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?

 

The Classics

There are some pieces that every woman needs to have in her wardrobe, a classic white button-down shirt is one of them. Crisp, clean, and timeless, this top is a must-have for any chic closet. I love its versatility and the elegance it conveys in its simplicity. You can either opt to wear it to the office, to cocktail hour, a coffee date with your best friend, or even to a casual day out. That is precisely the beauty of plain white button-down tops, you have the freedom to dress it up or dress it down as you wish. The styling options are infinite! It is only your imagination and creativity that will limit the ways you can wear this classic shirt.

Take a look at how I styled this style staple in two different ways, and perhaps you can gain some inspiration on how to wear it yourself.

Look #1

Cinching your waist in with another classic, a slim leather belt, upgrades this white shirt even further and makes the silhouette more feminine and ladylike. This waist detail perfectly matches the traditionally girly silhouette of the brocade full knee-length skirt.

To make this feminine ensemble look even more graphic and modern, add black accents like these patent black pointed pumps. Another contemporary sartorial classic to add to your wardrobe.

Don’t forget to finish off your look with statement accessories that pack some major wow factor, a stunning quilted leather Chanel bag and a striking pearl ring ought to do the trick nicely.

This first look is simply made to go from office to post-work drinks. It is polished and glamorous with the right hint of trends to tie it all together.

Look #2

For my second look with this crisp white shirt, I chose to clinch my waist once again and highlight my shape. This time around though, I used a bright pink color, which is ideal to match this beautiful and summery Singapore weather.

The white top acts as the perfect contrast to all the bright colored pieces I chose to coordinate with this outfit. The white is the ideal color to balance these brights and make them work together harmoniously. 

The subtle yet on trend pink printed skirt adds visual depth to this ensemble and matches to the pink belt and handbag to a T. I also love the sophisticated pencil skirt silhouette!

Accessories can make or break an outfit, and these add-ons simply make the skirt stand out even more. The yellow flats acts as a brilliant color contrast to all the pink, while the mini YSL satchel gives it a shot of trendy style.

Look #2 is made for weekend dates, but can just as easily be adapted to more formal occasions.

So, which look do you prefer? I love them both so much! It is so hard to choose!

 

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!

Monochrome hard at work. Interview wear.

Good Morning,

As is obvious from the photos on the left, this post is about the one and only Monochrome look.

Monochrome is an awesome trend. It is classic, chic, it is beautiful, its easy to put together and it doesn’t have to be expensive. So what is the catch? Well, it can be dull. Most of the time that will happen because of lack of accessories.Accessories are essential to almost any outfit. They are what makes your outfit trendy, up-to-date and thought through. So do not try and skip the accessories step – it is worth spending that little bit extra. Another problem that can ruin this outfit is if the clothes appear sloppy and untidy. You really can’t afford this with monochrome. The shirt has to be bright white and ironed to perfection. The suit has to be impeccable. Full stop. Non-negotiable. Very strict)))))

As an example, we have put together a 100% monochrome outfit that is complete with all the accessories you need to perfect your work look.

Who is this outfit perfect for? Standard answer: “This outfit is a classic. Hence it will look good on everyone”. Errrrrrr….No!  This outfit is for people that feel confident in a classic suit and love that monochrome style. If you don’t like it, it might not be for you. For instance, if you are into anime, your hair is pink and you have several tattoos, it might not suit you, or even if it does, it will have a different effect. And instead of looking like a successful executive, you will look like you are on your way to a costume party.  So we ask again:

​Who is this outfit perfect for:

– successful professional who love to look sharp 

– people that know how to pull off a strict look 

– anyone going for an interview or meeting potential employers

– monochrome addicts 🙂

Possible variations:

– we went all out for this shoot, however, you don’t have to wear heels that high. A medium heel will look very sharp too. Another comment about the shoes – keep them matt. Shiny shoes can look offensive at work.

– this outfit will look more strict if you wear pants. If you need that super strict look, go for pants. For interviews we recommend wearing a skirt.

Can you recreate it? Yes! Here is how:

– jacket (any pure black jacket is good. The one in the photo is tailor made by Haute Alterations in Mandarin Gallery),

– skirt by Ted Baker around $160 (any black skirt that fits you is great)

– shirt (any bright white shirt is good, the one in the photo was tailor made in Bangkok for around $40)

– patent leather pumps by Saint Laurent $799 (leather pumps are recommended)

– glasses by Chanel $899

– tote bag by Katana (price unknown)

If you feel inspired to create a monochrome look for you do not hesitate to contact me at kate@stylewithkate.com or call/SMS 8668 6226 for a more immediate response.

Happy shopping!

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