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!

nicole miller SS14 | versailles rebel.

From dainty to daring and flapper to fantabulous, elegant and exuberant and sultry to shimmering, I'm tempted to write a 5th grade style acrostic poem as an attempt to list all the relevant adjectives that sum up one of the best, most wearable collections I have seen in a long time. Nicole Miller mightn't be a household name, but I know I'm not the only one completely enchanted by her cohesive collection of some of Spring's most timeless themes. While Miranda Priestley is (in)famous for sarcastically commenting on the groundbreaking nature of florals for spring, I'm far too taken with Miller's futuristic interpretations of fashion's most beloved "S/S" motifs to care about recycling trends that I actually really love. So what if designers do stripes and florals every Spring Summer season? There's a reason for such fond favorites to continuously reoccur - because we love them very very much. After all, the best way to reinvent your style for SS14 is to do it the Nicole Miller way: wear stripes, florals and tons of summery color all in one explosive, seamless ensemble. Here's to revisiting and reinventing favorites!

Some of the most stellar pieces in the collection made use of a simple black and white palette, spotlighting the intricate detail and workmanship of the pieces by toning down color. Geometry reigns supreme with a modern, glamorously fitted top and a pencil skirt with inverted color placement (centre left) - perfect for creating a sleek silhouette on any shape or size. A black leather crop is balanced out neatly with a flowy white knee-length skirt; another universally sensuous match made in monochrome heaven. Speaking of contrast, few things are more strikingly delicate than the white sheath skirt in the centre right image - statement making with a graceful, feminine touch has never been easier.

Deeper than turquoise, bluer than aqua yet still oddly green… I have no idea what that captivating color is but it's delicious and seems rather fit for the season. It's fresh but not adolescent, sophisticated minus the stiffness. It's an organic cross between stained-glass and the interior of a kaleidoscope, and the flecks of magenta and sky blue make this print utterly magnificent and easily translated onto a number of ensembles. I'm loving the shapely punctuation offered by the thick black panel stitching in the two dresses on the right; I wouldn't mind a strapless minidress in that print! While I'm not as much of a fan of the seemingly magnified print as seen on the top on the far left and skirt on the centre left, I'm so head over heels with that deep, luscious color that it hardly bothers me at all.

And now onto the outerwear, possibly the hardest aspect of a collection for designers to strike a balance between artistic, statement-making and wearable. Nicole Miller seems to have no issues with making her designs down-to-earth enough to be worn by actual human women (let's hope her price tags echo that strength!), and these jackets are testament to her "wearability is key" philosophy (she didn't actually say that quote, I just decided three seconds ago that her brand's philosophy should be wearability yep). A bit punk, a lot embellished, but slightly verging on too topshoppy, these are very cute. Very cute indeed.

True glamour always contains a concealed edge, and in Miller's world, this takes the form of beautiful stained-glass shards positioned in an angular, geometric explosion on various tops, skirts and dresses. Pristinely defined, perfectly contemporary and another universally flattering success, these ensembles help jagged color and classic silhouettes balance out beautifully. I'm totally in favor of the sporty, cut-in necklines (far right) and casual, cropped lengths which show a hint of midriff. If these pieces can't be worn to the office, out at night, to fashion week or anything in between, then what can?

 Fashionista.com describes this collection as being inspired by "the aftermath of a gang of rebel girls storming the castle," and it couldn't have been better put. This gloriously colorful, decadent juxtaposition of grunge-chic rebels and elegant femininity culminate dramatically in the seven looks above. By infusing bold monochrome stripes with watercolor florals, throwing a raw white leather vest over a fitted power dress and punctuating a striped pencil skirt with bursts of blooms, the result is no less than pinstripe perfection with a springtime-appropriate dose of bright florals. Top marks for reinvention, wearability and sex appeal.

 Towards the end of the show, a shift in focus to a less "teenage rebel" and more "refined princess" look can be noted through the evolution of colorful florals to gold baroque embellishments and modern white base hues to sheer pearl ones. Black becomes increasingly dominant as necklines reach a sexy, all time low in deep Vs decorated with ornate gold detailing. Tasseled jewelry becomes a permanent fixture, adding an ornate finish to pared-down, floor sweeping gowns with a sexy, linear finish. Nicole Miller's astounding ability to manipulate simple lines of color and fabric to construct the aesthetic framework of her pieces continues to boast success throughout the collection, adding dimension and shape to her expertly crafted pieces. Sequined floral motifs epically clash with baby pink twirly skirts, decadent glimmering accents glint with movement and bold, cloudy prints add lustrous mystique. Perfection.

So, what do you think of Nicole Miller's gorgeous Spring/Summer 2014 collection?

empire state of mind.

Scarf: Zara

V-neck tee: Urban Outfitters

Bag: H&M

Jeans: Uniqlo

Coat: Topshop

Boots: Dr. Martens

    
Second NYC post! I don't know if you guys get sick of reading me rant endlessly about my ineffable adoration for this city, but I certainly don't ever get sick of writing about it. I seriously feel like the artistic potential of everything on this planet increases exponentially when it's found in New York, or it's from New York, or it's to do with New York. Call me biased, but because I am. Here's a more extensive photo diary of the trip, although considering the rate that I instagrammed during that week, I might do a third (no shame) NYC post of just Instagram pictures... (Why I haven't created a fan blog for all things NYC is beyond me).

We stayed at a beautiful hotel called Andaz on 5th, which was gorgeously modern and planted conveniently on 5th Avenue. Mom and I spent extensive amounts of time wandering the blustery streets and popping into stores of every kind, and thanks to what might be the best scarf ever, I stayed warm the whole time. This military Topshop coat was my best friend during my trip to Sevenoaks last October, and came to my rescue on this trip too! Watching figure skaters in the rink outside the Rockefeller Centre, perusing vintage/secondhand treasures at Buffalo Exchange, dinner at trendy destinations such as Balthazar and Les Halles, long days in SoHo, watching Wicked! on Broadway and visiting every single Lululemon store (thanks Mom...) in Manhattan hardly covers the extent of what we managed to accomplish in our few days in the city. Life in NYC, even as a tourist, is the most exhausting thing - the crazy amount of walking you have to do means there's no room for prancing around in silly platforms, and it means you're dead tired by lunchtime (we may or may not have crashed at 6pm every night...) everyday!
  

It's a crazy city, a beautiful concrete jungle and the place I seriously hope to call home one day. Fingers crossed this is the second NYC post of many more to come!
xo

(Btw, it was none other than my lovely father who chose the title for this post: the only post-Eighties song he approves of/actually enjoys. Props to Pops!)

+ I'll be vacationing in Malaysia for the next week, possibly without internet so apologies in advance for being MIA! Details on the giveaway I promised you guys (thanks for 700+ on Instagram!) will be up when I get back.

rockefeller.

Fleece: Uniqlo

Coat: Zara

Bag: H&M

Jeans: Topshop

Boots: Dr. Martens

~

 One of the best weeks of my life was a few weeks ago in February when I spent a week in the States for my sixteenth birthday. We spent a couple days in Connecticut seeing family and friends, but the remainder of time was spent roaming around the chilly streets of Manhattan and exploring what might just be my future home one day. I thought I'd be able to prance around the streets in cute leather jackets and unzipped winter layers, but the botoxed weather-woman (?) wasn't kidding when she said it would be freezing so I whipped out the woolly hats and gloves instead - no shame because warmth is paramount! These pictures were taken during our Valentine's Day excursion to the Rockefeller Center, where we witnessed the most incredible views of the city from the Top of the Rock observation deck after making a two-hour detour to Banana Republic (yum) and Anthropologie (more yum). I'm such a sucker for this place.

I scooped up this gorgeous coat at a ridiculously marked-down price from Zara a few days before my trip, and I don't think I've ever made a wiser purchase (primarily because it looks like something Rumi Neely might wear). It's versatile yet very edgy, and is designed perfectly for winter; the A-line cut ("You look like a tent!" said Mom) means there's room for proper warm layers underneath, and the turtleneck-avec-buckle leaves room for a scarf. My biggest regret on the trip was not bringing a greater selection of bags, so unfortunately my trusty satchel had to suffice the whole time (Cue PS11, pretty please!). Anyhoo, I tried to create some kind of middle-ground between the black coat/boots and the brown bag/fleece by wearing a pair of muted khaki-colored jeans, which seemed to successfully bridge the gap. Until the day I can travel with an entourage of LV suitcases piled up as high as I please, dressing out of a suitcase will never be something I enjoy (I'm not sure whether I should point out my lack of accessories, or whether you've already noticed). 

More NYC photos coming soon!

xo 

james long x topman.

 I am an absolute fanatic when it comes to Topshop, but only after taking a stroll through the not-always-so-masculineracks of mustard skinnies and geeky Aztec shirts (that is Topman) have I realized that perhaps the two hand-in-hand stores have more in common than I thought. I’m the type of person who, upon finding out about designer collaborations, brushes them off with “yeah whatever not a big deal” - and then subsequently rushes home to my computer to complete a thorough stalking session filled with critical remarks hissed under my breath (or, on occasion, yelled at an outrageous decibel). But holy moly, James Long. Why hadn’t I heard that name before his collaboration with Topman hit the stores last November (yes, this is a little late)?! 

 Renowned for his “fresh take on classic knitwear” and boasting an MA in both menswear and accessories from the Royal College of Art, this British-born chap is nothing less than a sweater extraordinaire. His luscious 8-piece collection for Topman features hand-spun British wool and doesn’t exceed £100 per piece, and by golly are those designs delicious. Drawing inspiration from his “favourite jumper-wearing men”including Kurt Cobain and the Sex Pistols, his collection features an astonishingly eclectic series of punk-era knits, bold colors and polka-dots so awkward that they are suddenly cool. Do I want my boyfriendin a James Long sweater? Well, no, because chances are, I’d be wearing one too.

And we all hate couples who wear matching things.

fall 2012 - england | photo diary.

Here it is; the comprehensive photographic recollection of my marvelous week in Kent + London! For those of you who don't keep up with me on Twitter, I spent a week in early November soaking up the nippy weather, sunny skies (YES you read that correctly - there was magnificent weather!) and beautiful fall scenery of England. Although the purpose of the trip wasn't exactly for leisure (I spent the first half of the trip studying and sitting various exams, eek!), I ended up doing a lot of shopping, sightseeing and touristy photo-taking in England's stunning capital city. Following my rambles (which should end soon) is a photo-diary which will hopefully take you on a visual journey through my various experiences over the past week, including one or two repetitive outfits (Singapore Airlines' weight allowance unfortunately didn't accommodate my entire wardrobe so apologies for the lack of diversity in the apparel department!), tourist-y shots, and countless snaps of the crispy fall leaves/bare trees - I seriously can't help myself when it comes to fall, I have such a weakness for the burnt hues of the perishing foliage, the fragile, naked branches and the fresh-red-cheeks weather that goes along with it. It's such a beautiful representation of nature's most intricate cycle; the dying, falling, absence and subsequent regrowth of leaves, and the leisurely decline in temperature followed by the eagerness of warm sun, gently nudging the snow out until next year. Judging by the snowstorms that have hit my cousins in Connecticut, my description was probably a little (or a lot) romanticized, but when you live in a tropical city without the luxuries of dynamic weather, all you've got is your imagination to fuel you (e.g. turning my air-con down to 10˚C on Christmas Eve in order to bundle up in several woolly articles of clothing and pretend I'm in Europe). Enjoy!

a coat for crispy weather.

I hardly ever do outfit posts, but I thought I might as well take advantage of the crisp-y weather and crispier leaves that Kent is abundantly scattered with during this glorious time of year and take some pictures in my new Topshop coat, which was literally my savior throughout my chilly week in the UK. I'm back home in Singapore now and until my next trip to somewhere cool, this coat is sadly of no use to me, but I love it so much I might even get it framed. This was actually the outfit I wore on the plane (minus the coat), so I wasn't exactly rocking the fresh-faced look; it was more of a 12-hour-flights-suck look. This Zara top is one of the few items of clothing I own which my dad has purchased for me (without my presence/immediate consent, that is) - he's not really one for fashion, but he definitely hit gold with this simple striped wonder. He even bought it in the right size! Paired with soft Topshop jeans and my trusty H&M satchel that never leaves my side (and is now sadly falling apart), this outfit was, in a word: easy. No frills or fuss; perfect for anything from long-haul flights to lazy afternoon tea coffee (jetlag must be overcome!) in a tiny British town. 

The first thing I did when I landed? Bought myself a packet of good old British crisps - Walkers, that is. If there's one thing I love about visiting Britain/Ireland, it's getting my hands on a pack of their traditional, timeless crisps. Not chips - crisps.  

topshop personal shopping AW12 preview.

 Last Saturday morning I had the privilege of attending an exclusive Topshop event hosted by Fashion Fast Forward (F3), a company which oversees the likes of Ben Sherman, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, and most recognizably; Topshop and Topman in Singapore. Two of Topshop's wonderful Personal Shoppers, as well as one of the most noted bloggers in the region: X-Wen of Fash-Eccentric, hosted the wonderful morning event, with a series of talks about AW12 trends, tips on how to infuse key pieces from Topshop's latest collection into your wardrobe, and a wonderful preview of Louse Gray's collaboration with Topshop, which are hitting Singapore stores soon!

After picking up a quick drink at Starbucks, I headed over to Topshop Knightsbridge (the largest Topshop in Singapore), where a whopping queue of eager Topshop enthusiasts snaked far from the entrance of the store, perspiring in the humid morning sun. After a quick browse through the store, my friend Ayla and I were lucky enough to nab some seats before blogger X-Wen ("real name Xiao-Wen, although X-Wen sounds more mutant!") and two gorgeous personal shoppers Melanie and Anny began their presentation.

Hearing what the personal shoppers had to say about the AW12 trends was incredibly interesting. I've never really given much thought to the fact that people actually make a career out of dressing and catering to the personal style of individuals - but after further contemplation and an excellent impression made by the shoppers, personal shopping and styling definitely seems like a rewarding, dynamic facet of the fashion industry. The two shoppers, with their sharp eye for contrast and sixth sense of trend-forecasting, demonstrated easy ways to work Topshop's key AW12 pieces into your existing wardrobe. From deconstructed denim to sequin-saturated crop tops, there's no avoiding the iridescence and WOW-factor that this season holds. Whether you choose to pair your studded denim chambray shirt with vibrantly printed cigarette pants, or are more of an A-line skirt and oversized cardigan type of girl, Topshop's AW12 collection has the most versatile, chic separates which have a way of seamlessly falling into place amidst the rest of the treasure trove that is a fashionista's closet. 

{X-Wens face: Priceless!}

Everyone who came to the event enjoyed 20% off the whole store - and after such a great talk (which almost gave me enough motivation to buy the entire store, not that I lacked any motivation in the first place...), there were long lines to the changing rooms, lines which I honestly couldn't be bothered to join. I opted for a lovely gold geometric necklace that didn't require a changing room and a mirror to fall in love with, which will be featured in an outfit post soon! I browsed the racks of gorgeous collars and "Freedom" jewellery with Ayla, and was lucky enough to hang out with X-Wen for a bit! #bloggerbonding
 .
Seriously, she made it to the top of my "cool people list" looong ago, all it took was a glance through her stunning site day in day out... and then I met her. #starstruck

At such a deliciously fashionable event, it was only natural that I witness the most incredible street style - from the likes of bloggers, fashion enthusiasts, and the Personal Shoppers themselves! Which of the three outfits above do you like the best?

"Fashionable Brunch Date with a dose of Topshop" wasn't exactly a difficult dress code to follow - I loved putting my outfit together for this stylish event! I had a mini panic-attack when this gorgeous geometric top came in a parcel and landed at my doorstep (who doesn't love getting snail mail?!), courtesy of OASAP.com, a reasonably priced online store that I just stumbled across with an astounding variety of quirky pieces! This shirt was somewhat of a DIY project (or not really) for me; it came with a ladybug-like layer over the shirt that you see in the pictures above, and although I thought the extra layer was really cool - I was DYING to wear it to this event, and I knew I had to whip out my scissors and snip goodbye to the ladybug layer if I wanted this sheer button-down to work with my ubersoft A-line Topshop shorts. It was a spur of the moment thing; and I've never really just got out my scissors and shredded up a brand-new piece of clothing on a whim, but there's a first time for everything, isn't there? I'm glad I didn't make a mess of my brand new shirt, considering my competence with DIY artsy stuff (or lack thereof).

Shorts // Topshop -- Blue Wedges // Primark -- Geometric Shirt // courtesy of OASAP -- Leather Wristlet // Coach -- Jewellery // assorted

~

Did any of you guys attend this event too? What do you think of Topshop and the collaboration with Louise Gray?