11 September 2007

My new Toys "R" Us catalogue

Remember when we were kids and the phonebook sized Toys "R" Us catalogue arrived a good two months before our parents even broached the subject of a Christmas wishlist? Remember how seemingly endless the options were, with pages and pages and sections and sections of Barbies, Milton Bradley board games, Nerf guns, Fisher Price castles and My Little Pony grooming stations?

You knew early on you wouldn't unwrap every item whose page you dog-eared or even every item that made it onto your Christmas Wishlist through the careful vetting process that was the do-I-want-it-or-do-I-really-really-want-it? test, but even that - the power of the unknown - added an angle of mystery to the anticipation and fantasy of it all.

That time of year was, quite simply, one of the most enjoyable parts of being one of those little people who don't yet drink or have sex.

Well, now, 20 years later, I still experience that same brand of unadulterated joy when I electronically flip through the pages of my grown-up version of the toy catalogue better known as Style.com's comprehensive Fashion Week(s) coverage.

I know, I know, none of us necessarily need '50s-inspired cocktail dresses, plunge-neck evening gowns, high-waisted skirts or ruffle-front blouses to enjoy fulfilled lives, but just like the nine year old who comes across the new-in-'89 talking, walking, eating, drinking, pissing, bath-loving Cabbage Patch doll that causes in her belly such a powerful and involuntary "must have that" desire she completely forgets she already has in her possession 12 Babyland General Hospital birth certificates, quite similar is my predicament when I click on "Oscar de la Renta," "Marchesa," or "Jason Wu."

Me have, me know, but me want, too. Me so very much want.

Santa, for you:

Temperley

Ralph Lauren
Proenza Schouler

Oscar de la Renta

Marchesa
Malandrino Couture

Lela Rose

Jill Stuart

Jason Wu

Doo.Ri
Cynthia Rowley

Bill Blass

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

If I could, darlin', I would get you that last one. You'd dazzle in it.

Wait a minute, lemme ask my girlfriend if it's okay...

Anonymous said...

That Doo.Ri is so interesting to look at! I love the shape of it, but not so sure how the colors would translate into "everyday" life. Great selections!

Sooo happy to have you back! Wasn't the same without you!

Anonymous said...

I know the exact feeling you're describing, sigh...

The black Jason Wu is *perfect.*

Anonymous said...

Now that last dress would be the most amazing holiday dress. swoon.

N

Anonymous said...

I heart Oscar...

Anonymous said...

I think you should throw in that melon colored Temperley hat for Monte. Aw, the puddins!

Love the Jason Wu/Doo.Ri stuff - never heard of them, but I gotta tell ya, the Asian designers are really growing on me.

Anonymous said...

I :heart: the floral Oscar dress. So versatile! Please find us reasonable alternative!

Anonymous said...

oscar..sigh... loove him...
and the blue wu... aww..it sounds pretty too...
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Maybe I'm boring. I love the first ralph lauren. A lot.

All the oscar de la renta dresses are gorgeous, but I love the floral print one the most.

Anonymous said...

k - i agree. oscar is my fave. scrumptious!

Beach Bum said...

I'm in love with that first Ralph Lauren dress! Definitely post it here when you find the non-sugar daddy version of it. LOVE IT.

Unknown said...

I'm also loving the wrist-length leather gloves. I adore gloves and very much want a crop sleeved sweater dress or coat so I can buy a fabulous pair of elbow length ones. The floral Oscar and the last sparkly party dress are my personal faves. (And it was the JC Penny's toy catalog at my house - I would meticulously make my top ten based on a estimate of play time provided and how it would blend with my current toy collection, my sister would circle every damn thing. We have not changed at all.)