The Puffer Trench
Every year when fall comes around, I am shocked by how cold it is. Summer and time does a good job of fading away memories of the bitter cold and biting wind. Walking around, people are pulling out their trench coats against the cold. But is that enough to keep us warm? It IS only made out of a layer of cloth (or two, counting layers) after all. I own one and I don’t find it very warm at all. Maybe I’m just more easily chilled than others, but I’m thinking that something a bit more substantial is called for. Luckily for me, Burberry knew just what I was thinking.
I am loving Burberry’s latest puffer trench coat. Lined lightly with down, it is most definitely warm enough for fall. Unlike other puff jackets however, it still has SHAPE. A very slimming and flattering trench coat shape at that. What more can you want? It will totally last you all the way through fall (plus or minus some layers) and maybe even winter (probably not for snow though, for snow you need the heavy duty stuff)!
Image Source: Burberry
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
The Puffer Trench was first posted on October 2, 2008 at 9:10 am.
Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 10/3
After European banks started falling last weekend, everything else started falling apart when everyone realized that this credit crisis was not limited to the US. On Monday, Wachovia made a deal with Citigroup with the help of the FDIC to buy their bank deposit arm for $2.16 billion.
On Tuesday, Bailout plan #1 was rejected by Congress, and the Dow Jones fell over 700 points, hitting a record low since the October Market Crash in 1987. It was actually quite exciting- it is definitely not everyday that we see history in the making! This also served as a good shocker for congress members who voted against the plan. Many of them were worried about the “unpopularity” of Bailout plan #1 with their voters, since many people viewed this plan as a bailout plan for Wall Street (many nay-saying congress members are facing re-election this November). What did they think was going to happen if the bailout plan doesn’t go through?
With this record crash in the market, people finally realized that this was a bailout plan for the people. This is not a time to place blame and punish those who did wrong (I mean, if we’re really going to place blame, I think the people who borrowed the loans knowing they cannot repay them is equally to blame as the banks who made the loans to begin with). This is a time to take action before the effects of the credit crunch affects the rest of the economy. It would be irresponsible for the government to do nothing. Call me selfish, but right now, as a worker and member of the society, I’m more worried about the adverse effects this will have on my job (the just reported the biggest job lose in 5.5 years!), my 401K, my ability to get a loan (not that I’m planning to buy a car/house any time soon, but IF), and just my way of life in general. Even if you don’t invest, have a 401K or have/need a loan right now, businesses you’re linked to may close down because they are unable to get a short term loan to fund their business operations or their prices would go up because it will be more expensive for these businesses to get a loan and operate.
Good thing voters and congress members finally realized this on Friday, and voted 263 vs 171 for Bailout plan #2, which was created in record time. It is basically the same as Bailout plan #1, except with an extra $150 billion put aside for random tax packages (way to take the “load” off our future generations). They ramped up the FDIC insurance limit to $250,000, put more oversight on the execution of the $700 billion, gave the SEC authority to suspend the “mark to market” accounting standard (so firms don’t have to mark down their assets just because the market is crazy these days) and a gazillion little tax breaks benefiting the environmental friendly, middle class, natural disaster hit states, homeowners,educators and businesses. Basically something for everyone- even people with mental health needs and the makers of “certain wooden arrows designed for use by children” (I don’t even know what that is). It sounds like basically the same plan to me, except policy makers decided to take this opportunity for “quick action” to randomly put in policies they’ve been meaning and wanting to pass, to make it sound like a better plan. Oh well, I guess it works out for everyone in the end.
Unfortunately, now even the bailout plan isn’t good enough to restore confidence and the market continued to fall after Bailout plan #2 passed on Friday. It’s going to take a while for the bailout to take effect. At least there’s hope. I’m thinking it is not a good time for Mr. Schwarzenegger to be asking for a $7 billion short term loan to weather CA out until tax comes in, in spring.
On the other hand, while the current economical situation is being compared to scary sounding things like the economic Pearl Harbor, the Great Depression and at the edge of the abyss, Mr. Buffet went on a shopping spree. After buying some of Constellation Energy for $4.75 billion and Goldman Sachs for $5 billion in September, this week, he also bought 10% in Chinese battery and automotive maker, BYD, for $230 million and more of GE for $3 billion. Even though this may sound shocking in this market, Buffet is actually a very sensible shopper. While fashion trends go in and out, the classics will never go out of style. Goldman Sachs and GE definitely qualify as classics, one being THE top bank on the street and the other being literally the backbone of the American economy, dabbling in a bit of everything. One is Hermes and the other is Bergdorfs. And the best part is that he’s buying all these quality investments at a BARGAIN price. Another good shopping philosophy is to invest in emerging talents before they’re famous and mainstream. BYD with its rechargeable green batteries and electric cars is definitely part of an emerging market. I’m not sure in which category Constellation Energy fits in, perhaps a bit of both? Either way, Buffet is a very sensible fellow shopper. As he said, “I like spending…The cheaper things get, the better I like it. This is a good period for us..go ahead.” I can definitely relate to that. If only I knew the market classics as well as I know the fashion classics and had the capital to act on it. Another Buffet philosophy that I agree with, “there’s no way a smart person can go broke except through borrowed money. All borrowed money does is help you get it a little faster, but (it also will) help you get poorer a whole lot faster.” Credit card debts are definitely not pretty.
Buffet also made a deal with Wachovia this week, through Wells Fargo (which he owns a lot of). Yes, the same Wachovia that I said earlier in this post, that had just made a deal with Citi on Monday. Wells Fargo upended Citi’s offer and offered to buy (the whole of) Wachovia for $15.1 billion without government help. Previous agreements and honor of word aside, this is definitely a better deal for Wachovia and the government since they don’t need to help anymore. Wells Fargo is actually one of the few banks that is weathering this market out quite well, having had less exposure to bad debt (they have a much stricter credit requirement- as they should!). Citi, of course, is miffed that their government sponsored bargain deal has been thwarted and are thinking of suing them. Do I see a banking bitch fight coming? Probably not, the government would probably do something. This market doesn’t need anymore drama… but it would’ve been fun to watch 
. It’s no wonder that CNBC reputedly has had the best ratings these last two weeks since earlier this decade!
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 10/3 was first posted on October 4, 2008 at 8:10 am.
Paris S/S 09: YSL
Back on the Paris runway, we have the YSL show. I must admit, when the rest of the fashion world applauded Pilati for his first collections, I was still a bit hesitant about them. It just wasn’t quite the Tom Ford era YSL style, I associated YSL with (that was the era that motivated me to become a hardcore business woman just so I can wear them!). It’s taken a while, but I think I’m finally warming up to Pilati! I am loving his minimalistic, oriental inspired collection. It is simple, wearable but still feminine and elegant.
I am loving the subtle black prints and the more relaxed but still structured silhouette of the collection, which is still very flattering. The whole super cinched, fitted and tailored thing is getting old. This is modern and refreshing.
One of the biggest thing on this runway are these lattice mesh shoes. The fashion world is loving this child of gladiators sandals and boots. Personally, I am not so sure. I didn’t like the whole gladiator thing to begin with. And if I think that boots with peep toes are unnatural, these are definitely out of my comfort zome. It kind of reminds me of those jello mesh flats that were popular a while back. I do like the metal lattice heels though. That is really modern and cool looking, just not the rest. Maybe it takes getting used to?
Image Source: Style.com
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Paris S/S 09: YSL was first posted on October 7, 2008 at 2:10 am.
Paris S/S 09: Chanel
I am loving the SS09 Chanel collection. There is something quirky, modern and refreshing about it, that is still very Chanel (of course!).
The reinterpreted plaid pattern is a refreshing twist on the classic Chanel prints. The technique involved in creating some of the structures (i.e. above right), is also modern and chic.
The evening wear were divine. I love the more relaxed silhouette throughout the collection- much more forgiving for all body types. The black dress here (left) is actually one of my favourites. The upper part, with the sheer fabric makes it modest yet subtly provocative at the same time- very classy and elegant. The white dress (right) is admittdely not the most flattering shape on the runway, but there is just something very intriguing about the play on volume and the delicate floral details here.
Then there were beautiful tiered tulle dresses fit for a fairy princess. Ok, the cape (left) is a bit too much with that dress, but the bolero (also a hot item on this runway) is the perfect compliment to the heavily tiered dress on the right.
Onto accessories- see what I mean by quirky, with this vertical classic flap bag (left)? The leather shopping bag (right), is perfect and very clever for the whole “street” theme of the show, but I hope they’re not planning to sell it in stores. Otherwise some misguided soul might just buy it and become a walking advertisement- and not even the good kind!
It appears that the peep toe bootie (left) is definitely here to stay for another season or two…. I guess I better get used to it. It doesn’t look too weird here. And the feathers here (right) creates just the perfect dramatic effect for the runway, but they’re definitely not suitable for rainy/muddy/humid weather. Luckily, the shoes look gorgeous without the feathers as well, and I’m sure Karl will be commercial minded enough to produce them without the feathers for the stores (or maybe they will be attachable!).
One thing I’m unsure about though are the two tone stockings featured throughout the show. It looks a bit like Karl is trying to put a new spin on the much over done legging trend, but I don’t know, the spin is not that new and it cuts the model’s legs off in an unflattering way, making them look short. The stockings on his F/W 08 runway is way better.
Image Source: Style.com
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Paris S/S 09: Chanel was first posted on October 7, 2008 at 11:10 pm.
BCBG 30% off Coat Sale!
I guess one of the silver linings to this credit crunch is that sales and special/private sales are creeping in on us way earlier this year. One of the best bargains in my opinion? The BCBG 30% off select outerwear sales. Quite a bargain at this time of the season, when it’s barely cold yet. If you buy it now, you’ll still have plenty of time to get your mileage out of them in the next few months!
I personally have my eye on this fabulous white coat. I’ve been wanting one since Devil’s Wear Prada came out, but haven’t bought one for fear that it will turn beige/grey all too soon. Made of wool, rayon and cashmere, it will at least be warm enough until Christmas. The double breasted design with the tie on the waist, makes it an instant classic. And isn’t the trench coat like design at the back just beautiful?
Alas, even at 30% off, I still find it a bit pricey for my budget. But if you aren’t as limited, I think this is quite a bargain (along with a few other of their collection). So don’t miss it, because this offer only lasts til October 13th (tomorrow!).
Image Source: BCBG
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
BCBG 30% off Coat Sale! was first posted on October 13, 2008 at 2:10 am.
Something Pretty
I used to not care about my underwear. No one saw it, so what’s the big deal? I just didn’t get it.
I get it now. All thanks to a trip to Italy, where women take looking good seriously, no matter what clothing article you’re talking about. During my time there, I found myself getting hustled into Intimissimi by my mum. It was like Italy’s version of Victoria’s Secret, except it was beautiful, relaxed, and not eye blindingly pink. It was there where I found myself surrounded by dainty things of lace, satin, and ribbon.
I am now totally obsessed with lingerie in general. Slips, camisoles, etc, you name it, I wish I had it all. And while my wallet doesn’t stretch to the lengths of La Perla, no one ever said I couldn’t look.
And who cares if no one sees it, it makes me feel glamorous. And to have a drawer filled with pretty little things to pick from each day? I don’t have a problem with that.
Image Source: Intimissimi, La Perla
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Something Pretty was first posted on October 14, 2008 at 11:10 am.
The Leather Puffer
As you might have read, lately, I’ve been craving a leather jacket. They are the perfect item to edge up a girly outfit. But since I’m the more easily chilled kind, warmth against the bitter cold is always one of my primary concerns. And so following the puffer trench, I discovered the leather puffer. I wasn’t even deliberately looking. I was just randomly browsing at the Intermix store and lo’ and behold, I find the leather puffer below:
I thought the concept was awesome, a cool, edgy and WARM leather jacket. The soft gray color also caught my eye. Probably because it has all the qualities of black but is not (although of course they have it in black). But then I tried it on- just for fun. It fits on very snugly (so if you’re buying them online, go one size bigger!) but also very stiffly. I know it is probably because of the stuffing, but for a whooping $875, I expected a bit more. The ability to move to begin with. And secondly, better quality leather. I’ve come across my fair share of leather, and that was not good leather. It was stiff and felt (and looked now that I think about it) plasticky, making it look a bit cheap, which is ridiculous considering the price tag.
I walked out of the store disappointed. Maybe if they cut down the price tag by at least a 1/3. Then maybe it’ll be worth considering. Image Source: Intermix Online
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
The Leather Puffer was first posted on October 22, 2008 at 9:10 am.
Weak In The Knees
Loeffler Randall captured my heart early last year when I saw a sunshine yellow ruffled bikini. This Fall she has me tied around her finger with her seemingly simple looks, but plays with my emotions with her excruciatingly incredible detail. Yes, her designs are so absolutely amazing that it hurts.
…and then there are her shoes.
Image Source: Loeffler Randall, LEMONSTORY by Kimenna, Shopstyle, Eluxury, Basic Boutique, Shop Goldyn, Saks Fifth Avenue,
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Weak In The Knees was first posted on November 12, 2008 at 5:11 pm.
FW08 Winter Hats
Besides the classic newsboy cap, the beanie and the beret, the latest winter hat twist to hit the scene this season are these half hoodies.
I first caught sight of them at Marc by MJ (left) and I thought, “whoa it looks like an oversized turtle neck- without the shirt part,” and I didn’t know what to think of it. In fact, to be honest I still don’t. I thought maybe it is an Marc by MJ abberation and I should just ignore it. But no. It seems to be creeping up a lot more lately on both Shop Bop and Barneys. I mean, it’s kind of neat in that it is like attachable hoodie you can put on any outfit you want and it serves as both a scarf and a hat. And with the looser kinds, I guess it does look a bit cool (or not as weird as I initially thought it was). But I think the show a little fringe rule applies here too (I can see myself burrow inside the hood, if I ever got this, with a dark hole as my face). What is everyone’s consensus on these?
While I am undecided about the loose hoodies above, I am however very decided about these tighter hoodies. I don’t like them. It looks like those ski masks people put over their heads, where you can only see their eyes, except here they widened the hole a bit so you can breathe. It just looks weird- especially as an accessory to an outfit it is not part of. If the model doesn’t look that great in this… what are our chances?
Other hats of note. I just couldn’t resist putting up this Sophia Costa floral knit beret (left). Even though at this point I have to admit that I am not a beret girl, I must say I love this hat. It just looks so artistic and pretty. I can totally see this on Gossip Girl. And speaking of morphing hat and scarf, I thought I’d throw in this Eugenia Kim combo (right). I think it works! Especially since the design is so simple but feminine. I imagine it would be very convenient to just grab this before you head out the door into the winter cold!
And for something a bit more conventional, I am in love with these two winter hats. The first one is a newsboy cap (left) with a twist, literally. The cap is designed to be on the side. Then there is this Mischa Lampert hat (right) which is simply adorable. Especially with the furry balls at the end. It’s so festive! Plus, your ears will definitely be warm!
Image Source: Barneys and Shopbop
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
FW08 Winter Hats was first posted on November 21, 2008 at 9:11 am.
Gossip Girl, Last Season?
It’s a bit of a late rant, but I’ve had it on my mind for a looong time now and I simply must just get it out of my system. Remeber the episode this season when they went to visit Yale?
Speaking of which, it reminds me of the second episode of this season (which aired in September) when Blair was coming back from the Hamptons with “the lord.” She was in THE orange Marc by Marc Jacobs dress of SS08, which is so completely recognizable I was surprised they chose this dress at all. I’m sure a LOT of thought was put into their outfits by a hoard of stylist, so I don’t know what they were thinking.( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Gossip Girl, Last Season? was first posted on November 22, 2008 at 4:11 pm.
