Gossip Guys: The Kids Stay In The Picture

After a hiatus that felt like forever, Gossip Girl is back with the first of the five remaining all-new episodes!

Looks like they're wrapping Season 4 up with Blair's love-rectangle, which is a prime example of the saying "When it rains, it pours," and this season's second new girl in town, who's bringing with her a secret which was vaguely summed up as "What happened wasn't so long ago." Both of these plot devices seemed rather underwhelming. First of all, I didn't understand the big fuss about the "Dair" kiss (Freak out much, Vanessa?) Secondly, Charlie (Serena's cousin) is clearly no match for our dearest Juliet Sharp - the single white female situation's been overdone (See: Emily, 90210).

Still, there's always hope that a plot twist lies somewhere underneath all the glamor and piles, after piles, after piles of beautiful clothes....

Photo credit: The CW

This is the outfit Chuck Bass wore to his 'Modern Royalty' photoshoot, and you just gotta give it to Chuck Bass. This look totally embraces the theme - from the ascot to the brooch, this SHOUTS modern royalty. It has so much texture although it's all black. And it's such a departure from his usual suit and tie numbers. Was super excited to see this look on Chuck.

Photo credit: The CW

Here's the normal (iconic) Chuck Bass look I was talking about: Paisley (or crazy print) tie, suit with stripes, and a big coat. Speaking of coats, when are they going to change to the Spring/Summer wardrobe on the show? I'm dying to see a Summer look from Chuck, may one for the Hamptons or St. Bart's. We need guidance!

Photo credit: The CW

William van der Woodsen is back and it seems that he has caught the "ugly plaid shirt syndrome" from the Humphrey's. This actually aged Will and made him look like a suburban dad. And what's with the deal with the 50,000 bracelets on his wrist? Ugh. Eyesore. And hey, Eric van der Woodsen, you too.

Missing Dan Humphrey and Nate Archibald? Check out what they wore after the jump!

Shoe Mania: Christian Louboutin Spacer Flat SS2011

Price: US$1,195

Expected release date: May 31, 2011

Photo credit: Christian Louboutin via Highsnobiety

Runway Look For Less: Burberry April Showers 2011

"Tut-tut, it looks like rain!"

Just in time for the first rainy day in Spring here in Hong Kong. These visuals mark the second year since Burberry launched its April Showers campaign. Once again, bright and vibrant colors are confirmed to be on the hit list this season.

First off, I'd like to say I'm digging the white pants - they definitely made raining look less gloomy. The waterproof fabrics also made the outfits light and breezy. Another take-away from this campaign is to limit your outfits to only three colors to keep things simple and chic.



Topman has this purple trench coat which I find to be along the same vein as the April Showers campaign (especially the blue trench in the second picture above). It's now available here, retailing at £110.00. The styling isn't perfect - would've preferred the buttons to be black and I wouldn't pair this with brownish pants (unquestionably I'd go with white) - but then when the Burberry one costs £395.00, this one from Topman will have to do for now. No?

Photo credit: Topman

Photo credit: Burberry via DesignScene

SS2011 Outfit Inspirations

Photo credits: DesignScene

Zara Lookbook Man April 2011

 More looks after the jump!

Top 3 High-Tops (Part Deux)

In continuation with my latest infatuation with high-top sneakers, here are three more pairs that would unquestionably have you guys salivating...

First up, we have Christian Louboutin's now iconic Louis Flat high-tops with (expectedly) lots and lots of studs... but this time round, they're on denim! That's a first from Louboutin and I'm loving the mixture of the denim with leather details. Despite the fact that the sneakers are completely covered in studs, I have to say this is one of the more understated designs from Louboutin compared to his other ones.

Then we have these two from Italian shoe designer Guiseppi Zanotti, who's famous for their sky high heels for the ladies. This is the very first time they're releasing high-top sneakers for guys so this is pretty monumental. I love how Zanotti so subtly translated the aesthetics from the brand's iconic heels and boots to these sneakers. They definitely bring something new to the table by using snake skin materials and by incorporating gold metal plates. The mixture of fabrics in the second pair is simply genius!

Photo credits: Highsnobiety and ModeMan

John Rocha FW2011

Just discovered this really awesome FW2011 collection from Hong Kong-born, Irish fashion designer John Rocha. Love the mix of faux fur and tweed, which reminds me a bit of both Burberry and Dries Van Noten. Pure love.

Photo credit: John Rocha via ModeMan

Top 3 High-Tops

High tops sneakers have definitely become fashion staples in any guy's wardrobe. They're so versatile and there's just some sort of mystical appeal to their shapes that instantly makes you feel more confident about your legs - I think it's the covering of the ankles, but I digress.  

First up, I am absolutely in love with this pair from Maison Martin Margiela's SS2011 collection. The earth-tone color is definitely on trend right now and the suede material makes it wearable around the year. It also has this understated glam-rock feel to it at the same time (see the metal chain details?) which I am totally on board with. They are now available online here.

Quilted leather have become a signature for Marc Jacobs shoes. These ones are from the brand's FW2011 collection and I'm really feeling the black ones because of the total badass vibe. (Leather mixed with suede AND gold metal details, anyone?) The brown ones, on the other hand, look very desert boots-like and are great to wear with jeans if you're into the explorer/safari look, which is very hot right now.

Finally, what is Spring / Summer without some colors? This is not the first time Missoni has collaborated with Converse and I have loved every single one of their collaborations. These are no exception. They are perfect for SS2011 with their colorful pattern and Missoni prints are just mesmerizing. I would pair these up with a pair of short shorts in a heartbeat. They are now available online here.

Photo credits: Highsnobiety and Selectism

Summer Shades: Grey Ant "Status" Sunglasses

From Usher to Rihanna to Pete Wentz to Beyonce, these gorgeous Grey Ant "Status" sunglasses have been burgeoning in the fashion scene for quite some time...

Aren't they just perfect for the Summer? What I love about them is the 80s vibe which is a continuation from the now ubiquitous Wayfarer. More importantly, they're bigger than the standard Wayfarers - ever since I bought mine from Ray-ban I've always thought they were a tad bit too small for my rather big face. Now "Status" totally kicks my Wayfarer's butt! The oversized look also reminds me a bit of Lanvin's aesthetics which definitely adds (a zillion) bonus points.

Photo credit: H&M

So here's the deal: the good news is that they're not super expensive, retailing at around US$250 (depending on where you go); but the bad news is they're sold out pretty much everywhere online (I've checked). There's another pair from Grey Ant that's along the similar vibe called the "Kennedy" though, which is now on sale at Tobi.

But I gotta say, "Status" looks better! Will be on the hunt for them in HK this week!

Photo credits: Grey Ant, Tobi

ZARA Young February 2011 Lookbook

More looks after the jump!

Zara SS2011 Lookbook

More looks after the jump!

Gossip Guys: Empire of the Son

This week on Gossip Girl, the inevitable finally happened. Lily finally had to come face-to-face with what she did, Chuck finally learnt about a dirty secret his father had kept from him, Raina finally realized his dad isn't the family-and-hot-dogs-loving businessman with a heart he pretends to be, Serean finally confronted Ben about his violent side, Ben finally had to come to terms with his past and start moving onto his future, and oh, Blair and Dan finally kissed.

On the fashion side of things, however, there was no end in sight for a change in the wardrobe department to finally transition from Winter into Spring. Still on the shoulders of these pretty Upper East Siders were coats, after coats, after coats. It's time for some Spring collections, people! But before that, our weekly fashion recap!

Photo credit: The CW

Dan Humphrey has been "walking around the city all night with one paralyzing thought" this week in this grey peacoat we've all seen a couple episodes back. He really needs another look.

Photo credit: The CW

Nate Archibald hasn't been wearing his plaid shirts lately. Instead, he was seen wearing this greyish knit sweater and it looks great on him. Knit sweaters always remind me of sorority girls in pearls. On Nate, the sweater similarly invokes a collegiate vibe.

Photo credit: The CW

Another grey sweater with thick knit collar was seen on Rufus Humprehy, marking the first time the resident trophy husband is included in our recap! Shawl cardigans have been quite popular over FW2010 and it's great to see Rufus catching on the trend.

More looks after the jump!

Shoe Mania: Puma x Alexander McQueen “Eagle Print” Sneakers

I've always been a fan of the ongoing collaboration between Puma and Alexander McQueen. Their sporty-chic aesthetics pretty much appeal to everyone. And now, I'm absolutely in love with these high top sneakers that is both a bit galactic and totem-esque. I've had an obsession with white sneakers since forever, and this one is going straight into my 'Must-buy' list.

Photo credit: Puma x Alexander McQueen via Highsnobiety

Little Crimes of Paris

Little Crimes of Paris by Yanidel

Gossip Guys: While You Weren't Sleeping

Just like what it must've been for Blair Waldorf this week, Gossip Girl has been a major brain fog. For Blair, it was the lack of sleep that finally got to her and she was totally off her game; for us, it was the plot twists, after the plot twists, after the plot twists....

Among all the things happening in this week's exceptionally busy episode - namely Eric's 18th birthday party, Operation Save Bass Industries, Operation Destroy Bass Industries, Operation Raina, Operation Drug Mule, the return of Vanessa, as well as Blair's (surprisingly not annoying) budding romance with Dan - were some great outfits worn by the ever so sexy cast. Let's take a look at what the guys were wearing!

Photo credit: The CW

Corporate espionage never looked so sexy thanks to Chuck Bass, who was sporting this brownish tweed jacket slightly reminisce of the FW2011 Burberry Prorsum one sans the furry collar (see below). Also loving the polka dots tie - great balance of playfulness and dandyness.

Photo credit: Burberry

Photo credit: The CW

Eric van der Woodsen finally had a new outfit (it's his 18th birthday after all)! I love this very age-appropriate ensemble he was wearing at his party - a dark plaid shirt paired with a tweed vest, complete with a tie and a pair of pants in a darker hue. It looks very Ralph Lauren, catches the right amount of attention but not so in-your-face. Great job, Eric!

Photo credit: The CW

And the duffle coat is BACK for the fourth time in a row! Now begs the million dollar question: Will we see it for the fifth time next week?

Photo credit: The CW

This marks the very first time Ben Donovan is featured in our fashion recap! The resident ex-con is catching up with the fashion on the Upper East Side and was wearing this cute fitted black jacket with leather details.

Wondering Dan Humphrey and Nate Archibald were? Find out after the jump!