with jewel tone silk dresses and pumps and save wardrobe changes for that after work party. Fashion is also about being practical.

Lela Rose pleated dress.

One must have a one shoulder dress simply because they are too chic not to have. Their asymmetrical cut gives a refreshing and modern take on simple dresses. But the true magic lies in those that are cut just under the arms, covering that extra flesh that some of us have between the breast and armpit.

Jill Sander one shoulder white dress.

After a year of ogling over those overrated body hugging bandage dresses from Hervé Léger, it's time to get one yourself. These dresses fits snugly over the body and complements all womanly curves. Like true fashionistas, stay clear of the original McCoy and instead find inspirations elsewhere.

Aquascutum divine bodice dress.

Cardigan with front drapes are all the rage at the moment because they create the illusion of wearing a shawl, adding that extra edge to an otherwise boring cardi. Its versatility to go well with shorts and short skirts, making it a lasting item through all seasons.

Cardigan from H&M.

Heels, heels, heels! for reaching greater heights; it’s all about going higher and making those legs longer.

Alexander McQueen leather pumps.

Fendi suede pumps.

Simple ruched boots as an alternative to all the other black, tight, circulation-stopping boots on the streets.

Stella McCartney boots.

Some Mulberry wouldn’t hurt either.

All in all, always be happy with what we have and have a merry and fruitful holiday season!