Friday, May 31, 2013

Fantasy Grand Prix Weekend

It was about this time last year that I wrote about a fictional dream weekend in Cannes. I haven't daydreamed in a while and actually, since being a sleep-interrupted mom, I can't recall having many dreams at all!

Monaco GP Circuit
Photo: Formula1.com

Anyhow, the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix just took place last weekend with Nico Rosberg winning this year's race.  My friend ThiMy and I were pondering how wonderful it would be to attend the event someday. Its most famous, beautifully set race on the F1 schedule (see above) yet can be most boring because there's very little overtaking because of the narrow track- the starting line up can stay static and pole position wins, unless they crash out. Those close to my hubby and I know that we are follow some motor sports, specifically MotoGP, F1, and WRC (more so my husband). For F1, dear husband roots for Jenson Button and Fillipe Massa. Myself, I am a fair-weather-to-the-underdog fan... and anybody but Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. We've been to Laguna Seca for MotoGP a couple times and we have considered if we attend an F1, it would be either Monaco or Montreal. For WRC, we would consider Argentina... but now that Sebastian Loeb has retired, we'll see about that!

If we ever make it to Monaco again (last time there I was 16 yrs old- soo soo long ago!), what would be appropriate to wear? I know Côte d'Azure attire would be resort wear with colourful and billowy maxi dresses, light shifts, linen pants, sandals etc etc.. but I've been drawn to preppy "summer" sweaters and shorts. For I wandering around the event in the case that its slightly warm out, that's what I would go with. Similar to this look:

But... I try not not to match my shoes to my top if its all one colour. I would opt for a contrast and select something that clashes. Like these:


Dolce & Gabbana sandals
Available at Matches


























Or another example by Natasha Goldenberg (love the accessories!):


Photo: lofficiel.com

However, this is all moot if its scorching out! In that case, its a barely there tank top and shorts or sundress. There's no need to feel overexposed because the F1 grid girls are there to make you look modest.

For evening, should we successfully hijack a yacht and have our own party (are you still with me, ThiMy?)... I love love love the Alexander McQueen dress my girl crush wore at the Cannes Film Fest. I would even agree to keeping the shoes simple because the dress is just so amazing.


Photo: fashionmagazine.com

However, should we fail to find a yacht, we will have to settle for hanging out at the Monte Carlo Casino... oh darn!

The shabby Monte Carlo Casino
Photo: sam garza via wikipedia commons




Monday, May 27, 2013

About an old pair of sandals...

The sandals in discussion
So there's a pair that I found years and years ago at Nordstrom Rack in San Francisco for dirt cheap. At the time I never heard of Italian Shoemaker but they were simple, comfortable, and neutral in bronze sequins. And the footbed is a cushioned faux suede. Unlike regular flip flops, they don't give that soreness in the big toe/index toe junction, and there is a slight wedge (from 3/4" at heel to flat at front). I know it's not much, but that mere slope stands the test of walking day to night vs walking in completely flat sandals. And I've never gotten blisters from the thin straps. For someone who has a lot of shoes, it's pretty crazy how I'm so attached to the most inexpensive pair I own.

They are also my go-to travel sandals because they take up barely any space and weigh next to nothing- pretty crucial when airlines only allow 10 kg for carry on luggage. They've gone from beach outings to dancing at weddings, and climbing Acropolis'. This is relevant now because after globetrotting and surviving multiple summers, they are starting to wear out in the straps. A couple years back, I googled the brand and found styles that weren't so... youthful? (No offence, Mom!) I found that the Bay carried them but again, it seemed an entire differently company made my sandals and the ones in the stores at the time. Even the pairs that showed up at Winners were a little lacklustre and I wish the designers would go back to the old heels designs. Some of you will know what I mean. I complete regret not buying two pairs at Nordstrom but that's OK. That's what Ebay is for as you will see... it is discontinued heaven!

The replacements: Lime green ones are a mothers day gift from my sister.
Leopard printed ones were worth a try.
Both ~ $20 from Ebay :)

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Defunct shoe give-a-way

Last week I cleaned out my closet of old shoes that I either found too tight (post pregnancy) or I just needed to part ways with or I just fell out of love with. I wanted to find new homes for them or donate them. All are either sizes 6 to 7 and only a few of my friends have the same size- a really good thing when shoe shopping and there's no bartering over the last pair in your size.

Anyhow, my dear mother came over and I mentioned my closet clean out and she wanted to see. Let's just say we cannot call it first dibs when she had taken them all. There are no subsequent dibs to be had. Oh well, as long she enjoys them and doesn't let my brother's dog Marley chew them up... its only happened once but that's more than enough. Shoe lovers would understand. ;)

Just to illustrate and for my dear friends to say "its about time she got rid of those"... here is mom modelling all pairs:


Elizabeth and James nude snakeskin pumps

Really ancient heels from Nine West
(Nice pedi mom!)
Nanette Lepore for Keds sneaker wedges
Kenneth Cole embellished mules



BCBG tan kitten heels (my clinic shoes!)




Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Mother's Day Fantasy Wish List

With adjusting to parenthood this past month, life has been a blur. The rinse, lather, & repeat cycle every 2 hours (i.e. feed, change, sleep) has made the days fuse together. I may not be able to recall what day of the week it is; however, I hear somewhere that Mother's Day is coming this weekend. Every website I peruse has outlined Mother's Day gift ideas which is fine and dandy- but no items I would concur with.

So to cope with the cabin fever that comes with life with a newborn, I am running away with this and I have created my fantasy wish list. Why fantasy? Because in reality, maternity leave pay is equivocal to peanuts and my poor husband can only work so many extra hours to make up for the loss of income. Bills come first. Hence, I have geared into conservative mode for the next year. That means I can look and browse, but I cannot allow myself to "add to cart". And also fantasy because honestly I wouldn't seriously expect super expensive gifts for Mother's Day (is this reverse psychology working here...?)  Mind you, I almost pulled the trigger on a vintage Gucci Web Boston Tote as a 'push present' but decided against it because I have an aversion to monogram logos - great price or not.

Anyhow, I digress. Here is my list:

1) Chanel Shopper's Tote from the current season - I can live with this pink. And I swear by convertible top and shoulder handles!


Photo: Chanel.com S/S 2013 Pre-collection
Price: (Need to ask Aleshia!)

2) Hermès Ronde Multi bracelet in rose gold.

Photo: Hermes.com
Price: 2900 Euros

3) Since the immediate post pregnancy body is still much like the 2nd trimester pregnancy body.. how about a flowy dress from the Chanel S/S 2013 collection?


Photo: Style.com
Price: out of affordable range

4} And I love this drapey number from the Row S/S 2013.. its like living in luxurious pyjamas... and living in lounging clothes is something I've learned to appreciate post-partum. :)

Photo: Style.com
Price: need to check w/ Barneys