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.

Fashion Bipolarity

Do you enjoy fashion extremes just like I do? I am so guilty of dressing the complete opposite of what I did the day before. You should definitely let your mood of the day dictate what you’re wearing sometimes, it just makes fashion and dressing up even more exciting since it’s so unpredictable!

I wore this embellished striped top previously with a blush pink midi skirt, and now I take more of a youthful approach with a huge amount of street style rebel vibe.

This look really goes to show how versatile stripes can be, girly and feminine one day, and rock n’ roll the next. I kept the same beauty look, did you notice? The dark red lip matches this look perfectly as well.

How much am I loving the grunge rock feel of these printed slip-on sneakers? Again, this is further proof of how opposite I can be with my style. I do love my heels, but there are days when nothing can beat an edgy pair of comfy sneaks.

These jeans are so comfortable that I can actually surf in them! City surf, that is. Jeans are so great for traipsing about and having urban adventures.

But what makes this look so amazingly rugged and chic? The ripped denim, of course! I love the ripped denim trend because it just lends that undone glam to your casual look, and if you choose to dress it up with something sparkly for the evening, it looks just as chic. The boyfriend fit of the jean makes this pair extra trendy and of-the-moment.

I used the same fuchsia YSL nano cross-body bag in this look, and it works just as well. The structured shape of the handbag works to make this look feel a little more put together, and a little less rugged and slovenly. And it is an excellent pop of color too, since this outfit is mostly dark tones.

This ensemble really makes the embellishment on the tee stand out, a brilliant spin on the denim and tee casual dressing. So take that tip to heart, a little bling on your T-shirt goes a long, long way into glamming up your daytime look.

Everybody should always have time for funny faces in between #OOTD shots right? I enjoyed this look too much! Isn’t it amazing when you can use one piece in two very different ways? It simply goes to show that any piece can be versatile when you let your creativity rule.

So, which look would you go for: laidback rock chick or dainty femme? Let me know!

Skirting the Issue

I always fall in love with basic pieces that have a little bit of a twist to it. We all love stripes, and we all have it in our closets. It’s easy to mix and match with other items, and it isn’t too plain to be considered boring. I particularly love the interesting cut and bat wing sleeves of this striped casual top. Not to mention, its eye-catching cabochon crystal brooch-like embellishment. It’s such a vintage inspired detail! How can I not fall in love? It’s like it was calling out my name!

This outfit is part one of my styling series. Watch out for my next post, I’ll show you a totally different way to style this striped top.

For now, let me tell you why midi skirts should be your next wardrobe investment.

When in doubt, skirt the issue. Skirts are an easy pick for me during those days when it’s too balmy out, but I still want to look ladylike and well put together. Breezy and flowing skirts are the answers to your summer sartorial problems. If you’re tired of wearing denims, then consider midi skirts your new best friend for the spring/summer season. What’s even better is that midi skirts are on-trend, and when styled appropriately can be worn to more formal functions as well due to its conservative length.

A bright red cross body bag is a match made for a black and white striped top. It is a nod to the nautical feel of stripes, and gives it a more graphic pop. This handbag also matches perfectly with the color of the heeled sandals.

Notice the tortoiseshell on the platform and heel of my sandals? Isn’t that such a great little detail? It adds an earthiness to this look and contrasts it with the girliness of the textured blush pink midi.

The key to this unexpectedly chic color story? The rule of three. The three major pieces in my look, my skirt, shoes, and handbag, all belong to the same rosy pink hued color family, which allows the black and white stripes to stand out even further.

The dark red lip is a great contrast to all the rosy tints, don’t you think? I enjoy making a statement with my lip color. It really does make a big difference. Another outfit element worth noting is the cinched waist, emphasizing your curves and your shape is always best.

What did you think of this outfit? Where would you wear it to?

 

Street Style Trend: Fringe

The 70s are back in a big way this season. From the oft-reported fashion industry switch from skinnies to bell-bottoms, down to the ubiquity of wide brim hats, the styles and trends from the Woodstock era are staging a comeback, and from the looks of things these trends are here to stay. At least until the next season comes. Fringe is one of those trends that have swept the street style scene and blogs, and have got us all in a tizzy. It’s just such a dramatic material and it makes a statement that cannot be ignored. Dip your toe into this trend and flex your sartorial muscles as you take on this boho-hippie fringe trend and make it your own. Always remember that melding your personal style with prevailing current trends is the key to having standout and unique style. Here, I’ve rounded up the best street style inspiration that’ll surely unleash your creative styling spirit and get you on the fringe trend train.

Pairing your bad gal cutout boots with some ladylike vintage floral fringe cape for a look that is sure to turn heads. An all black look gets the right amount of flash with this fringe stunner.

Dakota Fanning is such a little style icon, and this red fringe Valentino dress is proof. Minimal accessorizing and a matching statement red lip is all you need when you’ve got Valentino Rockstud pumps to complement your textured fringe frock.

Sometimes a touch of fringe action is all that you need to take your outfit to the next level. Since trends come and go, a fringe bag is a good way to test the waters with this trend. Just look at how this denim cutoff and sweater combo gets elevated with a statement hat, over-the-knee boots and black fringe leather shoulder bag.

Daring enough to try fringe on fringe? Keep the rest of your ensemble model off duty simplistic chic. Fringe sandals and a fringe sling bag don’t feel too overwhelming when worn with a simple crop top and classic faded denim.

Subtlety is always elegant. A slight hint of the fringe trend vis-a-vis a fringe velvet scarf can do so much for your OOTD.  This fringe scarf keeps you warm and it’s right on trend too.

A brown Pocahontas-like fringe cape can look so wrong, but if anyone was to disprove this it would be newly-minted style icon, Amal Clooney. Looking flawless as always, she upgrades her white tee and black trousers combo with this fringe cape. The blue snakeskin clutch steers this look clear from hippie fashion victim territory, and makes it look more modern.

Who would’ve though that fringe would play so well with athletic sneaks? This unexpected trend marriage works because of the neutral color palette, great fit, and classic silhouettes.

Maximalist can work for you if you’ve got the confidence and fashion chutzpah. A bold pair of fringe calf boots with a printed fringe poncho works when you keep everything else natural, even your hair and makeup.

Make like a fashion editor and cop some of that next level style when you wear your leather fringe jacket as a top and cinch it with an oversized belt. A ruched army green skirt and modern black sandals keep the fringe jacket from looking like you fished it out of a bad 70s flashback.

A touch of red and fringe is a bold look-at-me accessory that will earn you double takes. This red fringe clutch gives this tomboyish oversized blazer and neck scarf look some trendy flavour.

So which look did you love? Fringe is a white hot trend right now, and I can’t wait to get creative with it! Have a great weekend ladies!

All images from WhoWhatWear

Flora and Fauna

Sunshine and sea breeze on a gorgeous day, what more can you ask for? I love spending time outdoors. Soaking up some Vitamin D and taking a lovely and leisurely walk by the docks while breathing in the fresh air and looking at the gorgeous scenery; this is my idea of a picture perfect afternoon. 

Is there a better time to don a flowing chiffon floral print blouse? This gauzy and cool blouse has just the right drape and the fabric lets my skin breathe. The naturalistic floral pattern matches my environment and echoes the natural beauty surrounding me. Nature is truly inspiring and spending time outside makes me so happy.

Pairing my chiffon top with white skinny denim further enhances its springtime appeal. The white denims have the perfect relaxed fit and lends itself very well to the ease of my overall ensemble. Finishing off the look with strappy heels, gives a bit of sophistication. The chunky heel of this pair keeps me from teetering and are so very comfy to walk in. 

Instead of the usual red lip, I opted for a red-orange hue that matches the more earthy tones in my look. 

 

It can’t be a complete #OOTD without a statement bag? As you can probably tell my dear reader, I am very passionate about purses. I believe that bags can elevate a look and pull it together. My new acquisition from Valentino is no exception. The studded detail is so contemporary and trendy and so unexpected with the earthy color palette of the purse. The orange and olive green color play into the natural appeal of my floral chiffon blouse.

What would you wear for a day on the docks? I loved my outfit from this day, and I hope you love it too! Stay tuned to my blog for more of my personal style.

 

Style Report: Under the Radar Street Style Stars

The streets are the new place to see and be seen in your sartorial best. The recent surge of popularity and fashion authority of street style blogs and street style photography has produced a new crop of style stars that are a category all their own.

Bloggers, fashion editors, fashion buyers, and other personalities that work behind the scenes in the fashion industry have now come to the forefront in the fashion media solely because of their stellar personal style. Names like Miroslava Duma, Leandra Medine, Yasmin Sewell, Giovanna Battaglia, Ann dello Russo, Harley Viera Newton, Susie Lau are some fashionistas that have been a fixture in street style blogs. They have risen to the top and went on to lucrative products and collaboration, and are now fashion icons in their own right. Now let me bring you another set of street style stars you should be watching out for.

Eva Chen

Her now infamous #EvaChenPose on Instagram (see photo below) has gained her hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. Lucky Magazine’s EIC Eva Chen does a daily style snap at the back of her cab/town car to show off her eclectic taste in accessories as she displays her shoe and bag of the day. A mix of high and low, her style is that ever elusive marriage of girly and playful fashion meets haute and happening trends.

Kristina Bazan

One of the breakout street style stars for this year’s fashion month, Kristina Bazan of the style blog Kayture is a Swiss-born and raised style maven who has been dominating more than street style blogs. Her amazing ensembles and great taste in fashion has been featured in sites like Teen Vogue and WhoWhatWear. I predict that this 19-year old stylista will be making waves in the industry soon.

Linda Tol

Amsterdam based blogger and trendsetter Linda Tol has been wearing one edgy look after another. Her ultra modern and chic blunt white bob aside, her style aesthetic is carefully cultivated and she thoughtfully puts together each look into one gorgeous photoready outfit. But picking apart her look, you’ll find that each piece can stand stylishly on its own. Her taste is something that you will do well to learn from.

Caroline Brasch Nielsen

Danish model Caroline Brasch Nielsen is a permanent face on Caroline’s Mode a model off duty street style blog. She certainly possesses the hallmarks of great model off duty style, she has that same effortless ease in assembling looks that convey casual sophistication and approachable daytime glamour.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld

If you’re the offspring of, arguably, one of the most influential voices and most important stylesettes in the industry, how can you not turn out to be a top tier fashionista too? Simple answer, you can’t. Growing up surrounded by great style and with a glamorous mom like Carine Roitfeld, former editor of Parisian Vogue, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld has pretty much her name written in the fashion history books. She certainly nails the essence of Parisian Girl style, she seamlessly blends textures together for visually interesting looks.

Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor

Model and DJ Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor is part of an emerging young fashion mafia. With her incredible street style cred, she constantly mixes the best of high street brands like Topshop and Zara with more high-end and feminine pieces. Each of her looks have a definite rock n’ roll vibe, probably an influence of her rockstar dad John Taylor of Duran Duran, she loves wearing vintage band shirts with fun and girly pieces like full skirts and heart-shaped leather crossbody bags.

Pernille Teisbaek

Look de Pernille is a wildly successful street style blog from Pernille Teisbaek, who is a huge influencer in the Danish fashion industry. This former fashion editor and current freelance stylist and TV personality has been dropping jaws left and right with her refreshing take on feminine dressing, either going all out in a pastel pink cape dress or putting her on spin on menswear with sporty stripes and cropped bra tops.

Candela Novembre

Argentine born and Milan based model Candela Novembre has that enviable ability to inject bright colors to every single one of her looks without looking too over-the-top and still looking seasonally appropriate and fashion forward. She also has an extraordinary penchant for mixing patterns and textures together. So take some notes every time you see her in one of her signature standout ensembles.

Ella Catliff

La Petite Anglaise is Ella Catliff’s fashion blog where she expresses her sense of style, and that is feminine meets vintage. In an age where trends and faces blend together in a blur, Ella Catliff distinguishes herself by always sticking to her signature style. This London based model and blogger embraces girly and ladylike silhouettes and shows off her love for color.

Whose style speaks to you? I love the inspiration I get from these fashionistas!

Style Icon: Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner stormed the runways with a purpose this year. Renaming herself, simply Kendall, she was determined to be taken as a serious, high fashion model this year. Often quoted saying that being a Kardashian has been the opposite of beneficial for her modeling career, Kendall’s stellar success this season is proof that she is slowly making her way up to Karlie Kloss modern supermodel status. The VS Angel rumors are a good indication of a budding and promising career in the modeling world.

Kendall had a lot of memorable turns at the runway this Spring 2015, and even more than that, she has shown that she has the fashion chops to pull of the ever elusive and highly coveted model off duty street style. I give you the rundown of her top 5 runway appearances and her top 5 off-duty looks.

The gingham-filled Diane Von Furstenberg collection got a lot of mentions and accolades from the fashion press. Kendall’s runway look is one of the best in the show, this DVF frock is classically timeless and feminine.

Kendall wowed on the Tommy Hilfiger show with a youthful and flirty bikini, with equally playful and adorable star tattoos.

Almost unrecognizable in a blunt bob wig, Kendall stomps down the Marc Jacobs runway in golden and glimmering sporty slides that continue to echo that shower sandals/chunky flatform trend.

Radiant and resplendent on the Ports 1961 show at Milan Fashion Week, this sheer gossamer ensemble looks gorgeous on Kendall. This look is perfect for summers on the Italian riviera.

Of course Kendall had to walk down the Balmain runway. She’s best buds with Oliver Rousteing after all. Thin bands hold together this tough looking dress, with a definite rock n’ roll vibe.

Runway Images from Teen Vogue

You can’t call yourself a bona fide model if you can’t pull off a classic white T-shirt, and make it look glamourous. Major style points for you Kendall, your strappy heels and leather leggings are the perfect pieces to go with your casually cool white tee.

The best way to balance a sky high sexy side slit? With a boxy fur vest, of course.

Ladylike with a touch of mod, this is the right way to do a matching printed pantsuit while still looking young and chic.

Another model off duty style trademark? Wearing menswear-inspired footwear with almost everything. Kendall’s gold captoe monk strap brogues instantly upgrade her white trousers and slouchy tee outfit.

Kendall flaunts her legs for days in the perfectly nonchalant afterparty outfit, an oversized tee worn as a dress with over-the-knee slinky suede boots.

Style Images from Refinery29

What looks did you love from Kendall? I loved watching her style evolution this year!

The Best of Paris Fashion Week Spring 2015 Street Style

Fashion month was a whirlwind of runways, celebrities, models, and jaw dropping designer collections. My favorite part of fashion month? The incredible street style, of course. As fashion folks flock to the fashion capitals (New York, Milan, London and Paris) to catch all the shows, their stellar style goes on full display on the streets. Fashion Week basically serves up heaps and heaps of wardrobe inspiration for all of us to take in. Here are my picks for the best of Paris Fashion Week Spring 2015 Street Style:

Leave it to fashion editor Joanna Hillman to show us the best way to style up a white tee and elevate it to truly epic and memorable street style.  Pants with a slight wide leg and a fringe jacket give this look a subtle yet very present 70s vibe. Trendy necklaces still show off her fashion savvy.

One can’t do a fashion week street style roundup without including  a look with the ubiquitous Chloe rounded crossbody bag. Her boxy and oversized bomber jacket goes together perfectly with 90s pieces like her denim pencil skirt and black leather mules.

Long silhouettes and a large, roomy top handle tote show you that pieces that are high in drama can and do look good when worn all at once. The key is to keep it simple, a long bright red sweater dress with a charcoal gray long cardi are streamlined items that when combined produce an impactful outfit.

A black jumpsuit can look basic and too simple. Give it some accessory flourish with a pair of bright bubblegum pink heels. Toting a striped black and white blazer gives it an even more contemporary and graphic pop.

Fringe, tribal print, and a substantial turtleneck are three microtrends that are encapsulated in this singular item. The colorblock mini bag gives this statement dress some much needed contrast from all the boho details.

The sneaker fashion revolution show no sign of stopping and slowing down this season. Polka dot denim and these chic maroon sneaks certainly improve an otherwise plain gray jumper.

Blanket coats/ponchos are another hot ticket item this fall. Wearing it with casual skinny denim and plimsolls make it look more youthful and appropriate for everyday dressing.

The coquettish lace and ribbons in this feminine frock and its accompanying vintage inspired tote is balanced by tough girl studded footwear.

A knit jumper that is oversized makes a powerful style declaration. Offset the voluminous sweater with sleek details like slinky leather leggings and equally slick leather boots.

No need to retire your love of pink as the season turns into fall. Try your hand at the “tied at the waist” trend and combine it with your penchant for some rosy color.

Classic Stan Smith sneaks go so well with a matching two-piece set. You can’t go wrong with the stylish duo of a cropped sweater and pencil skirt.

Over-the-knee boots are another footwear trend to watch and try. The best way to wear it? Let the boots be the center of attention and wear it with a sophisticated yet simple frock.

The 70s are back in a big way, and this look makes a pretty strong case for it. Denim bell-bottoms with a tucked in polka dot blouse, this is 70s style done right.

Perk up your neutrals by adding tropical prints into the mix. Layer your cropped tops from the summer over your fall closet staples like a crisp and tailored oxford shirt.

All white after Labor Day is not a fashion faux pas anymore. Bending or breaking the rules is the new sartorial standard, the only requirement now is standout style and chicness, and this look definitely achieves that. The coordinating menswear pant and boxy vest in an understated print anchor the white elements of this look effortlessly.

What’s your favorite look from this roundup? Let me know in the comments!

Images from Teen Vogue, PopSugar, and Harper’s Bazaar

Runway Review: Dries Van Noten Spring 2015

As we see the first model step out onto the runway, we realize that the runway is not the ordinary kind. A moss covered ground akin to an enchanted forest covers the entire length of the runway, this was a carpet art installation commissioned by Dries Van Noten and created by Argentinean artist Alexandra Kehayoglou. The soft, yellow lighting and the entire set should serve as an indication for things to come for Dries Van Noten this Spring 2015, a delicate and provocative update on hippie/bohemian fashion, with his signature tailoring and menswear inspiration still present, of course. A beautiful array of prints sashayed down the catwalk, layered and styled to perfection. Silks, brocades, and graphic chiffon were all noteworthy prints in this collection. Color, pattern as well plays on heavy and light elements make this collection one of the best during Paris Fashion Week. See my top picks for the best looks from the show below:

Echoing a prominent trend, the long vest, this look captures the essence of the exotic nature and adventure of travel.

Note the twig branch used as a necklace and small frames as outfit extras that drive home the modern hippie aesthetic of the show.

Hey, even bohemians can appreciate some good-old glitter. Expertly paired with a print on print patchwork skirt, the muted tones of the skirt play off the vibrant purple of the sequined top nicely.

You can say that this is one of the signature looks in the show. A vintage necktie print on top paired with an easy laidback pajama pant silhouette with an updated twist.

One of my favorite looks for sure. The flowing chiffon in this gorgeous print balances off the color and cut of the pants.

Pinstripes aren’t just for the office, these voluminous trousers can attest to that. The fringe top pairing with it is an absolute wardrobe inspo.

Pinstripe blazers get a chic update with different line configurations, a small detail that makes a world of a difference.

The thin straps of this layered chiffon striped maxi is an awesome detail that harks back to the 90s slipdress trend.

 I can certainly see this covetable jewel-toned striped dress in every woman’s must-have list come Spring 2015.

Fur for spring? Yes, please. The furry clutches that Van Noten showed off brings new meaning to seasonal accessorizing.

As the models slowly lay down on the moss-covered floor for the show’s finale. We get the distinct impression that Dries Van Noten has started a legitimate 70s fashion revival.

Did you like the Dries Van Noten show? What other Paris Fashion Week shows did you love?

All Images from Style.com

Runway Review: Miu Miu Spring 2015

Miuccia Prada wows fashion lovers once again with her recent Miu Miu Spring 2015 show. The Prada brand’s little sister has always been more rebellious, more coquettish, more youthful, and more subversive. More so now with this Spring 2015 offering from Miu Miu annexing bad girl/naughty schoolgirl stereotypes for a truly unforgettable show. Large bows on leather slip-on mules and sky-high chunky platforms will be next season’s most coveted shoes, that I am sure. But what is truly significant in this collection is how Miuccia Prada elevated standard feminine wear like the pencil skirt, pantsuit, and even the housecoat to something more unprecedented, she made these style staples that are considered normal go beyond their functional call of duty and transform into fashion forward, some even avant-garde, pieces for your closet.

Here are my 10 favorite looks from the Miu Miu Spring 2015 Runway:

I can already imagine the hordes of fashionistas that will be clamoring for this amazing shoe. After all, who can resist that large bow detail? So fun and so chic.

A ruffled detail placed right where a pencil skirt darting usually is shows Miu Miu’s penchant for the unexpected and the truly clever.

The suede brown panel on this checkered jacquard updated housecoat is a 70s inspired detail that will surely resonate within industry trendwatchers.

I just adore how the paneled pencil skirt is so rich in texture and how it pairs perfectly with the brown and red top handle purse.

Plaid certainly isn’t just for fall anymore. This boxy top with a ruffle detail straight down the middle is prim-and-proper and ladylike yet there’s still an edge to it.

A cropped ruffle top with a textured pencil skirt is a youthful and refreshing take on the skirt and bare midriff trend.

This look is like a modern housewife gone wild. The matching printed sleeveless top and pant is made even more exciting with some ultra bright aquamarine .

The mishmash of influences in this look is simply fantastic. From the red-rimmed statement sunglasses, vintage fitted sweater, bold print pencil skirt down to the chunky black heels, this look has a mod/70s/sexy secretary vibe that spells so much chicness.

Coordinating your belt with your crop top will be the next big thing this spring.

Fur, satin, plaid, and loud colors shouldn’t work together, but in this memorable runway look they certainly do.

So much inspiration this past Fashion Week! I can’t wait for next year!

All Images from Style.com