Fashionable Donut

Throw on some shoes

2010-08-01T21:24:00.005+10:00

Okay, hello, how are you? It's been ages since I posted something in here.

I just got myself a pair of these bone-coloured canvas Converse low-tops. I have been looking for this exact colour for ages, and today I found them at an outlet shop. Quite chuffed about it, actually♥

I can imagine myself wearing them to bits with everything and everywhere. I've entered that age where I buy things in neutral colours and consider them investment pieces because of the amount of times I get to wear them.

On another note, I just thought I'd post this picture of the wonderful Maggie Gyllenhaal in one of my favourite casual outfits of hers. I just find the teal-green knit throw looks so exquisite with her brown shoes and her checked shirt.

(Image courtesy of maggie-gyllenhaal.net)

That perfect dress

2010-05-15T17:34:00.003+10:00

6 reasons why I love this dress and decided to buy it the moment I slipped into it:

It's actually machine-washable; really important factor in buying clothes.
Such a great fit and super-flattering (I'm all for wearing things that suit your figure, and that's not to be mistaken for telling people they look fat - they need to be considerate to themselves and others by wearing things that flatter their size)
It's from Target so it's only $70!
I can wear it to work, parties, go shopping, grocers, movies...
It goes with anything - except pants, of course.
It's modest - no splits up to there or no cuts down to there.

That's six reasons, isn't it? Right, just checking.

Alexa Chung, 2009

2010-04-17T17:59:00.008+10:00

Elle Style Awards after-party, February 2009.

Brit Awards, February 2009.

Shockwaves NME Awards, February 2009.

"Bronson" screening, March 2009.

LV Ready-to-Wear A/W 2009 show at Paris Fashion Week, March 2009.

Pearl Lowe's store opening, April 2009.

Mulberry book party, May 2009.

Filming "It's On With Alexa Chung", June 2009.

Chanel Beauty Ambassadors Dinner, July 2009.

Filming "It's On With Alexa Chung", August 2009.

"Inglourious Basterds" screening, August 2009.

"The September Issue" screening, August 2009.

"I Heart Ronson" line launch, August 2009.

"Miu Miu Celebrates Fashion's Night Out", September 2009.

Topshop Unique show at London Fashion Week, September 2009.

Armani Exchange & Elle "Tee" Party, November 2009.

Arriving at Heathrow airport, December 2009.

(Images courtesy of retna.com, zimbio.com, popsugar.com, garancedore.fr, thecelebritycity.com, mtv.com, vmagazine.com, celebutopia.net, wireimage.com, gettyimages.com, topshop.com, vogue.co.uk and mrpaparazzi.com)

Maroon-red jeans

2010-04-17T01:55:00.004+10:00

Am currently on the lookout for the perfect pair of maroon-red jeans. A little like the above picture, although I went through a not-so-good revelation process where I learnt coloured skinny jeans don't do my figure any favour. So I'm just going to look for a straight-cut jeans, not skinny. But the picture above displayed the perfect shade of maroon-red, as a lot of people seem to have it confused with dark-purple or 'grape' colour. Not what I want.

I'm thinking - once I get my hands on a pair - to wear them with a good ol' chambray shirt tucked loosely into the waist and then finish the look off with my trusty tan loafers. If I'm feeling nuts - which is the natural chemical process of my brain 98% of the time - I'll wear these jeans with my black lace-up booties and my camel overcoat.

(Image courtesy of urbanoutfitters.com)

Return from the dead

2010-04-02T21:49:00.004+11:00

Golly gosh, I have not updated this blog in a million years!

I shall return soon with posts on fashion that turn me on. I'm currently in the middle of researching pictures and more pictures. Please bear with me.

Boots

2009-12-14T12:30:00.006+11:00

I bought myself a pair of Moschino Cheap & Chic ankle boots for $200. I got them during my trip back to Jakarta. It's funny; at first I regretted buying them because I thought they were still expensive. But then I realised they're cheap and so now I love them to bits.

I think for the time being, I'm gonna get discounted designers. Makes the whole experience a whole lot better. But then I'll probably change my mind when I have $10,000,000 or something.

Time machine, when will you exist?

2009-10-22T21:15:00.006+11:00

And the journey to the 1960s continues...

What's inspiring right now: 1960s fashion, checks under trench coat, Leith Clark, little girls' dresses, shoes from my sister for my birthday.

(Images courtesy of imagebam.com and film_stills)

The swinging sixties

2009-10-21T22:11:00.003+11:00

The 1960s England at its perfectly mod peak.

(Image courtesy of chrisstubbs.com)

Hmm...

2009-10-16T22:58:00.009+11:00

This is a bit tacky, but I was watching The Mummy Returns a few nights ago and I suddenly got the idea for my first womenswear collection. I was definitely thinking of the character Evie O'Connell and I kind of just started looking into the 1920s-1930s safari genre and how the women explorers dressed back then when they travelled to Africa and the South American jungles.

I gave the collection the title "The Lady's First Safari", just because it still has that feminine feel in the sheer blouses and the long skirt, but blended with the functional, almost-masculine vibe of the chino pants and riding boots. I guess there's nothing else to this collection other than it pays homage to the independent women of the olden days.

On another note, I was really impressed with the November issue of the Australian Vogue that I've decided I'm going to subscribe to it next year. Just had my birthday two weeks ago and now I'm already thinking about Christmas present for myself. Yes, go on, you can call me a self-indulgent dork.

My own

2009-10-14T12:14:00.003+11:00

Hullo!

I finally bought myself a pair of black shoe booties. I wasn't sure if I would need them, but I decided on a whim two weeks ago that they would go with the rest of my wardrobe, so I got them.

Not the best picture, but whatever.

Gratitude

2009-08-30T23:26:00.004+10:00

I'm probably considered a ho since I don't respond to your comments, but I actually really appreciate them. Your comments are all so lovely. So thanks guys, hope this blog can continue to be entertaining to you!

Military or marching band?

2009-08-26T23:27:00.005+10:00

Okay, hmm, you know what, I'm super-excited about this cardigan that I just bought today, but now I'm confused as to how to describe it exactly. I thought I could call it 'military-inspired cardigan', but I think the politically-correct term would have to be 'marching band-inspired cardigan'. What do you think?

Anyway, I love the fact that it's navy-blue and has got cream piping. It's classic colour combo, thank you.

It is on!

2009-08-12T15:08:00.005+10:00

As some of you may know, I'm obsessed with Alexa's sartorial choices (and the girl too, of course), and her wardrobe on her show It's On With Alexa Chung has so far been pretty good. Not all of them blow me away, but then again, the girl carries herself in such a way that you just can't help but love her. And her fierce Chanel pumps.

Yep, that collage I made shows just how obsessed I am, but whatever, I've been having no life whatsoever...

(Images courtesy of mtv.com)

Bag me a dress

2009-08-02T18:41:00.005+10:00

I bought this bag from Topshop online two nights ago. Impulse buying at its worst or best I'm still not sure, but I do like the bag very much. And it's 100% leather so it's another plus point. It's also my first online purchase so I hope I'm doing the right thing.

Also, today I bought an LBD to wear to my friend's wedding. I'm actually quite happy with it because not only it fits me well but it's also versatile enough to wear during the day as well as during the night. I can actually see myself wear the dress with the satchel bag above. I'm excited♥

(Image courtesy of topshop.com)

Spread the A.P.C. love

2009-07-19T21:15:00.008+10:00

I probably would consider A.P.C. as the French answer to Topshop, and as any respectful fashionistas would not argue against France's chic tag, I am stoked to know A.P.C. is opening its first Australian store in Melbourne. And to make it even better, it's supposed to open this month!

The location is still under wraps; but I promise you, once it opens, I'm probably there on the first day or at least, on the second. This is - to me - almost as fantastic as a trip to France itself. This is probably the most over-the-top statement I'll ever make in my whole life, but it is just so, so, so exciting to add another European flavour to this wonderful city that is Melbourne (I really am smiling when I'm writing this).

(Images courtesy of apc.fr)

Latest expedition

2009-07-06T22:51:00.002+10:00

I went on a shopping trip last Thursday. It was supposed to be just for finding a present for a friend from work, but Brunswick Street turned out to be even more evil than I've always known it to be.

I bought an antique ring, brown loafers (which I've been living in since) and a $20 skirt. I also bought a Marc by Marc Jacobs T-shirt on sale at DJ in the city, so that sort of completed the look. But basically it was an evil shopping trip. It really was.

Star style: Jamie Hince

2009-07-02T00:20:00.004+10:00

It's the men's turn now.

Jamie Hince from The Kills is probably one of the most stylish rockstars I've seen. His stage persona is written all over the skinny jeans, boots and leather jackets. Yeah, yeah, we've all seen them before. But somehow he adds that extra panache with that tasteful drape of the patterned scarf, colourful vests peeking underneath, the jewellery and the gold-button detailing.

I saw The Kills play live at the V Festival almost three months ago and instead of looking around for Kate Moss (which would have been unfruitful since she didn't come along for that tour after all), I was mesmerised by his stage presence - and sartorial choice, of course.

(Images courtesy of contactmusic.com, davebenett.com and rexfeatures.com)

Label crush

2009-06-15T22:25:00.011+10:00

I'm loving this A/W 09 collection by LA-based Wren. Whimsical, quirky but still absolutely wearable.

There seems to be a pattern going on here: fashion journalists/editorial stylists end up becoming established fashion designers and coming up with some of the most fantastic designs you've seen this decade. This label was founded in 2007 by Melissa Coker, who used to do editorials for Vogue and W.

Editorials might not be able to convince you to wear them, but doesn't this collection just make you wanna go out and buy a pair of pink tights?

(Images courtesy of wren-clothing.com)

These boots are made for...working?

2009-05-06T23:18:00.006+10:00

Ever since I've been stimulated $900 by K Rudd, I've been shopping for my sartorial needs. And these black boots were essentially some of my best buys. They're reworked vintage, so they're not as cheap as seconds but not as expensive as brand-new, either.

Either way, I love the way they are; classic round toes with no zips! Funnily enough though, I've been wearing them to nowhere else but work. But it's cold outside so it's justified.

I'd like to show you my growing jacket/coat collection next, but since one of them is being dry-cleaned as we speak, I'll have to postpone the entry till another day. But I'm really excited about them as I've been delaying buying coats for almost 3 years now. Go figure, hey?

Anyway, in the meantime, please admire my beautiful black leather boots again. Thank you and good night.

See by Chloé

2009-04-19T17:24:00.005+10:00

Loving these pieces by See by Chloé

(Images courtesy of net-a-porter.com)

Someone has to put an end to this lust

2009-04-06T21:29:00.005+10:00

Is it crazy if I want to get the Mulberry Bayswater bag?

I'm seriously keen to buy it for myself as a birthday present in October. Which means that I'll need to save up around AUD$2,000 in the next 6 months...

Look at that gorgeous design. Doesn't it just scream at you to buy it right away?

(Image courtesy of mulberry.com)

(Wo)men in tights

2009-04-02T20:55:00.006+11:00

Got the first batch of my coloured tights for winter~!

Sauntered into American Apparel store on Chapel Street today - while I was supposed to be present-shopping for my best friend, boo - and found their range of coloured tights. I got myself the asphalt-grey and dark-green! I'm so excited to have got the dark-green; it's such a rare colour but complements an outfit so well.

Now all I need is maroon-red and berry. Woot!

Well, I never thought I'd see the day...

2009-04-01T22:13:00.004+11:00

Posh in flip flops! Yes, you saw that right - Posh was spotted wearing flip flops while leaving Wembley Stadium on Monday night.

Oh, and just a random thought: isn't it funny that whenever I blog in text only no one seems to comment? Does that mean fashion blog readers isn't really literate?

(Image courtesy of justjared.com)

LMFF Runway 4: Presented by InStyle + Runway 5: Presented by Yen

2009-03-22T00:50:00.005+11:00

So I went to the fashion shows two days ago. They were quite awesome, both for different reasons.

Runway 4
This show was presented by InStyle magazine, featuring Arabella Ramsay, Kate Sylvester, Manning Cartell, Thurley, Ginger & Smart, Lisa Ho, Nevenka and Obüs. While Arabella Ramsay's collection was a bit disappointing for me with the Western-influenced offering of fringe boots and lots of checks, Lisa Ho's collection was just divine. According to her, blue is going to grace our closet for seasons to come, with its wide range of the hue including cobalt, teal and navy.

Nevenka led the pack with the trend I so look forward to: patchwork. They teamed it with rich berry, and though it's not my favourite selection, I applaud them for their feminine take on sheer blousons and ladylike pussy-bow tops. Playing up on that femininity is Manning Cartell with its generous usage of sequins and sparkly, flirty pieces.

My favourite collection would have to be Obüs for its sublime collection of rich colours, particularly peacock-blue. Winter dressing is made effortlessly elegant with a mix of mustard, teal and lime-green.

One trend that I definitely see across all collection for that show is clashing textures. Whether it'd be lace with embroidered lining, ruffles, fin-like dresses and the arty layering of knitwear, they had it all. I'm so looking forward to winter thanks to this show...

Runway 5
This second show was the one shown later in the night and it was definitely something quite special. Though I don't like everything in it, but I still like the way a few pieces were real stand-outs.

The highlight of the show, for me, was definitely Antipodium's collection. Lots of gorgeous power-dressing pieces such as structured cigarette pants, blouses and sharp knitwear make for something rather different yet still accessible. Not to mention all the models were wearing ankle socks with skyscraper heels. So Alexa.

The second stunner was Friedrich Gray, and it was simply because of the piece that they showed midway through: that luscious black maxi-dress with white and blue asymmetrical, ruffled neckline. I wish I could provide a picture to prove how beautiful it is, but for the time being, let's just believe me when I say it's simply stunning.

Basically it was a great night, and I actually like what I wore to the shows. Any fashion enthusiast should know that makes a good night into a great night. And I'm now counting the days till the next fashion event: Melbourne Spring Fashion Week!

Let's hope this time I have better luck in getting into more shows rather than just two...

Recent purchases

2009-03-17T23:29:00.004+11:00

So I'm thinking to wear one of them to the LMFF shows tomorrow night. Although I don't have appropriate shoes for either of them. I do, but at the same time, I don't.

Let's just wait what happens tomorrow night, shall we?

The countdown to Fashion Week

2009-03-11T22:44:00.004+11:00

Okay, so the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival is coming up. And I've been nothing but crazy and frantic, searching for clothes to wear to two shows happening on one night.

Anyway, I had the epiphany to wear clothes by the designers who will be showing that night. My choice fell on an Arabella Ramsay dress (first show) worn with some necklace from Alpha60 (second show). My plan fell short because the Arabella Ramsay dress didn't quite fit and I looked like a 21st-century milkmaid who isn't fat enough to fill out the dress, then drowned in a bowl of tragic purple dye.

So I went to a friend's shop and asked her if she stocked any Arabella Ramsay. She said no. I gave up and decided to look for things from other brands instead. Luckily I found a few good pieces so I quickly made up the outfit plan in my head. All I need is a good pair of shoes to go with it. I'm thinking to buy a new pair just for the sake of looking fierce at the shows.

Now you've all heard of the term 'bridezilla'. But I have a feeling I'm turning into this maniac that sounds more like what people will soon call 'fashion-tragedyzilla'.

I shall keep this blog updated with the progress or - dare I say! - downspiral.

Trend: Navaho

2009-03-07T00:23:00.008+11:00

Ever since I saw this picture of Alexa Chung last September, I decided that Native American-inspired jewellery must be in for the next season.

So I've been kinda looking on and off for a similar necklace, but now I've decided I'm gonna actively search for it.

And if I can't find anything like it after that, I'm gonna make one instead. Ha!

(Images courtesy of thefashionspot.com and treadwaygallery.com)

A European tale

2009-02-08T23:53:00.010+11:00

Thinking of the long winter in Europe...

Add a little bit of the swinging 60s with its exaggerated shapes found in the return of the bell bottoms and big hair ala Anne Bancroft in The Graduate. Mix in dark, monochrome colours of black and grey just like the Parisian chic modelled by the ethereal Charlotte Gainsborough, but not without the much-needed dash of colours like bright turquoise and raspberry beret (kudos to Pixie). Don't forget to master the art of layers - take many, many hints from Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart from The Kills and clash textures and patterns like you don't care about fashion. Finish with trusty old leather jacket and last winter's shoe booties, because these hard times call for the new-found habit of recycling.

(Images courtesy of thefashionspot.com, mirrors.co.uk and belstaff.com)

Shiny happy people

2009-01-12T00:46:00.003+11:00

I bought myself a pair of shiny leggings 2 days ago. And I love it! They look like leather pants and give anything I wear that little something something.

Narcisst~♪

Hi-tops, baby

2008-12-28T21:54:00.003+11:00

I want a pair of these, thank you very much.

For some reason, all I can see myself wearing next autumn is my new beige trench coat from Mango with a pair of these exact blue Chuck Taylors.

(Image courtesy of converse.com)

Star style: Nicole Richie

2008-12-14T01:10:00.005+11:00

So now, on to the Hollywood rich bitch.

I've been secretly admiring Nicole Richie's style for quite some time now. Although in the beginning, I didn't really wanna admit that I like her sartorial choices. But now I really don't care and just like seeing what she wears whenever she's featured in tabloids. She's gone to become really mature in her fashion sense and it's clear that she now likes classic, statement pieces with still that touch of boho. Casual glamour is still her forte but now she does it with more flair. Love it.

(Images courtesy of nicolerichie.nu)

Star style: Julia Restoin-Roitfeld

2008-12-11T18:00:00.009+11:00

So I've decided to do a bunch of star style files, since I've got so many pictures saved on my computer.

The first batch is of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld.

There's something about how this girl puts her outfits together. The vibe I get from her is sometimes drab, sometimes stylish, but altogether makes her a very real character and not at all styled by some Rachel Zoe (don't get me wrong, I think Rachel is grool and I love her show The Rachel Zoe Project but authenticity is my point at this moment).

To me, Julia is lady-like, French-chic and still manages to maintain her cool as a young executive in her 20s.

(Images courtesy of thefashionspot.com)

Market-trawling

2008-12-08T21:49:00.004+11:00

I got myself a maxi-dress from my trip to Camberwell Market yesterday. It was actually my second choice, because there was another that I saw that was equally gorgeous; a chlorine-green print dress and it's got strings attached so I can either make it as a halter neck or plain tube dress with a bow.

But anyhow, the purple dress makes me feel so ethereal and actually like a woman. If that makes sense at all.

Along with the dress, I also got 3 scarves - for the price of $10! One of them is - I'd like to believe - vintage Celine.

I wanna go again next week.

Jump for jumpsuit!

2008-12-02T23:04:00.001+11:00

Another item off my Christmas wishlist. Yay!

Flat out

2008-11-21T22:57:00.004+11:00

I feel like taking a picture of my outfit today.
I don't know whether I'll do this on a regular basis, but I thought I'd keep track of what I wear that I actually like. I'm very perfectionist when it comes to clothes - there are countless occasions where I'll be spending three hours on an outfit then three seconds after stepping out of the door I'll hate the outfit.

Anyway, the highlight of the day is the fact that I got these babies!
My beautiful pair of Quilt black flats with patent toe from French Sole. I love it~

Let's talk French (Sole)

2008-11-15T02:46:00.003+11:00

I've just realised how adorable the French Sole ballet flats collection is! And the best thing is, today I just found the boutique that stocks them in Melbourne!

How cute are they?

I'm definitely getting the classic black pair for now, but there are so many styles in one colour to choose from. There's the Quilt, the India (classic, non-quilted style) and there's the Henrietta (also classic style but with a deeper front to show more toe cleavage).

Which one, which one, which one?!

(Images courtesy of frenchsole.com)

More MK

2008-11-09T17:58:00.003+11:00

Loving these looks of MK from the past year. I guess I won't ever wear things like these, but these outfits just come off so well on camera.

(Images courtesy of olsen-files.com)

For the love of Lacoste

2008-10-14T22:50:00.007+11:00

These babies have finally arrived in Australian shores.

I first saw them in the February 2008 issue of Non-no magazine, and from what I can read (which isn't a lot) they were arriving in Japan in April 2008. Six months later, they've finally come down this way. ~~The Aussies sure take their sweet time in importing something.~~

I don't know which colour to get. There's the orange which is fantastic to go with grey; there's the yellow pair that will look amazing with parka-green; there's the green that can go with black; and finally, there's also the light-blue pair for the sake of my love of the colour.

Ah, I need to check first how much they cost.

(Image courtesy of hypebeast.com)

Photoshoot!

2008-09-30T23:30:00.003+10:00

I attended my first fashion photoshoot today. It's not like I had to do anything - apart from holding up the flash for the camera - but it was actually a lot of fun.

I can't even begin to imagine if the clothes were designer's. I'd probably be drooling all over the camera or something.

Ew. Erase that image.

Pre-loved loves

2008-09-30T23:14:00.005+10:00

The cape cost $6 and the dress $12.

The cape can be worn with simple black singlet, skinny jeans and Converse. Or if I wanna be very girly, I'll wear it with heels and a great body-con dress.

As with the dress. I was thinking of wearing it with body-con skirt, belt and flats. Or I can just change the skirt with a pair of leggings. Or I can wear the dress unbuttoned, put on a singlet and skinny jeans underneath and finish off with flats again.

I have so many ideas with the two and I only paid that little. Life can sometimes be too good to be true.

What I bought today

2008-09-26T22:17:00.004+10:00

I was determined to find myself a Ksubi pair today. I wasn't even planning to buy anything else other than that, let alone Cheap Monday. But as soon as I tried this baby on, it's like my legs refused to let it go cos it just fits so well - and the price is so right! - so I couldn't pass up the opportunity and bought it on the spot.

That purchase also marked my first time using my new credit card!

Then I went and bought the Burberry London Special Edition for Women eau de parfum. I gave up on the whole priorities thing, you see.

I got a special deal for it, and I also got the bonus gift pack, which is a set of make-up tools packaged in a cute purse. Lucky~♪

Perfume (and shoes) talk

2008-09-21T22:35:00.005+10:00

I tried the Burberry London Special Edition for Women eau de parfum today and it's actually quite nice. It doesn't have distinct smell, I admit, but it's not too heavy for parfum, just the way I like it.

And then DKNY's Be Delicious is actually growing on me. Again, I'm surprised that it's parfum; I've always assumed such light fragrance would be eau de toilette. I'll either get that or the Burberry London. Once I have some money.

I still need to buy the perfect black ballet flats, though. Maybe I should get that first and then the perfume.

I should really get my priorities straight sometimes.

Paint it red

2008-09-17T16:16:00.005+10:00

What's even better is that these babies only cost me $14.

On another note, now that I've started working again, my summer wishlist will be a piece from Alexander Wang. And lucky me, a boutique that stocks his collection is only a few blocks down my house!

I got it

2008-09-17T01:58:00.003+10:00

Got the Elle UK October issue with Alexa on the cover.

Bought it on Monday and I still haven't finished reading it. It's a fucking thick issue, all right.

Posh's new hair

2008-09-09T20:13:00.006+10:00

I'm still deciding whether I like it or not. She was spotted at Marc Jacobs' Spring 09 Collection Show.

(Image courtesy of style.com)

Miss Selfridge

2008-09-07T09:56:00.004+10:00

I remember when I first stepped into a Miss Selfridge shop 12 years ago in The Netherlands. It was bright, loud and since I was only 9 back then, I thought it was too mature.

Fast forward to now, I find myself defending my love for chainstore stuff because I'm very impressed with Miss Selfridge's current collection. It's a mix pallette of quirky-preppy (think nautical details, ruffles and colours) and structured glamour (visible in the fabulous selection of 2-in-1 dresses, modernised work shirts and textured accessories).

One of the dresses (top left) is even named 'Alexa'! I'd like to think that it was named after the Alexa Chung, but then again, the details are cute enough for me to love it.

(Images courtesy of missselfridge.com)

A magazine to get

2008-09-06T00:03:00.007+10:00

Golly, it's been a while since I posted something in here.

My favourite girl Alexa Chung is on the cover of Elle UK's October issue.

I'm getting this issue as soon as I see it in store.

(Images courtesy of thefashionspot.com)

Mustard

2008-08-21T19:35:00.004+10:00

As I've mentioned a couple of entries ago, my passion has now changed to bags and I just love this one by - surprise, surprise - Topshop. I've always wanted a mustard-yellow bag, and the light-brown strap goes so well with this shade of yellow. And it's leather so I'm sold.

I hope when I go to the Topshop in Indonesia they will stock this bag. Because I really want it.

(Image courtesy of topshop.com)

Lanvin love

2008-08-21T18:46:00.007+10:00

I've just recently been converted to Lanvin, and here are my favourite looks from recent collections.

The silhouette and details are just pure genius. I just can't believe a person could actually be so smart and have that kind of attention to detail.

(Images courtesy of style.com)

Investing starts now...

2008-08-17T22:17:00.004+10:00

I finally bought the black Longchamp bag. It's definitely very handy and versatile, although my friend describes it as a grocery bag.

And now that I've got the bag, I want to start building up my bag collection. I want to buy good-quality ones, perhaps branded ones, just so I can wear them for years. It's about time I go for good investment pieces - and I won't just be doing that for the bags. Clothing articles, in terms of jeans, shirts, dresses, accessories and shoes will be included.

Shoes will probably need another separate savings since they are truly precious, as any other self-respecting fashion-conscious would know.

Bag bitch

2008-08-11T23:04:00.003+10:00

I'm starting to have a thing with bags. It's largely due to the fact that I need some on-trend daytime bags and classic night-duty bags. Basically, I need bags.

And I'm just putting these pictures up for the sake of inspiration and therefore hopefully motivating me to buy a good one soon.

Marc Jacobs.

Miu Miu.

See by Chloè.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label.

(Images courtesy of net-a-porter.com)

New adoption

2008-08-06T19:27:00.003+10:00

Say hello to my new monster 'Ziggy'. I bought him today and he's been trying to get out, as you can tell from his lovely gesture in this picture.

My next purchase: black Longchamp bag.

The clash affair

2008-08-06T00:54:00.006+10:00

I really suck at making those collages that say 'I'm such a natural-born fashionista because I only make creative fashion inspiration boards'. Instead, I whacked on all those music notes for background.

Anyhow, I'm in love with putting together different textures and prints, though I still try to match the colours up a little bit. It's obvious I still don't wanna let go of the comfort zone that black provides (hence the fabulous Mulberry 'Bayswater' bag and the Cavalli buffalo-horn necklace), but I thought I'll mix up the blues with the red and the yellow.

And I've sworn by white T-shirt with black prints. They give an outfit the instant lift and go with absolutely anything because of its monochromatic style. Then there's the Jonathan Kelsey for Luella boots that remind me of Lego, so hopefully this look doesn't look too mature?

Is nautical only for summer?

2008-08-03T19:00:00.005+10:00

I bought this dress yesterday, and I'm starting to have second thoughts about it.

Don't get me wrong, I love the way it looks. But somehow it doesn't look all that when I layer it with anything.

Maybe I'll just wait till summer to wear this. Note to self: please refrain from buying stuff for summer and start buying stuff that can actually be worn now. Now.

(Image courtesy of supre.com.au)

Star style: Rachel Bilson

2008-07-28T22:23:00.009+10:00

Recently I've noticed Rachel Bilson has been featured in many fashion magazines and celebrity gossip tabloids, and they're all basically raving on about how she's turning up to events looking severely stylish.

And maybe not every single thing she's wearing I dig, but I give her credit for looking good without being too overdone (former co-star who takes too much style credit, take note!) and most importantly, Ms Bilson isn't afraid of mixing colours! Gotta love her for that.

Loving the maroon-red pumps to brighten up the all-black ensemble. And her hair has that 'I'm-not-too-fussed-about-this-because-I-let-my-clothes-do-all-the-talking' vibe.

She does the monochrome trend to perfection. I especially love the peep-toe pumps.

Somehow this look reminds me of Snow White a little bit, but double points for matching the belt with the shoes. Who knew? She did.

She rocked the zipper and one-shoulder dress trends way early - this was at a function in 2006. I personally think she looks really good in this outfit.

Love how she's teaming the preppy shirt with a statement skirt.

And now on to everyone's favourite, the paparazzi pictures. This outfit might look too busy at a glance, but I like the stripes teamed with the busy prints of the scarf. And the cropped jacket wins extra point too.

Denim jacket looks good with anything. She is rocking the denim trend with statement bag and good-old fashioned boots.

Loving the yellow scarf adding oomph to the biker jacket. The pumps don't look too bad either.

I love the colour of her bag, and though I wouldn't do it myself, I somehow like the way it looks combined with the colour of her jumper.

A sweet and simple look for autumn. The jacket/cardigan has a kind of tough-masculine neckline but it's toned down with the feminine dress. Lovely combination.

This is probably the simplest of her looks in the batch. But I just have to put this outfit in for the sake of the navy blazer jacket. And it looks good teamed with the tan pumps.

Loving the rock-band tee and blazer jacket combo. The yellow Dior tote gives the outfit a much-needed dash of colour.

I personally think this doesn't look much like her usual style, but I like the tough-meets-sweet vibe of this outfit. And the brogues are also really cute.

This is a really cool, casual look. There are a lot of colours involved, but she pulls it off effortlessly. I think a black-on-white T-shirt is perfect to add that extra boost to almost any outfit.

This is probably one of my favourite casual looks of hers. The bag's colour is just awesome, and she's highlighted it with the Converse in the similar shade. The scarf dresses up the outfit a little without trying too hard.

I like the simple-but-effective approach to this outfit. The boots will take her anywhere and the striped jumper is preppy-cool.

She pulls off oversized jumper effortlessly. And the pewter boots somehow work with the yellow bag. Her scarf is great too.

This is probably another one of my favourite looks. The scarf is just gorgeous and it gives her whole outfit a lift.

Summer would be proud of this ensemble. She wears this dress with such ease, accessorising only to bring out the best of it.

Loving the striped jumper with the denim shorts. Pretty dressing for the changing weather.

(Images courtesy of rachel-b.org)

By the way...

2008-07-26T22:55:00.012+10:00

I bought this dress today.

I'm paying tribute to the art-painting print trend. It's $30 from Valleygirl and it fit me so well.

I also bought that tee from Bonds the other time. I ended up only buying the blue-grey colour, since I didn't feel like buying black or white at the time. :P

(Image courtesy of valleygirl.com.au)

Inspiration: Anglo-mania

2008-07-26T20:24:00.013+10:00

From what I see, a large part of fashion has been about rebelling against the rules - mismatched textures and prints, clashing colours and recently, experimenting with architectural structuring. So it's no wonder that the fashion pack is increasingly turning to the origin of rebel, the UK. The punks in the 70s were probably the first taste of pure Englishness, going against the conservatives with statement studs, leather and mohawks. But rebellion in the UK doesn't just mean punks. There were many examples where the British went against what was hip and created their own trend.

I'm drawing inspiration from the boys of the 90s Britpop scene - Noel Gallagher of Oasis with his Union Jack guitar; Graham Coxon of Blur with his large-framed glasses and Doc Martens; Jarvis Cocker of Pulp with his blazer jackets. While the world went crazy for Nirvana's brand of grunge, the Brits hit back with their own style of rock music. And then you start to suspect that perhaps the nautical colour pallette of red, navy and white could well come from the colours of the Union Jack; the increasing amount of women rocking fiery red hair could most probably be inspired by Dame Vivienne Westwood's mane; and those glasses...well, I'd like to think that Mr Coxon owned them way before today's scene kids even developed their eyes in their mothers' wombs.

But however it is, the UK continues to set the (fashion) bar themselves, instead of letting others do it for them. These days, the British are putting together trends from what the rest of the world has to offer - think bohemian prints complemented with preppy, tailored suits or clashing neon colours with textured pieces (thank you, Agyness!).

It's all just my personal opinion, though. But I think the English pride is back. And I love it.

(Images courtesy of americanapparel.net, net-a-porter.com, topshop.com, ninewest.com.au, olsen-files.com, sendmedeadflowers.com, panicmanual.com, flickr.com, contactmusic.com, celebutopia.net, tpgnews.com and elleuk.com)

Accessories, accessories

2008-07-21T22:08:00.015+10:00

Some say accessories maketh the outfit. I'd say, go naked and be confident by just wearing these (well, maybe not literally naked, since you're gonna end up in a mental institute and they'll confiscate all these beautiful babies from you).

Hermès peacock bag. So crazy yet so right.

Marc Jacobs red leather clutch. Classic but bold enough to brighten up any outfit.
Nicole Farhi chocolate vintage cracked leather bag. Understated chic.
Pierre Hardy navy suede and black patent bag. Fantastic detailing and pretty colour combination.
Temperley London large 'Trinity' clutch. Such unique detailing that it will turn drab outfit to fabulous style statement.
Christian Louboutin 'Babel' leather boots. Such a classically fine tailoring.
David David scarves. Loving the patterns and colours that will make any outfit look fresh.
Etro multi-coloured clutch bag. This is the piece that people would want to base their outfits on every single day.
Emilio Pucci printed scarf. Loving the contrast pastel colours on the rim with the block monochrome patterns.
Giorgio Armani red clutch. Fantastic texture, fantastic colour.
Alberta Ferretti thin green string detail belt. Such a perfect shade of green.

Alexander McQueen blue python metallic peep toe court shoe. A little 80s, a whole lot fierce.
Anya Hindmarch fuschia, tan and black 'Burton' clutch. Loving the colour combo on this little baby.
BOSS Black gold ring. Midas wouldn't want to turn this into any other colour when he wanted to reverse what he did.
Barbara Bui brown lace-up. Who would've thought berry and tan would look so good together?

(Images courtesy of elleuk.com and net-a-porter.com)

MK upsized

2008-07-18T23:16:00.007+10:00

Though I'm no longer interested in the glam 'bobo' look and have moved on to sophisticated quirky (hello, Alexa!), I will always have a soft spot for those who can pull off the look effortlessly.

So MK returns to the radar and boy, did she deliver this week.

In her own translation of fashion, she takes all the on-trend items to the extreme - instead of the normal gladiator-style sandals we all wear, she takes it up to the next level and wears it up to her knees; and instead of the fitted blazer jacket, she wears the oversized version and rolls up the sleeves like she doesn't care.

And I'm loving the red nails too.

(Image courtesy of olsen-files.com)

My next buy

2008-07-17T15:14:00.011+10:00

It will have to be this little gem.

It's Boyfriend tee by Bonds. The picture doesn't really do much justice, but it's actually got the horseshoe neckline happening; it's loose-fitting around the sleeves and skims over the stomach.

One word: perfect.

It would be great to wear underneath a blazer tweed jacket with skinny jeans and brogues.

It's available in a range of colours, but I'm thinking to buy the black, white and the blue-grey ones. Obsessed? Moi?

(Image courtesy of bonds.com.au)

Viktor & Rolf Fall 2008 Collection

2008-07-17T14:34:00.010+10:00

I just got around to checking out Viktor & Rolf's fall 2008 collection and see what the hype is all about.

And I think I'm liking it.

It's a gorgeous mix between smart tailoring and lady-like sophistication with just the right dash of comical exaggeration (note the "NO" belt and emblem on the top).

And the colour pallette! A rich mix of burgundy-red, deep green, classic grey and metallic-black; so gorgeous.

(Images courtesy of style.com)

Trend: owl prints

2008-07-15T21:54:00.007+10:00

A while back, my friend came back from Japan and gave me an owl-pendant necklace as a gift. I didn't think much of it as fashion's favoured print until I started noticing the patterns everywhere, even in some local chain stores.

Then I did some random browsing on the net and I realised See by Chloé released some owl-print tops a few seasons back. The above picture is one of those tops. I also saw Topshop has a T-shirt with an owl picture on the front (which is über-cute, by the way). And Keds used caricatured owls as the print du jour to grace their signature canvas flats.

They're retro-cute and I would certainly want an owl-print top of my own soon, but I guess I won't do like owls do and stay up days and nights to wait on it becoming a fashion boom. After all, it's only another print before it's going to be replaced by other drool-worthy ones.

(Image courtesy of tobi.com)

Star style: Alexa Chung

2008-07-15T15:41:00.013+10:00

Can you tell a capital city by its front row? In New York, bronzed limbs and double-faced cashmere prevailed; in Milan, fur and pencil skirts; and in Paris, tousled hair and black tailoring. But in London...there's a melting-pot of current trends, from ingénue to goth, and a host of wacky accessories.

Vogue UK got that right.

And I think this girl best epitomises that London cool. Maybe not so much the goth trend, but she clashes so much texture and colours that there's nothing you can do but to love it. I know I do.

Loving the chic little-girl look. And I can imagine the striped cardigan would work so well when worn over the outfit.

The look is made awesome by the ankle boots. She is, after all, the pioneer in rocking ankle boots.

Stars are it! But she makes the print more grown-up with leather jacket and of course, once again, ankle boots.

Loving this look - stripes with high-waist skirt. Classic and quirky.

Who wouldn't want those legs if they looked this good in a mini skirt? She was seen wearing a canvas bag with this outfit in other pictures which gives it an extra street-casual feel.

This is probably one of my favourite looks. It's so unexpected how she teamed a bohemian floral dress with a very preppy Luella blazer jacket. I also love the pink detail on the jacket's collar. It's simply stunning.

Another mismatched outfit that's perfect - I love that there's a deep-blue, a grey and a tan mixed into one very pretty ensemble.

This was her look that first caught my attention. The top tucked into the high-waist skirt, the blazer jacket and the flats - they're all so playfully perfect.

The statement necklaces are so inspiring. It's an effortless nautical look that she's come to master.

She's really rocking the flats these days. I love the statement huge-ass bag too.

This is another one of my favourite looks. It's so cool the way she makes thigh-high socks work for a formal night event.

Her signature mismatched look is shown once again here. I think the key to making this whole ensemble work is the denim dress; after all, denim goes with everything...

There's something so cool and cute about this dress. It's not really visible here, but the top part of the dress is actually lined instead of just plain. Once again, showing that she mixes textures, prints and colours like no one would.

(Images courtesy of contactmusic.com, celebutopia.net, tpgnews.com, flickr.com and elleuk.com)

Dress me up, dress me down

2008-07-15T00:49:00.012+10:00

These dresses caught my eye when I was browsing through net-a-porter.com. It's not like I'll be able to afford them anytime soon, but I thought I'd post them up here for the sake of inspiration.

Ballerina bustier dress by Matthew Williamson. It's got stars on it, need I say more?

Bi-colour tank dress by Pringle 1815. Liking the colour combo of yellow and grey, as well as the neckline detailing.

Easton shirt dress by Mike & Chris. Love the simple, crisp silhouette and the neckline is so retro-quirky.

(Images courtesy of net-a-porter.com)