Freedom Clothing: Rebellious, Hot, and On Trend

Don’t fret fashionistas. There’s a few more days of summer still left. Make the most out of it with freeing clothing that is meant to let out your inner rebel or your inner vixen. These sexy details are right on-trend and are perfect to show off that tan you’ve been working on all summer long. What’re you waiting for? The weekend is coming up, slip into these freedom clothing stat.

Back to Back

It’s all about back cut-outs or low backs. Whether it’s a maxi dress with a thin-strap back  or a deep V back plunge, these frocks and tops with bare backs or cut-out details give an effortless yet alluring vibe. Put your hair in a top knot or to show off more of your sexy back. You can even try some trendy metallic temporary tattoos for a little extra glam. Forget those flip-flops and pair your back-baring pieces with heels or trendy white sneakers.

Oh, and spot Candice Swanepoel in a girly white, sexy back frock. Love the trendy leather saddle bag she paired with it.

Bohemian Babe

You don’t have to be by the beach to look the part of a beach babe. Let your hair down in loose waves and spritz some salt spray on them. Let those lustrous locks graze your tanned shoulders in these off-shoulder flouncy tops. Remember that the 70s are back on trend and with it the bohemian fashion movement is also having a moment. These playful and breezy off shoulder tops also come in cropped tops if you want to show more skin. Accessories to consider pairing with your boho tops are: Panama hats, fringe cross body bags, gladiator sandals. 

Itsy-Bitsy

There are some parts of the world (like Singapore) that have summer-like weather all year round, which means you always gotta be swimsuit ready. Some parts of the globe, on the other hand, are just starting summer while other parts still have end-of-summer festivities to look forward to. No matter the season, there’s always a reason to keep your eyes peeled for the hottest and trendiest bikinis. You never know when you’ll be needing one for a spontaneous weekend beach getaway or for your best friend’s pool party. Key trends you should watch out for when bikini shopping are: color blocking, halter top silhouettes, macrame/crochet details, and sexy cut-out maillots.

Take the Plunge

Deep-V necklines and cleavage baring tight boydsuits a la Kim Kardashian  are all the rage this season. These sleek pieces are so sexy and fashion forward. Trust me, this will make your blue jeans extra sexy for that next night out. Accentuate your cleavage with a sweep of bronzer and accessorize with a long necklace or trendy body chains.

Leg Up

Super high to the slits or double slits are a great way to show off those gams. Instead of a micro mini dress or skirt, why not opt for these instead? These have more drama, trust me. These high slit skirts are also an exceptional way to show off your statement footwear in style, just look at how Miranda Kerr does it. For a definite cool girl factor pair these skirts with fringe ankle boots.

So flaunt that bod you’ve been working on all summer long, and show off a sliver in skin in style. These clothes may be freeing and provocative, but their trendy and modern silhouettes still keep them looking chic and sophisticated.

Style Icon: Nicki Minaj

Her summer Pink Print tour, her romance with Meek Mill, and her nonstop invasion of the music world, hip-hop maven Nicki Minaj is right on track with world domination. How can you not love her danceable songs and her in-your-face personality? I love her so much! I love her candor and bravado. Most of all, I love how Nicki Minaj is unapologetic. She embraces every single part of her body and her identity. She is such an inspiration. And hey, her style is always glam and on point too. Here are some of my favorite Nicki looks:

This cut outs and mutiple buckles on this leather number is stunning! Nicki Minaj shows in this Elle Magazine spread that she can wow in edgy black leather, just as well as she can in her signature pink.

Clad in Chanel in the Dazed Magazine cover, Nicki Minaj goes full-on sophisticated lady in a classic pink tweed jacket.

There is something about this image that is absolutely retro-glam. Maybe it’s Nicki‘s pin up girl curves or her 40s inspired waves, or maybe it’s those amazing green boots. I can’t decide.

Over-the-top glamour is what Nicki does best. But this photo is proof that she can do understated chic just as well. Gotta love this sleek knit jumpsuit.

Leave it to Nicki Minaj to take color blocking to the next level. I love this bold crop top and pencil skirt matching set. The studded ankle strap black platforms finish this look off with maximum drama.

Animal print + sequins… Is there any question as to how iconic this red carpet look is? Nicki Minaj nails modern glam yet again. I love how her dewy and nude beauty look complements her sparkly frock.

If you’ve got it, flaunt it. No one knows this better than Nicki. Emphasizing her beautiful curves, she takes your basic black evening dress up a notch with a deep V plunging neckline and glittering fringe.

This Alexander McQueen dress is positively made for modern royalty like Nicki. The geometric pattern is to die for.

Lady in Red for Glamour Magazine, Nicki Minaj’s sass and class is in full display in this bold red ensemble. I’ve got my eye on those red suede peep-toe heels.

Can you say #SQUADGOALS? Her video and song collab with Queen B herself, Beyonce, for “Feelin’ Myself” is one of the most iconic moments of the year. Pink fur, large hoops, and stacks of jewelry for days… this is signature Nicki. Aren’t the one-pieces in this video so adorable? If you live under a rock and haven’t seen this video yet, get on it ASAP. The music and fashion in this video is incredibly amazing!

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What Nicki Minaj look do you love? I’m predicting that Nicki Minaj will pull out more jaw-dropping looks this year. Watch out for her Pink Print summer tour costumes too!

Harper’s BAZAAR Asia NewGen Award Competition Details

COMPETITION DETAILS

Objectives

To recognise the importance of a platform for the next generation of fashion designers to showcase their work. Conducted in partnership with its Asian counterparts in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore aims to encourage and promote creativity and create the opportunity for continued learning with its tie-up with internationally renowned fashion design school Istituto Marangoni, with this regional competition.

Eligibility

Participants must be:

1. Graduating fashion design students, practicing or aspiring designers

2. Singaporean or residing in Singapore

Entry Details

The winner will be judged on his or her creativity, originality, commercial viability and technical ability to produce work that is on par with Harper’s BAZAAR standards. Participants are to include either hand-drawn sketches or web illustrations. Limited to one entry per person for the 2015 – 2016 contest period.

Each entry must include:

1. Twelve sketches for spring/summer ready-to-wear 2016 suitable for womenswear

2. Official application form, which can be downloaded from the competition website: www.harpersbazaar.com.sg/

3. Fabric swatches for the proposed designs and relevant mood boards

4. Curriculum vitae

Guidelines

Each entry submitted must also adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Works submitted should be of original content. No portion of the entry should be copied in whole or in part from any other work that is not the entrant’s own.

2. Entries must be in a commercially viable fabric that can be dry-cleaned.

3. Submitted designs should not have been previously published or entered into any competition or contest or won any award prior to submission to this contest.

Submissions:

Entries can be delivered to the SPHM Office at #03-01A/B Concorde Shopping Centre, 317 Outram Road, Singapore 169075 between Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. If you have any enquiries pertaining to the competition, please contact the marketing department at bazaar@sph.com.sg

CLOSING DATE: 6 NOVEMBER 2015

Selection Process:

STAGE 1 – RECRUITMENT

All candidates are required to submit hard copies of their completed forms and sketches to SPHM Office. The jury committee will shortlist the top five out of the applicants.

The jury committee is made up of the following persons:

1. Kenneth Goh, Editor-in Chief, Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore

2. Windy Aulia, Senior Fashion Editor, Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore

3. Debra Langley, Founder of Inverted Edge

4. Damiano Biella, Creative Director of Braun Büffel

5. Thomas Wee, Singapore Fashion Designer

STAGE 2 – MEET & GREET THE MENTORS

• The top five finalists will be contacted by Harper’s BAZAAR’s marketing team, and invited to a one-on-one meet-up session with the jury committee in November 2015.

• During the meet-up, the finalists are required to present their collections and brand concept. The jury committee will then shortlist five looks out of the 12 sketches submitted by each finalist.

• Finalists will be given three and a half weeks to create toiles of these looks.

STAGE 3 – TOILE DISCUSSION

• The top five finalists will be invited back in December to show the jury committee their toiles.

• The jury committee will also discuss with each finalist on the design and technicality of their collection pieces.

• Finalists will be given six weeks to work on their final five looks.

STAGE 4 – COLLECTION DISCUSSION

• The five finalists will be invited back in January 2015 to show their final five looks.

• The jury committee will then pick the top three finalists who will move on to the semi-finals of the local edition of the competition.

STAGE 5 – LOCAL JUDGING SESSION

The top three will present their collection to the jury committee and invited guests at an external venue. The finalists will be tested on their business plan and technical ability, and the creativity and commercial viability of their designs. The jury will subsequently pick the top two finalists who will move on to the final stage of the competition—at the regional level.

FINAL STAGE OF THE COMPETITION

The regional heats will take place and all 10 regional finalists will compete at one venue.

The jury committee is made up of the following persons:

1. Kenneth Goh, Editor-in Chief, Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore

2. Duang Poshayonda, Editor-in Chief, Harper’s BAZAAR Thailand

3. Natasha Kraal, Editor-in Chief, Harper’s BAZAAR Malaysia

4. Pham Ngoc Luu Uyen, Managing Editor, Harper’s BAZAAR Vietnam

5. Ria Lirungan, Editor-in Chief, Harper’s BAZAAR Indonesia

6. Malcolm Mcinnes, Istituto Marangoni representative

The final winner will be picked by the point system. The jury’s deliberations will be kept secret.

For more information, please contact:

Grace Chua

Assistant Manager, Marketing

DID: 6671 7986

E-mail: gchua@sph.com.sg

Good Luck!

How to become a Fashion Designer

Always wanted to become a Fashion Designer?

Now is the time to get yourself out there.

Harper’s Bazaar has just launched the third edition of Harper’s Bazaar Asia NewGen Award. A competition that brings together talented young people from across South East Asia to show off their designs to the world. 

What is at stake?

Master’s Degree in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management at the prestigious Instituto Marangoni in London for 15 months, worth GBP26,700 (Approx. $56,430).

In addition, the first and second runner-up will also receive a three-week long crash course worth 3,800 EURO (Approx. $5,800) in either: Accessories Design/Milan Design Campus, Fashion Business/Paris Campus or Fashion Styling/London Campus.

And there are more perks!

You will get a chance to showcase your collection in front of 700 people and judges during the Singapore Fashion Week. Yes, you read it right, you will be showing your collection during Singapore Fashion Week.

But that is not all

You will get the chance to be mentored by some of the top names in fashion in the region, including Editor-in-Chief, Kenneth Goh, and Senior Fashion Editor, Windy Aulia, of Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore; Founder of Inverted Edge, Debra Langley; and Creative Director of Braun Büffel, Damiano Bella.

And that is still not all…

The winner and runners-up of the Singapore edition will get an opportunity get featured in Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore to share their designs and collection. The ultimate winner of the regional competition will also get his or her works published in all five editions of Harper’s BAZAAR (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam).

So don’t miss out

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get valuable time with the top experts in the Fashion Empire, get their feedback, exchange ideas and draw yet more inspiration from the experience.

Latest success story:

In 2015, the winner of Harper’s Bazaar NewGen Award, Silvia Teh walked away with a scholarship for a master’s programme in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management at the renowned Istituto Marangoni. She also received a $10,000 cash sponsorship from Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore.

Silvia got to showcase her collection in one of Singapore’s renowned fashion malls, Scotts Square. Her designs are now selling at Inverted edge on level 1. Check them out!

I expect to see her designs in more boutiques, fashion magazines and blogs in the nearest future 🙂

Click here for How to Apply and Competition Details

And Good Luck!

 

Stress reliever

I know it is just the beginning of the week, but things are already going so crazy!

In this post I wanted to share with you all the best ways to get effective rest fast and what to do (or not to do) to make sure your don’t get stressed easily.

Breathe

Sound stupid, but it is actually the number one technique for stress release. Any psychotherapist will agree – a few deep breaths can go a long way.

Is it some kinda new way of breathing? You could say that, it is called 3D breathing. Here is how to do that:

Sit down with your back straight, take a very deep breath through the nose, inhale the maximum amount of air that can possibly fit in your lungs, let your ribs open up to the sides while maintaining the lower abdomen as flat as possible.

And then breathe all that air out through your mouth…..

And repeat. Repeat as many times as needed to completely calm down. But do not force yourself to breathe as this can cause lightheadedness. Go with the flow.

Feels good right?

Take a nap

If you are very lucky and can afford to take a nap in the middle of the day, well first of all – congratulations, you make lots of people jealous. Secondly, DO take that nap. Studies have shown that even a 15 minute nap (or power nap) can boost your energy levels for the rest of the day and improve your mood.

So make the most of this luxury and snooze when you can.

Hold it!

This one is really controversial, but nonetheless backed by real science: go easy on that coffee. Although caffeine is know for its energising qualities, it actually looks quite ugly from the point of view of your nervous systems. It makes you more active and alert, but that in turn can irritate the hell out of your nerves and get you more stressed.

Skipping those caffeinated drinks, your second cup of coffee or tea can decrease your stress levels dramatically.

Sleep tight

Have an important meeting the next morning? Closing the deal next day? Those sound like good reasons to be stressed. There is a way out however – get a good night’s sleep. It will help replenish those energy levels and get some happy hormones (serotonin) into your brain. You will be able to think fast, solve issues quicker and will definitely look your best.

The earlier – the better

Here is a surprise for you – alcohol actually makes you more stressed. Initially it gives you more confidence, elevates the mood and makes everything better, but it irritates your nervous system and prevents you from getting a good nights sleep. Have you noticed that every time you have drink late in the evening you wake up early? Yep, that is what I mean.

By no means do you have to stop drinking altogether. Please, I am not a monster – just try to do it in the day. So that your body get plenty of time to “digest” the alcohol and get it out of your system before you go to bed.

That way you get the best of both world – you favourite drink AND solid sleep.

You can thank me later!

Try meditation

Everyone has heard of this mystery word. Meditation this, meditation that. It is everywhere – lots of resources online, thousands of meditation apps and printed materials.

In actual fact it is just a very simple relaxation technique that incorporates breathing and body awareness to quickly calm you down.

Just try it – all you might loose is a few minutes of your time!

Have a cuppa

Don’t you find warm liquids soothing? Just the image alone should make you happier already – imagine yourself holding a lovely cup of hot cocoa or tea or anything else that is liquid-y or soup-y, warm and soothing and then you take that little sip… ahhh… bliss

Go and get yourself you favourite hot drink and let that stress drift away.

Have a blissful stress-free week!

10 Summer to Fall Outfit Ideas: Street Style Edition

I love street style. We all do. It is so refreshing to see real people from all around the globe take on trends and interpret it in their own unique way. I know that I get tons of style inspiration from street style. As we fashionistas prepare for the changing of the seasons, let us allow these street style standouts to guide us. Here are some of the truly stellar outfits I’ve come across, consider this my styling cheat sheet for stunning summer-to-fall style:

Bring your Florals into Fall

Floral print is one the best parts of spring/summer style. Bring your love for floral style into the fall by wearing it with classic fall pieces like knit sweaters, leather jackets, tights, and booties.

Pastel Trousers Instead of Dark Denim

We all love our denim, but there are days that require a little bit of refresh. Bring in a bit of the new and mix up your summer to fall outfits with some pastel trousers. Plus, these pastel trousers are a novel way to add more color into your look, and it looks way more polished too.

Layering with Denim Cutoffs

You practically live in denim cutoffs during the summer. Don’t let go of these shorts just yet when you wear tights underneath it instantly feels like fall. Thrown in sleek boots and blazer for good measure.

Cape Chic

Designers were all hot and heavy for the cape for Fall 2015, a major piece to invest in to update your closet, you can always count on capes for exceptional transitional staying power. Throw onto any ensemble for extra coziness.

Cozy Up Your Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are just so comfy and chic. These easy and breezy pieces can last until fall when layered with a slouchy knit cardigan. Finish off with ankle boots and maybe even a scarf, and you’re all set.

Summer Wedges + A Graphic Scarf

Wedges are a summer staple, and they’ll still look good when the leaves start to change color. Slip into your daily uniform and up the seasonal chic of your wedges when you finish off your outfit with a trendy graphic print scarf. 

Poncho It Up

Last year’s Burberry poncho trend is still going strong. What’s even better is that this trend is so easy to pull off. Pick a poncho scarf or an oversized scarf in a striking print. Simply thrown on, and go.

Breathe New Life Into Your Summer Dress

A summer shirtdress can be worn beyond the beach or boardwalk. Layer a turtleneck underneath your dress and put a belt on to create a flattering silhouette around the waist. Knee-high boots in an animal print turn up the glam even further.

Jump Into Fall

Overalls are such a fun summer trend. Keep the fashion fun going when you layer a ribbed knit sweater underneath. You can even opt to up the style ante with a statement necklace or status bag.

Don’t Leave Your Colorful Summer Sneakers Behind

When the seasons change and temps get colder, you may be tempted to stick to a neutral palette. Resist that urge and wear color when you feel like it. Not only is it a mood booster, but color makes you stand out from the crowd. Continue wearing your colorful summer sneakers well into the season and increase the chicness when you match your cold weather accessories, like the beanie, with your sneaker color.

I love summer! But I am eager and excited to style some fall looks. Are you excited for a new fashion year too? Share some of your outfits with me!

No Styling Required: Chic One-Piece Looks

There are some days that require pieces that speak for itself. When you’re having a busy week, sometimes you need clothing that you can just put on and dash out the door, while still looking fabulous, of course.

I’ve rounded up 3 stylish closet essentials you should invest in.

These three one-piece wonders make getting dressed up way easier. You can opt for different materials, prints, or colors of these silhouettes, but the effect is all the same; these 3 one-piece closet treasures will give you major style, without lots of time spent on styling and primping. Put it on and go. Who knew that one piece could have so much style? Take a look at these one-pieces that pack a sartorial punch.

Jumpsuits

Especially now that the 70s is such a big trend, jumpsuits are back and hotter than ever. Need more convincing? Check out how these stylish stars wowed with their jumpsuits.

Elevate casual staples like sneakers and a gray hoodie when you work it with a navy jumpsuit a la Dree Hemingway.

Rose Byrne‘s silver jumpsuit is proof that one stunning piece is all you need.

Kendall Jenner makes a black jumpsuit even chicer with Chanel flats and classic black sunnies.

If you want a more feminine twist to your jumpsuit, opt for dainty vintage inspired prints like Mandy Moore.

Olivia Palermo is a modern style icon, and if she rocks a jumpsuit on its own, better believe you should too. I love this white stunner! So perfect for end of summer festivities.

Heidi Klum nods to the 70s in this denim jumpsuit. The mechanic style silhouette is another hot trend too.

Emily Ratajowski shows us an alternative way to style a jumpsuit. An ankle-cropped jumpsuit alludes to the culottes trend and finishing it off with ankle booties is the ultimate cool girl move. Bravo, Emily.

Leigh Lezark‘s amazing retro print jumpsuit has a flattering low V-cut neckline that makes this look so ideal for your next girls’ night out.

Maxi Dresses

Forget those boring tank maxis paired with flip-flops. The following looks flip the script on your typical summer maxi dress. These floor-length pieces can do more than be your beach cover-up. Maxi dresses can go above and beyond its casual origins and move toward fashion forward fashion editor worthy style. Its volume and drama require no styling, all it requires is the right eye to spot the right maxi to rock.

Miroslava Duma‘s printed maxi gets modern and architectural with a statement collar.

 Blogger Maja Wyh knows very well that silhouette can make a major difference. The off-shoulder neckline, stripes, and bell sleeves make this piece stand out.

Poppy Delevingne looks boho chic in this embroidered and embellished maxi. The design is so intricate that you don’t need anything else.

Jennifer Grace of the Native Fox blog knows very well that no accessories are needed when you have a textured maxi dress as eye-catching as this one.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley lets her pleated white maxi do all the talking. I love how she styled it simply with white Adidas sneakers and beach babe waves.

Vanessa Hudgens is frequently spotted in a maxi dress, since it has become a staple of her signature boho style. If you’re looking to make a big splash with your maxi, look for details like midriff cut-outs or double slits.

Miranda Kerr displays her style savvy with a bright turquoise maxi. You can never go wrong with a vibrant color.

Alexa Chung‘s floral print maxi has a definite vintage vibe, made even more unique buckled Mary-Janes.

Chiara Ferragni‘s red, white, and blue maxi frock looks so modern, especially when finished off with matching red pumps and a white cross body bag.

Romper/Playsuit

I love a good romper/playsuit. These breezy one-piece is an ensemble that communicates youthful style and sexy allure all in one breath. This is a great pick for the last slew of summer parties and picnics.

Aimee Song of the blog, Song of Style, hits a major trend in this romper. I adore that tropical print! Perfect on the beach and perfect for the city too!

Kate Bosworth‘s Coachella look is a culotte and romper hybrid. How can you not love that midriff cut-out detail and halter neckline? It’s so 90s!

Alessandra Ambrosio looks chic even while walking her dog. How does she do it? With a printed romper and simple casual accessories, of course. Just slip it on and go.

Selena Gomez‘s ensemble is evidence that all you need is the right print and fabric to make even a casual silhouette, like the romper, look sexy enough and dressy enough for evening.

Kiernan Shipka‘s look is sophisticated. Further proof that the romper is a one-piece wonder you should consider for your closet.

Beyonce ‘s denim playsuit screams 70s glam especially when paired with poker straight locks and hints of earthy brown tones.

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Which one-piece will you be investing in? Whether it’s a jumpsuit, maxi dress, or a romper, trust me, it’ll be a worthy addition to your closet. Plus, it’ll make getting ready in the morning or getting ready for a party ten times easier and faster.

 

Urban Decay eyeshadow

All you need to know about Urban Decay Vice palette

As you already know, I don’t just write good reviews. Nah-ah. Even though I always try to buy quality products, sometimes I do end up regretting my purchase. And I will let the world know about (even though some might hate me for it).

So today’s review is about Vice eyeshadow palette by Urban Decay. Well we have all heard about their nude palette and there is no denying it is a best seller. 

However, this is a different story. I bough it a while back and have had enough time to form an objective opinion on it since then.

Ok lets start with the good things:

Colors:

The color selection here is pretty amazing. This is why I bought this platte in the first place. It covers your nude looks, you can easily do a smokey eye and it has some more for party eyes. All the right ones are matte and all the right ones have light reflecting particles. Fantastic. 

Millie agrees with me and loves the color range too, she also decided she should be the centre of attention in all the shots from now on. I cannot argue with that 🙂

Moving on to staying on:

With my MAC paintpot these shadows stay on pretty well. Even in very hot humid weather they will not let you down. Meow to that!

Comfort:

These eyeshadows have not irritated my eyes or skin, never had any issues, no allergic reactions, no redness, nothing whatsoever.

Will also do nicely as an arm rest…or paw rest for that matter. 

The packaging is great as it has a great big mirror and a double sided brush of decent quality. One side is for applying or dabbing on the color and the other – for blending it in with the rest.

So you don’t need to use your fingers)

And now to the annoying things:

Durability:

This is where I have a serious issues with this palette. On many levels. Firstly, when I dab the shadow with the brush far to much eyeshadow clings to the brush. So I have to shake the brush off or even dab it on a tissue. There is also a lot of loose shadow that spreads out around the palette. So the colors get mixed up a little and I keep having to blow the loose shadow off. This is all wasteful and annoying. Does is happen with other shadows? Yes sure, but nowhere near as much!!!

Another thing – whole chunks of eyeshadow separate from their square and fall off. A tiny drop will do serious damage and you will loose a lot of eyeshadow after a bigger one. Happened a lot to me. I do drop other palettes too, I am not just clumsy with this one. And I have to say the others cope with drops infinitely better. This one annoys me a lot.

Application:

Most shadows are hard to blend without the primer. Vice by Urban Decay is impossible to blend without the primer. I think it has something to do with how loose it gets, because it means that it is very uneven on the brush and therefore unevenly applied to the skin. It is not a big deal, because you should always use a primer, but it is good to know all the details anyway.

Thanks for reading my review and I hope you found it very useful! 

 P.S. Special thanks to Millie for modelling for this post 😉

10 Good and Bad Fashion investments Continued

Bad:

Expensive White shirt

White is known to be a very impractical color. Although there are plenty of exceptions, a huge amount of everyday items in white still prove a bad investment. A white shirt is one of them. After wearing it for just a few days it will already have yellowish stains around the collar and armpit. You just can’t save it no matter how hard you try. That is why there is no point buying an expensive white shirt, it won’t last long enough to justify the price.

Expensive Layering tops

White or nude layering tops that you might use to protect your white shirt are likely to prove useful. However layering tops, white, nude or otherwise, are usually worn underneath something and very rarely on its own, so there is no point spending a lot of money on them in my personal opinion. It won’t really make a difference to your look and certainly won’t add any style. Think of it as a corkscrew – useless without that wine bottle, but essential if you wanna open one. Would you spend a lot on a corkscrew?

Expensive Trainers

As for trainers, its a totally different story. Loved for their comfort and bright colors, trainers seem like something you should spend a little bit more on. However, I have to say the the choice of trainers or trainer like shoes is so great that you don’t need to fork out any more than a $100 to get a really awesome pair. Brands like Converse or Nike offer super stylish options all for under $100. So save the cash for that suit or your status bag.

Flip flops

This one fascinates me most. I keep seeing those special edition bejeweled out of this world flip flops on people’s feet. People!!!! Wake up!!! Stop! This is crazy! Its like buying a toothbrush with a diamond pave or a ruby and emerald encrusted tongue scrubber! Insanity itself.

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Bonus item:

Extravagant items

Sometimes every one of us goes crazy for something we have seen on a celebrity or a store window. We fall for the unique design, unbelievable embellishment or for the whole image (who wore it, where they wore it or how an experienced visual merchandiser presented it in the store window). Regardless of the reason, we should definitely tread carefully. First of all, this is the sort of item that is unforgettable. On the one hand that is great, on the other – the next time you wear it everyone is going to know its the second time. Secondly, these items never come cheap, mainly because of the amount of work that goes into it. So if the one you like is cheap it is not a good sign. If it is expensive, there is a question “is it worth it”?

I leave you with Coco Chanel’s quote which might just help you decide:

Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.

10 Good and Bad Fashion investments

It is a fine line 

The fascinating world of fashion, however creative and design oriented it is, is chasing after the same thing as any other business in the world – our cash.
So how do we know when is the right time to part with our hard earned cash and when is the time to keep it stashed safely under the mattress?
Here is SWK guide to for good and bad fashion investments:

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Good:

Status bag

Lets start with the most coveted item – status bag. An item that is most sought after and unless it is inherited, will probably cost you the most out of everything’s on the list.

Every girls needs a status bag. That is a fact. It is not a matter of life and death, more a matter of “life or a better life”. The degree to which your life will be better depends not on the price tag of the bag but on how well you can flaunt it. So choose a bag that is your one true love, and don’t just go for the one with most zeros at the end of a number. Nothing will boost your confidence and give your look everyones approval and admiration more than that treasured status bag.

And if the love is gone change the bag!! Nothing is forever.

Black leather or suede pumps

As basic as this item sounds, it does not mean that that you should not care much about it. Cheaper shoes are likely to give you blisters, feel terrible and not last. So spending a little extra on your black suede or leather pumps will definitely pay off in the long run. It is likely to be your go-to pair and it would be wise to make sure it is comfortable. So try on several pair and do not buy it unless your feet love it.

Dark blue jeans

OK if you are feeling nervous about your savings after reading about the status bag, here is some relief for you. This item shouldn’t cost you much, is easily found and easily replaced. But there is a “but” here too. Your dark blue jeans must be a perfect fit for your figure. Period. No exceptions. Try on as many pairs as you need until you get the one that feels like it was tailor made for your figure. When it comes to dark blue jeans compromise is not an option.

Wool coat

For those of us who spend a good deal of time in cold climate a camel wool coat is item number one on the list. A true style staple, seen on every autumn winter catwalk, the camel coat is as versatile as a 3D printer. Not only does it look good on absolutely everyone and matches to all kinds of clothes without exception, it works for spring, autumn and even winter seasons. Just change whatever is underneath to fit the weather. Priceless.

LBD  

Oh yes, the infamous LBD. This item definitely deserves extra attention because LBD doesn’t mean just any dress that is little and black, and I can’t stress this enough, it means only the type that suits your figure. It is a very simple item (most of the time) and that is why there is no room for imperfections. Simple has to equal perfect and thats is it. Same as with your dark denim jeans.

Suit

A classic black suit should be a permanent resident in every woman’s wardrobe. I’m sure there is no need to comment on its role in office wear, but its role in evening wear requires more detail. A suit is a great alternative to an LBD or any other dress or gown you might want to wear to an important event. Without anything underneath it is nothing short of a stunner. And a great way to stand out from the crowd, even when we are talking about a red carpet event. Timeless, sexy and very powerful.

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Read on for the bad items + bonus