Jeepers Creepers

Since my last post, I went into full obsession mode with creepers, a shoe you would maybe associate with 50s greasers or punk subculture, but has obviously found its way into the fashion mainstream. But they're awesome. So now the question is...round toe or pointed toe? Suede or leather? Double sole? Or boots?

10 Reasons Why We Want Creepers:

1. This Jalouse editorial makes them look effin' cool:

2. The Sex Pistols wore them:

3. These silly asians are wearing them (apparently they're in some famous Thai band):

4. They come in red (though, it will likely be black for me):

5. They come in leopard print (hmm):

6. You could potentially say, hey, lay off my green suede shoes:

7. They look good with jeans:

8. They look good with dresses:

9. They look mad hot on these girls (jean shorts + tights + creepers = win):

10. The Bowie Boots are awesome:

Currently intensely obsessed

with her shoes.

Perfect summery peep-toe lace-up heels, come to me. Let me find you. Seriously, if (the gorgeous) blogger from Columbine Smille walked by me, I would tackle her to the ground and pry them off her feet while telling her how much I love her blog.

Dear Mr. Wang

Thank you for making these. Now, can I have them?
Love,
Tu-Linh

Alexander Wang mirte laced boot via Opening Ceremony

Biker

Many years ago, I bought a pair of $30 brown faux leather biker boots, even before Frye really blew up. Those boots graced my little feet through 7 Canadian winters and were by far the warmest, most comfortable, most worn, most commented on and simply the coolest boots I have ever owned. I parted with them before my move to Europe and now it's time for an update. I think I'd like to switch calf for ankle and brown for black. Here are some inspiring looks.

The girls at Fashion Squad, Lina di Moda, Fashion Toast and Caroline's Mode.

Rag & Bone moto classic boot $550 at La Garçonne

Aje biker boots $525

Opening Ceremony cropped harness cowboy boot $330

Jeffrey Campbell for Free People Harness Harley boot $216.93 at freepeople.com

Deena & Ozzy Perf Harness boot $58 at Urban Outfitters

More shoes!

I'm still searching for the perfect (and affordable) shoe. I'm still debating between new boots or a pair of wedge sandals. Maybe wedge boots? Confusion.

In my mind, my dream boots are maybe black leather, maybe khaki canvas, more spring inspired, have an open toe, lace up (flashes of Alexander Wang's Freja and McQueen's Faithful), have a chunky heel to facilitate walking on Amsterdam's cobblestones, maybe some platform (flashes of those Burberry boots). Boots, where are you? Let me find you. As for wedges...alas, I'm warming up to even the giant wooden ones, but I haven't fallen in love with any I've seen yet.

I was on the Top Shop website, and I chose a selection of boots/wedges that are in the ilk of what I'm looking for but not quite on the nose of my dream shoe. Though, they DO ship to the Netherlands...

ARABELLA canvas lace-up boots $170

ARMOUR peep lace-up cuff boots $160

PINE buckle canvas boots $270

PACE buckle wedges $280

WAFFLE lace-up wood wedge $135

SHIRLEY cut-out wedge $160

(Topshop.com)

Wedged

I once wrote, on this very blog, that wedges were a "legitimate fashion choice...I will never get into." This is a lesson. Never say never when it comes to fashion choices. (Though, I still stand by never wearing leggings as pants. Neverrrrr.) Ok. Well spring is here and I'm having a shoe dilemma. I don't want to wear my winter combat-like boots anymore and every pair of heels/boots I own are 3-4-5" suitable only for evening. What do I wear during the day with skirts or jean shorts (worn with tights, of course, let's not get ahead of ourselves, it's April) or my Acne jeans I wear rolled up slightly? Oxfords, ballerina flats or Chucks, sure. But what about those days where I'm cocktailing before sundown and I want my feet to feel a bit more special?

Wedges. I want them. And I don't need to go all-out with a 6" wedge like the Atacomas (a legitimate fashion choice I will never get into) or chunky clog wedges I see everywhere (we can thank Chanel for the clog craze). The following is my wedge wish list.

Acne pose lace-up ankle boot (net-a-porter)

I posted these once in a different colour, but now I'd like them as a potential daytime black boot.

Because you can never have too many black boots.

Rosegold Suede Wedge (Urban Outfitters)

Understated and almost a heel.

Kelsi Dagger Nude Wedge (Urban Outfitters)

Because I still love nudes.

Rachel Comey brogue wedge (Opening Ceremony)

For lack of brown shoes in my closet - these are as clog-like as I'd get.

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony buckle boot

This is as extreme as I would go in wedge...aren't they pretty?

Denim, lace and shoes

Jalouse March 2010 continues the big denim trend for spring. I chose my favourites from the editorial. Stylist Sébastien Cambos dresses Marloes Horst (photographed by Sol Sanchez) in a Chanel cotton and crinoline skirt, in Vanessa Bruno fringe and in delicate lace for a feminine take on denim. I also get kind of a western cowgirl vibe from the hats (also a stripper vibe - not so keen on the poses). The fourth picture has no denim, but I am in love with that Dolce & Gabbana white lace and fringe dress. I want to get married in it (to it?) and I hate weddings, particularly wedding dresses.

Last, but not least, the shoes. You may remember them from such Jalouse editorials as this. They are Sportmax laced leather and canvas cutaway boots. I want them. I prefer them in muted beige or khaki green tones rather than the brown ones featured in this Jalouse editorial.

(via Fashion Gone Rogue)

Sportmax Spring 2010 RTW (via New York Magazine)

Alexanders The Greats; lace-up, zip-up, peep-toe porn

Dear boots,
I know I say this all the time to other boots, but I love you the MOST and if you join my wardrobe, I will take care of you and love you forever. For EVER ever.
Love,
Tu-Linh

Alexander Wang's Freja laced zip boots

(via Jak&Jil)

Alexander McQueen's military lace-up Faithful bootie

(via Tommy Ton of Jak&Jil for Style.com)

Tu-Linh's Personal Style Guide. Chapter Two: Adding Fun in Colour

It's about time I post my second chapter to my Style Guide and it's actually very fitting, though coincidental, that it comes right after my post on Alexa Chung. If my first chapter was about monochromatic basics, then this chapter is all about colour and prints. I'm now adding items to my basics that are more fun and casual, but paired with the right things (think black heels & blazers) can still be dressy. The whole point of all this (other than having fun), is that I'm building a wardrobe in strategic steps using some key versatile items. This way, I maximize how many outfits I can make.

1. Denim. To quote Alexa Chung in the March issue of British Vogue: "Denim, that most practical and versatile of materials, holds us all in its thrall and has done for decades...Jeans have always united a generation in a single cut." It's true, I mean think about hippy bell bottom jeans or 80s high-waisted Levi's or loose torn grunge jeans. Denim is classic, timeless and universal, but there are always distinct forms of denim that are popular at any given time. To me, denim has always been youthful and very rock n' roll, something I would be wearing while dancing at a music festival (will she mention Coachella again? yes). I'm choosing two denim items that I love right now. The shorts and the shirt.

These days, I love cut-off denim shorts with crazy rips or pockets sticking out. I also like the loose-fitting longer boyfriend shorts for days you don't want to look too sexy. I recently picked up a 10 EUR pair of jean shorts and took sandpaper, razor blades, studs and yeah, even cheese graters to them. The studded pair is one of many that Anniieemal (fellow fashion blogger) custom makes for her online shop. Wear jean shorts with black tights, heeled black boots and a blazer to dress them up.

A denim shirt is the perfect addition to a wardrobe because you can wear it with pretty much ANYTHING. I like them when they are slightly oversized (one of my favourite looks - the effortless "stolen from your boyfriend" look). Chambray is also a great fabric because it's thinner and achieves the aforementioned slouchy look. I'm really enjoying cropped denim shirts too.

2. Plaid. Speaking of rock n' roll...I always have a plaid cotton or flannel shirt lying around. They spruce up any basics and you can wear them casually, let's say with jean shorts. You can wear them and be the frontman of a punk band, with boots and a leather jacket. Or, you could be more dressy, your plaid shirt layered under a blazer or tucked into a skirt. I find vintage shops great for these - I got mine for 10 EUR.

3. Floral/Print Skirt. Though I often dress like a boy, I like being a girl too. And nothing is more girly than a floral print skirt. If you don't like flowers (what's wrong with you), choose whatever print you like and feel comfortable and amazing in.

4. Rocker t-shirts. Maybe now you're seeing my Alexa Chung post again and thinking "Oh yeah...This IS fitting." I don't like paying for rock n' roll t-shirts, because stealing them from my lover RIGHT after he buys them (usually 2nd hand and less than 10 EUR) gives me SO MUCH pleasure. But like I tell him, his ratty and slightly oversized (he's the perfect degree of bigger than me) tees "looks so much better on me."

5. Shoes that are NOT black. We're adding colour, remember? I'm posting nudes and pinks because this is what I'm obsessed with right now, but feel free to choose the colour you like.

6. Sexy lingerie. Last but not least, there's nothing like a little lace to make you feel sexy, whether it's hidden under your clothes waiting to surprise someone or whether it's flirtatiously peeking out of a low neckline.

Stay tuned for my personal Chapter 2 Review!