The Gucci Lowdown

I know I'm very, very, very late for the Gucci sale in Malaysia. Unlike previously in London where it's normally a week before the Boxing Day that Gucci Sale started, here in KL it seems to happen way back in November when YES announcement is made by the press. In other words, for any shopanistos like me that's way too late to find great bargains especially the coveted items where their price tags been slashed to the max. Go now i.e. almost a month later, chances that only leftovers are displayed on the shelves. Leftovers that are supposed to be chunked out into the garbage bin coz they look utterly hideous.

When I went into Gucci KLCC last week, that's what I discovered. I know I won't be finding any zipped boots like what I saw in Mr Porter or Gucci UK/US websites anymore. What is left, is...erm... these boots. Something utterly yikes coz to me they doesn't scream 'Gucci' at all. Well, a bit... not that much unlike most previous hot Gucci shoes. So, my lowdown on the boots during my encounter....

This one has a massive identity crisis. Is it a loafer, or is it a Chelsea boots? Some kind of Britney Spears' not a girl, not yet a woman moment, if you know what I mean. It look hideous in the pix, and looks equally hideous in real life (and I'm not kidding!). No wonder no smart Gucci lover won't snap this one! Yikes...

These two boots (the above and the one below) is by far the ugliest Gucci boots ever. I can't quite put my finger on why does Gucci did these kind of look? From the textured leather that look like it's from a troll and the color that is quite underwhelming, to the 'seam' on its body that doesn't quite make it - these boots are the ultimate Gucci shoes disaster. The last time when I first saw it in Gucci website, I almost puke. And when I saw it in real life... thank God I didn't throw up on the carpet at the store. Otherwise I'll mess it's golden brown color, ahaks!

And the most bemusing, these boots are priced at almost RM 2000 for their hideous look. That, ladies and gents... is a massive yikes!

Nevertheless, not all bad at Gucci in that Fall/Winter 2011 collection. While some went on Sale, there are some pieces at normal prices that looks utterly delish... both to look at, and to the touch. One item that I drooled over when I first saw it in the previous Gucci FW11 ad campaign is the portfolio bag in tan leather. (the bag on the right in this pix). 

I saw it sitting nicely on one upper shelf in the store. From the look and all, I know this one has the ultimate buttery soft texture that I can imagine. And I'm not wrong at all... this one is sooo luscious to the touch, too soft that is too good to have a bite too!

Funnily, I did some 'viva voce' session with the Gucci salesguy to test him on his knowledge about the material. Why? Unlike the one overseas, most sales promoter in Malaysia is quite 'stupid' since they are not that well-versed on the products displayed - both at local malls and the designer outlets. And this one is no exception too. I asked him what material is this one? He said, calf leather.

In my head, "hmmm...he's almost right, but well, he's still ignorant and kureng cerdik". Ignorant and kureng cerdik how? Coz if he really read the product description, this one is from deerskin - that's why the texture is less pebbled and so buttery soft unlike the typical calf leather. Got that sales promoter? You know you should do your homework, right? But I gave him 1/10 coz at least he tried. Hmmh... (*cakap 'hmmh' mencebik ala2 Fazura in Pisau Cukur!)

Anyway, if not because I did some retail therapy before going in to Gucci, I would've snapped this one. Price? About RM 2500. *sila pengsan!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...

While I was rearranging stuff in my store room, I pulled open the boxes that contain my shoes which has been in there for months now. Months, since I've been back last October 2011... but the shoes arrived a month later through shipping all the way from London. I have to tell I am quite anxious back then when thinking about my shipping since I got more than 30 boxes with similar size as the PC's CRT-monitor (the old monitor lah, mana ada org pakai CRT lg skang nih?)

Anyway. It's like bringing out all the memories again when I open the shoe boxes to dust things off. Memories on my shoe stories how I got them, the quest and conquest, and above all - the time when I used to wore 'em so many times back then. Looking back and seeing things now, I just can't figure out why I didn't use these shoes again? Oh, I know; coz they're stored out of my sight... I think that's why I do need to get my shoe closet project (and my home renovation project too) kicked off so that I can see the shoes right in front my eyes on daily basis.

Btw, I still planted wish and hope that I will wear my shoes again. Somewhere over the rainbow...skies are blue. Somewhere over the rainbow, I hope to wear those shoes too... :)  

Wool/leather derby shoes by Beatrix Ong

I love this one because the mix of material used. This one is a conquest coz seeing online, the price is totally insane. Thankfully when I went to their neat little store at Newburgh Quarter, off Carnaby Street - the prices is ridiculously cheap: 75% off. So...angkut jer la!

Patent leather Oxford shoe by Zara

One of my evergrowing collection of patent shoes by Zara. The moment I saw this I was like 'Oh my God, so Gucci!' since it's a sheer resemblance to the Gucci patent lace-ups that I saw in online. The slimming form factor of it is fantabulous.

Patent leather lace-ups by D&G

I remember buying this shoes unintentionally. I was strolling around at House of Fraser at Westfield London, and suddenly struck to a patent leather lace ups on the SALE section. Checking it, it's by D&G... and it's at more than half price! But there no size 43 there, but being me I asked the salesguy if he had it somewhere... and luckily he said, "yes, we have one left back in the store room". Perfect!

Patent leather sandals by Doucals

I absolutely adore the minimalist look of this sandals - very simple, very modern and somehow appear so chic! I remember taking it with me during my Spring Break to Malaysia back in 2009. It's awesome, though I realized that the size is a tad bigger. I should've bought size 8 instead for any sandals!

Nude lace-ups by Bally

Another 'by chance' purchase during my visit to Bicester Village at Oxfordshire. This is my own version of nude shoes due to its flesh tone color. Love wearing this back in the summer, with a cropped trousers and without socks. Taking the Tube, some goes ooh, love the shoes, look sexy! Lol.

Grey suede lace-ups by Zara

Another one that's worn quite frequent during summer, without socks again. Grey suede made a huge trend that particular season and I'm kinda succumbed to the temptation of getting one myself And when they did discounts on this shoes, I had to grab one pair too! (see, London is evil!). 

Perforated leather lace-ups by Giorgio Armani

I can't forget this one, absolutely. The moment I saw it on the catwalk worn by Miro Moreira, I know I wanna have it right that instant. Then, I found it at Giorgio Armani store @ Bond Street, but it's not on sale. Fortunately, at Yoox.com, this one went on massive discount... so, finally it arrived safe and sound to my house in North London. I call it the 'corset shoes' since the black leather section amidst the white perforated body made it look like a corset indeed. :)

Black/White Adidas Top Ten Hi sneakers

One of the impulsive buying upon my unlucky encounter at Beatrix Ong store to get the previous shoes. This 'Top Ten Hi' sneakers by Adidas is one of the limited edition that comes with the croc-printed leather upper. I love the padded 'neck' which is so comfy to wear during autumn. [click here to read its story]

Grey Canvas Adidas Top Ten Hi sneakers

This is one of the 'epic' sneakers that I got. The moment I lay eyes on Size? website, I know I have to get it. Why I said epic? Coz it seems that Jay Baruchel also wear the same one in his red carpet appearance for 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' premiere. [click here to read]

Denim boat shoes by River Island

It's the denim reign of the season, plus it's summer when everyone is talking about boat shoes all over the fashion mags. And this one is like killing two pigs with one Angry Bird. Perfect fit, and very cheap!

Denim Oxfords by Zara

Another denim movement of the season. It's kinda lucky to find this 'slightly formal' shoes in denim when I visited Zara Oxford Circus in one weekend. When it went on Sale, I can;t just say no. The dark raw denim goes manic with my skinny Selvedge denim... the look cool together!

Faux python lace-ups by Zara

Summer is all about snakeskin, and this one hits just the exact perfection. The texture is superb and really a spitting image of the real python skin. I call this one the 'phallic shoe', coz its very slim and tapering and got a toe cap, just like a penis. LOL!

Eyelets hi-top sneakers by Zara

One encounter at Zara High Street Kensington stumbled me upon this sneakers. Eyes drawn, the feet tried, the heart loves it... and finally, the payment made at the counter. Easy, breezy Cover Girl.. (aik, apsal tetiba Cover Girl masuk plak ni? ehehe). And oh, it looks similar to what Marc Jacobs did that season too. :)

White canvas wing-tip plimsols by Zara

Canvas plimsols is a must when the hot scorching weather arrives, and this one that I bought at Zara @ Duke of York Square in London just ticks the right boxes. White? Check. Canvas? Check. Slim? check? and oh, wing-tip design? Check too... :)

Oh No, It's Not Two..?

Ooops, I think I've given the wrong info in my previous post about the number of shoes that I haven't wear and still kept in the storage. It turns out that it's not two boxes....but, erm... three! Clumsy me, hehe... :)

*sorry, no nak kasi2 free and NO PRELOVED! (screaming mode) :P

Shoe Talk

You must've known that I'm a big shoeholic. Okay, fine... massive shoeholic coz I got lots of shoes. There probably about two big boxes of shoes that are still unworn since I haven't got time to really find a proper 'occasion' to put 'em on. All these days I just wear mainly of what you've seen in this blog - which is mostly boots. Others such as the lace ups, I hardly wear 'em coz I find it quite a hassle to tie-untie the laces which could be truly time consuming.

Anyway. Mentioning shoes, these videos from Mr Porter are quite interesting that shows the designer point of views on why it's important to have good shoes in your closet. And to care 'em too of course, as the longevity of the footwear is what you should give priority apart from having them in a huge number.

Some points to ponder from the videos:

• Have variety in your footwear collection.


• Always rotate the shoes that you wear - never wear the same shoe in two consecutive days.


• Take care of your shoes - wax on, wax off...


• It's okay to mix up sneakers with suits - but do it in a classy way.


• The choice of socks made all the difference sometimes... or even sans socks!