Veni, Vidi, Visa - Ferragamo Claire in Armaranto
Labels: retail therapy
Monday, November 01, 2010
Best of all, it's calorie free and you can never have too much!
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 5:36 am
Veni, Vidi, Visa - Ferragamo Loanne In Burgundy
Labels: retail therapy
Sunday, August 22, 2010
And the perfect way to end a weekend is...
... scoring your favourite brand of shoes at 50% off during an end-of-season sale. 
Last day. My size. Meant to be.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 10:18 am
After Dinner Conversation
Labels: home life, retail therapy
Monday, March 08, 2010
The three of us had just concluded a very satisfying raclette grill dinner in our patio and started to chat. Just before summoning up the energy to clear the dishes.
I can't remember how it came to be but Sonny-boy suddenly wanted to know why there wasn't a Burger King in the middle of the desert. So mum, in all her infinite wisdom and knowledge replied:
"That's because they only serve sandwiches..."
Geddit?
*****
In other news, we are going away for a quick getaway come Easter weekend. I 'd been under severe stress lately and needed retail therapy. Any sort of retail therapy. Even if it was just window shopping over the internet. And I got it alright - I made an impulse purchase that evening; a three day two night stay at the Nirwana Gardens Bintan Resort. Now to go tell the Hubby we'll be going away the first week of April.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 8:31 am
Bredemeijer Cosy® Teapot
Labels: retail therapy, tea
Friday, January 08, 2010
Bredemeijer Cosy® range of teapots and accessories. Love. Want.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 11:19 am
Veni, Vidi, Visa - Ferragamo Gilia
Labels: retail therapy
Monday, November 02, 2009
I'd wanted to write an engaging piece to go with the photos of my newly acquired Gilia but try as I might, nothing flowed out. I mean, do you really want to read about how I was lusting after Ferragamo's current Fall/Winter season of burgundy shoes with the trademark Vara bow and how I asked to try on each and every single shoe (I'm shameless like that) in said colour? No, I think not.
The truth of the matter is this: I walked into the boutique yesterday (actually it wasn't even me who wanted shoes, it was Hubs, I was there along for the ride) saw the pair on display by the couch and fell in love with it. Sure I did try on the other burgundy ones just to satisfy my curiosity but my heart was set on the Gilia. Being edgier and sexier but still elegant all the same, this was Ferragamo with an attitude.
And I bought them. Attitude and all.
Four inches of ecstasy or sheer terror, depending on one's sense of balance
The Gilia also comes in oyster white and camel tan but I think black packs the most punch.
Oh, and Hubs did find a pair of work shoes too. A nice dressy one with tassels that arrived the day before and he was the first customer for it. For someone who used to sniff at my long-term love affair with Ferragamo shoes, he's onto his third pair.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 10:20 am
Sarong Kebaya
Labels: home life, retail therapy
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I paid tribute to my Indonesian Peranakan heritage last week by donning on a baju kebaya. I skipped the sarong and replaced it with some modern capris instead and felt very pleased with the way I looked that day.
The yellow kebaya in the photo is almost ten years old and as far as baju kebayas go, this is not the best of quality but it's good enough for daily wear. Every summer, I give it a couple of outings. The thin cotton muslin is so good for the heat.
On my bucket list of things to buy in Singapore was a complete sarong kebaya ensemble. A fine set, meant for special occasions. So while Hubs and Sonny-boy went off doing their men thing, I headed down to Rumah Kim Choo in East Coast Road. The lady in charge, Belinda, was very helpful and had an eye for matching up the various garments. She didn't rush me at all and gave me a whole lot of outfits to try. I think it was the third or fourth ensemble when she and I knew we hit the right combination: A crimson baju kebaya with embroidered flowers and butterflies and a two paneled sarong skirt in dark green and russet.
The sarong is a bit of a cop out. If I wanted to go old school all the way, I would have to fold my own sarong and secure it with a silver belt. Something which:
So no, ready-made and folded with all the convenience and security of a YKK zipper, if you please.
When the zipper and stitches are undone, the fabric will unfurl into a traditional tubular sarong, says Belinda of Rumah Kim Choo.
I also bought a set of gold plated kerosang rantay to secure the front of the kebaya. It's got a phoenix motif, to match the edges of my sarong.
Back in the 18th century, during the VOC (the Dutch East India Company) period , the ruling classes in Batavia were made up of Dutch families who had been in Java for generations. The Dutch women took to wearing the kebaya to suit the weather and lifestyle of their adopted country.
Dutch couples, not unlike Hubs' parents and their friends if I may be so bold to add (Mother-in-law reads my blog), playing cards at home in Java, circa 1900. The women wear sarong kebaya and the men are dressed in cotton jackets and batik chelanas or pants. Never mind the clothing or era, some things never change.
The kebaya then was plain, very much like the baju panjang, a long tunic-like jacket. It was only in the late 18th Century where the women started trimming their kebayas with lace. As with every new trend, word gets around fast and very soon, all the Dutch women had a kebaya rendah (lace kebaya) to go with her batik sarong and a new fashion was born.
Kebaya rendah and batik sarong worn by Dutch women in the Dutch East Indies, circa 1900.
And regardless of style or era, an outfit is never complete without matching footwear. With the Peranakan sarong kebaya, this comes in the form of beaded slippers. This was also on my bucket list but unfortunately, didn't find any that sang to me at Rumah Kim Choo so it will just have to wait for the next time we are in Singapore. By then, I would also like to look for a set of antique intan* kerosangs, if Hubs' my pockets allow it and maybe add another ensemble to my little collection. The lavender one I tried the last time was quite fetching too ...
*Intan are the shavings from cut diamonds. They are always flat at the back. Good quality intan have facets and are more valuable. The yellow coloured variety was the most popular and highly regarded in the late 19th century.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 8:06 pm
Confessions Of A Shoe-aholic
Labels: retail therapy
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
My name is Dutchess and I'm a shoe-aholic.
This recent holiday of ours, I came home with nine pairs of assorted footwear. I had the noble intention of buying only one pair of shoes - the Varina from Ferragamo. But promptly fell off the bandwagon when we went shopping at all my favourite haunts namely Takashimaya, Ngee Ann City and Tangs. Ouch.
Right after the next day we landed - by 'we' I mean my life partner in crime, Hubs and our unwilling sidekick, Sonny-boy who hates shopping unless there's a toy in it for him - we headed straight to the Ferragamo flagship store in Paragon. As we entered, I took a deep whiff. It all smelt so good. I browsed, I tried (hoo boy, did I try. I almost didn't stay on course and made off with a frivolous hot pink peep-toe from this spring's offering instead of a black pump I was there for), I admired myself in the mirror for abit before making my choice. Instead of the Varina, which, to my disappointment made my legs look stumpy, I picked the Carla with its more flattering 4cm heel.
Happiness at my fingertips
Incidentally, I already own a pair of 12cm heeled Carlas in patent red. And, I had brought them with me on holiday ( I wanted to wear them for a lunch outing with a bunch of girlfriends later that week).
Hubs also bought a pair of black suede Master moccasins with the trademark Gancini bit on the front. I would have liked to snap a photo of it but he's gone to work in them today. Here's the leather version though. The suede one is versatile as it looks good under a suit, jeans or bermudas. Walking out of the store, Hubs called me a bad influence but didn't seem to complain when he wore them the rest of the week. Just yesterday, when he got home from work, he commented they felt as comfortable as a pair of gloves. I was very pleased, as though they were mine. Speaking of which, I put my new shoes to work too, whilst on holiday and they didn't disappoint. They felt so good on the feet, even after a full day's worth of walking.
Then there were the other shoe purchases. These were all unintentional buys ( I can hear Hubs snorting now) but I'm glad I came across them anyways. Take for instance, these three pretties sitting in a row from the huge shoe department in Takashimaya.
I believe Lucieno is a local brand and they make affordable and comfortable dress sandals. I'm a regular and buy at least a pair whenever we are in town. I just love my bling!
The following two are from Tangs. I bought it the eve of our departure, on one last shopping blitz, as one would say.
Stacked heel sandals with printed horsehair straps.
This one above is special because the sales assistant very kindly gave me a 5% discount, it being a last pair and all. I would've paid full retail price for it but it's always nice to get freebies, especially so when they are unexpected gestures.
Blue suede moccasins with grossgrain ribbon bow
I have already worn this twice now and it feels so good on the feet, thanks to the thick rubber soles. Best of all, my legs didn't look stumpy, not even with capri pants. Love it, love it, love it!
The remaining number of footwear are made up of beach/casual sandals and flip-flops.
These are from Reef which can be found in the Rip/Curl store in Pacific Plaza. Can you tell I have a weakness for ribbons and bows?
The other two are from Ipanema. I'd read about them in a magazine and got curious. They fit well and look pretty good as far as flip-flops go. Perfect for the beach or slumming around.
Seed platforms from the Gisele Bundchen collection
From the regular range
So that's how it came to be nine pairs of shoes.
My name is Dutchess and I'm a shoe-aholic.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 8:29 pm
I Bought On Ebay...
Labels: just for fun, retail therapy
Friday, September 26, 2008
I love online shopping (just ask Hubs!) but for the most part, shun ebay. These days, the only things I purchase from ebay are craft books and only because they are not available elsewhere online. That's because i) I hate paypal who's always messing up and freezing my account and ii) I hate having to bid for anything. I don't have the time or patience to monitor the product I want in question so more often than not, I just click on the buy now option and have it over and done with. It's all about instant gratification.
Here's a little something for ebay addicts everywhere - you know who you are!
I almost fell off my seat from laughter, thank goodness I wasn't eating or drinking at the time either. Credit to Pam for putting it up on her blog from where I got the video from. Completely unrelated but I met Pam for the first time at a gathering earlier this year in Singapore. She has a wonderful doll-like complexion which reminds me of silken tofu. And yes, Pam, we also love Discovery's Boom-Di-YaDa song the first time it was aired on the channel. Sonny-boy can sing every word of it while Hubs and I have it for our mobile ring-tones. I know!
Have a good weekend, everyone!
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 7:08 pm
The Kind Emperor
Labels: Beijing, home life, retail therapy
Thursday, September 25, 2008
So Sonny-boy plants himself in front of me, arms akimbo, not unlike Yul Brynner in The King And I. Facial expression too, not unlike Yul Brynner in said movie. In a word - imperious.
As a stay at home mum, I'm impervious to my offspring's perceived imperiousness. If anything, I squash it like a fly. But this time, I thought I'd humour him. Besides, I was busy counting my stitches and didn't want to lose my place on the pattern.
Me: Yes?
Sonny-boy: I'm the Emperor!
At which point I drop my knitting and give him my full attention.
Me: Is that so?
Sonny-boy: I'm the kind Emperor. I say 'Please'!
Me: And...?
Sonny-boy: So I command you to please give me an ice-cream!
Me: ???!!!
*****
I wonder if it's got anything to do with the purchase from the city of Yichang some two months ago when we went on our Yangtze cruise. We had a few hours to spare before boarding the flight back to Beijing. Our local guide suggested a silk embroidery gallery to while away the time. We said, sure, why not?
You must understand that Hubs and I are not impulse buyers. Well, not really. So when I tell you we had to have that particular piece of work the minute we laid eyes on it, it must be something special.
May I present Exhibit A:
It is already beautiful on its own, made even more magnificent because the whole picture is hand embroidered with hair-like strands of silk. I find it particularly poignant and sad. The little Emperor looks lonely to me. He has all the power and responsibility of a huge country resting on those wee shoulders of his when really, all he wants to do is be a kid and just play.
The real reason why we fell in love with it was due to the striking resemblance to Sonny-boy. He has the same facial expression when concentrating on his PSP or whatever he happens to be busy playing with. It was too much! It's as if the stitcher went and sewn his face into the picture.
And here lies Exhibit B as proof:
The toy and clothing may be different, but some things never change - boys will be boys.
Although we were keen, we balked at the asking price. Sensing our willingness to buy, the gallery manager offered us a discounted price of €660. To sweeten the deal, he would also have it shipped to us at no extra cost. It now hangs in our living room:
Sonny-boy has since taken it as an affirmation of his imperial status, after all, it's his face in the picture, is it not? Well, as long as he remembers it's the Empress Dowager who runs things around here.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 8:28 pm
Temple Of Thai
Labels: asian food, home life, retail therapy
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
I was searching for a good Thai Seafood Salad recipe on the internet when I chanced upon this website called Temple of Thai. Doesn't the name already send goosepimples down your spine?
The recipe section has a good selection of familiar and not so familiar staples of Thai cuisine and is authentic enough. What I'm trying to say is the recipes have not been butchered to suit non-asian tastebuds.
The Fruit Carving page is my favourite. Having always been crafty, I am intrigued by the art and see this as another outlet of creativity. I am going to order a book of two first to aqquaint myself on the subject before deciding if this is something I would like to try or if it's more than I can chew.
I wonder what would go through the Hubs' mind when he sees carving knives and tools come through the post for me...
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 10:50 pm
Veni, Vidi, Visa - Wicker Handbag
Labels: retail therapy
Thursday, June 05, 2008
I am smitten by Ferragamo's wicker handbags. They are light, fun and lovely for the summer. What's not so lovely is the price tag. Are you kidding me? For that amount of money, I can purchase two sets of wicker garden furniture for our backyard and throw in one or two topiary trees as well. I am in love, not insane.
But all is not lost. 
I found this adorable 29 euro version in a shopping mall on Tuesday. It opens, it shuts, has leather handles and trimmings, is properly woven and looks like it can hold my make-up kit and purse.
Hey, I'm there.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 9:29 pm
Embroidered Slip-Ons
Labels: Beijing, retail therapy
Thursday, April 24, 2008
At the foot of the Great Wall, specifically around the parking area, there is an explosion of souvenir gift shops stocking all and sundry. There were the usual t-shirts, caps, scarves and ash trays lining side by side to fur hats, fox stoles, communist uniforms and Mao memorabilia. It was downright mind boggling to say the least.
Then, out of the tanglewood of kitsch, this lovely presented itself:
The slip ons are made entirely of fabric, right down to the soles which comprise of several layers of stiffened cloth stitched together. The embroidery, likewise machine stitched, is also bee-yoo-tiful.
I'm currently wearing them at home. They are comfortable and lightweight but because they are cloth soled, these slippers are slippery and our smooth wooden floors don't help much either. And you must understand I wasn't born in the Year of the Ox for nothing.
Lightly as we tread along, Dutchess.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 10:05 pm
Red Shoes
Labels: retail therapy
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
I picked up these beauties from Zara shortly before Christmas last year and took pics of it the next afternoon. Heavy frost had set in and I thought the red against the bleary grey would make for a nice shot. 
I've worn them several times since and as far as non designer shoes go, they are fairly comfortable. I didn't get blisters and there was nothing a pair of gel insoles couldn't help. Thank you, Scholl Party Feet!
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 12:14 am
Christmas Comes Early
Labels: home life, retail therapy
Friday, December 14, 2007
Santa visited Hubs early this year. Being the DIY sort of guy, Hubs went out and bought, by proxy, the Apple iPhone this week in Beijing . That makes two happy campers. Him, because his new toy hasn't been released in this part of the world yet and for me, it's one thing off my to-buy list. And well, I rather like seeing my husband happy.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 5:06 am
Oilily Teapot
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
After lusting over it forever, I finally laid my manicured hands on this beauty. I can't tell you how faint I felt with all the blood rushing through my head while queuing up at the cashier. Ilsa, my stone cow, approves too.
This whimsical looking confection is specially designed by Oilily (incidentally a Dutch fashion company) for Douwe Egberts, the tea and coffee specialist. Although available online, nothing beats going into the store proper and fondling the various teapots, cups, and what not in real life.
Anyhow, there were only two Oilily teapots on the shelf and faster than you can say 'Oi', I made a grab for one. And two tea cups. And two saucer thingamajigs for teabags, cookies, chocolates.
Labels: retail therapy
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 4:37 am 5 calories
Cutlery
Labels: home life, retail therapy
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd get a rush over cutlery.
I suppose people change over time and here I am now, feeling so pleased with my latest kitchen puchase. I scored these last Friday and showed them to the Hubby. He wanted to know why I needed yet another set when I already have four lying in the drawers. I patiently tried, the operative word here being tried, to explain these zippy looking things were for casual dining and they were calling out my name.
Men don't get it sometimes.
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 3:39 am
Veni, Vidi, Visa - VISA
Labels: going places, retail therapy
Friday, November 02, 2007
One can't visit Italy and come home empty handed. Not even if one tried very hard and especially not in Florence. It is a shopper's paradise. Not because it's cheap (nothing is cheap in Italy) but because of the mind boggling variety of stores. Here's what fell into my shopping cart, or rather the boot of the Hubby's car:
cut throat 'tourist' rate here. The products are very well made - good enough to rival those found in the designer stores. So if you're ever in the region and itching for a new bag, wallet, belt, what have you, this place is worth a visit. But be warned, the choices are mind boggling. It was too much for me until I didn't know what I wanted anymore and almost walked out empty handed. Until I saw this, of course.
One word about the market. I found out later that one can bargain there. We didn't know and because, well, no one ever bargains in Europe, not even in the markets, so we didn't. Unlike Asia where you are expected to and is almost a sport. Imagine our pleasant surprise then when we were given 10% discounts and the bag cost us Hubs 100 euros and the scarf and shawl 12 and 15 euros respectively. Discounts, like gifts,kind deeds and freebies, are best when given and not asked for.
Know what I mean?
The Dutchess of Cookalot whipped this up at 5:03 am
