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.

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!

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?

 

Top 3 Runway Trends

Here I am again, giving you the cure to your Singapore Fashion Week hangover. If you’re on the lookout for new pieces to refresh your wardrobe and put some more pizzazz into your personal style, look no further than the runways of the recently concluded, wildly successful Singapore Fashion Week 2015. This year’s crop of designers was brimming with so much talent and we have definitely taken notice of their designs and their inspirations as well. There was so much creativity and great ideas on the runway this season, we’ve definitely got more than enough to last us until the next fashion week.

Trendspotting during Singapore Fashion Week was so much fun! It was an amazing experience to see how different minds translated and interpreted the trends of our time. Here’s my quick rundown of the top 3 trends on the Singapore Fashion Week runway:

1. Bohemian with an Edge

Can I really do a trend roundup without including Thakoon? This international design superstar definitely lives up to his stellar reputation with his collection. The 70s bohemian fashion movement has certainly been a major trend player lately, and Thakoon presented his own take on the boho style and spirit.

Knee-high gogo-inspired boots in bright red, lightweight mock turtlenecks, and vintage frame bags sashayed down the catwalk. With an earthy color palette of burnt orange, navy blue, brown, and beige, Thakoon stayed true to the decade but put his own twist, of course. Embellishments, flowing pleated skirts, and athletic stripes were modern details that elevated his 70s look.

Photos: Singapore Fashion Week

2. Japanese Inspired

Inspired by one of the ancient cultures of Asia, there were lots of Japanese inspiration on the runway. Textiles from the region and obi belts abound. Ong Shunmugam’s cruise collection featured intricate Japanese textiles beside menswear-inspired pinstripes. Styled with super trendy white sneaks, the juxtaposition of the stripes with Japanese prints and patterns is the new go-to print on print for stylish it girls. This is definitely an ensemble that you should cop, it’ll make for a double tap worthy #OOTD.

Silvia Teh, the winner of the Harper’s Bazaar New Gen Design Award, also took a cue from Japanese culture and fashion. Teh also used stripes, but in a different way. Graphic, solid and thick stripes adorned her creations with girly schoolgirl skirts and elegant satin fabric finishes.

Ong Shunmugam

Photos: Harper’s Bazaar

Silvia Teh

Photo: Singapore Fashion Week 

3. Tailored Minimalism

The minimalist trend has been going strong for years now. Two designers made standout collections featuring this trend, Dion Lee and Velda Tan’s Collate The Label.

Dion Lee’s ultra chic and slightly futuristic netting details beautifully offset his stark and forward thinking designs. With a neutral palette accented with jewel tones, Dion Lee showed off his incredible tailoring skills with an array of curved sleeve cuffs, structured shoulders, and strategic cut-outs.

Velda Tan’s Collate The Label cemented her place in the Singaporean fashion scene with her collection of sporty yet luxe wear. I loved her black, white, and pastel color palette. It was so on-trend, and it is so perfect for dressing stylishly in the tropics. The curves and sharp angles interspersed within each of her pieces is a beautiful sight to behold.

Dion Lee

Photos: Singapore Fashion Week 

Collate The Label

 Photos: Singapore Fashion Week

What other trends did you spot on the runway? Which trends are you thinking of snapping up for your wardrobe? I got my heart set on these 3 trends! It’s definitely going to make shopping for the next season easier when I know which trends to integrate into my look.

Buy Now: Swimwear

It’s that time of the year again, ladies. Sun, sand, and sea abound. Or maybe pool, cabana, and cocktail. It’s summer time once again! Whether it’s beachside or poolside, time to get your tan on and enjoy some fun under the sun in style. Your chicness doesn’t have to suffer when you jump into the water,  let trends be your guide and let fashion into your summer swimwear look. It doesn’t matter if you are more of a bikini gal or a one-piece maillot kind of fashionista, there are so many options out there for you.

I’ve put together this quick field guide of the hottest and chicest swimwear options out there. Shop and click away ladies!

 

T by Alexander Wang Swimsuit from MyTheresa

Keep yourself within the white hot athletic trend when you cop this Alexander Wang mesh one-piece swimsuit. Equal parts sporty and sleek, this look just as good out of the pool as it does while you’re in it. Pair with mirrored sunnies and some high shine metallic jewelry for maximum chicness.

 

Emilio Pucci Beach Printed Triangle Bikini from MyTheresa

The 70s trend is strong this season, and a printed Emilio Pucci Triangle bikini is a classic silhouette that will be your easy ticket into looking sexy and sassy at the pool and on the beach. The print on this bikini is so retro and is very of-the-moment too. Best paired with aviators, and a flowing kaftan cover-up in a complementary print.

Dolce & Gabbana Printed Bikini from MyTheresa

Dolce and Gabbana definitely know how to do sexy. Though their specialty may be red carpet gowns, they do a brilliant job in translating this into swimwear too. The high waisted bottom and bustier type top is vintage inspired, and the print conveys the beauty of the Italian Riviera. Styling options for this include espadrilles, floppy straw hats and white oval sunnies.

Mara Hoffman Maristar Cut Out Swimsuit from Net-a-Porter

If you’re a trendsetting fashionista, then you best outfit yourself in some Mara Hoffman swimwear garb for the summer. This piece in particular makes a case for sexy one-piece with an eye-catching print as your go-to piece for the summer. Keep accessories minimal, and let the print speak for itself.

Lisa Marie Fernandez Sailor Bonded Bikini from Net-a-Porter

Nautical inspired with a definite vintage flair, I am head over heels over the simple yet incredibly fashion forward and flattering silhouette of this sailor bikini. Lisa Marie Fernandez is a swimwear designer to watch out for. Her designs are all chic and provide excellent support to any shape.

Norma Kamali Mio Ruched Swimsuit from Net-a-Porter

This one-piece swimsuit will be an easy pick for the best swimsuit to take you from swimming to cocktails and dinner by a chic shore side restaurant. The ruching is oh-so-chic and the halter neckline is both seductive and sophisticated. This is yet another one-piece that proves that it can just be as sexy as bikinis.

Solid and Striped The Anne Marie Gingham Swimsuit from Net-a-Porter

Poppy Delevingne’s swimsuit line, Solid and Striped, are all about swimsuit classics with a trendy twist. The twist in this look is the gingham, which is the hot print of the season. This gingham one-piece is simple yet conveys your fashion knowledge.

Proenza Schouler Embellished Checked Bandeau Bikini from Net-a-Porter

A bandeau bikini in a check print is your easy pass into a stylish summer. This piece rom Proenza Schouler even has closure embellishments that sweeten the deal. Wear with bright colored accessories for a look that pops and make you stand out.

Are you ready to go shopping? I know I am! So many amazing options, and so many styles and chic details.

Walk This Way

It’s amazing how inspiration can strike you. Even in the oddest of places, like this parking lot, you can find something visually appealing and inspiring. I just love how the lines, arrows, and graphic color blocking (grey, white, and yellow), led me to a super fun and impromptu photoshoot!

I love how cities and urban living can just influence your fashion and lifestyle! My ensemble is very city chic with a dash of bohemian flair.

I adore this blue ikat print collarless jacket and love how it adds print, color, trend, and texture to my predominantly neutral look. I also love how the lines of the ikat print look against the graphic lines of this location.

Did you notice that my pink lips match the pink scarf tied around the handles of my Hermes purse? It’s all in the details, darlings! Little things like this can make your outfit stand out even more.

My white button-down and white jeans is such a refreshing combo, especially when paired with cap-toe boots. This look is simply classic, and you can style it however you choose. The printed topper I chose mixes a bit of current fashion trends with the timeless pieces that I used as the base of my outfit.

Another styling trick that I always use is making use of contrasting proportions. The volume of the jacket sleeves alongside the varying sleeve length make for an interesting visual. 

White on white is a white hot trend that you should get on board with. It is a classic and clean look that you can even wear during evening events. Given the right styling of course.

Now that spring is coming, white will be a more prevalent color trend than ever. Combine it with fun and playful prints just like I did, and you’ll be styling down the city streets (or the beach!) in no time.

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.

 

Animal Instinct

There’s a saying that a leopard can’t change its spots. Well, why would it want to? Leopard prints are timeless, elegant, and oh-so-chic. Getting spotted (pun intended) in this modern classic print is the surest way to establish yourself as an in-the-know stylista. If you’re a little print shy, leopard print is a great way to dip your toe into the prints game. Prints are so now, and sporting this sexy and attention-grabbing animal print is such an easy way to look put together and sophisticated. Leopard prints instantly liven up your classic and plain pieces and transport your look from casual to paparazzi-worthy.

I chose to don this updated take on the leopard print on a beautiful, sunny day. An easy and comfortable leopard print pencil skirt allowed me to instantly up the wow factor of my staple layered tank tops. It’s simply amazing how this leopard print can upgrade your chicness right away!

Don’t forget to accessorize ladies! But keep in mind that accessorizing doesn’t always mean piling on the bling and stacking those bangles. Sometimes all you need is a stunning pair of sunglasses (I’m in love with the vintage feel of this pair!), and a casual yet chic pair of sandals that will take you through the day in style.

Layering a gray tank over a black one is a clever styling trick that adds more dimension to your overall look. The layering also picks up on the gray and black colors in the print of the skirt.

Amp up your look even further with a red lip, just like I did. The boldness and sexiness of the red lip totally plays into the sophistication of the leopard print. Va-va-va-voom!

It is astounding how many styling possibilities exist within a single item of clothing. This leopard print skirt is surely a great addition to my style rotation that I am sure to wear again. Leopard print also lends a luxury feel to even the most casual of looks. I love how this print can go om day to night, casual to dressy.

What are your favorite styling ideas for leopard print?

Have a great week ladies!

 

Layer It Up: 13 Street Style Looks to Steal

Layering is an art that all fashionistas aim to perfect and excel in. It’s not just simply about piling one piece of clothing after another. Layering is all about mixing textures, playing with silhouettes, combining colors and harmonizing trends together in order to create a multidimensional visually interesting and appealing look.

Typically associated with the colder months of the year, layering has now spilled over to the warmer months. Style soldiers don’t just layer in the fall or winter, summer layering is a legitimate fashion movement too. Layering takes some skill and fashion savvy and when you’ve done it as expertly as these street style looks have, you can undoubtedly call yourself a true blue fashionista.

I’ve handpicked 13 of the best street style looks that show layering mastery. Jot down some notes, and apply your fashion learnings to your own style.

All white is a quintessential summer outfit. An unbuttoned silk shirt in a burnt orange hue gives these white separates a punch of color. It also adds an element of undone casual glamour.

Refresh your fall layering by wearing a pair of sheer tights underneath your super skinny jeans, it’ll be a nice and alluring sartorial surprise. Keeping the blazer fully buttoned also creates a stronger color statement when combined with blue and red.

Use summer closet items to keep your fall outfits interesting. A pair of leather shorts and white sneakers looks unexpected yet totally apropos with a chunky knit, a cozy scarf, and a luxe camel overcoat.

A sliver of your denim shirt underneath a warm cable knit sweater is grandpa chic meets urban styling. The cuffed jeans and red clutch are much needed details that sweeten up this look.

Leopard + stripes + buffalo check print equals a print on print layering extravaganza. This look manages to meld all those prints together without having it clash, the key here is choosing it in more neutral color palettes that are easy to mix and match.

When it gets way too cold that one coat can’t handle it, layer two on! There’s no fashion rule that says you can’t anyway. Putting on a nude coat over a buttoned bold colored one is a great style fix for those extra chilly days, it’s fashion without sacrificing comfort at its finest.

Leopard print is so chic, timeless, and versatile that most fashion pundits consider it a neutral print. A leopard print topper, like this one, is an excellent way to upgrade an all black ensemble. The leather moto jacket peeking out hints at texture layering.

A boxy leather shell top and a white classic button-down isn’t the typical match, but when layered together it’s a match made in fashion heaven. This closet pairing works brilliantly because of the texture as well as genre contrast, the traditional vs. modern and the tough leather vs. the relaxed white cotton/linen.

A clever styling trick to keep warm and snug is layering two scarves together. It’s also a great way to introduce more prints into your everyday attire. Just make sure that the prints you choose for your scarf will harmonize and complement each other, almost like they were meant to be worn together.

Get into the sport trend by opting for a varsity jacket to wear under your coat. Ditch your layering staples, i.e. your fave denim and leather moto jacket, for a day and take the athletic trend out for a spin.

Summer layering can be a bit tricky. This street style look, however, makes it looks effortless and easy. The sheer panel at the top makes it still look breezy and light, even with the leather jacket on. The flannel layered underneath just adds that extra print detail. The top handle bag and neon-laced sneaks are surprising accessories that work brilliantly in completing the look.

A T-shirt in a similar hue as the sweater is an ingenious layering tip that you can easily copy and personalize. The monochromatic layering maintains the ease of this look.

 

Leave it to Olivia Palermo to introduce and successfully pull off luxurious layering like this. A emerald green fur vest and a tweed coat with leather sleeves? Yes, please. She ups the ante of her jeans and sneaker combo further with her exotic croc skin frame bag.

 

Inspired yet? I know I am. Get to your closet stat, and start experimenting with layering different pieces, textures, and colors. Have fun ladies!

All Images from WhoWhatWear