Archive for July 2010
Hello New York, Goodbye Manolos
Indeed, Sex and the City is grossly misleading, not only in terms of expected apartment sizes of newspaper column writers (not even syndicated!), but also that all New York women all prance around in 4-inch Manolos.
During my years in Hong Kong I have amassed an astonishing amount of 3-inch heels. (I’m 5′ 7″ and do not have a Napoleon complex.) See, Hong Kong is very heels-friendly. First, the city is very compactly constructed. Just take a look at the hundred-story high-rises — space is a precious commodity. Second, we were not known to explore much. The best places to live, work, eat, and drink, were all within a 5-mile radius of Central. Third, the culture of Hong Kong itself favored heels. A notorious one-industry town, most people toiled away in über-conservative investment banks. Exposed toes are not a good look on that chick who’s about to take your company public! In conclusion, due to the small distance traveled and general expensive footwear-oriented culture, stilettos were my weapon of choice.
By contrast, New York is just as pedestrian-friendly as it is heels-unfriendly. Have you seen those cross-town blocks? They are so freakin’ long! Combined with the perils of those metal subway covers waiting for your poor stilettos to sink in, heels are not a practical choice. Though fashionistas may interject with the “heels, always” motto, hobbling down Fifth Avenue is never fashionable. I love walking and gawking in New York. Why bereave yourself of such a simple pleasure? Save the Manolos for the days of being chauffeured.
As much as flip flops suffice for most occasions, it is just a tad inappropriate for any situation involving anything marble. In particular, I cringe when the rubber goes pitter patter against marble stairs. What to do? Here are my choices for chic flat sandals.
Giuseppe Zanotti flat sandal from Endless
Giuseppe Zanotti is *the* brand I think of as soon as I see “flat” and “sandals”. They create what I consider to be one of their signature items, the jeweled thong, every season. These are casual but oh-so gorgeous! Combine with a beautiful pedicure for maximum effect.
K Jacques St Tropez Valerie sandals from NAP
In case you didn’t get the memo, t-strap sandals are all the rage here in New York. I love the K Jacques version. The tan leather sole nicely sets off the metallic straps, making it glam but not over the top for day. And what is this “K. Jacques”, you may ask. Fashionista has some interesting insights.
Gucci Nolita sandals from Bergdorf
If you did seek something more over the top, however, this Gucci version is to-die-for. Stupid interlocking G’s symbol aside, this sandal is simplicity at its best. I love mirrored metallics for the summer. Add a little sparkle to your step while traversing Central Park!
Greetings
Check out the beautifully-designed L-atitude site, which combines luxury fashion with travel. It’s like my two great loves in life finally found each other.
Guess who wrote the Hong Kong Zip Code Guide?
Correct answer: Yours truly.
Diane von Furstenberg
She wore a black sheath dress, black and white leopard print cardigan, black slingbacks, and a gold bangle. So chic. In a panel of five, she was the only one who seemed to be completely at ease: putting on a cardigan when it was cold, fidgeting with the hem of her dress, zoning out when it was appropriate, and making naughty quips with raised eyebrows. (And her eyebrows are really striking to begin with!)
I love the way she talked, with very long drawn out words and elaborate hand gestures. English is not her first language, which gave her even more of a flair. While recounting the cultural richness of Vienna, she asked: “What is it, when people take too much drugs? Yes — Overdose! I felt like on Overdose!”
English is not my first language either, so I had thought “doyenne” meant an old lady who wears gaudy jewelry and orders people around. Not true. The one word that kept appearing in my mind while watching Ms. DVF interact with Prabal Gurung and Norma Kamali is “doyenne”. Clearly, she commands so much respect that everyone hung on her every naughty quip.
One of my favorite quotes of the night is when she spoke on her design for the New York Sidewalk Catwalk, which is an allover leopard print. ”It’s nice for women to feel feline, which is why I guess the leopards wear it.”
End of a dynasty; return to modesty
I woke up the other day to two jokey messages from my besties back in Hong Kong. They questioned their ability to wear crazy ruffled dresses in my regrettable absence. Jokesters.
Fashion is less about beauty than it is about capturing a certain zeitgeist. The dresses signified a personal roaring-early-twenties: it was Hong Kong pre-financial-crisis; all my banker friends were fresh out of business school; and everyone stayed out until 3am without question. Two and something years later comes the end of a fabled time, and thus an end to strapless ruffled dresses in bright colors.
Out of responsibility of reaching the “mid-twenties”, and out of necessity of finally moving to a place with real winters, I am beginning to see viable ways of incorporating turtlenecks into a stylish wardrobe.
More to come.
