Buy Now: Winter Sweaters

Sweaters are a must-have item that’ll successfully and fashionably transition your wardrobe from summer/spring to fall/winter. Regardless of where you live, there is room in your closet for sweaters. More than just being cozy, sweaters are classics that keep you looking chic when it starts to get a little bit chilly. For those who live in cold climates, sweaters are lifesavers and the right sweater can spell the difference in your look of the day. For us in the tropics, sweaters are still a worthy investment so that we won’t be caught off-guard during those blustery days.

I’ve scoured my favorite stores online, and curated this selection of must-have sweaters for the Fall/Winter 2015 season. Here are my top 10 picks:

Gucci Embroidered Sweater from LuisaViaRoma

You certainly won’t be a wallflower in this statement making sweater. If you’re looking for a sweater that’ll translate for fancier occasions, this Gucci stunner is your best bet.

Yeezy Cotton Sweater from MyTheresa

Looking to up your cool girl cred? Sport some Yeezy clothing. The utilitarian elevated basics that Kanye West designed will score you major points. Not to mention, it’s so easy to style and layer.

Marco di Vincenzo Striped Lurex Sweater from LuisaViaRoma

Since disco is back with a vengeance, glittery and clingy Lurex sweaters like this one from Marco di Vincenzo are back in vogue. This is definitely my pick for my next night-out. It’s sexy without showing too much skin.

Stella McCartney Wool Sweater from MyTheresa

Classic with a twist, this elegant sweater from Stella McCartney comes in such a lovely neutral tan color. It has just enough detail to make an impact (note the geometric hem and detailing), while being minimalist enough to be worn with a number of outfits.

Sonia Rykiel Striped Knit Sweater from TheOutnet

I just love the Parisian playful vibe that Rykiel brings to all her designs. This striped sweater is no exception. This sweater will certainly transition you seamlessly back to the warmer months too.

Autumn Cashmere Tennis Knitted Sweater from TheOutnet

The varsity/collegiate vibe of this sweater adds to its appeal and wearability. Pair it with leather pants for a more subversive take on the preppy trend, or opt to go with country club chic and pair with a pleated midi skirt.

Saint Laurent Leopard Mohair Blend Sweater from LuisaViaRoma

Leopard print is basically a neutral, or so they say. The black and white leopard print on this sweater qualifies it as a modern classic in my book. I can see myself rocking this all season long, from casual looks to evening ensembles.

McQ Alexander McQueen Sweater Dress from MyTheresa

A good sweater dress can answer your outfit woes. The color blocking on this McQueen piece is so edgy. Whether bare-legged or worn with tights, this sweater dress looks amazing.

Valentino Bow-Detailed Stretch-Wool Sweater from TheOutnet

You can count on Valentino to come out with a feminine and ladylike sweater to liven up your closet. The bow detail is a great way to punch up this classic piece.

Chloe Oversized Cashmere Sweater from TheOutnet

Play with proportions when you style this oversized cashmere sweater from Chloe. This is such a brilliant layering piece to give your fall/winter style a refresh.

Best of Fashion Week Street Style: Milan

Milan street style is a different kind of animal. If London is punk, New York is urban, Milan is eclectic meets sophisticated. I love how fashion week really gives fashion lovers an opportunity to delve into street style around the world. There’s so much to learn about style from the streets, and every year it just gets more and more exciting.

Italian women have long been heralded as one of the most stylish and elegant in the world. It’s high time we take notes from Milanese street style and adopt some of that “la dolce vita” into our personal style and wardrobe. Here are my top picks for the best in street style and top trends in Milan for fashion week Spring 2016:

Shoe Love

Italy is all about shoes, we all know that. The love for shoes runs long and deep in Italian culture and style, and Milan being the fashion capital of the country is the perfect stomping grounds for shoe lover from all over the world. Here are some snaps of some the most beautiful shoes this side of street style. Take note of the dominance of those bright blue shoe hues. Gorgeous!

Bold Color

It’s easy to just wear neutrals all year-round, but sometimes going bold on color will go a long way. Keep your bold hues rich and jewel-toned to maintain that sophisticated Milan flair.

Squad Goals

I saw a lot of stylish women in two’s and three’s in Milan. Whether fully coordinated in hues of camel and black, decked out in dreamy white flowing tops, or in complementary outerwear, these ladies know that when it comes to street style your whole squad can make an impact.

Back to Back

Italian women pride themselves in a unique sense of style that departs from mainstream trends. Make an outfit feel even more unique and individual when you add unpredictable elements to your look. Make them look twice with back detailing that shows that you think about the overall 360 effect of your outfit. From back cut-outs to playful patch designs to even a button down worn in a whole new way, when you put your back into it, your style reaches a whole new peak.

Italian Heritage

Missoni and Gucci are just two of the many illustrious fashion houses that call Italy their home. Get inspired by these heritage brands and sport some the signature Missoni colorful print or invest in some quality Italian leather to upgrade your ensemble of the day. Nothing like a beautiful piece of high quality Italian leather work to give your look an air of luxury.

Expect the Unexpected

If there is one takeaway from Italian street style that you should integrate into your own style, it’s this: always leave room for sartorial surprises. Ballgown in the daytime? Why not? Hiking boots with a mini shirt dress? Oh yes. A cascading train worn with jeans is always a good idea. It’s in these unexpected pairings that you can truly find your one-of-a-kind style sensibility.

Images from WMagazine and The Trendspotter

Style Icon: Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston has a rockin’ bod. Featured on various magazine covers for her enviable figure (she credits healthy eating, hydration, and the barre method), Jennifer Aniston is a burgeoning lifestyle guru. Her signature “Rachel” hairstyle and her role in Friends made her famous in the 90s, but her rom-com chops gave her Hollywood staying power. Often described as “the good girl” or “America’s Sweetheart,” Jennifer Aniston often defies these labels to reveal her sexier and more vulnerable side.

Need summer beauty inspiration? Well, here it is. Bronzed with tousled and highlighted waves, Jen looks great in summer whites.

I love this shot of her. Carefree and effortlessly beautiful, her signature mane is full of volume and she looks great in her signature color, nude.

Hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it. A toned bod looks great in a low-back dress. Add a layer of bronzer for an additional glow.

One of the more iconic moments in Jennifer Aniston‘s career was her GQ magazine cover, where she was next to naked. Showing skin is the opposite of a girl-next-door move, it was gutsy and inspiring.

Jennifer’s simple and sophisticated style is something that every girl wants to imitate. A breezy chiffon print top with wide leg trousers and a leather saddle bag is the perfect outfit to achieve everyday chic. 

Looking for some cold weather style inspo? Jen’s got it. The cuffed distressed jeans, the wide brim hat, the striped tee layered underneath a ribbed sweater and scarf are all the definition of uber style. I love the brown boots against all the black and blue.

Straying from her usual black, this pastel blue Vivienne Westwood dress has drapery that hug her curves beautifully.

You can’t go wrong with an LBD, but Jen puts a little twist to this evening staple with a leather obi-inspired belt and oversized leather clutch. Leather makes everything better.

This Gucci suit in a deep burgundy Marsala color is a great way to get dressed for awards night. A departure from black tuxedo dressing, I love the hint of sexy with the deep neckline accented with trendy gold body jewelry.

A Tom Ford dress with a peplum cocktail silhouette with leather piping against herringbone is modern and ladylike at the same time.

This jaw-dropping Valentino Couture gown is oozing with sexy. A high side slit revealing strappy Versace sandals is all you need to exude glamour. No excessorizing needed.

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I love how Jennifer Aniston’s look are always so sexy yet feel so effortless. Which one did you fall in love with?

Royal Ascot 2015

One of the most spectacular events of 2015 for me was the Royal Ascot. Having never been to any kind of a race before, it was a bit of a wild card.  However, the chance to dress up for one of the biggest events of the British social calendar was too exciting to miss.

And it is not just me who loves to dress up. The dude to the right is looking pretty dapper. 

The preparations begun well before the actual event. First of all, I had to decide what dress to wear. There is a dress code for Royal Ascot, it is not exactly strict but gives you a couple limitations mainly pertaining to what is appropriate and decent.

So I decided to go with one of my favourite summer dresses – D&G Fig dress. It is perfect for this kind of weather, has a refreshing pink color and fits all the dress code requirements.

Having lived in the UK for many years, I know only too well that the weather is highly unpredictable. So June weather could mean anything. That is why I decided to get a jacket. A long one, just in case. This jacket is my own design, inspired by the latest Chanel collections and made from Linton fabric, which makes special order fabrics for Chanel.

Next thing I had to do was get a hat (or a fascinator), I am still to his point confused as to what exactly is the difference between the two. In a few words, the bigger the piece – the more likely it is a hat, the smaller – a fascinator.

I really didn’t want a huge one, since that would probably mean too much shade on the face, and I wanted something special, something unique. So I ended up going for this double bow piece that matched the outfit and gave me a lot of extra hight.

Step 3 – shoes. I have to say I did not hesitate here at all. My Gucci sandals were an obvious choice here as they are classy enough for the place and give my look an extra edge with the high fat heel and platform.

Step 4 – the bag. Again, my go-to bag worked super well here. Just like the sandals, this bag matches to absolutely everything thanks to its wonderful blush color and pale hardware. The studs make the look more youthful and help spice up the outfit without overpowering it.

Accessories were essential for this look as much as for any other. Sunglasses – absolute must in this weather. We were incredibly lucky that it did not rain that day, otherwise I would have to write about my umbrella and I have to say I am not a huge umbrella fan. My sunnies have a lovely flower detail on the side that continued the fruity floral theme set by the dress.

As I decided to place a few bets on the horses having my coveted Ma-Ga watch was a must – you don’t want to be getting drinks and miss the race. Most of them are under 5 mins!

Not forgetting about the appearance of the Queen. You gotta mind that time!

Lastly, I have added a pearl bracelet so that in case the jacket will have to come off, my arm won’t feel too naked.

And finally, the most essential accessory for this event – the camera! My loyal friend that never lets me down and keep all the memories of wonderful events such as Royal Ascot alive.

 

 

Style Icon: Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham, known to 90s lovers as Posh Spice, has truly made a name for herself in the fashion industry. Her early affinity for designer labels, Gucci in particular, and little black dresses shot her to fame–not counting her membership in mega girl group Spice Girls, of course. She may be out of the entertainment industry now, but she has managed to plant her foot firmly into the fashion and retail industry. Her namesake fashion line, Victoria Beckham, has been staging one stunning season after another, and the handbags from her line are quickly reaching cult status with fashion industry insiders. She is more than just an ex-Spice Girl and she is definitely more than one half of “Posh and Becks,” she has made herself into a style icon and fashion mogul.

Victoria is coming over to Singapore to close Singapore Fashion Week 2015 this Sunday. With all the tickets to her show sold out way before all the rest it is obvious there is no hotter celebrity right now. To those hoping David is going to join his sweetheart at her show: I’m with you people!!!

Here are my picks of Victoria Beckham’s best looks ever:

Is there anything more classy and luxurious than a camel colored look? Victoria Beckham proves its timeless appeal. With details like a cap toe heel, leopard print handbag and a ribboned belt, she elevates the innate elegance of this camel trousers and trench pairing.

Red is such a powerful color. Wearing it from top to toe is a testament to one’s confidence and fashion savvy. A neat ponytail and classic sunnies finish off this sophisticated fiery red look. Note that embellished waist detail and conservative yet fetching dress slit.

Covered up for the fall and still sexy, Victoria Beckham is indeed the master of looking glam at any time of day. Clad in a comfy white turtleneck and a knit skirt, Becks truly wows with the ultimate autumn outfit accent, a sexy pair of tall suede burgundy boots.

Airport style is another fashion arena where Victoria Beckham shines. Her jet set lifestyle as a fashion designer, mom, and wife to a soccer star, takes her to many places and she always makes sure that she looks amazing at every destination. A blue oxford button down with a floral pencil skirt is laid back and simple, yet amazingly put together too.

Victoria Beckham has always been a fan of fashion luxury. Her fur shrug and Hermes Birkin proves her love. Worn with skin tight skinnies and black ultra high platforms, she still gains a fashion edge and avoids that brand victim trap.

Pencil skirts are key to Victoria Beckham’s signature personal style. A classic 50s combo of sweater and pencil skirt gets upgraded with a scarf, to add a certain Parisian flair. Becks is certainly one woman that oozes that “je ne sais quoi.”

An ultra girly and adorable mod inspired frock takes centerstage in this ensemble. Balanced with rock n’ roll ankle booties, Victoria Beckham surely defines style with an edge in this look. I just love the scalloped detailing in this look.

This look is a bit of a throwback from Victoria’s fashion archives, which is precisely why it cements her style icon status. Even during her youth, she already knows what works for her sartorially. Chic and simple, her former trademark angled bob perfectly accents her cream colored flouncy tiered ruffle dress.

Fur makes another appearance in this list, and this definitely showcases her British spunk. Neatly pulled back hair, an oversized envelope clutch, plus a one-two punch of opaque tights and ankle booties, Victoria Beckham’s style is overflowing with so much pizzazz and undone glamour.

Images from WhoWhatWear and Harper’s Bazaar

I am so in love with Victoria Beckham’s style! This post is definitely full of wardrobe inspiration. Which look will you be copying this week?

Style Icon: Taylor Swift

British Vogue’s November Issue cover star, country music icon, street style star, and pop culture phenomenon Taylor Swift is a force to be reckoned with. At such a young age she broke out onto the scene in a big way, with infectious rhythms and insightful, deeply felt lyrics. Her famous relationships (and breakups too) have been immortalized into country/pop-rock songs that has the rest of the world singing along. She has recently been making the news and making major headlines with her feminine and vintage inspired street style looks. Each look she steps out in is pure perfection, and she has us swooning over her to die for style. She always looks polished and always look paparazzi ready, which goes to show that you can stay true to yourself and not always follow the trends.

Start your own trend just like T-Swizzle has, and  learn from her sartorial savvy, as you browse through my top 10 picks of Taylor Swift’s best street style looks.

A departure from her typically sweet street style, Tay Tay shows that she can turn up the glam and exude a bit of naughtiness with this sexy black jumpsuit. She still maintains her signature girly vibe by toting her top handle vintage frame bag. Opting out of accessorizing and just letting the black pieces be the focus of this look is such a classy style move.  

In the summer, we saw Taylor Swift in one matching printed two-piece set after another. She practically lived in those crop tops and full skirts. She stays loyal to her affinity for matching sets and makes it more fitting for the fall in this knit sweatshirt and pencil skirt duo.

Taylor Swift turns up the glamour in a sparkling and shimmering Gucci gown during this year’s Grammy Awards. With just some elegant ear danglers as her accessory, she completely owns the red carpet in this beautiful silver column gown. 

I wish that we could all look this good on the reg, just like Taylor Swift does. She manages to look modern while donning vintage pieces. She looks absolutely flawless in this covetable outfit composed of a yellow houndstooth cropped sweater, mint green skater skirt, coral heels, and a lovely taupe frame bag. 

Want to know how to make even a pair of denim cutoffs look elegant? Do it like Taylor and add some polished extras into the mix. You can never go wrong with nude pumps, black frame top handle bag, and a white sabrina neckline top. Improve this casual look even further with a red lip and loose, tousled hair waves. 

If there was ever an argument about investing in tailored shorts for the summer, this look will be one of the strongest cases for it. A pair of brightly colored tailored shorts up the ante and gives a ladylike vibe to Taylor’s fondness and preference for menswear inspired footwear like these low-heeled oxfords. 

Taylor Swift might not be a school girl, but she certainly nails back-to-school style in this outfit. A red and blue patterned sweater dress  with her two signature staples, heeled oxfords and structured leather totes all make for an A plus look.

This is further evidence that you need not hold yourself strictly to the matching purse and shoes style rule. Sometimes, breaking fashion rules can be fun since the unexpected always leads to more excitingly chic looks. Simply take a gander at this printed sheath dress look and how the hot pink peep-toe pumps and hunter green bag play off each other stunningly. 

An orange and pink color block sweater can make your daily spring to fall uniform so exciting. Pieces such as this sweater are great for quickly and easily perking up your basics, like camel colored skinnies and black tasseled loafers. 

Taylor makes us like her even more as she embraces high street brands like Aldo. She totes a maroon structured purse from Aldo and matches that deep burgundy red shade with a deep-V sweater worn over a grey mini dress. The bowler hat and matching burgundy colored booties are just the right accessories to finish off this winsome look.

Which look is your favorite? All of Taylor Swift’s looks are so amazing, I simply can’t choose!

Images from Teen Vogue and InStyle

Buy Now: Must-Have Boots for Fall

I can hardly believe that the best season and month in fashion is upon us. September is coming soon, and with it come the thickest September issues, fall fashion shopping, and fashion week of course!

Although this part of the globe doesn’t experience fall, that isn’t a reason for fashionistas not to do their yearly fall wardrobe overhaul and update. Fall is the fashion New Year where style devotees examine their past sartorial decisions and make new ones. Fall is also the season where the hottest trends crop up and the hottest items are up for purchase.

What is the quickest and easiest way to get ready for fall fashion month? The answer is simple, wear boots with everything. Boots are the ultimate shoes of this season, and it will surely make you look fashion forward and up to date with the trends. I’ve picked out 10 of the best boot styles to improve your daily #OOTDs. What’re you waiting for? Shop away fashionistas!

Giuseppe Zanotti Quilted Zipped Calf Ankle Boots from LuisaViaRoma

If you live in head to toe black come fall season, this is definitely the pair of boots meant for you since it’ll give your monochrome outfits a much needed hit of color. The quilted leather and zipper detailing add to the cool girl appeal of these boots.

 

Corvari Beatle Boots from LuisaViaRoma

Chelsea boots, popularized by The Beatles in the 60s (hence the name of this Corvari boot), these sleek yet casual boots should be a staple in any fashionista’s shoe rotation.

Marc Jacobs Quilted Leather Biker Boots from The Outnet

These boots for Marc Jacobs certainly respond to the needs and cries of fashion lovers for footwear that is both all-weather and all-chicness. Try this with a dress and tights for a cute daytime look.

Alexander McQueen Cracked Leather Ankle Boots from The Outnet

Count on Alexander McQueen to make the most uniquely glamourous pair of ankle boots. The cracked leather material is so on trend, and is sure to add visual interest to your LBD.

Gucci Horsebit Embellished Burnished Leather Boots from Net-a-porter

Classic and preppy, this knee-high Gucci boot will fulfill your childhood equestrian dreams and will have you looking every bit of country club chic. These boots will up the ante of you denim and tee daily go-to gear.

Rene Caovilla Crystal Embellished Suede and Leather Ankle Boots from Net-a-porter

Plain lace-up leather boots are great, crystal embellished ones are even better. Fashion lovers always want to push the envelope, what’s better than getting some bling and extra sparkle on your feet?

Yves Saint Laurent Paris Leather Ankle Boots from Net-a-porter

If you’re the type of gal who wants the best of the best and doesn’t mind a splurge, here’s the boot for you. These YSL stunners have an amazing silhouette, luxe leather material, and timeless design that will hold you in good stead from this season and beyond.

Casadei Suede Over-the-Knee Boots from The Outnet

Never underestimate the awesome power of a pair of over-the-knee boots. These uber sexy boots will surely up the sexiness of anything you wear it with. Whether it’s tights and cozy sweater, or bare-legged with your LBD, these over-the-knee boots always have maximum impact.

Christian Louboutin Leather Ankle Boots with Fringe Trim from MyTheresa

Put some fringe benefits (pun intended) into your wardrobe with this Louboutin boots. Fringe is one of the must-have microtrends this season, and these boots are the perfect pair to get some boho fringe into your everyday looks.

Balenciaga Leather Ankle Boots from MyTheresa

A classic taupe shade in this Balenciaga boot expresses understated elegance. This can be a great addition to your boot closet, and a great alternative to the typical edgy black boot. An added bonus is that these boots can be great for your work wardrobe too.

There you have it ladies, it’s time to boot up! Which one will you be rocking this fall? I know I’ll definitely be on the lookout for a pair on my next shopping trip!

Sporty Looks for Summer

Alexander Wang was definitely one of the pioneers and trailblazers for the resurgence of the athletic trend that is sweeping the fashion industry at the moment. Gray sweats, sneakers, and mesh tops are moving out of the confines of the gym, and are now firmly planted in the style spotlight. Sports luxe have been spotted on the backs of the most stylish set, like Miroslava Duma, Olivia Palermo, and Chiara Ferragni to name a few, this fashion trend show no sign of slowing down.

You can count on more sportswear detailing and materials propping up even in the most classic of silhouettes. From Gucci to Marni, DKNY to Marc Jacobs, locker room wear is a trend that’s here for the long haul. Incorporate this sought-after look into your wardrobe, and get inspired with my top 10 picks for the best sporty summer looks:

Wearing your sneakers with a relaxed tee and tote in a matching color is an advanced style move that makes your casual attire look a little bit more polished and pulled together.

Trousers with a single vertical white stripe is an understated nod to jogging pants. Take it to another level by using it to diminish the dressiness of the sequin top and studded heels.

Mesh details are hot, hot, hot this season. Turn up the volume on this sporty material when you wear it with distressed jeans and menswear inspired loafers.

The drawstring and pocket detail of these shorts allude to its gym attire origins, but the ankle strap sandal and oversized camel coat make it look updated and super chic.

Change up your crop top, and go for a sports bra instead. Wear with a high-waist pleated skirt, and give a fresh and twist on the athletic trend.

You won’t look a like a dad when you wear sneakers with jeans and a blazer. Just bear in mind that your separates should be tailored and not baggy.

A striped sleeved T-shirt gives a subtle nod to sportswear. Topping it off with a crystal statement necklace and lucite heels makes it unique and personal.

Never downplay the value and impact headwear can add to your ensemble. Just by simply wearing a baseball cap, you can dip your toe into the athletic wear trend. Opt for baseball caps done in a more luxe material, like this leather cap, and avoid sports insignia at all costs.

You need not be limited to blazers and boxy jackets when choosing a piece to complement your favorite graphic print pencil skirt. A varsity jacket is the way to go, when you want to add a bit of sporty glam to your street style.

 

Gray sweatpants must always be paired with something more formal or a more rigid or tailored shape to it. By using a leather vest to layer the look, you don’t look like you’re lounging at home or sweating it out on the treadmill.

Why not try this trend out for size? You might be surprised at how many chic points you’ll score!

Images from: WhoWhatWear, Fashion Magazine, Valley Magazine, Lauren Messiah, GlamAsia, Pinterest, Refinery29