Winter Solace

I had in mind to blog about Hong Kong over the weekend. But being a klutz I left my charger in the office and have resorted to using my dad’s laptop.

As it turns out, the weekend wasn’t too bad. I watched the final sequel of Harry Porter with my gal pals and loved most part of it - must they really put in the last portion?

The icing on the cake,  has got to be hearing that my Samantha Wills earrings are finally back after six months.

Kenneth Jay Lane of Australia, Samantha Wills has a huge following in Hollywood.

Picture credits: Samantha Wills

For one, Drew Barrymore is a huge fan. I think she tops the list.

And the Duchess, Fergie.

Not to mention, Wills’ earrings were featured in the ever so popular, cult fashion movie - Sex and the City.

For those who are craving to buy this pair of sold-out earrings, they are still available at antipodean.

I love collecting jewellery, and when I saw these on sale, I knew they were coming home with me.

Picture credit: Antipodean Sg.

How gorgeous are these?

But as luck turns out, we were like star crossed lovers.

They brought in a second pair on my request, as the first pair’s hooks were rubbed bare of the promised silver and I have awfully sensitive ears

Unfortunately, the moment I brought it out of the shop, some crystals fell off! I was as shocked as I was excited the moment I laid my hands on them! So I brought them back immediately. As the attendant handled the earrings, more crystals fell off!

Imagine our horrified faces.

So 6 months worth of wait, and kind patience of the shop owner and attendants - thank you so much - to source for people to repair the item. It’s back!

Doesn’t this remind you of mooncakes?

There are missing stones, but the earrings’ bling makes up for it.

Gorgeous. Gorgeous.

Thank you so much Antipodean!

Oh darling, hand me the pearls.

I thought I’ll punctuate my travel blogs with one of my well-kept secret of 2010.

2010 was my best year in terms of collecting Chanel’s costume jewellery. The seasonal pieces had hints of class in them, they were all so covetable. It was not easy to walk out of the boutique without laying my hands on at least one of the pieces!

One of my favourite jewellery of 2010 that I’ve not told anyone about is this long strand of CC pearl necklace. The necklace is knotted on a silk thread and can be worn as a double strand.

It is a precious find for only 3 strands were brought in.

I shall not bore you with the details on the frantic I-need-that-necklace call to the SA. Let’s just say that this baby was the last in the warehouse.

Funny how costly costume pearls cost. Liken it to carrying a Chanel clutch on my chest.

The pearls are off-white - which is a colour that I like very much as it compliments my Asian skin tone.

I also like that instead of the usual smooth costume pearls, this necklace has a good mix of pearls of different size and shape. It breaks the monotony of the necklace.

I can’t say that this necklace is something that can be worn on a daily basis. Rather, save it for a special date.

A close up of the pearls. Reminds me of the bubbles in champagne.

And for today, I shall leave you with a quote by Co Co Chanel, the very lady who made costume jewellery hip.

“Jewelry should be viewed with innocence, with artlessness,
just as we enjoy the sight of an apple tree in blossom
at the side of the road as we speed past in a motor-car.”

I don’t know about you, but I do know that I’m guarding my collection of pearls and diamonds very tightly.

Earrings Trove

Some collect antique, other collects cars.

I collect jewellery.

I’m a squishy jelly when it comes to accessories.

It all began when I was in secondary school. Being heavily influenced by rock music, I was kind of geared towards the bohemian mix with a pinch of punk - an odd mix you might say.

I loved anything with a touch of ethnic; it must be unique.

Over the years, I’ve collected many one-of-a-kind pieces.

Some treasures from my trove.

Way before Slumdog Millionaire hit the screen.

Indie inspired earrings.

Missing some glass findings make this piece quite a character. Purchased it in a shop along Haji Lane. The shop owner told me that it was made by a local designer. Unfortunately, the shop has since closed down. I’ll never find out who the designer is.

Juxtaposition.

Made by Woon Hung.

I’m not one who love simple beaded earrings. After all, unique is the word I go for. It’s either exquisite design or semi-precious stones. So I thought it odd that I was that attracted to this seemingly simple pair of earrings. Over the years I’ve cleared a lot of fashion accessories that I’ve outgrown, but this has stayed in my trinket box. The second bead is dark red more than black.

Would you be my sweetheart?

Handmade silver earrings in Korea with crystal beads.

Purchased on a whim at a cart in City Hall when I was still in University. Being a poor student, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to splurge on this $50 earrings. I’m glad I did. This has fast become my favourite pair for girly days - it goes with everything! It also compliments the shape of my face.

Lemon drop at the Flea.

Peridot on gold filled earrings.

I’ve always loved browsing at Flea markets. It’s a great way to meet new talented jewellery makers. Purchased this at one of the artsy flea market. It was on sale at $50.

Since these good old days, I’ve moved on to collecting designer jewellery - explains the growing CC collection! Blame it on the lack of time to shop, but I just don’t browse in Flea markets anymore. But, once in a while, I’ll catch myself drooling at new babies from promising designers.

So what is in your earrings trove? =)

2011 Chanel Spring Collection

In 2009, I tripped and fell totally in love with Chanel accessories.

It all started with an innocent looking swarovski interlocking CC earrings, which is no longer in production. It was a gift from my dear beloved sister no less.

In the same year, I managed to secure some of my favourite pieces that were reproductions due to popular demand. I was lucky.

In 2010, I went crazy.  So crazy, that I had to warn myself never to buy more than 2 pieces of Chanel jewellery in a season. 1 year = 3 seasons. Thus, maximum 6 pieces be it earrings, necklace or rings.

This Spring, it took me some time to warm up to the collection. Everything that I saw till mid-Feb were either too simple or too complicated. They weren’t my style.

But the latest launch at MBS, send me shivering in excitement.

Pictures from Chanel.com

I want that necklace and earrings!!!! It’s so art deco and totally screaming at me to take it home.

And won’t you check that bracelet out? Darn the lion makes it totally delicious.

Sadly, it’s mind over matters. I couldn’t bring myself to buy something that is not really something that I will wear regularly - even if it looked extremely collectible.

So I settled for classic pieces that will be loved by me over and over again. Did I ever mention that I’ve worn the classic Swarovski crystal CC earrings to death? They really go such a long way, they must be in every Chanel fan’s closet. They must.

Meet the twins.

Greecian inspired. The pearl drops spot olive leaves and a simple asymmetrical pearl drop.

From the same collection, these gold studs stand bold and strong.

I’ve been on a look out for a gold pair of CC earrings with a drop of pearl. It oozes much sophistication and aura. Till this season, I’ve come across many of such, but they were either too expensive or too stiff. And I wasn’t too inclined to buy a round pearl glass bead. It doesn’t look too natural. So, it shows that patience will be rewarded. It’s not too obvious here, but you can sort of make out that the pearl is elongated and slightly rectangular. I got a pair that was asymmetrical to each other.

As for the gold stud, I held a long internal debate. It resembles my quilts. I’m one who doesn’t like to buy repeated or similar items. But my dear sister made a comparison for me. She said, “This is like your 11 Cruise earrings (Swarovski studded thin earrings) and your 00v silver earrings (Swarovski studded bold earrings). For different occasions.” I thought it wise, and decided to get the latter. It does make a bold statement. And the price seemed reasonable.

Oddly enough, both of these earrings remind me so much of the Greecian inspired collection mid-last year. One of these days, I shall introduce to you one of my secret purchase from Chanel sometime last year.

Till then, the latest act from Spring has been launched. Jostle with the crowd to get your precious CCs.

For the love of rings.

It’s no secret that I’ve a soft spots for rings.

It’s a guilty pleasure that I indulge in quite frequently.

Over the past year, I’ve amassed so many rings, I’m starting to give them away.

For the moment, I put them in this pretty trinklet glass holder.

Pretty little things aren’t they?

An array of glitz and touch of vintage romance, all rolled into one.

Simply because, my world is full of snow.

I have an obsession with Christmas. I have a greater obsession with snow.

Give me a down jacket, a pair of boots and I won’t mind spending the afternoon digging in a pile of snow.

I won’t even mind being out enjoying the first snow fall of the year in slippers and shorts.

Well, to the public - hey this is normal.

To Singaporeans - this girl is nuts.

Because…

It doesn’t snow in Singapore - you can’t count the 2 freak incident of falling ice.

So let’s just make do with snowflake charms. Have been oogling at this charm bracelet since it caught my eyes 2 months ago…

Sigh, if only it didn’t come with the pricey tag.

It would have been the perfect Christmas + Birthday present for myself.

Hermes Cuff Bracelet

Some accessories are meant to last a life time, and kept as heirloom.

Hmmm… The lure of Hermes.

Hermes gold-plated cuff bracelet with white enamel taken from my sister’s wardrobe.

Chanel Earrings and Ring

I told myself I was going to stay at home to complete my work. An online search, and a phone call later, urged me on a frenzy to Singapore’s Chanel. In an hour and a half, I dash to the store, bought my items and got back home.

I have been waiting for an ENTIRE year for this little baby. I spotted it on a forum a year ago, and fell in love with it. I called boutiques everywhere, and they were all sold out. A year later, Chanel re-released them for their Autumn ‘09 collection. Since when do they do that?

I abide by the “if it was meant to be” policy, so I won’t feel upset when I can’t lay my hands on something I really like.

So a year later, “it’s meant to be!”

Bags with goodies, just waiting to be opened.

CC boxes. What is inside?

I highly suspect that these Chanel earrings just arrived, but who cares! Look at this antique looking classic beauty. It’ll sure age gracefully with me.

Ain’t they pretty?

This is it! This is the baby that I’ve been waiting for ONE year.

The pearls have swirl marks on them to replicate the natural look of a pearl. I chose a pair with the most symmetrical lines out of the few I can choose from. (PS: so if you have been looking for this pair of Chanel earrings like me, now it’s the time. Singapore outlet still carries a few pairs).

I love the antique look of the earrings. And, because of this additional crystal cap, the Chanel earrings look way much more proportional than the pearl CC with a drop of pearl.

And as I was in the store, I couldn’t help it. Blame it on my sister’s psycho-ing skills. But, I got this ring as well. It’s one of the nicest Chanel rings ever. I’ve a soft spot for anything glittery. I like bold chunky rings as well. I was really lucky as I managed to secure the last new piece.

Gold and glitter, bold yet dainty. I like!

A close up!

Meanwhile, I shall just upload a picture of my crystal CC logo earrings. Apparently, the house of Chanel has decided to discontinue this pair of earrings. I have no idea why did they do it, because a year ago when my sister bought this for me, they said it was a permanent collection. Then again, if the LV french purse wallet had a seasonal red that was in the store for like forever, and later production for it was abruptly hauled; I’m not surprise that the house of Chanel can pull the same trick as well. So if you’re looking forward to buying them. Cross your fingers. Cross them really hard.

Although, Chanel has decided to do a mini-version of this CC logo, and this version looks dainty and good for people with small lobes or like petite accessories. My sister bought one of it. (PS: There was one more left in the store). It looks equally good. 

Big meets small.

My sister also purchased this pair of antique gold earrings from Chanel as well. I like! I’m so glad that my sister and I share similar taste. I’m so going to raid her accessories bin.

Nonetheless, we made it out with a couple of earrings and a ring.

We made one SA very happy.