Saturday, 31 August 2013
Statement Necklace
I was recently appointed as a "Fashion Insider" with Bernice and Mary - an uber cool Canadian online fashion boutique that is launching Sept 23rd. I had my first meeting this week with the social media team . I'm very excited and happy to be part of the team! To prove my worthiness as a Fashion Insider, I decided to bust out the statement necklace. I absolutely love this necklace - the fan shape, brass chain, and colourful crystals localized just in the right places.
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Graphic Skirt
Skirt - H&M (similar here); Tank - Aritzia; Cardigan - Uniqlo (similar here); Purse - Gucci; Bracelet - David Yurman
Monday, 26 August 2013
Herve Leger Magic
Every girl needs to have an "I'm sexy and I know it" dress. It's the dress that makes you feel like you brought sexy back and can bring all the boys to the yard.
Mine is a black, 3/4 length sleeve Herve Leger (I got this bad boy for 60% while on a trip to NYC!)
However, with the "I'm sexy and I know it dress", one can easily accidently step over the boundry into trashy/overtly sexy category, if one is not too careful. I appreciate the fact that my dress has sleeves to balance out the tightness and the high skirt. Also given that I have an "asian chest", the low neckline doesn't look too vulgar.
The key to keeping it classy is to remember is that it's all about balance - if you're going for legs, maybe cover up the arms. Lots of cleavage, then go with a longer skirt. Backless, then maybe cover up the front.
Talking about this reminds me of a quote from Edith Head.
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| She hit the nail on the...head (lol) http://classiccinemaimages.com/grace-kelly/edith-head/ |
Saturday, 24 August 2013
Flight Outfit
I wanted to do a quick post before I ran off to the airport to catch my flight back home to Toronto. I absolutely hate flying, so comfort is a #1 priority for me. But not one to put fashion in the backseat, I tried to come up with an outfit that was both super comfortable and stylish.
Club Monaco T-shirt, Forever 21 pleated pants, Coach flats, Innue handbag, David Yurman bracelet, J. Crew necklace
Friday, 23 August 2013
Leopard and Pleats
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| whoa, please excuse the bad hair day! |
Top - Banana Republic (similar here); Skirt - H&M (similar here); Shoes - Tory Burch; Mesh bracelet - Coach; Chain bracelet with shoe charm - Fendi via ebay (similar here)
Photograph by Maranamariephotography
Photograph by Maranamariephotography
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Fall Obsessions
Do you remember that commercial where an orange leaf falls on the ground in front of a girl and she starts screaming hysterically? That's how I feel when I start to see back-to-school commercials on TV and fall pieces hitting store shelves. I'm just not ready to let go of spending evenings on a patio, Saturdays at the beach, and summer dresses.
The only bright side is that I can start to build a wardrobe for the new season, and there's a few trends that I'm completely obsessed about.
#1. Forest Green
This is giving navy blue a run for its money. Expect this to be my new dark basic for the fall. I've already ordered a forest green skirt, or "academic green" as J.Crew likes to call it, online and am anxiously awaiting for its arrival in the mail.
#2. Gingham
This was big over the summer, but I've only recently started to appreciate it. One of the staples of 1950's American splendor, this pattern has definitely been revamped into more chic, modern silhouettes. It evokes sweet innocence (think picnics in the country or Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz), but it's surprisingly versatile.
#3. Red wine
The new red. It was one of the biggest colour trends last fall and it's still going strong this season with a focus on suede, velvet, embellishment and patent leather. There's something very luxurious about this colour and I have always been somewhat drawn to it. But it wasn't until I laid eyes on a pair of wine coloured Gianvito Rossi pumps that my love affair really started.
The shade embodies hints of brown making it more versatile than traditional red. It can beautifully add depth to an outfit and goes with just about everything. It's perfect for the fall as we transition into more richer palettes.
The only bright side is that I can start to build a wardrobe for the new season, and there's a few trends that I'm completely obsessed about.
#1. Forest Green
This is giving navy blue a run for its money. Expect this to be my new dark basic for the fall. I've already ordered a forest green skirt, or "academic green" as J.Crew likes to call it, online and am anxiously awaiting for its arrival in the mail.
#2. Gingham
This was big over the summer, but I've only recently started to appreciate it. One of the staples of 1950's American splendor, this pattern has definitely been revamped into more chic, modern silhouettes. It evokes sweet innocence (think picnics in the country or Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz), but it's surprisingly versatile.
#3. Red wine
The new red. It was one of the biggest colour trends last fall and it's still going strong this season with a focus on suede, velvet, embellishment and patent leather. There's something very luxurious about this colour and I have always been somewhat drawn to it. But it wasn't until I laid eyes on a pair of wine coloured Gianvito Rossi pumps that my love affair really started.
The shade embodies hints of brown making it more versatile than traditional red. It can beautifully add depth to an outfit and goes with just about everything. It's perfect for the fall as we transition into more richer palettes.
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Monday, 19 August 2013
Sunday, 18 August 2013
The Perfect Sheath
For the past couple of years, I have been searching high and low for one and finally the fashion gods have provided it to me. You'd think with all the options out there, it would have been easy. But it felt more like searching for the holy grail - a search I thought may never have been completed.
I have sort of an athletic frame, which can make fitting clothes a bit tricky sometimes. In most cases I found that either the darts weren't in the right place and I would look like a box, the shoulders were too wide resulting in a line backer look, there were details like open backs or neon zippers that don't fly at the office, or it was at a price I couldn't justify paying.
Alas, I have finally found the perfect black sheath dress! Plain black, darts in the right places, hidden zipper AND best of all - it was $40!
A void in my life has now been filled.
Check out this article from realsimple.com that talks about finding the perfect sheath dress for every body shape.
I have sort of an athletic frame, which can make fitting clothes a bit tricky sometimes. In most cases I found that either the darts weren't in the right place and I would look like a box, the shoulders were too wide resulting in a line backer look, there were details like open backs or neon zippers that don't fly at the office, or it was at a price I couldn't justify paying.
Alas, I have finally found the perfect black sheath dress! Plain black, darts in the right places, hidden zipper AND best of all - it was $40!
A void in my life has now been filled.
Check out this article from realsimple.com that talks about finding the perfect sheath dress for every body shape.
H&M sheath dress, faux pearl necklace (similar here), Louboutin peep toe flats (in a different pattern here, also love these).
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
Casual Catch-up
I got the chance to hang out with my brother yesterday and do a little catch-up.
Madewell shirt (also love this), shorts purchased in Thailand (similar here, also love these), lace oxfords via Chocolate Shoes (similar here), Prada cross-body bag, and H&M belt (similar here).
Belt tip: Don't be so concerned with the length of the belt. You can punch extra holes in it and then make fun belt loops like I did above!
Photography by Marana Marie Photography
Photography by Marana Marie Photography
Friday, 9 August 2013
Caveat
As a caveat to the overall "theme" of my blog, I thought I would clarify by saying that you can't actually be classy in the typical sense all the time. It's not reasonable to expect for anyone to be wearing a dress and a pair of pumps while walking the dog, washing the car, pumping iron or riding a bike. That's just not appropriate....or comfortable either! HOWEVER, there are a few basic no-no's when it comes to dressing up to run errands: No sweatpants, Crocs, flip flops or similar footwear, your boyfriend's extra large t-shirt, pajama pants or night gowns please!
Here's my walk the dog, go to the post office, run to the drug store to pick up toothpaste and tampons outfit.
Here's my walk the dog, go to the post office, run to the drug store to pick up toothpaste and tampons outfit.
Talula Betsy Blouse via Aritzia, Conycuny jeans (I got these at a clothing swap. I think they're from Korea), H&M flats, earrings via Durami, Salvatore Ferragamo Glasses in tortoise (similar here) and Gucci Purse.
Photos courtesy of me (obviously). My apologies for my lack of photo taking skills - I'm still learning how to take a decent self-portrait. The collages above were made using the Fotor app, which I just downloaded - it's pretty cool!
Thursday, 8 August 2013
Business Casual: Tweed and Pencil Skirt
As my first official photo post, I thought I'd keep it classic with a tweed top and black pencil skirt. This is my "I don't have to wear a suit, but still want to look like I can run the show" look. A black pencil skirt should be a staple in every girl's closet. Mine is from H&M (similar here). So it doesn't need to cost a lot - it just needs to look like it does. That's why I love H&M. The tweed top was purchased on sale at Club Monaco (similar here) (my tweed staple until I can afford that Chanel blazer). I also thought I'd mix it up and throw in a turquiose shoe from Zara (similar here) instead of the typical black pump. I kept my accessories conservative with a David Yurman bracelet, bow tie ring from Aldo, and pearl earrings (yeah, you can't see them because I cropped out my face).
Note to self: start putting more sunscreen on hands...
Photography by Marana Marie Photography
Monday, 5 August 2013
Monday Muse: Blair Waldorf
Yes, I know she's a fictional character from Gossip Girl, and that all her clothes are provided free of charge from designers, but nonetheless she is a one elegantly dressed young lady. So elegant in fact, that Glamour magazine named her among its best-dressed TV characters of all time. She made girls want to wear school uniforms and brought headbands back into style. Also, nobody does clashing prints better than her.
Sigh...if I could only have her wardrobe.
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| So true |
Saturday, 3 August 2013
Dark Days
We all have those days when we just feel like wearing black. Maybe it's because we want to be dark and mysterious. Maybe we're feeling kinda bad-ass. Or maybe we're pissed off at the world and just want it to leave us alone today. Black can have so many different emotions attached to it.
But there are some good ways and bad ways to go about wearing black. I categorize the bad ways into 3 types: the Marilyn Manson, the Catwoman, and Biker Chick - none of which are very classy.
If you're trying to pull together an all black look, try these following tips.
1. Mix pieces of different textures - like leather shorts with a lace top, or patent leather shoes and a suede purse, or jacquard top with tweed bottoms. This will add more depth to your outfit and make it more interesting.
2. Accessorize - My favourite combination is black and gold, but any colour works great with black. Stay away from too many silver studs and spikes.
3. Keep eye makeup light - especially the black eyeliner, or you run the risk of falling into bad category #1 (Marilyn Manson). A red lip can contrast really nicely.
5. Avoid too much leather - Yes, I know leather can be sexy, but too much and you
start to look a bit costume-y. Not to mention, you're gonna sweat a lot and make those funny squeaky noises when you walk.
Here are some of the right ways to do all black:
But there are some good ways and bad ways to go about wearing black. I categorize the bad ways into 3 types: the Marilyn Manson, the Catwoman, and Biker Chick - none of which are very classy.
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| http://gothclothes.com.au/blog/demonia-gothic-boots.html |
Yikes!!
If you're trying to pull together an all black look, try these following tips.
1. Mix pieces of different textures - like leather shorts with a lace top, or patent leather shoes and a suede purse, or jacquard top with tweed bottoms. This will add more depth to your outfit and make it more interesting.
2. Accessorize - My favourite combination is black and gold, but any colour works great with black. Stay away from too many silver studs and spikes.
3. Keep eye makeup light - especially the black eyeliner, or you run the risk of falling into bad category #1 (Marilyn Manson). A red lip can contrast really nicely.
5. Avoid too much leather - Yes, I know leather can be sexy, but too much and you
start to look a bit costume-y. Not to mention, you're gonna sweat a lot and make those funny squeaky noises when you walk.
Here are some of the right ways to do all black:
Hexagon ring
gorjana-griffin.com
gorjana-griffin.com
All Black Inspiration - Olivia Palermo by cin123 featuring a velvet dress
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| Miranda Kerr |
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| Olivia Palermo |
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