four ways for fall.

Crispy leaves, cooler temperatures and the most breathtaking colors mark fashion's favorite season to experiment with: Fall. And why, you ask? Well, for a start, autumnal leaves in a variety of toasty hues provide the perfect backdrop to enhance just about any outfit (yes, fashion bloggers do take such things into consideration!), but moreover, the season is cool enough to layer up, but warm enough to actually enjoy flaunting those layers by leaving coats and cardies unbuttoned (and to forget worrying about the wool content of each layer till wintertime!). Basically, layers are great, but only if people actually get to see them, which doesn't really happen in the winter when zips are up and buttons are suffocating you all the way to your neck. Living out of Singapore for the first time has allowed me the privilege of experiencing this sumptuous season for the first time, and I've checked off almost everything on my "to-do during Fall" list (jumping in crunchy leaves included) besides shopping for some new seasonal additions to my wardrobe. I've categorized my numerous fall wishlists into four key themes: Fur, Leather, Army Green and Houndstooth. If you've got a few pieces from each, you're set for a stylish season! Read on to find out more about my specific picks.

(disclaimer: faux leather and faux fur are the ways to go! You can be environmentally conscious AND dress chic). For someone who used to be violently opposed to anything excessively furry/hairy/reminiscent of a fur couch throw, I've grown pretty smitten for these cuddly wardrobe additions. They're beautifully soft, super warm and comfy, and bring brilliant textural diversity to any outfit. Hats, scarves, vests/gilets and coats with fur accents are, in my opinion, the best ways to introduce a little cuddly lovin' into fall outfit ensembles. Try and select fur pieces in neutral or organic hues to make them look more expensive and effortless (no one likes a lime green fur coat, let's be real), after all - layering up is about nailing that breezy, supermodel-off-duty attitude. These options comprise some of Fall's more daring pieces, so keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the spotlight shine on the fur! Throwing on a pair of jeans should never be accompanied by the dreaded question of "how do I make this look more interesting?!" because now you have your answer; a statement fur separate, for maximum style points and toasty insulation! 

Another big must-have for this season is faux leather, which adds another exciting layering possibility to your wardrobe! While boxy leather jackets might seem like a no-brainer for the season, I'm growing more and more inclined towards purchasing a luxurious, soft hobo bag like the Juicy Couture one above in a glorious shade of oxblood. Teeny satchels may fly for summer, but carryalls are a big must for this season. If I've learned anything from living in England, it's to always keep an extra layer with you for warmth (usually in the form of a folded up pashmina/shawl), and another extra layer for the rain (no, not a poncho, an umbrella). Select leather pieces in luxurious, rustic, deep shades of maroon, red, oxblood, chocolate brown, camel and rust (but not black - save the harshness for winter) to avoid the overly "biker" look that leather often suggests. Oh yeah, and leather boots are not an option so much as they are a staple for the season. Find your perfect pair now and hold those babies tight.

One of the big sartorial cliches of the season is the military-chic look, which I always have and always will proudly jump on the bandwagon for. There's something about a muted olive green that exudes the most nonchalant, mysteriously captivating air. It's sophisticated but not unfriendly, trendy but exclusive, and undeniably perfect for the season. Don't limit yourself to typical army-style cargo skinny jeans and parkas/trenchcoats; why not try a cute suede ankle boot or scarf in olive green?

I am a self-confessed monochrome addict. Black and white is perfect, it's effortless, it's timelessly chic, it's universally suitable - it's basically everything except for suitable for fall, in my opinion. The harsh lines and geometric presence that black and white carries with it is too heavy and dismal for the hovering autumn temperatures. Leave the statement black-and-white till the warmer months, or even winter, but just not now. If you're still desperate to keep a bit of this two-toned glamour in your fall wardrobe, look no further than houndstooth. A sumptuously sophisticated, highly iconic and widely recognizable staple, this print is exciting enough to add a burst of detail to an outfit without that overdone, youthful, fluorescent "pop," characterized by most black and white prints. Houndstooth is mature, understated and very elegant, but should not be mistaken for granny-clothing. When worn correctly, it looks absolutely amazing! Like each of the "four ways" for fall, the key is to flaunt them in moderation. Houndstooth coats are beautiful, as are houndstooth skirts, but just not when they're worn together.

What do you think of these "Four Ways for Fall?" Let me know what your Fall wardrobe staples are in the comments below!

black bag crazy.

I don't know if this is a nonchalant fashion craze I'll grow out of or if black bags will be my weakness for life, but at this point it doesn't really matter; what matters is that I can no longer look to any other sartorial staple to complete an outfit. Be it a satchel, crossbody purse, clutch, carryall tote or backpack, black is back and it's the easiest and sharpest way to pull together any outfit. Above I've collaged some of my current faves (but there are loads more); basically anything predominantly black with a metallic embellishment that isn't too bling but is enough to add interest and detail. Usually such adornments come in the form of gold logos, which I generally don't permit unless it's Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and in the case of bags and bags only, Michael Kors (please no obnoxious Juicy Couture crests or Gucci - eurgh). I've rambled enough about my ultra-perfect MBMJ Classic Q Karlie bag, but there are plenty of other gorgeous crossbody options such as Lulu Guinness and Proenza which are equally yum (I will never fall out of love with the PS11 and that's a promise for life). Fringe details, studs, geometric zips and quilted leather are perfectly executed on neutral black, which serves to spotlight tactile detail and texture. 

Are you equally in love with black bags? Which are your favorites?

topshop.

 Words cannot describe how much I adore Topshop, so I've created this polyvore set in hopes of illustrating my affection for this humble brand through a hastily compiled visual aid. Topshop's timeless, rich aesthetic contorts and re-molds itself as each season breezes in and out, thus achieving harmonious synchronization with the trends that come hand in hand with the seasonal changes on the thermostat. The skilled designers of this brand effortlessly churn out pristine, artisanal works of art multiple times a year, and time and time again, they are awarded with nothing less than a sold out collection, a standing ovation, and a worldwide army of supporters.

Topshop's "unique" (pardon the pun, for those who understand it) aesthetic has become ridiculously appealing to thousands around the world. With saturated, explosive color schemes for every season, a rich variety of fabrics and textures perpetually reside in any Topshop store you visit. The brand embraces a plethora of preferences, styles and personalities; only in Topshop would you find a lace slip dress, a pair of leather combat boots, a shearling coat and a pair of rugged chinos all assembled in dangerous vicinity, yet surprising harmony.

The philosophy of the brand is evident through all their esteemed creations; there is always room for experimenting and testing the boundaries of "acceptable street-style fashion." I've always compiled my outfits with an emphasis on diversity of color, print and texture, and no other brand encourages that as much as Topshop does. Topshop won't provide notoriously theatrical costume ensembles a la Alexander McQueen, nor will it ever sell you something you could find in Gap Basics or Forever 21. If you walk in to a Topshop store in search of denim shorts, you'll find an acid washed, high waisted, studded pair of denim hotpants. If you enter in search of a sweater, you'll walk out with a cropped, raglan button-down knit. Topshop emulates the diversity of our vibrant generation : it sells typical clothing- with a wild, signature twist. 

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a nautical affair.

I often blame my incurable fetish for nautical clothing on my father's unhealthy obsession with sailing. We own a tiny sailing boat which we go out on some weekends, and it's safe to say that I've been exposed to a fair share of sand, sea and surf in my fourteen years of life. Now I'm no outdoorsy fanatic, but there's something about the sound of sloshing waves, the elegance of a sailboat and the burnt crisp of a summer sunset that never fails to enthrall me.
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Forget about generic Aussie surf brands like Quiksilver, Billabong and Roxy; those are strictly for surfers and practicality enthusiasts. Channeling the 'nautical' trend is something very refined and classic, and of course, you don't have to be aboard a luxurious catamaran or amidst the foamy, sparkling waves to rock this look. My advice would be to head for the good old Breton top and red lipstick in times of doubt or wallet-related woes. Both these nautical essentials have a 100% success rate, regardless of what their price tags show. 

So go on, march into Forever 21 with your head held high, and grab one (or five) of these sumptuous shirts for a refreshing dose of chic nautical style (same goes for red lippy; no one does it better than the drugstore); your wardrobe will thank you. Stripy bikinis and kitschy sunglasses are optional!

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