Wednesday, May 25, 2011

THE MARATHON THAT IS WAIKELE














By popular demand ,and to celebrate my jetting off to the land of Aloha tomorrow, here's my inside skinny on outlet shopping in Hawaii... Enjoy!


SE has well and truly set in. It begins with a short sharp burst of pain rejecting the notion of baring the weight of yet another gleefully overfilled designer bag and ends in a constant thudding ache. I’m fairly certain in other parts of the world this affliction goes under the guise of RSI and I suspect Repetitive Strain Injury seems way more substantial and far less frivolous but the reality is; I have Shoppers Elbow.

We are on Day Three of our Hawaiian procurement and today is serious. This is the endurance event of the shopping week, the other Hawaiian Marathon if you will?

Having done the Waikele junket many times I am pleased to hear of the new shuttle service being provided by Chelsea Premium Outlets for only $5 each way. It has always baffled me that hordes of tourists visit this gargantuan assemblage of great quality outlets annually only to pay a premium getting there in the first place. In years gone by I have traveled there by the Trolley (an outdoor tram like bus, that takes 40 minutes to get there and stops a maddening number of times along the way) for $25 p/p each way, by limo (expensive but fun) at approx $100 return and by hire car (handy for frequent trips to the boot with loot but off-putting to arrive back to scars of screwdriver intrusion in the door locks) approx $50 for the day + insurance and replacement ‘gas.’

Post missing the shuttle out to Waikele because the Concierge gave us the wrong bus stop location (convinced it was his fault and not mine), we negotiate with Warren, a good humoured Japanese American that we learn on our trip out has eight cars in his fleet that he either runs as limos or taxis pending available work. We negotiated him down to $45 from the usual $60 taxi rate and travel in the comfort of an LTD. Warren enlightens us on many historical tales throughout the brisk 25 minute journey and we take his card with the intention of negotiating a trip to the Northshore later in the week.

The pieces of advice that will be most valuable to you upon reaching Waikele are:

• Book the shuttle back the minute you arrive for the trip home. You may need to bring the time forward or push it back but at least you have a booking.
• If you can avoid it, don’t go to the Outlets on a Saturday or Sunday. Monday is a great day to go because new stock is unpacked to replenish what went over the weekend.
• Get your hands on a coupon book from the Information Booth before you part with any cash. Extra discounts won’t always apply but it’s worth asking for an additional 25% off!

My modus operandi is hit the store you think you will buy the most from first, that way if you don’t get the items you thought you would there you don’t have to backtrack to other stores later. In my case it is True Religion. I’m not sure how many others in Australia are converts of True Religion but oh dear. These jeans live up to their namesake. You can expect to pay around $350 upwards pending style and embellishments in Australia. At the Outlet store, from $79.00. Happily snapping up 4 pairs next is Armani Exchange where we get a great assortment of summer tops and some cute jackets, along with some nice smart casual tops for the fellas.

These two stores saw us with a decent collection within the first hour. Michael Kors is always a pleasure and the price of handbags from small clutches to large over-the-shoulder numbers is unbelievable. Small clutches and handbags from $69 to large totes starting at $119, not to mention the additional 25% off you receive for spending $200. Not hard to spend a pretty penny in here, but remember these items are bulky and will have to fit in your suitcase or carry-on.

If you’re smart and can sweet talk the girls behind the counter they may allow you to leave those purchases plus your first two store purchases with them for a few hours.

This frees you up to go absolutely rampant in Saks 5th Avenue, which once you see the vast array on offer – you will. Rows and rows of shoes from Manolos, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Coach, Juicy Couture and Stuart Weitzman. Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo were on average $250USD with Coach and Juicy Couture from around $70USD. Mens Hugo Boss and Boss shoes from a crazy $130USD, where you will pay approximately $550 in Boss Stores in Australia when not on sale. Sunglasses are another big winner at Saks with labels like; Fendi, Gucci, Dior and Prada from around $60USD.

With the full knowledge there is no way we can carry what is still sitting at Michael Kors as well as what we have just bought, we slink past the store and have a swift browse in Coach before entering Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Lauren is one of those stores at the Outlets that you just never know what you’re going to get; as such you need to be open minded about it. Some years when I visit the guys hit the jackpot, others it’s the girls. This year, thank goodness, it’s the gal’s year.

Polo team polo shirts and shirt dresses from a ridiculous $27USD, a gorgeous Ralph Lauren Black Label satin wrap around ruffle dress shirt for $39USD and loads of little kid’s cutes dresses, polos and skirts. The entire family was clothed with this visit; 19 items for $524USD. Insane stuff!

Beginning to notice our somnolent state we formulate the plan for the last hour and execute it with exactitude.

Struggling to carry the bags we’ve reflexively obtained we disembark at Michael Kors to bring together the entire days haul. Whether out of embarrassment or pure necessity I am unsure, we consolidate, triple bag and discard any superfluous packaging. Still drawing attention from passersby as we make our way to the shuttle and that’s when the SE strikes its final malicious blow. Over the shoulder the bags go!

As we trudge onto the shuttle with 14 Japanese tourists who seem to be afraid they will miss out despite allocated seating, we realize the shuttle out and a car back would have been a good deal smarter.

Arriving back at the Hotel we lumber to the room with great effort. We unpack the bare minimum and head out for a well deserved dinner and a drink.

Limping into the Sunset Bar the barman smiles courteously and shows us to our table, “so you did the marathon?”

Oh yes, we certainly did.



Bookmark and Share

______________________________________________________
Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com

Saturday, May 21, 2011

LOUBOUTIN'S 16CM LADY DAF



If you're one who has not yet snapped up a pair on Net-A-Porter, allow me to introduce you to the new shoe of the moment... Christian Louboutin's Lady Daf.

Never one to let pregnancy get in the way of fashion, these are the very heels every media outlet in the country and beyond, hammered super-pregnant Victoria Beckham for wearing to the recent Royal Wedding.

The skyscraper heeled mary jane stilt boast a 16cm heel, a platform sole of 5cm and is the hottest shoe to hit stores this season with several US shoetique's reporting to have sold out.

Several esteemed heel aficionados have slipped into them joining Beckham; with Beyonce, Coleen Rooney, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian and Emma Roberts (daughter of Eric and niece to Julia) joining the ranks.

It’s not just the high heel that claims these are not for the faint hearted, they have a starting price of $1,100 for calf leather - beige or black - as well as black python leather, which will set you back way more than the starting price.

I have no doubt the biggest challenge will be actually nabbing a pair and not the exorbitant price tag.

Did someone say Wait List?

























Bookmark and Share

______________________________________________________
Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com
or join the Shoe Addict Facebook Fan Page here for updates

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

COMPLETELY GAGA


In the event you missed it, we had another Gaga moment last week, showcased this time on "American Idol."

Forget Madonna's controversial 'gun' heels, Lady Gaga was donning a pair of boots complete with, ummm, transparent falic symbols for heels.

Brings a whole new meaning to the term 'stripper heels.'

Bless producers for camouflaging her phallic stilts with and 'Idol' logo.

According to The Huffington Post Gaga's latest style moment are made by Void of Course and you can pick up a pair for around $4,500USD.

Think I'll pass.


(Image from Void of Course)

Bookmark and Share

______________________________________________________
Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com
or join the Shoe Addict Facebook Fan Page here for updates

Saturday, May 14, 2011

CHOO ME WITH PRE FALL 2011
















Jimmy Choo's Pre Fall 2011 collection is bringing a little luxury into our walk-in, with refined silhouettes and statement pieces injecting a colour palette from soft romantic tones to rich bold hues.

Launching for Pre Fall 2011, Jimmy Choo 'Spirit' is the definitive assortment of cool, collectable and casual footwear that captures the sexy and luxurious spirit of Jimmy Choo for more relaxed occasions.

The debut collection includes updates of the brands most iconic casual styles such as; the Biker, a wider and more varied selection of trainers, slippers, espadrilles, clogs and ballet flats, and introduces jellies, moccasins and driving shoes.

"Your life should be accessorized by unexpected luxuries - my Pre Fall 2011 Collection brings glamour to all aspects of your wardrobe," says Tamara Mellon.

Love!

View the entire Jimmy Choo Pre Fall 2011 Collection.


Bookmark and Share

______________________________________________________
Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com
or join the Shoe Addict Facebook Fan Page here for updates

Thursday, May 12, 2011

BOOT ACTION - GUCCI STYLE





It's official. I'm in love.

Gucci has been such a favourite of mine over the years but damn... this season, they've out done themselves.

These boots are made for more than walking.

Love!

Strut to your closest Gucci Boutique or view the Collection online.



From top: Akerman fringe ankle and knee high boot, 'handmade' high heel open-toe boot with woven leather, Inga ankle bootie.


Bookmark and Share

______________________________________________________
Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com
or join the Shoe Addict Facebook Fan Page here for updates

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

GET YOUR ZEGNA ON


















Gents (& the ladies advising the boy-folk) , if you are not all over the super-cool Zegna Blog authored by Z Zegna's creative director Alessandro Sartori, you need to get your Zegna on. Stat!

While it's not updated with too much regularity, it has some great design inspiration insights, behind the scenes images and direct interaction with the creative director himself.

Sartori says, "This is one of the reasons why I’ve decided to start a blog, letting readers know more about my work, inspirations and my life."

Want to get a little Zegna closer to home? I'm loving these men's loafers. For Australian stockist call 1300 493 462.

Love!


Bookmark and Share

______________________________________________________
Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com
or join the Shoe Addict Facebook Fan Page here for updates

Thursday, May 05, 2011

PIPPA MIDDLETON'S WEDDING SHOES


Most women around the globe are in awe of Pippa Middleton right about now.

No doubt a fashion rising star, we watched last week's royal wedding and gasped at her line up of stunning ensembles.

Looking every bit the royal sister-in-law in her reception gown of choice, the custom emerald green Temperley dress with the crystal embellishment matching her shoes, InStyle.com has the scoop that Pippa wore the “Lynn” silver leather sandal with diamante detailing by London footwear designer Aruna Seth.

“We were truly honored to see Pippa wearing our gorgeous Lynn silver sandals on the Royal Wedding day, a great choice to match her beautiful Temperley dress,” Seth told InStyle exclusively.

“Pippa looked truly stunning and was the most perfect bridesmaid for Kate. We hope she chooses more shoes from Aruna Seth as she becomes even more of a global style icon.”

InStyle goes on to report that the designer sent ten pairs of shoes to Pippa before the wedding. The shoes Pippa chose, shown, are available online at ArunaSeth.com for approximately $810 (AUD converted from British pounds).

Love!


(Image Credit: Instyle / Getty)

Bookmark and Share

______________________________________________________
Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com
or join the Shoe Addict Facebook Fan Page here for updates

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

11 PAIRS YOU'LL NEVER WEAR


Research out of the UK suggests that almost every woman has a collection of shoes that she will never wear.


It found that while the average British woman owns 20 pairs (seriously?), 11 of those pairs will remain shielded in her walk-in waiting for the right occasion to wear them, that never seems comes.

Despite leaving more than half of their collection to gather dust, most women will continue to fuel their shoe addiction, splashing out on an additional eight new pairs a year. (Again... seriously?)

It's no surprise that nearly a third of the 3,000 woman surveyed admitted purchasing shoes that were the wrong size, just because they liked them.

According to the study by Co-operative Insurance, the average spend on a pair of shoes is 36 pounds, so eight pairs a year would cost 288 pounds. (I wish that was my annual spend on shoes...)

"It's staggering to think about how much the average woman's shoe collection could be worth," the Daily Mail quoted Lee Mooney, head of home insurance at the Co-operative, as saying.

"Whereas a few decades ago shoes may have been considered an indulgent purchase, it's now the norm to spend a considerable amount of money on them every year," Mooney added.

Jeez, if Lee Mooney had interview some of the shoe aficionados I know, they may have blown his mind!


(Image Credit: Getty)

Bookmark and Share

______________________________________________________
Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com
or join the Shoe Addict Facebook Fan Page here for updates

Monday, May 02, 2011

2011 LOGIES SHOES - HIT & MISS




For the 2011 Logies shoe wrap.

Here's how to rock the blue shoe; Erin McNaught in this streamlined sassy white Carla Zampatti gown with a gorgeous pair of strappy turquoise sandals. A little reminiscent of Jenn Hawkins 2010 Logies number, but I'm loving Erin's ensemble.

Special guest and musical ring in Katy Perry does all the wrong things with a blue shoe. Wrong.

Also loving Heidi Middleton and Sarah-Jane Clarke mixing it up on the red carpet. Great mini's and I'm loving both the nude pump and red suede ankle boots. Love!


Bookmark and Share

______________________________________________________
Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com
or join the Shoe Addict Facebook Fan Page here for updates