For Wendy B to Drool Over!

Here are those amazing over the knee boots I nearly had a heart attack over yesterday...


Go ahead and drool now, I'm sure you have a stylish hankie to wipe it off!
XXX

More Melissa Sample Sale Report!

We did indeed hit the sale again today as I really was hoping to get a nice comfy pair I could toss in my handbag for those days the heels got too much in the heat. Prices were not reduced, but there was plenty of stock to choose from and the staff -- as before -- were so helpful, even trying to find tiny pairs for the Punk Glam Princess (no luck though.)

I found these very comfy cute wedges in a light grey (def not white as they look in the pic):

Don't mind the ugly feet pic I walked MILES! And when I switched to these I was in heaven! I had thought flats would be best, but I just trip over my feet in them so these are perfect!

Now these I had been eying from the first visit. But they were a little too much for me to justify. However the owner came over and gave us big hugs welcoming us back introducing himself to my husband, and said pick what I wanted and he would give try to work something to my advantage. And he definitely did! I'm so happy with them that I found two pairs! What a lovely man! I found this last pair of metallic green in my size and am thrilled as I'm def a green person!

The second pair in metallic gold. They are def going to look hot this summer! So comfy too!

The last pair I so wanted, but they just didn't have them in my size. However my friend in Paris, the gorgeous Jeanne Suica (of Jeanne Suica Vintage) lucked out, as I got a deal for her on those too!

The owner was very happy that I had blogged about the event and said they did indeed get many people coming since then. He mentioned about putting me on a future VIP list, and he promised to always give me a great deal! Such a great shopping experience, especially when it comes to the cutthroat world of sample sales! And honestly, you couldn't have come across more helpful, pleasant and lovely staff. I highly recommend you hit it the next time you go! There was even a woman trying to find her way in when we got there and she kept coming up to me and thanking me for showing her where to go. Seriously great people there, staff and customers!

We later moved on to my other fav store... Alexander McQueen to see what was new in store. Omg, the beauties! My pennies will be saved for a few MUST have items. Zarinah, the amazingly stunning and sweet salesperson welcomed us with open arms and big hugs and kisses and wanted to know all about my dress' first outing. So much fun sharing with people who really appreciate wonderful clothing. And, even more extraordinary to find high-end sales people who not only love children but treat them with respect. Yes, I can't wait until my pennies are saved... I'm also excited as she said she just posted out a new catalog for me to plan my purchases!

The PGP had to stop into the Apple store as she's on a "I want an iPad" kick. Well maybe at some point but def not before Mom!

Dinner at the Diner on the corner of 14th by Old Homestead was cheesy-licious! Then we decided to brave Nordstom Rack. Ugh. I'll stick to the one up here in the burbs. I will say the shoe department is very well stocked with great high-end shoes at pretty good prices.

After that, we were exhausted and decided to call it a night. I needed a nice day of retail therapy as tomorrow will be rather somber due to the memorial for a dear friend who passed away.

Cheers!

"The" Dress

Short post as I've overexerted myself this weekend and the old hand is acting up. Will try to do a longer post when feeling less fatigued. But since it was requested, here's pics of my Alexander McQueen dress and scarf/ wrap. I'm still in love with it!


Hanging it looks like a very odd shape, but you twist it, then ruche it up which gives a great sexy look and asymmetrical hemline. I also love the zip at the neckline as you can play and make it off one shoulder or both, or none!


I tried to get a good shot of the pattern on the scarf. Its the same camo rose print with skulls mixed in. Its enoromous I can wrap it around my waist almost three times!

No one shall ever accuse my husband of being a decent photographer!


Silly pose trying to hide my brace...


Even sillier with the PG King taken by the PG Princess (who is actually getting pretty good!) -- hey he cleans up nice, no? The lovely brace really makes a great fashion statement eh? ): I think I'm going to have to embellish the ugly thing soon, I despise it so!

Cheers!

Holiday Time!

A few weeks ago we went on holiday to London and Glasgow, and as luck would have it was in London for the first two days of London Fashion Week. I managed to attend one show, which I'll write about in another post. For now, I'll talk about the Punk Glam Princess and my adventures.

It was a bit of a whirlwind, trying to fit everything in, but we did manage to see most everyone. And most importantly we made our way out of the vortex called London that usually sucks me in (hey, its hard to get out of such a great city filled with so many good friends) and took our first visit to Scotland. Glasgow to be exact. Even more specifically to see Queen Michelle and Queen Marie of "Kingdom of Style". I knew we'd get on like old friends, but what I didn't expect was to fall in love with the beautiful old city of Glasgow. Staying in the luxurious 5 star Blythswood Square hotel added to the magic. (The hotel is deserving of its own review post and will be coming soon, promise! I'm still typing one-handed and can't wait until this ulnar neuropathy is finally healed!)

Our first night in Glasgow was spent having a gabfest at the hotel, which I wanted to go on forever! The Queens are the best and lavished us with such thoughtful and yummy gifts! Day two we met up with Queen Michelle and she took the PGP and I around shopping. My favourite shop was the lingerie shop Boudiche, where I purchased the most beautiful pair of Bebaroque "Myrtle" tights. Back in the '80's I designed lingerie and I still have quite a weakness for it, and Boudiche was a scrumptious sight to behold. The staff was so sweet, offering tea, and helping when needed. They also told me that when you order from the US via their website, the VAT is automatically deducted, and the shipping charges are quite reasonable. I know there will be more shopping from them in my future -- I had my eyes on some beautiful Bebaroque stay-ups and tights that were sadly out of stock but should be in soon and I will definitely be ordering from them. Queen Michelle tried on a gorgeous Lascivious Candy bodysuit from their Showgirls collection in hot pink that made us think of super heroes, so a super hero shot was in order!

It's Super Queen Michelle!

Not to leave out the PGP, Queen Michelle found a gothy/punky type shop called Osiris for her to find some goodies. She came away with a grey, black, & white short tutu skirt, and a red leopard bondage style motorcycle jacket that she hasn't removed since! (And that mum will be borrowing as well!)

It was sad to say goodbye, but hopefully it won't be for too long!

Back in London, the scramble started. I was taking the PGP down to Brighton to stay with her bestie L-Belle, and my bestie Barbara. We also decided to get haircuts at Rush since the last experience was so great. The lovely Esther (see my post from last summer here) wasn't in that day, but Brooke was suggested. So the PGP got her very first salon cut and I must say it looks gorgeous! I also got a fabulous cut, so here's another recommendation for Rush in Brighton -- different stylist, still a great cut! I left back for London solo as the next day was the first day of LFW.

The lovely Brooke at Rush, Brighton.

The Punk Glam Princess with her new 'do and L-Belle.

My new 'do much later that evening after rain! It actually looks much better, or will do once my hand is fully working again!

There was a total mess-up with my invites, I was assured they had been sent to the hotel, yet nothing arrived. The concierge even checked with the other hotel with "Bloomsbury" in its name as he said sometimes things go there by mistake. But no luck, it still remains a mystery. Thankfully a very magical pixie (you know who you are!) was able to make a mad scramble to get me on the list for the Felder+Felder, Jean-Pierre Braganza, and Hannah Miller show. I'm so grateful as I really enjoyed the show, which will I'll also feature in another post.

I must also suggest The Bloomsbury Hotel on Great Russell Street (very close to the British Museum and Oxford Street as well). The hotel has had a total renovation and was preciously a Jury's hotel. Its now stunning as well as accommodating. We'll definitely stay there again.

The PGP at the entrance to our lovely room at the Bloomsbury Hotel.

Our room at the Bloomsbury Hotel which was quite spacious although it doesn't look so in this photo!

I love staying in Bloomsbury as its so convenient for me to get to other parts of London. For example, the tubes were a mess while we were there, and on our last night we were headed to the Angel to meet up with some friends at our fav restaurant S & M Cafe (mind out of the gutter, Sausage and Mash, great traditional British food) but realized the tube would have stopped far below. However, just around the corner from the hotel there were loads of buses on New Oxford St. that took us directly there.

Wandering home after a meal at the Stockpot in the West End, we came across this at Centre Point. What sort of fancy sports car was this?

A Smart car! Pretty snazzy, no?

On the second day of LFW I decided to get some shopping done. I had to meet up with Barbara who was bringing the PGP back to London, and we decided we needed to go to the Alexander McQueen store. As mentioned previously, the scene was somber as was to be expected. I Love my new sunglasses but was a little disappointed that the boots and ring I wanted were out of stock in my size. (No matter, I remedied that once in NY, post foreshadowing heehee!) Barbara got a lovely ring as well.

My dreamy new sunglasses.

Barbara's new ring by the condolence book and flowers inside the shop. Photo by Barbara Taylor.

Barbara and I reflected in the window, trying to take a photo of the tribute. Photo by Barbara Taylor.

I loved this photo of Alexander McQueen.

Sorry for the long-winded post, but I had to work on it piecemeal and it turned out a bit longer than planned! I still have posts coming, so as my hand slowly heals they'll be coming along so stay tuned for more!

Cheers!

Beyond The Rack is Off Their Rocker

I had gotten a notice of a designer sunglasses sale at Beyond The Rack. Much to my delight I found the exact McQueen sunglasses I had just purchased at the Alexander McQueen boutique in London last weekend. They had different colours available and since purchasing these, I've gotten more compliments than I can count. So at $189, I thought I would purchase a pair in a different colour. Only something didn't seem right. The original retail price was listed at $450, which would make these a discount of about 58%. I paid 175GBP (roughly $266.) Having been in the New York McQueen shop this past week and inquiring about the price there, I was told they were $250. So the actual discount at Beyond The Rack is only 25% not 58%. Not only have they intentionally misled their customers, they didn't even have the grace to give me a response when I inquired, giving them the benefit of the doubt thinking it was a misprint. A further google search turned up the same sunglasses at a lower price, with free shipping -- something not offered by Beyond The Rack. So please, know your prices before assuming these online sample sale sites are truly a bargain.

Later today I checked out a "Accessories Blowout" on Haute Look. I came across the Gucci Britt wallet I had purchased on sale at the Gucci boutique FOUR years ago at the same price! Where's the bargain there? Four year old merchandise, at the same price found at the Gucci boutique.

I think I'll be unsubscribing from all of these so-called discount sites promptly. Much better discounts can be found directly from the designer boutiques where they don't have to lie about the original retail price either.

Cheers!

My Bittersweet Blog Anniversary

On 11 Feb last year, I started this blog. I had a fun post planned as I was to be in London and Glasgow, and would be attending some LFW events as well.

Then the news that Alexander McQueen was found dead came through. I've always been a massive fan of Alexander McQueen, and to be honest it was him that got me started blogging as my first real post a few days later I talked about the McQueen for Target line. Having just a week previous lost an old, dear friend to suicide as well as a few months previously having this catastrophe hit our extended family, this news was a bit more than I could bear.

I won't go on as to why I adored Alexander McQueen, his death has left me a at a loss for the words to describe just how much I shall miss this incredibly creative designer. I send all my love and sympathies to his family who have sustained the loss of both a son and their mother. Please keep this in mind during this very difficult time of shock and grieving. There is an open void left where Lee's genius had shown through, and I know those of us who loved him and his talent are also feeling the pain. I'll not speculate or judge on his cause of death, I will express my extreme sadness by knowing the world is a lot more dreary because of the loss of his creative genius. There will always be copycats and knockoffs but there will never be another Alexander McQueen.

I did visit the McQueen store while in London and signed the condolence book. Though the whole time there my eyes wouldn't stop tearing up in spite of finding the perfect sunglasses I had been dreaming about but didn't know existed. This past week I visited the New York boutique, I think my craving to purchase has to do with holding on to a little piece of him before he is replaced and the line continues on. While there the sales assistant showed me Polaroid's of his last collection which of course is stunning.

Happy One Year Blog Anniversary and RIP Alexander McQueen. Bittersweet indeed.

XXX

PS posting shall continue to be sporadic as I've developed "ulnar neuropathy" from sleeping in a funny position on the plane ride home. Unfortunately this makes my hand pretty much useless and will take another two-three weeks or so to heal. Apologies, as I have some fun posts planned about my travels.

"Is it Paris?"

*This is a very special guest post by Barbara Taylor. All photos ©Barbara Taylor. Edited by Idee Fixe. Enjoy!

Entrance to the show.

People watching before the show.

"Is it Paris?"

With those three words, I won 2 tickets to attend Alexander McQueen's S/S 2010 fashion show in Paris!

I really couldn't believe my luck, and set about trying to figure out if it was possible I could go. Sure, I could take the time off work, but could I afford it? I'd have to pay for 2 fares (mine and my daughter's) and I'm already going to Paris in November for Paris Photo... but could I afford not to go?

Getting an invite to an event like this was like getting an invite from a prince saying that there was a ball happening! And there was no way I was letting any ugly stepsisters keep me away!

We took the Eurostar Tuesday morning and arrived at the hotel later in the day desperate to settle in. Once I checked in, we were presented with 2 big pink envelopes with our names on them. The invites had arrived! Ever so carefully, we opened them in our room and oohed & ahhed over how beautiful they were. Tonight was going to be special indeed!

We got to the venue about 8 pm. Not really knowing how fashion shows worked, I thought it best to get there early. Besides, we could do a bit of people watching!

Once we got inside and found our seats we realised it was a mistake not to have brought a drink. there was no place to get even a drink of water! Thankfully, a very kind woman in front on me shared hers with me!

The show started about 9-ish, and since you have probably all seen it on the website I won't go into detail. I didn't know where to look first! The shoes!! The clothes!! The hair!! I knew the show would be dramatic, but i didn't expect a story, yet that is exactly what I got from watching the show. This was a collaboration between Alexander McQueen and photographer Nick Knight, who you may remember for his work in i-D and The Face magazine in the 1980s (you might even have a CD or two he did the cover for!) and who now owns SHOWstudio.com, "an award-winning fashion website." I felt the futuristic paranoia of the robotic cameras (Britain is "surveillance society" with about one CCTV camera for every 14 people) as they invaded the stage and privacy of the expressionless models. The light of nature came from the clothes, which pumped and breathed as if alive. The clothes were a new hope, that even when we have destroyed everything, nature will find a way.

The finale. Note Grace Coddington of American Vogue on screen located on the far right!

It seemed like it was over too soon, and as soon as our hero darted across the stage, everyone piled out!

So after spending a day in Paris, a day back at work, and an exhibition opening party at the Tate Modern, do i feel it was worth it?

Definitely!

I hope you enjoy the photos!

Barbara

~*~ Barbara has a BA in Editorial Photography from University of Brighton, and is currently pursuing a Photography MA in the same place. Her work has been included in exhibitions in Brighton, London, Barcelona, Majorca, and New York City, and used for live recording CDs officially released to fans by Ryan Adams and The Cardinals. Her work is featured on the University of Brighton Faculty of Arts website Barbara Taylor, which shows her series titled "Beds". You can follow her on Twitter here: @girlb

From Idee Fixe: Thank you so much Barbara for offering us your personal view of the McQueen/ Paris Fashion Week mystique!

Barbara had graciously offered me her other ticket, and I scrambled my brain trying to figure out the logistics of getting to Paris for a few days. In the end I couldn't arrange to be there due to cost and more importantly childcare issues. However, being one of the hundreds of thousands of people watching this historic and exciting event streaming live by SHOWstudio was even more thrilling for me knowing that Barbara was there!

Regular readers of this blog will probably have guessed that Alexander McQueen is one of my all-time favourite designers. I've followed his career from the beginning, saving old issues of i-D, The Face, and more mainstream periodicals that had his innovative designs featured. The S/S 2010 collection was another imaginative and artistic entry, with him once again enticing us with his innovative designs and fabrics!

For me, being able to watch the show live in its entirety gave me a better sense of cohesion than I would normally get from a collection. The beginning with the opening sequence of Raquel Zimmerman writhing salaciously with snakes on sand, then moving on to the gargantuan robotic arms with cameras, and the subsequent images projected onto the stage, I could not only feel a story unveiling but actually see and experience it!

The show conjured images of the earth and sea, each new piece coming down the runway adding another dimension; culminating in a watery Atlantean sea-alien quality. (The theme for this show was "Plato's Atlantis".) The fabric prints were remarkable mixtures of snake, insects (I definitely saw moths in some prints), Rorschach ink blots, and metallics. At points you could see how the prints and designs coordinated perfectly with the background film projected on stage seeming to disappear into the screen! They blended so perfectly, matching up with each seam, pleat, and ruffle that you'll find it hard to believe that the print wasn't superimposed over a finished garment! The dresses looked fluidly structural to me, reminding me of soft waves that managed to maintain a shape without collapsing. I'm positively craving the blues of the sea with accents of porpoise grey -- no mean feat considering I usually disdain blue with a passion instead always choosing the green options!

Some other highlights for me were the skinny trousers and tailored jackets, the latter of which is always a perennial McQueen favourite of mine. There were also a few interesting dresses that looked to me like they were made of latex, and an incredible dress and jacket combo where the jacket seemed to swirl around the body, hugging the curves. (Ah, again I drool over McQueen jackets!) Oh and those insanely creative shoes -- to me they looked like hooves or lobster claws, my fav style being the sea-alien green carved looking shoes! 10 inches high... you definitely would have a fall from grace if you took one misstep! (Let's see Steve Madden try and do a rip-off of these. Um, no.) The other-worldly hair (giant braided and sculptured "horns") and makeup (prosthetic pieces on the cheekbones creating what looked gill-like, pale skin, and two-tone nails adding to the sea-alien look) styling added the finishing touches.

Thank you so much to Alexander McQueen and Nick Knight for giving the public a taste of high fashion!

If you missed the show when it aired (so many users online at the same time caused the servers to crash) you can still catch it here: Plato's Atlantis. There you will also find the 30 minute interview Nick Knight did with Alexander McQueen that preceded the show. Another must-see!

Cheers!

Tuesday Goodies

When I arrived home today I had a package from "My Catwalk" in Australia in my mailbox. I had purchased the regular Sass and Bide Black Rats awhile ago, and have worn them so much that I decided I needed the PVC version. Being a compulsive bargain hunter, I searched around for a better price than the $240 I found in shops and online, and came across their site. They quoted prices in US dollars, and had a special free shipping scheme to the US, and the best part was that they were almost $100 less than the usual US price. Helloooo PVC Rats! I'm a total sucker for packaging, and was thrilled to see the attention to detail they put into this simple little package. A grosgrain bow around the box, which my daughter immediately appropriated and said she wants made into a headband.

They don't look as shiny in the pic as they really are. But they seem to be just like the old stretch vinyl I used to make hip hugger leggings out of back in the mid-80's. (Gosh I wore those to death.) Its been so cold here that I've been wearing my regular Rats as a layering piece, like tights, so these will be fun to try out the same way.

I also hit up Target today, hoping they'd put out some of the McQueen pieces early so I could get a head start and get the correct sizes for a few items purchased in the pre-sale. They had exactly two scant racks, no shoes (boo!) and not that many pieces from the line. I was able to get the scarves and grey/ black zigzag dress in my size. The blue strapless tattoo print dress is gonna have to be a no-go for me. It has a built in bra, which only succeeded in squishing me flat. Exactly as the one shoulder swim suit does. I'm quite happy with what I've been able to get, and I suppose I'll stalk Target's online site to get in on the little booties.

Oh and btw, the scarves are quite generously sized, I can easily wear them as a sarong low on my hips in the summer. I tried to measure without stretching the silk and got a measurement of 45 inches square.

Now that I'm done (well...) I promise to stop talking about this McQueen stuff. I have to crack down and get writing on a magazine feature I'm on deadline for by next week. But hope to do a post on some vintage in between.

Cheers!
Punk Glam Queen

Alexander McQueen for Target Pre-Sale

Entry to the Alexander McQueen for Target pre-sale.

On 14 February we headed to the Alexander McQueen for Target pre-sale in NYC. I expected more of a sample sale mayhem situation, so it was quite a lovely surprise to find so many art installations, in a massive warehouse space with lots of room to roam. Don't get me wrong, things were being snatched up with the most coveted of items plucked out of stock more than likely at the party the evening before (such as the scarves and the oh so lovely zigzag grey/black dress.) Dressing room lines were at least one hour wait, so thankfully due to some dressing forethought on my part (I dressed as is if its was a sample sale and tried everything on over to check sizing) I was able to snag some goodies. A few things were impossible to tell sizing so I wound up purchasing multiple sizes. And due to the lack of mirrors anywhere, trying to figure out if something looked good was yet another obstacle to overcome. Thankfully with the help of my husband, daughter and other shoppers ("Oh that looks so good on you! I'm going to try it too!"), mobile phone cameras, and hand mirrors, we could get a fairly decent idea.

I'm really impressed with the quality of this collection in comparison to Target's past designer collections. The fabrications are of exceptionally nice quality, with many items in silk, and the manufacturing looks to have been done very well. My only beef is that this is cheap for McQueen, but definitely Target's highest priced line thus far. I think only McQueen could get me to pay those prices at Target, unless of course someone like Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin (powers that be hear my fervent prayers!) decide to do a line for them! That said, I'm still extremely happy with the quality of the garments I purchased and was happily surprised when I got home to play dress up and discovered even more little touches you wouldn't normally find in a Target designer collaboration (such as contrasted black and white lining inside the shrunken blazer sleeves or the pink zigzag lining in the studded jeans pockets.)

I'm completely happy with the items I was able to purchase, and will probably hunt down the others I'm coveting soon as they hit the Target site and stores. Its already been a few days and my studded jeans are my new favs -- comfy, great fit, and I've gotten compliments. Aren't those the things we look for in an article of clothing? (Aside from price and durability, but c'mon, fashion first!)

Here are a few more images of the art. Most seemed to include images of the items in the collection, I believe to be used for advertising purposes.

This was probably one of my favourites, composed of fabric scraps.

This one was difficult to photograph, but beautiful, like a fountain that contained holograph type images.

Who can resist Blythe? And Blythe in rebel mode? Unfortunately the tee in the first picture wasn't available, I'm not sure if it was sold out or they hadn't brought that piece for sale. I was told by a very sweet sales assistant that not all the pieces in the line were brought in for the pre-sale.


The second outfit looks amazing on. It's a full skirt with a high waist, with a very simple button down blouse with some piping detail on front (in all the preview pics everyone was thinking it was a dress.) I'm very petite, and didn't think I could pull off something so voluminous but it looks so great on, and I know will become one of my spring favs.

Sorry this one is so blurry, people kept stepping in front so I had to take a quick shot. I'm not sure if the pink is the lion tee or the silk dress both with the McQ and lion pattern . Both are great, but they do run a bit large (surprisingly.) In the video shown on the Target site (Alexander McQueen for Target), they show the dress quite loose, but I wound up preferring it a bit tighter across the hips and bum, with the top loose, rather than loose all over. Again, being so petite this style looked better on me, as one size up just sort of hung looking very unflattering and just slightly too long. The tee is definitely a fun piece to add some colour and a great print to a simple jeans or skirt look.

I believe these last three are also going to be the print ads.

Over the next few days I will try to take pictures of some of the items I purchased. I haven't seen any pictures available of certain styles that I'm absolutely in love with and would love to show them to you.

Lastly, whilst I've kept a private blog for quite some years, this is my first foray into public blogging. So please bear with me as I get my footing.

Cheers!
Punk Glam Queen