The Gap is here (meaning Hong Kong)

And inside there are happy signs saying: "Joy it up!", "Gift it up!". And below the signs there are mountains and mountains of brown and camel and mushroom and taupe and grey corduroy things and woolen jumpers. I am always struck by how often stores like Gap repeat the brown corduroys. I mean, if you bought a pair 3 years ago, you still wouldn't need a new pair today. Most of these boot cut pants already come in a quite ruggedly washed finish, so it's unlikely its customers would come looking for a shiny new version, you know like the mustard corduroys your British uncle might wear. But anyway, it's here - and if you like brown, you're in luck.

Then why does it feel so horrible to be negative about the Gap???? I mean the Gap is part of American life, we dress our babies in it, we wear its T-shirts to bed and we buy its scarves and jumpers for Christmas presents. I bought some sweats this summer and every time I pull them on after a long day, I cherish these $20 heather grey beauties. A cynic might say that The Gap's marketing department has done a right royal brainwashing on us, but I have already made my one political statement of the year. There has been a lot of negative financial news about the Gap lately and that always surprises me. Because it seems to me its core customer comes for the comfort of those washed up cords and doesn't really mind the color brown, otherwise, why do they keep repeating them? Or maybe that very repetition is the root of its financial problems.

I used to get very excited about the collaborations Gap did with young American designers. I don't know if it is continuing its Design Editions - remember designer Thakoon coming to show his sketches for the project to Anna Wintour in The September Issue documentary? I hope they do continue those collaborations because I truly loved the Thakoon and Phillip Lim editions for instance, and all cynicism aside, it feels totally wrong to be negative about The Gap - so please people at Gap, give us something good!!!

Best party shoes for tall girls

I have always had an enormous weakness for a 60s style pump with a block heel. I just love the whole Jackie Onassis boxy dress and suit look with the goody-two-shoes block heels. It looks best on really tall girls, however. I am putting these on the blog to prevent myself from buying them. Cos the last thing I need to do is buy more shoes...

Speaking of unnecessary shoe purchases - I read in the FT yesterday that the Wall Street protesters were cross with the Thanksgiving shoppers in front of Macy's, urging them to support small businesses instead. That's all fine and dandy but what about the thousands of Macy's shop girls and administrative assistants and accountants and buyers and cleaners and security guards and electricians and cafeteria workers and so on and so on. Don't those people need a job as well?? That was my one political statement for the year. Now someone I know please go buy those shoes so I can admire them up close! Find them here: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/178642.

Hong Kong sunset 27/11/11

The light in Hong Kong was so beautiful tonight! My very inadequate camera unfortunately hasn't done it justice. Or my camera skills for that matter. Nonetheless beautiful orange light and a crescent moon from the Peak down to Pokfulam.

Aerin's bracelets

Aerin Lauder in what seems like an awfully grown up house... described in Vogue as her Wainscott country home. The reason I wanted to post this picture is to show you the bracelets she is wearing. This is the next project for Duchessa Jewels, we are planning to do gold and gunmetal bracelets with colored stones based on our necklace designs. Stay stuned!

An equally grown up bedroom - but I do love the matching wallpaper and headboard. The letter framed in glass is nice as well. In a next life time I might try grown up as well. In this one I haven't quite succeeded yet.... See more photos at http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/apt-with-lsd-aerin-lauder/.

Tis the season for some sparkle

Kate Moss wearing a Balenciaga necklace on this August 2008 cover of US Vogue. I love the way her hair is pulled back very messily and her make-up has been kept minimal. The dress is Louis Vuitton designed by Marc Jacobs. If you had bought either 3 years ago, you'd never have to shop again, both are so timeless and beautiful.

Eclectic Cool

Joanne from Eclectic Cool designed this antique silver necklace with rose cut diamonds. Check out her blog for more information on the projects she is working on: www.eclectic-cool.com.

Blow me away with simplicity

And then ever so often an image comes along (this is actually old news from August 2010 Paris Vogue) that makes me want to throw out all my clothes and wear only grey jumpers for eternity. And pull my hair back tightly. And wear a classic Rolex (www.rolexblog.blogspot.com) as the only accent. And plain black pointy pumps.

Wrap dress

I have never liked the DVF wrap dress. I know everyone loves it, but it's just one of those things that makes me feel terribly mumsy. Well, Miranda Kerr is a new mum, but very much NOT mumsy in this dress! I love the length and the black and white pattern. Very gorgeous. Must give it another chance.

photo via www.vogue.com

Jake's Rolex Blog

I came across this blog yesterday, and it's one of the most entertaining ones I have ever seen. Partly because it is all about Rolex - and there is no watch company I love more. But the best part of the blog are the photographs of the enormous variety of prominent Rolex wearers around the world - truly stunning - to name a few: Gerald Ford, Che Guevara, Warren Buffett, Cher, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, Lyndon Johnson, Jennifer Aniston, my fellow Dutch girl Sylvie van der Vaart, cancer survivor and majorly gorgeous Dutchie. There are not many companies in the world which can claim both Warren Buffett and Kim Kardashian to be loyal fans. Maybe Coca-Cola is the only company that comes close. Anyway, it is an absolute must check-out, www.rolexblog.blogspot.com. See below a few pictures from the blog.

I LOVE FASHION's favorite Michael Kors

Jane, this one is for you

Warren with his gold Rolex and that other very rich dude

90's golden fashion couple Calvin and Kelly Klein and their Rolexes

Bottega Veneta Fall 2011 Runway Show Detail

Like Nerida said in her blog, www.nerida1.blogspot.com, we have unwittingly produced a necklace very similar to Bottega Veneta. Ours is of course way more affordable :) - see below. Black lace dress by JDCamicetta.

New at Duchessa

I love how the new necklaces take on totally different characters depending on the fabric you put them on. All fabrics JDCamicetta. Email me at dianneseerden@gmail.com to order.

Face or Butt

For years I have heard or read this about French women - when they approach middle age reportedly they decide whether to focus on having a nice butt or a nice face. Both at the same time is not deemed possible. This has been on my mind as I have a birthday approaching - my age denial regime has been hardcore diet and exercise, in other words I have chosen for the nice butt to the detriment of my face, which could now use a few fillers. But modern medicine aside, I find it often true that women who have a plumper face look much younger for a very long time. Something to think about...

Catherine Deneuve thin...

...and Catherine a bit more plump with a beautiful face at 68

Needless to say...

I own these jeans. And I think it is highly unnecessary to say I look NOTHING like Geraldine Saglio when I wear them. I love this look - great for HK weather too.

More Sidewalk and other news

Just in case you thought Sidewalk is only a clothes shop - it is not, it also has beautiful decorative objects, gorgeous table accessories (divine hand printed napkins), cards, candles, and lovely handbags as well. In another messy desk picture above check out the round copper and enamel boxes by French designer Fabienne Jouvin which I picked up yesterday after the JDCamicetta launch. Dangerous thing these launches!!

www.sidewalk.hk,  4-6 Gough Street, Hong Kong

On another note: Duchessa necklaces are now ready!!!! Email me at dianneseerden@gmail.com if you would like price and style information.

Sidewalk

Miuccia Prada is doing loads of lace for SS2012, but we at JDCamicetta are already doing it for Fall! Check out Gaye Gibson's gorgeous store Sidewalk (4-6 Gough Street) for some of ours. And did I say we are a full season ahead of Miuccia?