Showing posts with label street style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label street style. Show all posts

ab fab.

Peter Som, Rag & Bone, Thakoon.

DKNY, BCBG Max Azria, Tibi.

Ph Credit: Street style from Grazia.IT, Runway images from Style.com

If the first few days of fashion week is anything to go by, bare midriffs, abs and all, are truly here to stay. While I was expecting Ghesquiere's last Balenciaga collection featuring that crop top to make a small dent in the accessibility of the midriff (with Zara and Josh Goot making variations on a theme), I wasn't expecting a full scale resurgence of a naked midsection a year later both on and off the runway. Not that I have anything against cropped tops when they're executed with taste - none of those cut-up slogan tees, tight shorts and the possibility of some serious muffin top damage. Yes you're revealing some skin but it doesn't need to be overtly sexual, demure and subtle is the key to tackling this trend. The long sleeve crop top says 'Hey I have a killer bod, and I have no problem putting that out in the open but I need to maintain some class here' while the under the jacket or paired with a high waisted skirt look speaks refined sensibility with a level of femininity in much the same was as a thigh high split or bare back. 

My real issue comes from the fact that I don't have the toned abdominals that I have been yearning for the past 10 months. While I'm quite a petite little lady on first glance, my food baby is cleverly hidden under oversized shirts, baggy tees and the occasional high waist skirt. But not longer can I secretly harbour my cravings for good food. In the bare-all situation that is cropped tops, no amount of crunches, planks toe touches and bicycles can sculpt toned abs and obtain the line. It's all diet says my PT and my boyfriend. Therefore I must say adieu to you my precious cheat days, you have served me well in the past but no more. 

putting the street back in street style.



Unpretentious. Understated. Infinitely cool. And dare I say actual street style. While the rest of the fash pack recover from the heavyweight circuit of the fall/ winter runway, Seoul continues the festivities with their own street spin, slipping under the radar of sartorial followers worldwide (and sadly absent from the landing page of style.com - what does that say about the Asian fashion industry?) There's been quite a bit of backlash regarding fashion week street style or Suzy Menkes aptly puts it, peacock-ing. Menkes observes that what happens outside the show has becoming more important than the actual collection itself. Indeed the number of street style photographers stationed outside the venue can only be described as zoo-like (like that scene in Mean Girls where the cafeteria turns into a savannah). When one starts snapping away, everyone  follows so in essence all the media outlets end up capturing the same outfit anyway. The content generated from fashion week seems to be weighted to the street style side of things rather than the runway coverage. 

Alas the true meaning of street style has been diluted, lost amongst the intrigue of the what 'model of the moment', Vogue editor or so-and-so blogger is wearing today and it's usually something borrowed from their designer bud. Street style is meant to inspire, to capture unique perspectives and document unlikely combinations (and not necessarily the most outlandish or most expensive item of clothing you can find). But I find that people are no longer focused on the clothes or the intricate details - it's all about the person who wears them, which is disappointing because that's not normally the most creative or compelling.

I have a love/ hate relationship with Fashion Week. While of course I feel privileged to be able to attend an industry event, I find myself becoming so concerned about how I present myself to the rest of the fashion world and what it's doing to my bank account (yes I did make a couple of big ticketed fashion week purchases). I realise this is somewhat hypocritical but there is an expectation to look the part. And might I just add that fashion week to me is exactly like high school (but doesn't every aspect of life resemble high school hierarchies?).

It seems silly to get all dressed up for the occasion. It is called street style for a reason. Maybe I'm just not cut out for fashion week. Hanging up my heels for sneakers, denim jackets and printed caps. That sounds like my cup of tea.  

NYFW: street style moments.

My top five street style moments of NYFW so far. Some of fashion's finest street stylers are out in full force once again and of course never fail to disappoint.

Source: Tommy Ton for style.com
Nothing like a bit of matchy matchy with Miroslava Duma and Elena Perminova. The distinct shade of emerald green that runs throughout both outfits - makes for a visually interesting image that only Tommy Ton could have lensed.  

Source: Tommy Ton for style.com
The flawless TTH is caught out in a fashion shower (ha!) but it looks like she's lost in her own world. Does she ever put a wrong foot forward? What I love so much about this shot (besides the intense play on proportions) is its candid nature - the ability to capture an unpredictable and still beautiful moment in time.

Source: The Cut
Leandra Medine having a vagina fashion moment with her tailored teal shorts (straight off the runway from Sally LaPointe?), sneakers and Celine trapeze... in true man repeller style. 

Source: Wmagazine
Hanneli's not afraid of a bit of rain in a masculine inspired look with a matching shirt and bermuda shorts combo. I think I see a trend arising. Is teal the new black? 

Source: Nam for Grazia.it
Candice Lake in keeping dry in a mixture of crimson, maroon and a contrast of sheer lace and solid leather. 

lust list. the wad jacket

The New Guard, Nam for Grazia.it, 4th and Bleeker

I've been frequenting The New Guard for the last few weeks and besides providing a successful outlet of procrastination, it's gotten me fixated on the Isabel Marant Wad Jacket. The structured collar, the tailored shoulders, the utility pockets, the textured embellishments and the boxy fit - it is perfection in vest form. It was spotted on Jess Blanch from Russh at fashion week teamed a relaxed double denim ensemble. Sadly the only thing stopping me is the $6499 price tag. I get it's Isabel Marant but isn't that just a tad bit too pricey. I get 1000, 2000 or even 3000 - unless each jacket was meticulously hand beaded and sewn and it's diamond encrusted. I would seriously consider handing over my savings for this beautiful thing and not buying anything for the next two years especially if I wore it everyday. But you could totally wear this over absolutely anything. I'm being reasonable right?

monday muse. miranda kerr.

You know those things that get better with age? Like red wine or aged cheese? Well Miranda Kerr is one of them. Not meaning to say she's getting old or anything - she doesn't look a day past 23, but ever since she had baby Flynn last year I've taken much more notice of her off duty style. It's definitely become more refined and simple, but of course being Miranda, always chic. Having to look after a baby (and now a dog I hear) requires practical dressing - outfits that are easy to walk around in all day - run errands, push strollers, walk dogs, go to and from casting calls and shoots. And you can't go past a Celine tote to (stylishly) carry everything you need when you're always on the go. 

 I would define her newfound post maternity style as essentials dressing - white shirt, denim jacket, striped tee, leather jacket, printed denim, wool coat. Everything you could possibly need for a timeless, long-lasting wardrobe. To date, my favourite look has been her navy coat, wet look leggings and Marant sneakers. Super model, super mum.

So the moral of the story is: motherhood not only changes your outlook on life, but also your wardrobe. Sounds like next season's biggest trend is a babe in arm. Now who's with me?... Kidding!

the dark side.

Tommy Ton for style.com

I knew there was something about those Darth Vader inspired visors from Balenciaga, no matter how absurd they may look. I've been anticipating the fashion week season just to see if anyone would be game enough to wear it. Trust Anna Dello Russo and Hanneli to be daring enough to do so. Did anyone notice the sequins when they came down the runway last September? I sure didn't. A rather surprising element to include in an otherwise bold masculine piece. Striking from the back, slightly softer and more feminine from the front. It’s also a perfect way to highlight details of your outfit - like the way it brought out ADR’s clutch and matching red nails. If Darth Vader ever had a dark side female counterpart (which would have been Padme), I’m sure she would have opted for a sequinned helmet. 

While most would see this as a fashion statement, I would find it more useful in avoiding social situations and avoiding eye contact. Like if you're having one of those off days where you feel like the world is against you and you’re not really interested in talking to anyone. Or you got dragged along to a party and don’t feel like engaging in small talk with strangers. Just thinking about all the scenarios it could be useful in is seriously making me consider buying one. Alternatively if you’re chasing after the HBIC title, this is guaranteed to instill fear in all  who cross your path. Now all that’s missing is a breathing problem and a lightsaber. 

 *Hey boyfriend, proud of my Star Wars references?

tea cosy.

Tommy Ton for style.com

Newsflash: beanies are no longer for skaters, bad hair days or ski trips! I know I already proclaimed my love for beanies on this blog only a month ago, but after receiving my Alexander Wang beanie in the mail last week, the flame has been re-ignited. Despite the fact it's not even beanie appropriate weather, I've endured a warm head just to wear my thick wool beanie - it was just too good to leave in the wardrobe until winter. Although the best part was walking around working telling everyone I had 'a Wang on my head.'

Casually browsing through Tommy Ton's street snaps on my lunch break, I realise I'm not the only one who enjoys a good old fashion beanie (although their choice is more justified due to the extreme cold). I've been thinking up possible outfit combinations to go with my new beanie but I keep reaching a dead end. But now I have plenty of proof that you don't need to dress like a boy to pull a beanie off. 

monday muse. karlie kloss.

1 Street Peeper
2,3, 4, 5, 7 Stockholm Street Style
6. Street FSN

I've been feeling a little uninspired lately. I think it's a combination of excessive hours at work, the holiday season and worrying about what the new year will be like. And as a result I haven't been posting as frequently as I would like to. But to fill the void I thought I might kick start your week with some inspiration.

It was probably not a good idea to watch Victoria's Secret Fashion Parade - doesn't really help my self esteem! I have to say each year the costumes and theming get a little tackier than the last (Club Pink was pretty bad although I suppose it tied in with Nicki Minaj. The Superhero one was my favourite) but I keep coming back to the gorgeous angels, their flashy smiles and cheeky winks (I seriously wish I could wink). This year marked the first runway show for newly inducted angel Karlie Kloss, who happens to be one of my favourite 'model of the moment' and was thus an easy choice for my Monday muse. Did I mention the girl is only 19 (that's a year younger than me) and has runway cred longer than her legs? And have you seen her legs in the Vogue Italia shoot? How are they even real? I love that Kloss started out as a classically trained ballerina - makes me think I could have been a model (I did ballet up until I was 13) which she says helped her modelling and grounded her runway walk. Not to mention posture. I won't forget the wonders that ballet did for my posture. 

I'm considering making this a weekly post. Would you like to see more Monday muses?

black and white.

Source: Zimbio

Miranda Kerr knows how to dress for success. Black + white is a fail safe combination no matter the occasion or season. Miranda's pulled this look off flawlessly all in the span of a week, each time a little different than the other (oh hey leather saddle bag, I see you). It's so refreshing to see someone sport the very simple yet effective b&w option in a sea of colour, lace and eclectic prints at Paris Fashion Week. I'm taking a leaf out of Miranda's book. A classic white shirt, black skinnies, black pumps, black blazer, coloured flats, white tee, sunnies and a black leather bag means endless outfit combination all year round.  Just goes to show a little goes a long way (then again it is Miranda Kerr).  Speaking of which, it's hard to believe she had a baby only months earlier and now she's back and looking better than ever. She makes maternity, childbirth and post childbirth look far too easy. 

N A M E T H A T S K I R T

Source: Tommy Ton for Style.com, Fashionologie, Stockholm Street Style

If someone can tell me where the grey and white skirt is from, I'll give you the Marc by Marc Jacobs bag I'm buying with my tax return... Sorry no. But in all honesty, one of you budding fashionistas out there must know who designed this skirt. My fashion consultant and best friend and I think it's Dion Lee/ It certainly ticks all the boxes when it comes to that signature tailored Dion Lee style. Then again it is CC, she could be wearing an unknown, and on the cusp of revealing the next big label in fashion. And the cut of the skirt - must admit front on it looks a little odd, but seeing it in action - the panelling and structure is incredible. Is this the new 'it' skirt with the wrap-around and v cut down the front?

I wish all street style photographers would quickly pencil down what was being worn - as if we could go and hunt down the piece down ourselves. Actually, I've wondered whether Tommy Ton or Phil Oh or any other photographer - when they take candid shots, do they just snap away inconspicuously or do they stage it? Like ask the subject to walk down the street or get out of a taxi. Because if it was the former, they would still need to ask permission to take the photograph right (not that you would mind if you saw your outfit plastered up on style.com or street pepper). I'm just full of questions today. 

It's my mid semester break now. But you could hardly consider it a break - I'm still interning twice a week and working on three days. The days I normally go to uni, I'm pretty much  going to uni to do group work. Oh well, there's only five or so weeks until the end of semester. Let me live!