Buy Now in Singapore

Every now and then I like to reward myself with some new clothes. Today I was feeling a little bit strict, but did not quite want to give up all of my inner playfulness. So I picked out some pieces to suit the mood and this is what I ended up adding to my wish list:

Playsuit in beautiful forest color

Classy maxi with a slit

Japanese motif mini dress

“Sofie Hulme” style handbag

Gzhel style shorts

So very Philip Lim

Easy shift dress

Long sleeveless blazer

Relaxed caftan from Mango

I love how affordable these pieces are! This gives me a lot of freedom and never makes me feel stingy)) 

Most of these clothes are also so easy to match. Why? Mainly because of the neutral colors, but also because of the classic shape. Bear this little tip in mind whenever you feel unsure.

Which one do you want? Share your thoughts and buys with me and leave a comment!

Shopping Guide: Top Fashion Jewelry Brands

Fine Jewelry is undoubtedly at the top of every woman’s dream list. It is an investment that will be an heirloom and will outlast trends and time. However, fashion or costume jewelry holds a special place in every fashionista’s heart and her closet and jewelry box, of course. High street brands like Zara, Mango, River Island etc., all have their respective takes on fun and fashion forward bling. But here I’ve rounded up the brands and some top picks for fabulous and glamorous fashion jewelry that are both playful, elegant, tasteful, and are of high quality. Ditch those statement costume jewelry that are tarnished or have missing stones, and invest in sparklers that pile on the wow factor.

DANNIJO

Sister Jodie and Danielle, the founders and designers of DANNIJO, put a premium on sustainability and women empowerment. What started out as a way to raise funds for their grassroots women’s initiative in Africa turned out to a be highly successful and coveted line of costume jewelry. With aztec and geometric influences and rock n’ roll lifestyle feel, DANNIJO is at the top of every it girl’s list. This brand has been spotted on the likes of Rihanna, Blake Lively, and Natalie Portman.

Rashida Jones wearing a Dannijo necklace

 

Images from DANNIJO.com

 

LULU FROST

Founded and based in NYC, Lulu Frost has a distinct aesthetic combining art deco architecture inspiration with contemporary kitschy and girly influences. The brand has had collaborations with eponymous retailer, J. Crew, and has been spotted on First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyonce, and Taylor Swift proving the brand’s diverse yet sophisticated look. Marrying antique and modern, Lulu Frost captures the crux of what it means to be chic and stylish.

Olivia Palermo wearing a Lulu Frost necklace

 

 

Images from LuluFrost.com

BAUBLE BAR

Another NYC made and based jewelry brand, Bauble Bar is at the forefront of fashion jewelry online retail. They have an entire range of customizable jewelry and special services to cater to brides-to-be. They pretty much have every service you can imagine. Bauble Bar even has guest bartenders, who curate their own collection. Emma Roberts and Coco Rocha are some of the stylist celebs that they have collaborated with. There are also available stylists online, whether by chat, mail, phone or video, for any of your burning questions on accessorizing.

Guest bartender Emma Roberts wearing Bauble Bar

 

Images from BaubleBar.com

EDDIE BORGO

Making edgy jewelry since 2008, Eddie Borgo is a NYC brand that takes inspiration from the wonderful city it is based in. Aside from harnessing and capturing the vibrant and upbeat energy of New York City in its designs, Eddie Borgo is also inspired by vintage costume jewelry, American tradition and heritage, and heavily rooted in the rock n’ roll culture. This luxe jewelry brand injects street style trends and urban vibes effortlessly into each piece. The designer, Eddie Borgo, has won many awards including the CFDA Swarovski Award for Innovation in Accessory Design.

Sienna Miller wearing an Eddie Borgo tiara

Images from Net-a-Porter

JENNIFER MEYER

Marrying the special quality of personalized jewelry, modern high street style, and the timeless elegance of fine jewelry, Jennifer Meyer has become a quick A-list favorite. From the Olsen twins to Jessica Alba, her understated yet statement making jewelry have been making fashion headlines and winning her scores of fashion fans from all over. Luxury meets wearability, her designs are handmade with love and Los Angeles and definitely have that distinctive echo of bohemian style and an easy air of sophistication.

Elle Fanning and Drew Barrymore wearing Jennifer Meyer Jewelry

Images from Net-a-Porter

LIZZIE FORTUNATO

Twins Kathryn and Lizzie Fortunato have been consistently creating eclectic jewelry since 2008. Using influences from various world cultures and handicrafts, these pieces are adorned with hand beading, loom embroidery, and vintage textiles. If you’re looking for something perfect to go with your bohemian pieces or to update your summer style, Fortunato Jewels are it. Their pieces are where high-end and world-class craftmanship go together to create cool pieces that every girl would love to have on their necks.

Image from Lizzie Fortunato Instagram

Images from Lizzie Fortunato

Happy Xmas shopping ladies!

 

Power Dressing 101

Image from: Harper’s Bazaar

Dressing for the office can be tricky. For the modern chic woman, brown, black, and navy pantsuits simply won’t do. There are certain professional guidelines that need to be followed of course, but that doesn’t mean that work wear should be boring. There are so many ways to inject a dose of fashion fun into your everyday office attire.

Different offices have different dress codes, but here are some general style guidelines and styling tips to spice up your work wear:

1. Embrace Color and Prints

No need to confine your office style to neutrals and plain colors. Add some punchy colors and prints into the mix, but always make sure to pick colors and patterns that are a bit subdued and not too loud. Stripes and polka dots are your best bet when it comes to prints, and when it comes to colors choose hues that are more jewel toned than neon. Anchoring your outfit in a basic color like black, white, navy, or brown will keep you looking professional.

Image from: The Classy Cubicle

Image from Pinterest

Image from Nordstrom

2. Extra! Extra!

Accessories are a great way to ease into adding more color and prints into your work wardrobe. A shot of color from your jewelry, scarf, belt, purse or heels can liven up an all-black office attire.

 Image from Cupcakes and Cashmere

 Image from Harper’s Bazaar

3. The New Pantsuit

Say goodbye to the oversized shoulders and rigidly structured pantsuits from the yesteryears, and welcome the new and improved pantsuits of 2014. Done in luxurious fabrics and with more relaxed tailoring, these pantsuits definitely take your office pantsuit into contemporary fashion.

 Image from: Harper’s Bazaar

Image from Harper’s Bazaar

4. Shirt dress Redux

Shirt dresses have immense potential to be the workhorse of your work wear closet. Prim, proper, and ladylike, shirt dresses feels breezy yet put together. Always add a belt and pearls to emphasize the polish of your ensemble.

Image from The Classy Cubicle

Image from Net-a-Porter

5. Modern Black and White

Stuck in your white button-down and black trousers uniform? Get out of that fashion rut by falling into crisp silhouettes with more stark and graphic black-and-white designs. Black and white has already been tried-and-tested for the office, but these geometric motifs will make you look more current and on trend.

Images from Mango.com

Adding little personal style flourishes here and there may even increase your productivity and spark your creativity! Never underestimate the power of fashion to influence your mood and your personality.Fashion is all about creative self-expression and the four walls of your office shouldn’t stop you from doing that.

I hope this post inspired you to get more playful with your office looks. Have a great weekend ladies!

Casual with a Twist

Hi everyone,

Hope you have had a wonderful holiday yesterday and feel refreshed and rested.

It is the hot season here in Singapore and so I have decided to show you another outfit that will keep you cool in the sun.

This is a really easy outfit that will look great on anyone.

The statement here is definitely the jacket. It has a beautiful abstract print that is so loved by designers this season. It is great value for money (I got it in Mango for just $59) and it is very light. It is made out of cotton and will allow your body to breathe even in Singapore’s tropical heat.

Another great thing about this jacket is that it really isn’t asking for any accessories. All it needs is some basic clothes you already have in your wardrobe to go with it.

For our shoot, we have paired it up with a simple navy top by Giordano and a pair of denim shorts by Pull&Bear. As for shoes, I went for my old friend – Givenchy wedges.

Possible variations:

– I can totally see this jacket with a pair of cool sneakers and a white skirt. It will still keep you cool and add a little chic.

– Wedges or heels are recommended. If you want to go with flats, get a high waist skirt or shorts.

– and if you have to have an accessory for every outfit, why not try a necklace? This one by Salut De Miel (priced at $129 in Robinsons).

If you want to share your beautiful outfits with us or have any questions email me at kate@stylewithkate.com!

Happy Friday!

Street Style Know How.

Hello fashionistas,

Lets talk street style! Street style is one of the most versatile styles in fashion. It basically is anything and everything that people are wearing on the streets of fashion capitals like New York, London, Tokyo and other cosmopolitan cities. It may be something you have effortlessly thrown together like a little cropped T-shirt with a high waist skirt or an outfit you have put some thought in, like a trendy bomber jacket with a cigarette pant accompanied by the latest accessories.

The popularity of street style has been growing together with sporty and effortless look trends. Why? Cause everyone loves it! It makes you look and feel free, confident and fresh. And an outfit like that is really easy to put together. Here is what you need to ask yourself:

1. What kind of clothes do I feel comfortable in?

2. What is my usual everyday style?

3. How do I make the whole outfit trendy and fresh?

Once you have answered these questions you can go ahead and start styling! Assemble together the clothes that you love and feel good in and try and incorporate them with your existing style. You should be able to put together a couple of outfits. It is really that easy. However, if you still feel like this has made no difference there is only 1 thing you can do to rectify the problem – go and get some awesome clothes! Once that is done and you know which pieces match into wholesome outfits you can start thinking about accessories. As I mentioned in several previous posts accessories are essential to almost any outfit. Please don’t ignore them. Put that bracelet on your wrist and see what happens. It is like clicking refresh in your email. Bound to make a difference.  So that is all great stuff))) Here is what you have to bear in mind when you do effortless street style. Tidiness and neatness is more important than ever. We are going for an effortless look of a fresh modern woman and not the look of the homeless person collecting cardboard. It is not difficult to cross that line which is why I urge you to pay attention to that factor.

As an example, we have put together a street style look that is cool and totally wearable. Which brings us nicely to our standard question:

Who is this outfit perfect for? This outfit is perfect for a free spirited gal in the age range of 20 to 40 who values comfort above all and feels confident about her taste. What to do if that does’t really sound like you?

Consider possible variations:

– we went for a very relaxed slightly hippie outfit. Your street style does’t have to be like that. If you love your classics you can stick to them by choosing a more classic look with a hint of casual in it. Or if you are into more boyish look, why not go for a baggy T-shirt and straight cut pants instead! It is all in the details.

– shoes shoes shoes….ahh so many choices here. You could substitute these for flats very easily. If you are wearing pants or shorts instead multi-color sneakers can be your best bet! If you just want to recreate our look here is how:

– vest from Mango at $59.90,

– dress from Topshop around $90 (any straight cut dress with ethnic pattern will look new and in-season)

– mini tote bag by Furla in monochrome colour :-)(see our post on monochrome on this page)

– leather shoes by Prada

– glasses by Prada $399

If you feel inspired to create your own street look with my help do not hesitate to contact me atkate@stylewithkate.com or call/SMS 8668 6226 for a more immediate response.

Happy styling!