Best of Fashion Week Street Style: London

London is the capital of the more subversive side of the fashion coin. Designers like Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, and Vivienne Westwood all call London their home, cementing the city’s status as a place where rebellious and unconventional fashion are born. More than that, London has been the hotbed for such historical and industry changing fashion trends such as mod and punk fashion. You can’t mention London without mentioning Savile Row, of course. Savile Row is the eponymous area in London, which is known for producing the best menswear and tailoring in the world.

For Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016, fashionistas stormed London in their sartorial best. But what I loved the most is how their own style became transformed and/or influenced by the signature style of this city. I’ve noticed some key London trends in the street style spotted, and here they are:

Mad for Plaid

Plaid and Tartan is for the Scots, I know. But it’s a huge part of London Style too! Especially when worn from head-to-toe and accentuated with large Mod-inspired sunnies, plaid is so chic and feels so very now.

 

Dashing and Dapper

Savile Row is famous the world over for their impeccable menswear tailoring. This legendary London fashion landmark definitely influences women’s wear too. Various incarnations of suiting styles, ranging from the quirky to the classic, has shown up on my street style radar and I am in love with how menswear suiting can be interpreted into women’s trends and styles. Putting a feminine or modern twist to a classic suit is always a great way to get dressed.

  

Prep School

London is home to a lot of preppy style as well. Classic jumpers and school girl skirt silhouettes are an essential part of preppy fashion. Refresh those two pieces for 2015 with oversized jumper silhouettes and alternative skirt fabrications like leather. You can also co-opt some school girl style into your wardrobe with Peter Pan collars, white socks worn with heeled oxfords, and overalls, of course.

    

High Street meets High Fashion

You can’t mention London without thinking of its storied high street brands such as Topshop, River Island, Miss Selfridge, and New Look. These eponymous brands has inspired a legion of London fashionistas to embrace high street trends and marry it with their high fashion sensibilities. Think of trendy fur vests, playful clutches, and gold metallic belts paired with the latest designer pieces of the season like Celine sunnies, Jil Sander sunnies and Balmain jackets.

  
London Calling

London has its own style and vibe for sure. There really is no one way to describe it. From preppy to punk, from mod to edgy menswear-inspired ensemble, one thing iis for sure London street style is characterized by a playful and youthful take on the latest trends. Just take a look at these street style snaps below, these are the perfect representations of true London style. Keep an eye out for London it girls, Chelsea Leyland and Alexa Chung.
      

Photos from Harper’s Bazaar

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Watch out for the next installment in this series. Next, I take a look at Milan Fashion Week Spring 2016 Street Style. Until the next one!

 

Front Row Style @ Fashion Week 2015

Fashion Week isn’t just about the style being paraded down the runway. The fashion on the front row is especially noteworthy too. The front row is where the fashion elite, editors and celebrities alike, congregate to take their prestigious seats right at the top of the fashion pecking order. You can learn just as much about trends and styling on the front row.

If you’re suffering from fashion week withdrawals, front row fashion is the cure for you. Here are my top picks for the best in front row style for Fashion Week 2015:

Olivia Wilde and Naomi Watts at Michael Kors

Photo from Refinery 29

Liu Wen, Maggie Q, and Jessica Alba at Tory Burch

Photo from Refinery 29

Ciara at Cavalli

Photo from Vogue.com

Kiernan Shipka and Hailey Baldwin at Rag and Bone

Photo from Refinery29

MIranda Kerr at Louis Vuitton

Photo from Vogue.com

Maria Sharapova at Chanel

Photo from Vogue.com

Elizabeth Olsen at Dior

Photo from Vogue.com

Suki Waterhouse at Topshop Unique

Photo from Vogue.com

Alexa Chung at Topshop Unique

Photo from Vogue.com

Jourdan Dunn at Versace

Photo from Vogue.com

Amanda Seyfried at Givenchy

Photo from Vogue.com

Julia Roberts at Givenchy

Photo from Vogue.com

Bella Thorne and Kylie Jenner

Photo from Refinery29

Julianne Hough, Jennifer Hudson, and Christina Hendricks at Marchesa

Photo from US Magazine

Gillian Jacobs, Jamie Chung, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Ashley Madekwe at Monique Lhuillier

Photo from US Magazine

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.

 

Singapore Fashion Week: Lace-Up Heels

Today is the first day of Singapore Fashion Week and I decided to make a little prediction on what the street stylers and trend setters are going to choose when it comes to shoes.

We shall see if I am right by the end of the week! In the mean time…Ta-da!

Yes, as you have probably guessed, it is Lace Up Heels.

There is always a footwear trend every season that prove to be the fast favorite among the fashion crowd. This year, lace-up heels seems to be the reigning shoe of the moment. From the platforms to the mules, lace-up heels are definitely the more glamorous and more feminine of other shoe trends. Delicate straps accentuate and flatter your legs and the sleek design is easy to coordinate with looks. Lace-up heels have just enough detail to be interesting, but since the details are more on the subtle side, it doesn’t overwhelm your #OOTD.  Lace-up heels make the right statement, and investing in a pair is the right move this season for any fashionista.

Fashionistas all over the globe have been spotted by street style photographer lens in lace-up heels. Here’s my rundown of street style looks that should inspire your lace-up heel style this year:

Take your eyes off Olivia Palermo’s flawless print on print ensemble for a second, and avert your gaze onto her rich forest green lace-up heels. I love how the romantic feel of the jewel toned lace up heel contrasts against the graphic black and white separates.

Another modern style icon, Alexa Chung, lends downtown cool to the conventional evening feel of lace-up heels. With her trademark mini, vintage framed bag, and tomboyish sweater, she lends a definite mod vibe to this look.

Anna Kendrick shows off her style smarts, since the delicate details of lace-up heels are perfect for girls with petite frames. These snakeskin lace-up heels match perfectly with her black dress and white blazer. I love that pop of orange too!

A fringe skirt makes a major splash, but these white lace-up heels look just as good with it. It continues the movement in the look and coordinates with the summery vibe of this look.

Consider these nude lace-up heels your best friend for the summer. More than being leg-lengthening, these nude sandals are versatile. It looks stunning with this midi skirt, and is sure to look just as great with your summery rompers or denim shorts.

Although commonly associated with boho style, brown lace-up sandals can also go with more graphic pieces, just like these striped trousers.

Blogger Aimee Song of Song of Style is so good at mixing trends with more dressed up pieces. She does so quite brilliantly when she mixes trendy blue lace-up heels with a dove gray and white structured set.

Actress and style blogger Jamie Chung adds a flashy flair to her casual daytime style. Her tasseled and lace up sandals uplift her cropped top and joggers ensemble. I especially love the black footwear with the earthy tones of the look.In fashion, sometimes opposites do attract. A very sporty top juxtaposed with the sophistication and sexiness of lace-up heels is an ingenious way to set yourself apart from your run-of-the-mill aspiring fashionista.

All Images from WhoWhatWear

I’ve got my eye on the footwear Singapore!! Lets see some lace-up heels this week at the Tent! Follow me on IG @stylewithkate to see all the photos from #SGFW 2015. 

Style Icon: Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung is a perennial Best Dressed list favorite. Since becoming the host of the UK show Popworld, she landed on everyone’s radar and quickly became the darling of the fashion world because of her distinctively individual style choices and way of dressing.

Her fashion resume pretty much speaks for itself. A contributing editor for British Vogue, an author of the best-selling fashion book “IT,” recipient of the British Style Award, a design collaboration with Madewell, as well as the inspiration and namesake of the famous Alexa Mulberry bag, there is simply no misstep in Alexa Chung’s illustrious fashion career. Described by New York Times as “the Kate Moss of this generation,” it will do all of us well to take style notes from this fashion wunderkind.

Here are my top 10 picks of Alexa Chung at her sartorial best:

Leather shorts, peter pan collar top, and a leather frame bag. This outfit is the perfect representation of Alexa Chung’s style–a little edge, a little bit of tomboy chic, and a touch of girly vintage.

Denim overalls and espadrille wedges plays into Alexa Chung’s love for unconventional and offbeat styling. The snakeskin purse and chunky necklace nicely rounds out this outfit.

A tomboy at heart, Alexa shows us the right way to do menswear-inspired dressing. This blazer skirt suit in vibrant red is given a feminine treatment with a coquettish pair of pointed toe T-strap flats.

A leather motorcycle jacket casually draped over the shoulder succinctly captures Alexa Chung’s effortlessly cool style. The fully buttoned up shirt and plaid check skirt shows her skill in mixing different fashion elements together and making it work perfectly.

Proclaiming her love for her personal style icon, Jane Birkin, she displays that signature mix of girly and tomboy in this floral skirt, black jumper, and patent tassel loafers.

Alexa has been famously quoted saying that she can live in navy jumpers. Although this jumper is gray, she certainly knows her way around styling these knit fashion staples. Matching this sweater with a sparkly skirt is an advanced style move that elevates this chunky knit.

A great thing about Alexa Chung’s style is the whimsical accents she always adds. In this case, a black purse with a cat face on it gives her red carpet look a bit of sass and personality.

Toting the famous Alexa Mulberry bag, she dresses up a girly polka dot dress with ankle boots and a leather jacket, which is one of her style staples.

High waist vintage denim cutoffs are another one of Alexa Chung’s personal closet favorites. The printed polo, tortoiseshell sunnies, and Converse sneaks all come together to make this casual look more striking and fashion forward.

A knit mini dress, an antique frame bag, minimal sandals with a chunky heel, and a wide brim hat–this is Alexa rocking her best moves to bring a dash of quirky style to a simple frock.

Which Alexa Chung look will you be stealing some styling tips from? I love them all!

Images from: Grazia Daily, Elle UK and Harper’s Bazaar