Spring is a confusing time when it comes to deciding what to wear. The gray area when it comes to weather confuses me and my closet. I won't call myself organized (at all), however I do not like minimizing the limited amont of time I already have for my morning routine by frantically having to choose an outfit that I'll probably loathe by noon. I check the weather, then choose pieces that fit the weather and how I want to look the next day.
For the past week (it's been in the 60s and 70s where I live), I've seen girls wearing clothes extremely out of proportion. I'm not saying that all rules of proportion should followed to the T, but there are some basic ones that are foolproof. Any age, size, and height can wear them--and should!
-Pants should reach 3/4 above your heels--for both high heels and sneakers and flats. Shorts, skirts, and dresses should fall around knee area for the most flattering look.
-If you are wearing pants that do not reach the aforementioned length, then you should wear open-toe shoes. If you are wearing closed-toe shoes (sneakers) then they should be low-rise, no high-tops, and socks should be below ankle-length. Booties should also cut off below ankles--or else your feet will look stumpy.
-Skirts and dresses should also be paired with open-toe shoes.
-Tops should cover 3/4 of the pants' rise. The tops should not be too long or too tight or else you can see the zipper underneath the fabric, and any bulges you might have (even if you don't have any, too tight clothes will make invisible bulges suddenly appear.)
-Tops should be hip-length with skirts.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Style by Kate Spade
Image courtesy of Crane.com
This book has some good watercolor illustrations and such. I've actually just followed the format of the book and just replaced them with my own closet "classics", "forever." A lot of people think that this book is really self-indulgent of Spade, and I must admit, it does talk a lot about her own style and about things blatantly obvious to the rest of the fashion world. But, I think the whole reason why she wrote this book is to make you think about your own style and what you really love in your own closet. Such as, your favorite color combinations, what books/films/art inspire you, what clothes you constantly travel in, favorite accessories, seasonal clothing, etc, etc. There is some practical advice in the book. There's also lots of fun trivia!
The book price is slightly exorbitant with how thin the book is--$20. I suggest finding it at your local library or scour half-price bookshops. If you love either Virginia Johnson (the illustrator) or Kate Spade, you buy the book new here: Amazon.com.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
My Winter Survival Guide/Wishlist
I freeze from the second the calendar says November to the second February ends.
When you lived for almost six years in freezing Michigan, you get used to the cold—fast. Winter is not my favorite season, I like warm, breezy cloudy days but those come few and in between even after I’ve been transplanted into the more down South. I don’t mind snow, but I really dislike the lack of variety that goes hand in hand with getting dressed in the winter because I routinely wear pants and sneakers in winter. It’s hard to stay warm and not get bored with your wardrobe in winter for me. I have to walk a lot in the freezing weather during winter so not very practical for me to wear skirts and shorts with tights in winter. Even if my tights were warm, I still need flat-heeled shoes that I can walk miles in. My flats are very comfortable but they (and my feet) couldn’t stand the weather and exercise, so I stick to pants and sneakers.
My winter guidelines:
1. Wear fitted, low-rise ankle-length leggings underneath your pants.
2. Layer various necklines and lengths of tees, sweaters, knitwear, cardigans, and jackets to the max during winter. (But not sloppily.)
3. Wear great pants: bold colored cords, fitted jeans, tailored pants, graphic jeans
4. Wear sneakers—don’t look like you’re going to the gym, please.
5. Accessorize glamorously, outrageously, fashionably during the winter.
6. COAT! Two words: warm and stylish.
THE WINTER KNIGHT
I layer . . . A LOT in winter. This is my typical outfit: a thin V-neck sweater, slim ribbed cardigan over that, a fluffy warm long cardigan or a long sleeve T, a T-shirt, long cardigan, jacket. Then over both outfits I have a winter or fall coat on. I getting sick of all the solids I wear in winter so I will be scouring for patterned or embroidered sweaters. (I saw The Dark Knight a week ago and I am now obsessed with the Joker. I want a green and purple diamond-patterned thin sweater to wear. Anything green, black, or purple is a go this year. Purple jade actually is my name’s meaning so I have excuse for being obsessed with purple, but the rest . . . Obsessed, I say, obsessed.) I will also be looking for some oversized crocheted sweaters for my tailored pants, and varying cardigans and thin knitwear just so I want get bored just looking at my closet next winter.
TIME BOMB
Here’s a time-tested (and working!) tip I’ve been using for my entire life during winter: wear a pair of leggings (to ankle-length not those cropped leggings) underneath your pants. I wear the three pairs that I own to death during the winter. I have 100% cotton leggings though you can probably find some in thicker fabric if you live somewhere extremely cold. I actually do need to fine some new pairs (I’ve had the same three pairs for almost seven years now) I want some with some stretch to them so they won’t be too baggy and oversized and are low-rise so they don’t show above the waistline of my pants. I should try a pair of PVC leggings over cotton leggings. Hmm, that’s an idea now.
The aforementioned pants are also a traditional formula of mine for winter besides layering times ten. I grew about two inches in two years (that takes me up to 5’2”!) so I bought three new pairs of pants, two of them are actually Old Navy. I don’t know what’s with all the hating with Old Navy since their stuff actually lasts pretty long, you just got to know what to look for quality-wise and what you like. I bought a pair of black and dark blue The Flirt-style jeans, and also a pair of vintage chocolate brown pants that look very architectural and sleek. I love bold colored cords as well. They can be warm with leggings underneath. I do want some graphic jeans—like tie-dyed, studded, or paint-splashed jeans.
Picture courtesy of Charlotte Russe, $7
WHY SO SERIOUS?
Belts. I didn’t realize the virtue of belts until I bought my three new pair of pants because the pants that fit length-wise and hip-wise slightly gaped at the waist so I finally gave in and started wearing belts. I want some fun belts now just so I can inject some easy color into plain outfits.
The two new methods I’ve acquired this year is: get some glamorous, outrageous costume jewelry, vary your sneakers.
Picture courtesy of Mango, $4
LOVE THE SHINY
It makes all the difference with dressing up a plain or solid outfit. It does not have to be expensive at all—I bought a pendant necklace and a cocktail ring at Forever 21 during summer of 2008 and they’ve worked beautifully as additions to my working winter wardrobe. I want some glitzy brooches now . . .
JOKE’S ON YOU
I do wear sneakers in the winter but I never, ever wear sneakers that look like they should be at the gym outside. It is a peeve of mine—actually, more than peeve, more like something that makes my eyes bleed to see people in the winter wearing sloppy sweats, poorly fitting jeans, and exercise sneakers. Yes, I know you’re freezing but that is no excuse. I mostly stick to Converse or Keds during the winter. I got some aqua Converse All-Stars and black and white Converses that look like skate shoes. I love the color aqua so that was a investment for me since it works for me all year, every year. I actually don’t like skate shoes that much but I decided ‘why not?’ I love them now, but I will probably change sneaker styles next year. (Low-rise socks are also a virtue, especially when your pant hem gaps in inch between the pant and the sneaker.)
Picture Courtesy of: Kohls, only $12
Get a stylish winter hat, scarf, and gloves. You can not believe how warm you can be just by adding those three on. I didn’t believe it until about a month ago, now I’ve been wearing scarves every day now (I still skimp on the hat and gloves but it’s warming up anyhow.) I want a shiny brooch to stick on the scarves and hats.
SMILE
And all of this comes down to the MAJOR piece I need next year: A coat. I have two coats, one for warmer winter weather and one for chillier days, but both of them are too bulky and are pieces that I never really liked. This is a piece I’m in when I’m running and this is the piece people see first and I really want to find something that’s warm but actually looks good. So, I will either be going on The Great Coat Searching Expedition next week (during my birthday!) or when fall capsule wardrobe comes in July or when coats go on sale in January. Yes, that sounds very procrastinating, but my eye will be out on for anything incredible and warm.
My Winter Wishlist
1. Patterned, embroidered, plain sweaters.
2. Oversized black crocheted sweater
3. Varying cardigans
4. Thin knitwear
5. Bold colored cord pants
6. Graphic jeans
7. Sleek jeans and pants
8. Stretchy, low-rise leggings
9. Low-rise socks
10. Winter low-heeled boots
11. Outrageous rings and glitzy brooches
12. New sneakers
13. Fun belts
14. Stylish and functional winter gloves
15. COAT!
When you lived for almost six years in freezing Michigan, you get used to the cold—fast. Winter is not my favorite season, I like warm, breezy cloudy days but those come few and in between even after I’ve been transplanted into the more down South. I don’t mind snow, but I really dislike the lack of variety that goes hand in hand with getting dressed in the winter because I routinely wear pants and sneakers in winter. It’s hard to stay warm and not get bored with your wardrobe in winter for me. I have to walk a lot in the freezing weather during winter so not very practical for me to wear skirts and shorts with tights in winter. Even if my tights were warm, I still need flat-heeled shoes that I can walk miles in. My flats are very comfortable but they (and my feet) couldn’t stand the weather and exercise, so I stick to pants and sneakers.
My winter guidelines:
1. Wear fitted, low-rise ankle-length leggings underneath your pants.
2. Layer various necklines and lengths of tees, sweaters, knitwear, cardigans, and jackets to the max during winter. (But not sloppily.)
3. Wear great pants: bold colored cords, fitted jeans, tailored pants, graphic jeans
4. Wear sneakers—don’t look like you’re going to the gym, please.
5. Accessorize glamorously, outrageously, fashionably during the winter.
6. COAT! Two words: warm and stylish.
THE WINTER KNIGHT
I layer . . . A LOT in winter. This is my typical outfit: a thin V-neck sweater, slim ribbed cardigan over that, a fluffy warm long cardigan or a long sleeve T, a T-shirt, long cardigan, jacket. Then over both outfits I have a winter or fall coat on. I getting sick of all the solids I wear in winter so I will be scouring for patterned or embroidered sweaters. (I saw The Dark Knight a week ago and I am now obsessed with the Joker. I want a green and purple diamond-patterned thin sweater to wear. Anything green, black, or purple is a go this year. Purple jade actually is my name’s meaning so I have excuse for being obsessed with purple, but the rest . . . Obsessed, I say, obsessed.) I will also be looking for some oversized crocheted sweaters for my tailored pants, and varying cardigans and thin knitwear just so I want get bored just looking at my closet next winter.
TIME BOMB
Here’s a time-tested (and working!) tip I’ve been using for my entire life during winter: wear a pair of leggings (to ankle-length not those cropped leggings) underneath your pants. I wear the three pairs that I own to death during the winter. I have 100% cotton leggings though you can probably find some in thicker fabric if you live somewhere extremely cold. I actually do need to fine some new pairs (I’ve had the same three pairs for almost seven years now) I want some with some stretch to them so they won’t be too baggy and oversized and are low-rise so they don’t show above the waistline of my pants. I should try a pair of PVC leggings over cotton leggings. Hmm, that’s an idea now.
The aforementioned pants are also a traditional formula of mine for winter besides layering times ten. I grew about two inches in two years (that takes me up to 5’2”!) so I bought three new pairs of pants, two of them are actually Old Navy. I don’t know what’s with all the hating with Old Navy since their stuff actually lasts pretty long, you just got to know what to look for quality-wise and what you like. I bought a pair of black and dark blue The Flirt-style jeans, and also a pair of vintage chocolate brown pants that look very architectural and sleek. I love bold colored cords as well. They can be warm with leggings underneath. I do want some graphic jeans—like tie-dyed, studded, or paint-splashed jeans.
Picture courtesy of Charlotte Russe, $7
WHY SO SERIOUS?
Belts. I didn’t realize the virtue of belts until I bought my three new pair of pants because the pants that fit length-wise and hip-wise slightly gaped at the waist so I finally gave in and started wearing belts. I want some fun belts now just so I can inject some easy color into plain outfits.
The two new methods I’ve acquired this year is: get some glamorous, outrageous costume jewelry, vary your sneakers.
Picture courtesy of Mango, $4
LOVE THE SHINY
It makes all the difference with dressing up a plain or solid outfit. It does not have to be expensive at all—I bought a pendant necklace and a cocktail ring at Forever 21 during summer of 2008 and they’ve worked beautifully as additions to my working winter wardrobe. I want some glitzy brooches now . . .
JOKE’S ON YOU
I do wear sneakers in the winter but I never, ever wear sneakers that look like they should be at the gym outside. It is a peeve of mine—actually, more than peeve, more like something that makes my eyes bleed to see people in the winter wearing sloppy sweats, poorly fitting jeans, and exercise sneakers. Yes, I know you’re freezing but that is no excuse. I mostly stick to Converse or Keds during the winter. I got some aqua Converse All-Stars and black and white Converses that look like skate shoes. I love the color aqua so that was a investment for me since it works for me all year, every year. I actually don’t like skate shoes that much but I decided ‘why not?’ I love them now, but I will probably change sneaker styles next year. (Low-rise socks are also a virtue, especially when your pant hem gaps in inch between the pant and the sneaker.)
Picture Courtesy of: Kohls, only $12
Get a stylish winter hat, scarf, and gloves. You can not believe how warm you can be just by adding those three on. I didn’t believe it until about a month ago, now I’ve been wearing scarves every day now (I still skimp on the hat and gloves but it’s warming up anyhow.) I want a shiny brooch to stick on the scarves and hats.
SMILE
And all of this comes down to the MAJOR piece I need next year: A coat. I have two coats, one for warmer winter weather and one for chillier days, but both of them are too bulky and are pieces that I never really liked. This is a piece I’m in when I’m running and this is the piece people see first and I really want to find something that’s warm but actually looks good. So, I will either be going on The Great Coat Searching Expedition next week (during my birthday!) or when fall capsule wardrobe comes in July or when coats go on sale in January. Yes, that sounds very procrastinating, but my eye will be out on for anything incredible and warm.
My Winter Wishlist
1. Patterned, embroidered, plain sweaters.
2. Oversized black crocheted sweater
3. Varying cardigans
4. Thin knitwear
5. Bold colored cord pants
6. Graphic jeans
7. Sleek jeans and pants
8. Stretchy, low-rise leggings
9. Low-rise socks
10. Winter low-heeled boots
11. Outrageous rings and glitzy brooches
12. New sneakers
13. Fun belts
14. Stylish and functional winter gloves
15. COAT!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Short Shorts Trend
Photos courtesy of Style.com
Top to Bottom: Marni, D&G, Hermes
Top to Bottom: Marni, D&G, HermesActually, the better term for this trend would be briefs. I don't mind short shorts, but whenever I look at these things on the runway I feel like cringing since the cut reminds me of Pampers pull-ups. I'm not bashing anyone for liking this trend since I applaud anyone for trying something daring even if I don't particularly like the style since it's not like they are dressing for me--and I'm not dressing for them either.
Actually, hmm, the D&G silk pajamas aren't that bad neither are the Hermes, I like the kimono style. Very gothic like too. I like the tops of all the photos too. I would wear slightly longer versions of those short shorts since they are still in themselves awesome.
Friday, January 2, 2009
About
Mood: Accident-Prone
Listening to: Babydoll Gone Wrong by Skye Sweetnam
This is a partner blog to my website (yes, called Whimsical Night as well) and this is going to be mostly a fashion and beauty blog with some weird, random thoughts as well.
Listening to: Babydoll Gone Wrong by Skye Sweetnam
This is a partner blog to my website (yes, called Whimsical Night as well) and this is going to be mostly a fashion and beauty blog with some weird, random thoughts as well.
The picture on my profile is from http://www.underthehouseofart.com.au/dj_2d_pri.htm
STATS
Style: Whimsical, Chic, Laid-Back with an edge and tomboyish-ness
Nationality: Asian
Height: 5'2"
Where I Am: let's just say I don't have a F21, Topshop, H&M over here, which is sad since I'm big on cheap but chic fashion. Sigh. I don't have anyone to buy me a ton of crap either so :-(
Favorite Designers: Marc Jacobs, John Galliano, Dolce and Gabbana, Nanette Lepore, Betsey Johnson, Kate Moss for Topshop, Comme des Garcons
Style Icons: Daisy Lowe, Cameron Diaz, Erin Wasson, Anne Hathaway
Favorite Artists: The Veronicas, Skye Sweetnam, Evanescence, Within Temptation
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