Shopping Monday: My Lust List

As I talked about having some things in my shop of shame, SG in this older and wiser stage learned from past mistakes. Nowadays, I will not buy anything expensive on the first trip. Usually if I see something I like, I will investigate it the first time around and walk away for a time before making the final decision. This method has saved me thousands in the past years.

There are some pieces even though I can't talk myself into buying yet, I still can't get out of my mind even after months and sometimes a year or more. I think these should be classic keepers. So here we go...
1. Hermes H belt $570 --- I saw it first on gal pal years ago and she paid $400, darn it! (image via Hermes)
2. Mikimoto Pearls in Motion necklace and matching earrings --- It's been 2 years since I first come across these. Each pearl is mobile on the white gold necklace so a gal can adjust the position any way she likes. (image via Mikimoto)
3. Christian Louboutin Wedges $475 --- Recent discovery so I am trying to decide between beige and red patent leather. (image via Saks)
4. Louis Vuitton gold metallic wedges $785 --- I really adore the graphic detail. (image via Eluxury)

5. Donna Karan silk dress $2495 via Net-a-Porter --- I adore the loose casual chic of this look.
6. Herve Leger tank dress $780 via Net-a-Porter --- The price is almost within my reasonable range. I think under $1000 might be okay. Most of other pieces are about $1200+. However I am still trying to decide the importance of breathing with comfort with this dress on. I looked great but could breath with comfort last time I tried another similar bandage dress on.
7. Fendi Vintage Tote $1790 via Saks --- This classic tote will be stylish for years.
8. Bottega Veneta Cabat tote $4700 for medium or $5800 for large via Bottega --- This is one of my all time favorite tote. I just can't justify spending this much as of now.

So what is on your lust list?

UPDATE: GILT has Herve Leger Banded Dress for sale now. Click here to join! I am debating if I should get the dress in S or XS. An SA told me before I needed a XS but breathing was a little difficult although I was assured the fit was exactly right.

Anna Hu Luxury Jewelry

I often hear women receive precious jewelry as a baby present. A gal pal received Mikimoto pearls from darling hubby and I have heard stories of diamonds and gems. Hm.... these are perfect reasons to have babies uh..... Anyway, a friend recently told me about her friend's luxury jewelry line and I just absolutely fell in adoration with the collection. This particular bracelet is my favorite. This gives me the urgency to find Mr. Savvy Right. Or, maybe it's faster to buy this bracelet for myself. Anna integrated perfect the beauty of East meeting West. In 2008 Anna Hu opened her 2nd location at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Go check her out if you are in the neighborhood. Have a wonderful Mother's Day.

So do you believe in buying jewelry for yourself or to receive as gifts?

image: annahu

SG'Style: Trendy Pearls

If we can compare a gal to a cake, clothes to the icing then the right accessory must be the cherry on top. A necklace, a pair of earrings or a bracelet can certainly make or break an outfit. I was fortunate to get invitations to several fashion shows while I was on vacation and in every instance, accessories and costume jewel pieces were used to complete outfits.

I adore beautiful jewel pieces with precious stone and metal settings but have stayed away from costume jewelry for reason unknown to myself but I am rethinking this costume jewelry concept lately. I have fell in adoration recently with pearls other than Mikimoto. There are so many interesting shapes and colors which a gal can pair these pearls with practically any outfit. Due to the irregular shape and colors, these pearls are trendy yet retaining the classic look of pearls without the big retail price. Maybe we can't all have pricey Mikimoto pearls but I think it's very savvy to give ourselves everyday luxury with trendy pearls. Pearls sure ain't just for moms and grandmothers anymore.

This irregular freshwater pearl necklace is made of various colors (green, pink, purple, white, brown and gold) which make this easy to wear with almost any outfit. I was also able to wrap the strand around my wrist 5 times here, making it a statement bracelet.

For my outfit, I am trying to create a casual layered look with a jersey tank top, heather green sweater and a multi-color pearl necklace. I added a gold color ribbon to add an additional layer and interest. For a casual lunch, it's silly to wear formal pearls out, but these colorful pearls are trendy and modern, which is the everyday luxury I am trying to achieve.

Mikimoto Pearls In Motion

Back in the days, Mikimoto seems very old and conservative to SG. Until a few years ago, I imagine old fashion pearl strands and stud earrings. Of course I totally change my mind now because Mikimoto offers very trendy pearl necklaces and jewel pieces. I especially adore Mikimoto Pearls In Motion. This collection, using patent technology, allows pearls to move along the chain so a gal can configure different looks to suit her mood.

-Pearls In Motion Earrings (8mm and 10mm) $2450
-Pearls In Motion Necklace (10mm) $4150

Chanel Pearl Necklaces

Pearls are just so savvy and chic! Can I just say I am in adoration with gal pal's Chanel pearl necklaces, especially the white one, which is one long strand so a gal can wear it as a long strand, double loop or trip loop. All three looks are just so savvy. The black one is cute too, but I don't think I will use the black strand as much. The black pearls are rumored to be very popular last season which is why they are back again. Which one is more savvy worthy to you?

P.S. the white Chanel pearls cost $1350; and the black Chanel pearls cost $950. Maybe I should just put those money away and buy a strand of Mikimoto later on, which can become a heirloom years down the line. I must say, I still like those Chanel very much. Will we like it that much if there are no double CC there though, I wonder!

Pearls are trendy: Wearing Pearls in Trendy Ways!

Growing up, pearls have epitomized conservatism and maturity to me. Pearl starnds are something my mom and grandma would wear usually in gum ball sizes. When in Japan few years ago I observed young Japanese gals wearing pearls in such creative ways I began to look at pearls in a different light. Then recently with the premiere of Sex and the City, Carrie really brought home that pearls could be very trendy and stylish. She wore an opera length Mikimoto strand with such style with her pajama reading in bed with Mr. Big. Savvy mother lets me have her opera length pearls to wear with color and printed t-shirts/tops this summer. The look is edgy and stylish all rolled into one. Perhaps pearls are very stylish accessories for the wardrobe after all. AND, they are not so old and can be quite savvy and cool at the same time.

Mikimoto pearls provide some of the best culture pearls in the world. Only top 5% of the perals cultivated by Mikimoto passes quality inspection to be consider good enough to carry the Mikimoto name. Carrie in Sex and the City wore a long strand like the models in the above pictures. Seeing how pearls are being worn by the models, pearl strands can be quite sexy and chic. Wearing multiple strands of various sizes and length with a backless dress is definitely sexy and will sure to have many take a second look as a gal waltz by with her pearl adorn bare back. (all strands by Mikimoto)

Mikimote's Pearls in Motion collection is perhaps my favorite (pic left) because it is younger and fun. A gal can move the pearls along the chain, which is a patented technology, to create her own unique style. Emporio Armini added ribbons to pearl strands adding much style and savviness to the look.

Picture on left is like Tiffany's Pearl by the Yard. I would accessorize an outfit with multiple necklaces and pendants to create dimension and depth. Pearls in various styles are a savvy way of adding some luxury and unique style for t-shirt to a little black dress.

In case any gal is interested in the Mikimoto opera length pearl strand Carrie is wearing, you can take it home for a mere $11,000. How will you dress with pearls, conservative or punk rock chick?

image: Mikimoto, Nordstrom, Vogue