Boots and capes

If I hadn't just ordered myself a pair of Toms Vegan Wrap Boots (yes, I had to cave and pay regular price, since they suddenly weren't available after ordering them off Amazon), I would be quite tempted to buy these cuties. These are by 80%20 and are 100% wool upper, canvas lining and insole, and rubber crepe sole. Ooo, and military gold buttons. They're also available in black on Moxsie.com. Sigh.

In other shopping news, that glorious Gemma Degara caped top that was on Pixie Market is now available in black or blue in the Etsy shop. Instead of being a size small, the description on Etsy says it's size 'U', or universal. Does that mean it would fit me?

Edit: I am told by the lovely Cristina that the Gemma Degara top is oversized and measures 50 cm shoulder to shoulder, so it's more of a size medium.

I'm all ruffled up

How on earth did I miss these? I've been oogling Gemma Degara's newest Sleepless Night collection ever since it was posted on her website a while back. But it wasn't until Susie Bubble posted a picture of her little gloved hands (above centre) that I noticed these spectacular ruffled things. Oh I do hope someone gets back to me so I can know if they're still available in black and at a reasonable price. Although I spose I could attempt some DiY, as I do still want the owl t-shirt (pictured on right, and available on Etsy)...

Edit: Answered! They're now listed on Etsy for $82 (and are 30% wool, 70% cotton). Sigh.

Shoulder perfection

I am in love with this top. I've been drooling over Gemma Degara pieces since I first discovered her lovely work, but I have yet to purchase one for my own. And now she has a small number from her A/W 09/10 collection on Pixie Market. And this one is just perfect for me. Except for the fact that it only comes in small. Just a fantastic specimen of structural detailing mixed with draped perfection. This piece actually to me seems a hybrid of Alexandra Groover's shell-inspired pieces, and a complexgeometries piece. If I had not been doing calculations in my head all day on how to make a Patricia Ayres artisanal coat mine after a downright fit of royal jealousy this morning, methinks I would take the risk of ordering this small sized top. Sigh.

3 Perfect T's

I've been thinking lately how much my style has changed within the last decade, and even within the last year. I used to be such a (band) t-shirt and jeans sort of girl. But thanks to my expanding/maturing body, I grew dissatisfied with the common tee, and expanded my wardrobe horizons with all different shapes of tops. However, I've obviously never grown out of my love for jersey. And I think my ArtLab Andromache's Deconstruction dresses have rekindled the desire for owning some favorite no-fuss tees that I can just throw on and feel comfortable no matter what size I'm feeling that day. Surprisingly I've found three tees that are more than adequate for the job, AND actually look like I did put some effort into dressing myself. That was almost too easy!

1) complexgeometries lanky t: This tee is quite fitted, so Adam at cg quite rightly suggested I order a size up from usual. I still wouldn't wear it on it's own at full length, but it's absolutely perfect for layering under so many pieces. And it also looks quite adorable scrunched up around the hips to normal tee length. Incredibly soft with raw edges, 100% cotton, and made in Canada.

2) Gemma Degara's Printed Tail T-Shirt: This is from Gemma's A/W 09/10 'Sleepless Night' collection. I fell in love with Gemma's subtly peaked shoulders on jersey tops with her last collection (reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood's witch tops and dresses) and am glad to see them back. I am not really a fan of crop tops, but I could definitely handle this asymmetric hem with something layered underneath (like my trusty Treehouse 28 Wide Strap Dress). I might even turn it around to have the long end in front. And I love love love owls!

3) Take Off Your Clothes' godet t-shirt: The handkerchief draped inset is made of stretch mesh. Simple yet gorgeous.

Having said that, my Andromache dresses truly remain my go-to 't-shirts'. They've almost become my signature piece.

Dulce goodness, but not for me...

Here's a second piece that I am coveting from July's collection at The Shop over at Not Just a Label. This tunic by Mich Dulce (what a great name!) looks so utterly versatile, is 'One size fits all', AND isn't overly expensive ($221US). And do my eyes see my good friend, jersey? But of course such a great piece only comes available once my purse strings have been tied into 20 different boy scout knots. Sigh. Oh, remember I have a sale in my own shop! ...

This is just another blow to my shopping soul, closely following my discovery that the Gemma Degara dress I've been drooling over is now on sale in her Etsy shop. Why, oh, why?!!

One last splurge...

Just when I decided that I need to taper off my spending as the 3-month countdown to a one-income bank account has begun, I have come across one of the most diverse and stunning designers, Gemma Degara. I have indeed fallen in love with her Bushido SS/09 collection. I would wear every single piece in this collection. And I mean every single one. I'd love to insert an eloquent fashion critique here of her work, but I am utterly speechless. I've literally been sitting here for the last 45 minutes going through every single picture over and over. Perhaps a Gemma Degara piece will be the last of my spending. Methinks it would be a good way to celebrate my back finally feeling better.

And I must say that the model, Elisabet Garcia, is possibly one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Just breath-taking photos. I think I shall grow out my hair. I've been admiring Queen Michelle's hair since I found her Kingdom a few days ago, and now this gorgeous set of locks tempts me ever so much to be brave and make my way through the annoying mid-length stage...

Thanks to Patricia of ArtLab for indirectly pointing me to this designer through her Etsy favorites list. I will be daydreaming of these pieces for quite some time...