Category Archives: Fashion

Shorts Please

25 Friday Jun 2010

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I’m not usually a shorts girl, but the heat is finally getting to me and instead of trying to get into my usual skinny jeans everyday, shorts are looking extremely tempting  right about now- especially when I’ve been seeing it everywhere I go.

As a result, I’ve been experimenting with these brown Zara shorts I got last summer, and they’re fitting in really well with city life. I especially love pairing it with my long black boyfriend blazer (something like the above except in black). There’s just something so put together but effortlessly chic about the look. My shorts also look great paired with my new over sized white t shirt. I reckon it’s the contrast between the short and the long. It’s almost as if I’ve found a new summer staple that has all the versatility of my skinny jeans and all the breezy benefits of a miniskirt without having to worry about flashing everyone if I take a step too far!

So I figured that it is time I invested in more shorts. I came across these from See by Chloe when I was browsing through the Saks sale section. They look boxy and comfortable. The color is flexible. The  pleats, cuffs and button details gives it a sophisticated edge. They’re on sale. And I’m loving it! I’m getting ready to place my order……..

Image Source: Saks and Shopbop

Tokyo: The Shopping

21 Monday Jun 2010

Posted by in Fashion, Travel

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Naturally, I went shopping in Tokyo.

On my last visit, my friend took me to Shibuya 109. For a teenager, that was 7 floors of heaven and I spent almost a whole day there. If you look up once you get out of the Shibuya JR station, you’ll see it. This time, I took my cousin K there and she was in heaven. She adores the cutesy Japanese fashion there. Floral prints, light denim, big bows, polka dots, lace, frills, long dresses and more floral prints. It’s not usually my style, but even I was tempted to get a super cutesy Japanese floral dress for Halloween. In the end, I gave in and got an adorable straw boat hat with a blue/white striped ribbon. I figured there was a bit of Chanel in it.

After seeing all the beautiful clothes Sea of Shoes got at Laforet on her trip to Tokyo, I simply HAD to stop by. While I found that Furfur and Hotel 55 was a little beyond my budget, I did find some lovely stuff there that was more to my style than Shibuya. It is a bit more sophisticated, with cute flowy cream and lacy dresses and shirts. At first I was doubtful whether I’d wear this style in Hong Kong, because they are a slightly bohemian, and bohemian is so last decade. But in the end, I couldn’t resist the many super kawaii Japanese girls around me anymore, and bought the whole outfit at EarthMusic&Ecology and immediately changed into it. I felt super feminine and cute- almost like a local!

Ironically, even though my hotel was right in Shinjuku, I didn’t really get a chance to check out all the fashion in the department stores. The last time I was here, the fashion wasn’t my age. But now I get the impression that I should’ve spent more time here. Instead we spent a lot of time getting lost in the subway trying to find our way out. We later figured out that we should make sure we get out the correct exit off the train- the south gate.

I did get a chance to check out the food halls though in our search for souvenirs. We stocked up on Yoku Moku cookies, but later regretted it when we found them cheaper at the airport. We should’ve waited! But they do taste really rich and buttery and make wonderful presents.

Now to some of my goodies. The top left is the outfit I got at Laforet, complete with the straw hat I got at Shibuya 109. I rationed that this would make a nice breezy outfit for a summer trip! On the right, is a sailor blazer I got at Shibuya 109. Don’t you love the navy blue trimmings? I was waiting for my cousin to try on a dress when I spotted a girl walking pass in this jacket. When K commented that she saw it in a store we’d just been to, I knew I had to have it. The cutting is not that great, but it’s fun and it’s on sale. What’s not to love? At the bottom, is an over sized white t shirt with silver stitching that I spotted at EarthMusic&Ecology. It’s a bit more edgy than the rest of the store, but it was very me. It is currently my favourite item in my wardrobe. It looks super cool paired with shorts or skinny jeans! I also got a lacey breezy cream top from EarthMusic&Ecology (Yes, I did a lot of damage at EarthMusic&Ecology) and a plain white shiny tee shirt from Yecca Vecca. I figured they’d be excellent tops to mix and match with.

Next time I really need to spend more time at Shinjuku and the Omotesando, make my way to Ginza to check out the delicious patisserie places and book to see the Ghibli Museum. Maybe the Tsukiji market. I really need a few more days in Tokyo!

Thanks to Girl on the Ave for sharing her special places with me 🙂

Pop!

24 Monday May 2010

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If the Alexander Wang rockin’ high tops were a bit too grunge and cool for your tastes, might I suggest these very “pop” high top sneakers? They are colorful, cute and super fun!

You can show them off the easy way with some black leggings, like they did here with these Lanvin sneakers.

Or you can have some fun like they did on the Marc by Marc Jacobs SS10 runway!

I just love how it adds a hint of a tomboy to this otherwise super girly and sophisticated outfit.

It looks nice paired with ankle pants too. Obviously, the point here is to pair it with anything that will allow you to see it. No point hiding it underneath long pants!

Even though they’re not exactly as cool and summery as sandals, at $195USD, I’m tempted to buy some “pop” for my wardrobe!

Image Source: Shopbop, Style.com and Net a Porter

ANTM Cycle 12: Spoiler

20 Thursday May 2010

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It never ceases to amaze me how captivating ANTM continues to be despite having repeated 12 times. Not all shows can say the same *cough*Project Runway *cough*. I thought the production this season was well done as usual, but the quality of the girls seem to be deteriorating. None of the girls were terribly memorable, besides the few who were terribly annoying *cough*Alasia*cough*. There wasn’t much real competition, and it was pretty obvious since episode 8 who was going to win. They must be running out of potential models in America. Girls who were eliminated first round in previous seasons, just keep coming back,  eventually making it into the house. Girls are so desperate to stand out from the crowd that they told the world about getting  pregnant the first time they had sex! FYI, that is not a personal achievement and frankly we don’t want to know about it.

But anyways, congratulations to Krista. She deserved the title. I totally didn’t see it coming from the first few episodes, but clearly when she “got it” she got it, because it obviously wasn’t luck that led her to winning the best picture (and challenges) week after week after week. She knew what she was doing and once she got all the free clothes she even started looking remarkably like a model. I was even impressed by her cutesy performance at the Anna Sui runway, since her walk is usually much more cool and high fashion than that.

Raina Raina. I was surprised the judges didn’t call her out for relying on her pretty face, because honestly, I think that’s what got her so far. She kind of just hid safely in the pack week after week, and suddenly she just popped out of nowhere. I don’t even recall her winning a best picture! Admittedly though her features are pretty striking. But as bitchy as I thought Krista and Alexandra were, I think they were right saying she was fake. She does get overly excited and cheerful, and sound kind of scripted sometimes.

As much as I didn’t like Angelea’s confrontational personality, I was surprised to see her fall behind week after week. She was doing so well, and she seemed so hardcore! I was actually routing for Jessica. I thought she was very pretty and sweet, with just a hint of bitchiness that kept her from being too fake. Except she did seem to have lost her touch towards the end, and I wasn’t surprised to see her go after the sheep shot. The rest of the models were all just very mediocre. I remember Alasia being super immature and a lot of whining from Brenda and Anslee about their babies. I was also surprised that Ren got to skip the first round. It doesn’t seem very fair for the other models, even though she was eliminated early.

The best part of the show remains with the fun challenges, cool prizes and creative photo shoots. Essentially, they’re teaching and doing the same thing every time, but it’s interesting to see them doing it a different way. Learning about timing by doing a runway through moving pendulums,  learning to move with a dancing themed shoot, doing a live commercial at Times Square and expressing their personalities at a drag show, it was all very fun to watch. I especially enjoyed seeing the land of the sheep through the eyes of ANTM. I had no idea there was so much fashion in New Zealand. The clothes that Angelea and Krista won were a HUGE improvement and much needed for the two of them. I’m already berating my friend for not taking me to the hobbit holes last time I went.

This season they also switched Paulina over for Andre Leon Talley, which I thought was a great coup. He’s one of those intriguing characters in fashion that you see around all the time and yet have no idea what he does and what he’s like except that he likes to wear big capes. It was interesting seeing him on the show unveiling part of the mystery and sharing ‘drecktitude’ with us.

So kudos to the production team for another good season. Just one thing though… is it just me, or is your budget getting lean? A personality challenge with Nigel on a Ferris Wheel and a runway challenge on the aisle of an airplane on your way Queenstown …. a bit weak, no?

Image Source: CWTV

Rockin’ High Tops

18 Tuesday May 2010

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With this hot humid weather, the last thing on my mind are sneakers. But then I saw these displayed so deliciously on the table at Lane Crawford and couldn’t help but be drawn to them, even though rocker chic is totally not my style.

Of course, they have to be by Alexander Wang. They are a hybrid of everything cool in high school- Doc Martens and high top Converses- with a stylish twist of the unexpected. I especially love the folded down detail complete with the zipper edge. These shoes will go so well with the current legging trend where the high top and the details will be on full display!

The peep toe is a bit odd for high top sneakers (and maybe a little uncomfortable in the summer?), but I guess it is no more so than peep toe boots. It’ll look awesome with some bright colored socks/tights popping out of it though. Come to think of it, I am really loving them more as a fall/winter footwear then spring/summer.

But hey, I guess that makes them all the more versatile all year round. See how it toughens up a prim outfit, gives a playful edge to a sophisticated evening look and just adds an extra omph to an everyday outfit? They’re really quite genius.

Image Source: Alexander Wang and Net a Porter

Help Save My Flats!

16 Sunday May 2010

Posted by in Fashion, Random Musings

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Meet my new Miu Miu white patent bow flats. Aren’t they lovely? The bow is pretty and cute, while the metal buckle reminds one of the Roger Vivier buckle, which gives it a bit of sophistication. The design itself is simple and versatile, making it incredibly easy to wear. Indeed, I’ve been wearing it everywhere. White just looks so good with everything!!!

Meet my Miu Miu white patent bow flats one month later.

I figured that it’s pretty tough to mess up patent leather…. but somehow somewhere, I have an ugly red/brown scuff on the left shoe on the side facing outwards! I’ve tried rubbing it with water, and by the recommendation of this forum, also tried toothpaste, Vaseline and nail varnish remover. The only thing I haven’t tried is Magic Eraser, and that’s only because I don’t think we sell that in Hong Kong. But NOTHING has worked. Not even nail varnish remover, which everyone has said is a miracle worker. It didn’t even fade a little!!! *tear* I can’t imagine where I could’ve gotten that scuff from. What IS it??? Not even permanent marker is this permanent! Maybe I really do have a tendency to ruin pretty shoes- if not the soles than the sides. I really need to go to walking school.

Anymore ideas on what I can try to save my flats??????

Dearly Departed

14 Friday May 2010

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When I departed Chicago, I had to throw you guys out to save space for my Hunter boots and Grace sandals. But please know that you have not been forgotten and that I will always remember you all fondly.
C Label Gold Flats (top left): I fell in love with you as soon as I saw you at Bloomingdales and had to immediately take you home. That was how  my journey with C Label started, leading me to make the acquaintance of Chaz Vasquez. Like the prized possession that you were, I was careful at first and kept you in your original box most of the time in fear that your intricately woven sequins will fall off. But I eventually got over that fear, and took you out into sunlight more frequently. But alas, in the end the weave  at the tip started to unwind and it just wasn’t practical anymore to wear shoes with a gaping hole out in public. Out of sentimental reasons I kept you in my closet. But I hope you understand why I can’t bring you the extra thousand miles home with me.

Grey Ankle Boots (top right): You were my “prize” from my Paris study abroad trip. I remember stalking you at Bon Marche and the many hours I spent thinking about you before I finally made the purchase (with tax refund!). Back then, ankle boots were just starting to get popular and it was quite an adventurous buy for me. But I loved your unique color and the folded over detail. Since then though, I’ve realized that you’re actually not that comfortable at all (a little cushioning at the foot wouldn’t go amiss) and that your uniqueness stands out just a bit too much amongst my wardrobe. Between the choice of my very similar looking black suede folded ankle boots that I wore for almost a whole winter and you, I hope you understand why I left you behind. We’ll always have Paris.

Burberry Denim Flats (bottom left): To be frank, I didn’t like you much at first. But you were a quick alternative that day, when my mom and I were shopping around Alexander House, to the shoes that were giving me so much pain. I don’t remember which ones they were, but in comparison, you were much more comfortable, practical and versatile. Since then, our relationship blossomed and I took you with me everywhere. You were sturdy too, staying with me well after college. I remember one particular night when I walked home from work in the midst of a heavy rain storm and I walked you right into a huge deep puddle. You were soaked. But you were a trooper, and in the end literally half your soles were gone and I was wearing into the fabric. I would’ve made a hole if you weren’t so well made! I think  I walk weird and ruin my shoes. I really need to go to walking school and learn how to walk properly, so that I don’t hurt anymore poor soles!

Miu Miu Beaded Flats: You’re the youngest of the shoes here, and I want you to know that you are gorgeous and I adored you even though you were incredibly delicate. The outermost bead came loose when I climbed out of a cab, and I spent a considerable amount of time continuously superglue-ing it back on and trying to figure out the wirings. Eventually I figured it out  and all was well… except that it hurts like hell. The back of the shoe scrunches, and since it is made of hard patent leather……. it is not friendly on the heels! I thought I “broke” into you when by the end of summer it didn’t hurt me to wear you anymore. But it turns out that my heels had just toughened up against you. By next spring, you were hurting me again. I hope you understand why I had to get out of this abusive relationship. On the bright side, I will always think of you whenever I see a pair of shoes that scrunch at the back and wonder just how painful they are.

Goodbye and farewell my dearests!

BG

Long White One Shoulder Dresses

08 Saturday May 2010

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This year’s theme was American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity. Frankly, I’m not quite sure what that involves, but everyone looked amazing! Here are some that actually inspired me to save post their pictures on my hard drive.

I was impressed with Oprah’s Oscar de la Renta, simply because it fits her SO WELL. It looks incredibly flattering on her, bringing out the best of her assets, while also being age appropriate too!

Anna Wintour and her daughter Bee defined  glamour within their respective age groups. Anna in an elegant Chanel outfit, and Bee in a trendy Balenciaga Bee carries the nude/black lace thing very well.

Of course Milla Kunis looked great in Vera Wang’s frothy creation. But more importantly, doesn’t Vera look amazing in her own design? If I didn’t know better, I’d almost believe that Vera was actually a model/actress and not a designer!

For the next few photos, I noticed a trend. Apparently this season, I have an unconscious obsession with long one shoulder white dresses. I love this dress Kirsten Dunst is wearing from Rodarte for Gap. She looks incredibly pretty and youthful in this dress. I’ve already checked the Gap website, but didn’t see anything close to this! Maybe this is something coming out later. If so, I think I might just get in line. Though hopefully there is a shorter version of it. It might look a bit wedding gown-esque on me otherwise.

Aw…….. our little Hermione is all grown up! Emma Watson looks sophisticated and edgy in this Burberry dress.

See what I mean by the white (ish) long one shoulder dress trend? This is a surprisingly elegant piece from LAMB.

Maybe everyone decided to play it “safe” this year, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that everyone at the gala looked amazing. There wasn’t anyone in particular that was so awful that I couldn’t resist but report them to the fashion police. That is, until I saw Blake Lively, but that is only because I have high standards for Gossip Girls. This overworked Marchesa gown just doesn’t look great on her. In fact, this dress drags her down, which is quite a feat for the effortlessly cool looks great in everything S!

Image Source: Style.com

I Need a Twist

25 Sunday Apr 2010

Posted by in Fashion

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I’ve always loved cute little floral prints, so I was thrilled to learn that they’re back this season. And when I saw this See by Chloe floral print dress hanging on the rack, I simply HAD to have it. I love the cute pink floral print over the dark blue background and I love the intricate details of the dress. It looks really simple, but it is actually VERY intricate. It is a two piece that is a one piece. The top is a button up, and the front and back part are not attached to the skirt. You can leave them hanging out if you want. But it is attached to the skirt on the side by a stripe of cloth. The skirt is high waisted with a zip at the back and frills on the edges that is simply adorable. It was designed for the front/back part of the button up top to be tucked inside it. To make things more complicated, there is also a bow attached to the skirt by two buttons at the back (that need to be unbuttoned everytime you want to get out of the skirt……..), for you to tie around the waist. The over all effect is very ladylike and very pretty.

After wearing it for a few times though I have three problems with it.

  1. WHY did they have to make this dress so complicated??? Couldn’t they just include all the details in there and make it an one piece with a simple zip at the side/back? Why bother making it a two piece that is an one piece? It is SUPER tedious to put on and get out of (especially when you’re going shopping!) and frankly I don’t see the value in the extra steps. The prints are so overpowering, that it wouldn’t make a big difference if I left the front part of the button up hanging out instead of tucked into the skirt (even if it did, it wouldn’t look especially refreshing). Am I missing something here?
  2. While it is hot in Hong Kong, it is still spring and can get a bit chilly. I need something extra to pair with the dress to keep me warm, except nothing I own seems to go with it really well. My black blazer is too dark with the dark blue and it looks a little like I’m going to work- except it’s not even appropriate for work with the short skirt. My pink cardigan made me feel dowdy and my yellow cardigan just didn’t seem to go. Maybe a leather jacket. Or a really long cardigan in a lighter color. Thoughts?
  3. I love this dress, but sometimes the monotony of the dark print is just so overpowering that it takes away from the design and makes it look bland (especially when I also have dark hair!). I need some kind of a twist to keep it chic. Something edgy and unexpected like the floral outfits below from the Net-a-Porter magazine, where they pair floral with a solid long cardigan/belt, or clash it with stripe prints and a structured blazer. Except this dress just seems to refuse modernization. I’ve tried putting a long sleeved striped tee or a frilly white shirt underneath to no avail. Putting somethig over it doesn’t seem to work. The only thing I can think of is to replace the floral print waist bow with a wide white belt to break up the monotony of the floral prints. Or I can just wear it with my hair up, and a white neckalce so it’s not so dark. Any suggestions?

Image Source: See by Chloe and Net a Porter

Mini Messengers

22 Thursday Apr 2010

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When I was a little girl, my mom would buy me mini crossed-shoulder messenger bags to carry, because kids could not be trusted to hold onto their purses and not lose it within 5 minutes. Since then, I’ve stayed clear of mini messenger bags, because I thought it was proportionally awkward for adults to carry small bags in such a manner and they reminded me of townies/tourists.

But then last year, I noticed one of my friends carrying a very classic brown mini messenger bag across her shoulders, and somehow it looked really good on her- in that charming old school kind of way, which unexpectedly juxtaposed really well with her chic outfits. As always when I first notice something, it then started to appear everywhere. Shopbop now has a whole section devoted to crossed-shoulder messenger bags.

The other day, even my friend mentioned to me that she wanted a small crossed-shoulder bag to go partying with, so that she wouldn’t have to worry about her purse while she’s dancing. She was envisioning a small Chanel flap bag, but since it was out of her price range (and it was for clubbing), she wanted to find something cheaper to achieve the same effect. I think these two edgy bags above from Shopbop is an excellent alternative.

I’ve often wondered why my mom has so many mini crossed-shoulder messenger Vuitton bags from back in the days. Maybe she had something going on there after all. The trick to not look like a townie or a tourist is to wear these bags with an understated effortlessly chic outfit. Don’t over accessorize, you don’t want to look like you are trying too hard. Admittedly, this look is very hard to achieve. So double check yourself in the mirror before you go out!

Image Source: Shopbop