time for some diy

"making something thoughtful and original feels good.  obviously we can party like the best of them but taking some time out to do something that is wholesome and doesn't cost the earth is very life-affirming."

- india volkers

air pockets in your nail varnish cause it to become goopy and tacky.  don't let it go to waste - mix and match two similar shades with a dash of topcoat for a bespoke varnish free of charge.

coco chanel, audrey hepburn and jackie o all knew about the power of black - give your tired shades a renewed intensity with dylon wash & dye in velvet black which can go straight into your machine.

check this out before you chuck it out - queens of vintage will teach you how to revamp a frumpy sack dress, mend a vintage necklace and even decoupage an 80's chair.

keep yourself and your loved ones healthy by making your own soup - mom's best soup translated into english by irene wong (isbn 9789882024298) is just one of the many chinese soup books out there now.

twin peaks

"i often think that a slightly exposed shoulder emerging from a long satin nightgown packed more sex than two naked bodies in bed."

- bette davis

maison martin margiela fw09

zac posen fw09

dolce & gabbana fw09

balenciaga fw09

aquilano.rimondi fw09

balmain fw09

the shoulder extends even further up and out this fall with christophe decarnin of balmain becoming the world's most copied designer in less than two seasons.  whether it be a blouse, dress or jacket, make sure your shoulders have at least 5cm of extra oomph.  elle tv has an excellent tutorial on the topic.  be a recessionista and get your sewing supplies at sham shui po (mtr station of the same name, nam cheong street exit) and if you are feeling really creative, stud/jewel/feather the pad first and then secure it under a sheer/lace top for maximum impact.

thigh-high diy

"in the olden days, a glimpse of stocking was looked upon as something shocking but now, god knows, anything goes."

- cole porter

lauren santo domingo

falke tulle suspender belt

closure: double hooks at back

fastening: plastic clasps

hkd332.14 

gerbe tentation suspender belt

closure: none (tubular)

fastening: metal clasps

hkd348.35

kiss me deadly sirena 4-strap suspender belt

closure: unknown

fastening: metal clasps

hkd243.79

falke pure matt 50d hold-ups

semi-opaque

silicone reverse on band

hkd199.28

there is no avoiding the over-the-knee boot trend this fall - especially the one sported above by lauren santo domingo in which one attaches suspenders to their footwear!!  prada (fisherman waders), alexander mcqueen (pointy platforms) and stella mccartney (stiletto cuissardes) all showed thigh-high styles for fw09/10.  wear yours with the new micro mini skirt length and an oversized top (be it a jumbo mohair knit or boxy peacoat shearling) for a fun play on proportion.  can't wait for the mercury to drop.  all product shots care of my tights.