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Fashion Holy Grail

Thursday 9 May 2013
Hermes-Kelly-28
By the way, these books make fabulous displays and fool guests into thinking that I'm an intellect. My REAL reading material lies in another bookcase.  

I used to think that if I've found THE ONE (no, I'm not talking about the human type or else I would be a serial bigamist by now), that would be it. The yearning, the hunt, the stalking, the obsession.... that will all cease. It's no different to a hunter stalking its prey. (Come to think of it, it almost sounds like disturbing behavior from a troubled individual. And we're talking about something as benign as a Fashion Holy Grail). I can finally enjoy my long awaited HG. But then......the strangest thing happens. Along comes yet another Fashion Holy Grail. And another. And another.

When will it ever end?  I suppose cancelling subscriptions to all the magazines and online publications may help reduce the never ending desire for the next Holy Grail by a smidgeon. Or the other extreme, smash the router (must remember to call it a roooooter here in the UK) on the concrete floor a number of time to ensure that it's totally dead. No internet. No connection to the outside world. The other option is to become a recluse and live in a cave.

Isabel_Marant_and_Rick_Owens
Etoile Isabel Marant parka (similar here) and Rick Owens jacket (heavily discounted) (similar here)



I guess it's no different to any other holy grails. A bigger house. The latest MacBook Air that's so light it can float. A boxful of Diptyque candles.  I can go on but let's get back to the ones related to fashion. You spend all day long working, looking after every member of your family, sit through mind numbing and endless children activities, managing your finances, planning for your future and let's not forget, the endless housework. You want something to take your mind off the heavy load that's perched on your shoulders. You want something that's fun, mindless and yes, superficial. Furthermore, it makes you feel darn good. Well, until the next hunting season begins.


Chloe_Hermes

Take the Hermes Kelly which I've driveled on often enough here. I decided that the style was more me compared to a Birkin but living in New Zealand has its disadvantages. I was hundreds of miles away from the nearest Hermes store and I didn't want to wait another 3 years. I've decided on the color, leather and size but finding one was near impossible until I saw it sitting in its glory at a consignment store. I was hyperventilating and literally broke out in cold sweat when I had to hand over my bank card. Or the boyfriend jeans which took me 6 months to find. Thanks to Sam, I've managed to my holy grail jeans in Zara for a mere £29.99.

How about the Repetto leopard print ballet flats that I stumbled upon by chance at a third of the retail price while online window shopping at Yoox? I was so desperate to own a pair that I'd tried to convince the ladies at Repetto to have them custom made. They said no. I was devastated.

Repetto-leopard
       
I'd been searching for a parka for what felt like a million years when my friend, Heather dug the Etoile Isabel Marant parka out of the hundreds of racks at the outlet store in Istanbul. I paid the act of kindness forward by doing the same for another friend at a Isabel Marant sample sale. She'd been lusting after my parka for the longest time. Ditto for the Rick Owens jacket so I won't bore you further with my endless tales of finding my FHG.

My rationale is that I've spent so long ticking these FHGs off my list that I had to put them to good use. And I did and still do. So, what's next? You didn't think my list is finite, did you? I'm still dreaming of finding the perfect panama hat and a neon yellow pumps that I can walk in. Oh and another Hermes Kelly if I happen to win Lotto.
             
Now it's your turn. What are YOUR Fashion Holy Grails?

21 comments:

  1. I love this post! It's no secret now that the Hermes Kelly is a major HG on my list. I've other classic items on my list - e.g., Cartier Tank watch and the Hermes Rivale bracelet to name a few.

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  2. Right now, high on my list would be a classic Burberry trench in honey - maybe with leather trim? :)

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  3. i need to invest on a pair of repetto ~ cant believe i dont have one :(

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  4. I stumbled upon my Fashion Holy Grail yesterday in the Chanel store at Le Bon Marché. It's a black bag but unlike the 2.55 it has this vintage look similar to Lanvins'. Of course the price is way too high for me to consider buying it now, but I think it's the kind of accessory that I could wear for decades, so not a bad investment, right?

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  5. My HG is something I used to own and then sold... grrr... a Chanel classic flap bag. I still can't believe I was that stupid to sell it. It now costs twice what I paid for it... another item that is high on the list is a Cartier tank.

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  6. Do you mind if I ask how's the sizing in Repetto? heard that it usually need to be sized up. I'm usually a UK3 or US 6, and not sure which size i should go for the normal leather ballet. thanks in advance. I Ying (instagram)

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    1. Hi I Ying! Repetto runs small but their patent leather ones are even smaller. So go 1 size up for normal leather and 1.5 to 2 sizes up for patent leather. For example. I'm usually a US 4. I tend to wear 35 in Repetto (suede, ponyhair, normal leather, capped toe with normal leather) but a 36 in patent. Hope this helps.

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    2. Thanks M! Will keep this with me when I got the chance to score it online. My holy grail are a Chanel reissue 2.55 which I got it last year (and yet still don't know where and when to wear. Perhaps in my son's graduation in a decades!), and a Prada nylon bag that I wear to work rain or shine. I still remember how I drool over it exactly 1 year before finally give it a go. I agree with you that the list for our holy grail will just be a never-ending story, it's easy to say yes I'm done with this last buy, but I can't really practice it! You once wrote about an old lady carrying the same Hermes everyday and I can imagine how beautiful the scene is. I only wish that when I'm in my golden age, I still happily wear my holy grails

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  7. Such a fun post Marlene! That kelly is mt dream bag..**massive drool**

    But back to reality, my holy grails are my Chanel 50th anniversary reissue Daria Werbowy rocks), Cartier tank, a strand of silvery white South Sea baroques, Isabel Marant's Emelle Jacket from 2008 Runway, IM's cotton embroidery blouse from 2009, French Soles Pony Hair Leopard Ballerina.

    Quite content for now.. until the next hunting season starts!

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  8. Oh what cool friends you have! Looking out for you all around the world, looking for your holy grail even in Istanbul. Actually often it's the hunt that a huge part of it, researching comparing, trawling through all the sites. I think for me though that reading blogs and mags does make it worse, there is so much more out there in the world! And happiness and fulfillment really does lie out there with purchase of the next thing...until the next thing..Ha!

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  9. You are a lucky shopper! I'm like you and have decided that the Hermes Kelly fits my lifestyle and handbag preference. I would use it forever! Do you mind sharing your favorite consignment stores in the UK? I'm bummed I didn't take advantage of good consignment stores there when I had the chance!
    Otherwise, I'd like Mikimoto pearls, good quality diamond studs, and a Chanel caviar classic flap in a pop color!
    Someday...

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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    1. hiya! I wrote a post about my favorite consignment stores in London last year. Here it is: http://www.chocolatecookiesandcandies.com/2011/09/favorite-thrift-shops-in-london.html

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  10. I'm a bit all over the place with my holy grails-typically all "classic" pieces. I love my cartier tank, my tiffany pearl diamond earrings and MK pendant necklace. My husband recently gifted me a Dodo charm bracelet which I consider a classic piece as well. I do have a soft spot for my sunglasses (vintage cat eye Lesca's purchased in Paris and Ray Ban aviators) and they make me feel pulled together. I have a little black dress from Kate Spade that literally fits me a like a glove, a Barbour jacket that has helped me survive the rain here in The Netherlands; it's practical but stylish too. Oh, and one last thing. A classic white button down shirt: I have found that Cavallaro Napoli makes the best fitting button downs for women (and men too). They don't make you look boxy, nicely fitted and the buttons are not too spaced apart so no unsightly gaps....and their sizes work well for petite women. Don't even get me started on the blazers....they are amazing too.

    I would love a classic trench or a maxmara camel coat. A Chanel 2.55 would be amazing...

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  11. Ooh, your holy grails are beautiful and totally holy grail-ish (who wouldn't consider a Hermes bag as an HG - though it'd be a Birkin for me...)! It's great to find an item that you've been dreaming about, that goes with most things, that you know it'll make you feel special and you won't have to think about it too much when getting ready - that's what a holy grail is for me. But I also believe that thinking in terms of HGs can be stressful, for a lack of better word. Because it can trick you into having a mind-set that only this item will do and in the mean time you can miss other items that might not immediately have the holy grail appeal but are actually really worth-while!

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  12. Mine aren't necessarily sale items, but for me... my Givenchy gold sequin heels (love a bit of fun with shoes, I got these 70% off from NAP, last pair left, while up at a batch with virtually no reception over the summer break, all while hiding this from my BF hahaha). Also, my PS11 bag, and probably my Helmut Lang black blazer.

    Loved seeing yours, and hearing the stories behind each one!

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  13. I really like your never ending list of Holy Grail...so true! It seems like we can but buy, wish, lust and again whatever we can achieve in our afore mentioned list. I already have some of my so called Holy Grails but I am still dreaming for a Cartier Marcello bag (yes not the most known or lust after bag), a pair of really well made Fratelli Rossetti shoes in my size, a Burberry trench coat or a Loro Piana sweater.And also a Cartier vintage watch. But well those are mostly dreams that keep me drooling but nevertheless I go on with my life ...and what I can really afford with as much quality as I can.

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  14. I'm always on the hunt for boyfriend jeans and a really good cardigan.

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  15. Another Hermes Kelly is on my list too - I still can't believe you got yours for such a fabulous price!

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    1. LOL! It wasn't cheap back then but after many MANY price increase, I guess it's considered a bargain.

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  16. Yes, we all have our Holy Grail items. I can't say that magazines or online publications influence them much... I am lucky that I have managed to cross so many of mine off the list.

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  17. I don't think you have to turn off blogs, magazines or stop shopping (although it helps) but I do think the way to remain satisfied with anything is to start and end your hunt with a list developed by your own criteria. As far as a HG...the only thing I really want is a really good tote in leather (neither showy nor heavy). It has to be REALLY good quality. I like to keep my stuff around for awhile.
    -Missone

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