The Alternative Blue

Topman (Top) VS American Apparel (Left) VS Dior Homme (Right)

Energie VS Dior Homme

I saw a Dior Homme jacket in Riccardi the other day that resembles this one from Energie. The difference? A huge gap on the price tag. Purchase at Energie Online (though I'd wait for the seasonal sale).

Shopping Smart (Alternatives? Yes please!)

I'm not going to lie: I'm addicted to labels. Unfortunately, last year's consumer addiction has left me in debt, so now I'm battling the Barneys Mafia/Credit Card Mafias every month. My New Year's Resolution is to stop being an impulse buyer. Before making any purchase, carefully think about how much I want something and do research on the current market to see if there's a good alternative.

Due to the current recession, it seems irresponsible to invest in labels (Sorry, D&G, I love you too, but it's just not going to work out this year). As many others have said before me: 'Style should not be compromised just because the economy is going down the drain'. This year it's all about being a flexible and smart shopper. Here are several examples of what I mean:

Kenzo Minami Dot Cluster Tee VS American Apparel Space Scape Jersey Tee

Gucci (top) VS Urban Outfitters (middle) VS Ray-Ban (bottom)

Obsession of the Day

Carolyn Massey Cape

and if you prefer a chunkier version:

McQ by Alexander McQueen sold on ASOS

A gift for moi?

Look what my best friend Debbie in Hong Kong sent me! SWOOOON~ Thank you Deb I love you! It's too bad I didn't go to the Inauguration Ceremony in D.C., I seriously would have stood a fair chance against Michelle Obama for the most blingy outfit. Oh Michelle, you're always one step ahead of me.

My favorite two pieces from Izzue's Fall/Winter '08 collection...

The blazer is very reminiscent of Maison Martin Margiela's Spring '09 collection. Except at a fraction of the price.

Disco Mirror Lapel Blazer available for purchase at eLuxury.

A Good Alternative...

I hope all of you had a great Christmas and New Years! It was certainly the busiest time of year for me: non-stop family events... -_-;;

Did everyone go out shopping the day-after-Christmas? It was incredibly hectic, and even with all the sales going on, some things STILL remain unaffordable! Such as the case of these Dior Homme shoes I've been lusting after for a long time. However, I found a good, affordable, alternative to the Dior patent leather boots... go Converse!

(Click the image to enlarge)

Winter Neckwear

Hey Bostonians, since the snow storm this weekend has brutally reminded us that winter has arrived, what better time to break out the winter neckwear? Several alternative choices instead of the traditional scarf:

Hood Cowl

Neckwarmer

Neckwarmer

Felt Scarf

Found these on Etsy