Dot Dot Dot

I know I've been avoiding dots patterns since teenage, always thinking that they make me look like a clown or joker. But as I grow bolder (and older, sob) to try different things in styling, they look less scary to me now.

Of course, sweet young girls are always thought to be "privileged" to put up a total dots look, like a one-piece red dress with white dots on it I can imagine. But it might not be a good idea to get into the spotlight like that in a solemn workplace. Instead perhaps a dotted blouse underneath a suit jacket or a pair of dotted stocking would not hurt. In fact, on the contrary, it might brighten up the boring office look on a typical I-don't-wanna-go-to-work Monday.

As for weekend (like today, yay!), a pair of dotted sneakers, or a head scarf with colorful dots, or even a pair of polka dots shorts could certainly tell others what a good mood you are in, not to mention it matches perfectly well with Mr. sunshine in lovely summer time!

So I've just taken out my FIRST dotted t-shirt that I got myself this summer from my closet and get it ready for tomorrow, how about you? :)

We Heart Mini Bags!

Forget about your carryall, tote bag or backpack for a while and give a little way to mini bags, couldn't you? I know, we ladies always have so many things to bring along, but forget about practicality for a second, cute tiny bags in fact make a good accessory to daily outfits. 

Signature IT bags of previous years return in smaller size and in various colors, and vintage chain bags also make a glorious come-back. It may not be easy if you, like me, are used to put everything that you MAY need into your daily bag and are always too lazy to organize/ re-organize the bag contents. But it is not impossible. Here is a list of what I actually need (yeah now I realize...) if I'm going out with a mini bag:

1. my phone

2. a cardholder size purse with my ID, travel card, credit/debit card and some cash

3. my favorite lip gloss

4. a pack of tissue (because I'm prone to nose allergy)

5. a foldable shopper bag (just in case)

Furthermore, it is not uncommon or in any way "odd" to carry a second bag if you really find it necessary. You just have to consider the total look. If you're in t-shirt and jeans, it looks absolutely okay to have a cross-body mini-bag AND a tote on your shoulder at the same time. But then, I bet you would not want to be seen carrying a Chanel 2.55 and a plastic shopper from your local supermarket in a cocktail party, would you? ;)

(Not meant to promote our shop, but this little red box looks really cool, agree?)

Lovely Vintage

Vintage fashion, if I'm asked to define it, means apparels from the old times. They might have been worn by their previous owners, or maybe their production has simply discontinued and thus leaving them un-used. The popularity of vintage fashion has never seemed to be over, and on the contrary, more and more people seem to have joined the group and exchange ideas of mixing and matching vintage clothes with modern ones.

There could be different styles in vintage styling. Some may fancy a romantic Victorian-age look (e.g. a long dress with heavy lace); or some may like a west-side cowboy mannish look (e.g. checked shirt + worn-out denim + cowboy boots); or some may create a punk-rock look (e.g. cut-out rock band t-shirt + mini skirt + old Dr. Martens); or some may even try mixing old items for a totally original look (which I honor most!).

Punk rock style vintage

Classic cowboy boots

Romantic vintage lace dress

Original vintage stylings on a typical street in Japan

It is not easy to start, though. If you are interested to try vintage fashion, why not begin with doing a thorough "audit" of your closet (and maybe your mom's and your sis' too!)? Dig out items that you've abandoned for ages because sometimes they could look "vintage-ly fashionable" to you now. And if you still need an item or two to complete your original  vintage look, go check out your local flea market or a second-hand shop. Be prepared the search could be time-consuming and tiring, but I assure you it's a "all worth it" experience when you find what you want. And then you can go home and work in front of your mirror...

The world of vintage styling offers unlimited room for imagination. Oh and to a certain extent, you're helping with environmental protection too since you're reducing waste and recycling! Enjoy your little exploration now!

Black is Back (again?)

Yes, look like it is. 

Glanced through major Fall 2011 ready-to-wear shows again and this is my little conclusion. It's true that other colors like white, soil or mixed patterns also appear in different shows, but black seems to be liked by all. From leather, knit, see-through, silk to faux fur, felt and tweed, black is seen everywhere.

First thing first, where're my all-time favorite little black dress and acid-washed black jeans now?

Vivienne Tam Fall 2011 RTW

Alexander Wang Fall 2011 RTW

Jason Wu Fall 2011 RTW

Lela Rose Fall 2011 RTW

Prabal Gurung Fall 2011 RTW

Chanel Fall 2011 RTW

Miu Miu Fall 2011 RTW

               

Givenchy Fall 2011 RTW

Swatch x Kidrobot

Can swatch get any cuter?

The collaboration between Swatch and Kidrobot (an art-driven toy and lifestyle brand) has brought about a collection of eight Gents watches. Each of them is accompanied by a complimentary Dunny, an iconic collectible bunny-like vinyl toy. Artists Gary Baseman, Jeremyville, Frank Kozik, Joe Ledbetter, MAD, Tara McPherson, SSUR, and Tilt have each contributed to the new collection with a characteristic design for a Gent and its accompanying 3-inch (7.6 cm) Dunny. I have my eyes on the yellow one, you?

Lace & Crochet

Had never been a huge fan of crochet and lace myself until recently. It's seen so often in big and small fashion events lately that I started collecting pics of them for my own styling reference. I also found a nice petite crochet vest from a local vintage shop the other day which gives me a cute but not old-fashioned look, and it is so wearable for daily activities too.

White and tea-colored lace/ crochet dresses are most frequently seen on lookbooks and fashion blogs. But if you always enjoy a less feminine style like me, there are many alternatives this season.

Traditional white and tea-colored crochet/ lace

Among them all I'm particularly in love with (and almost addicted to!) those lace-trimmed clutches and cuffs. They add a touch of "fairy tale-ness" to the total look and yet will not make me appear overly mature or outdated. They can even match well with my punk outfits and finish the rock-star look with a little sexiness.

Thanks to modern designers who work so hard to make everything look good on everyone. Now I know what's in common between Avril Lavigne and Kate Middleton. :)