The LBD: a must-have at all times

In anticipation of the holiday festivities, I thought nothing would be more appropriate than to share some LBD advice with you. After all, we all need a little classic loving in our wardrobes, and with all the funked up jewelry and accessories we collect each season, what better piece to serve as canvas for these new additions?

SZEKI's edition of the LBD, funked up with zippers yet classic

Fashion historians associate the origins of the little black dress to the 1920s designs of Coco Chanel, intended to be a long-lasting, versatile and affordable piece with a neutral color, accessible to the widest market possible. The LBD, deemed as the "rule of fashion" by many fashion insiders, is a must-have for every woman. Simple and elegant, it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion: worn with a jacket and flats by day or dressed up with funky jewelry, accessories, and heels by night. Given its status as wardrobe essential for many years, the style of the LBD ideally should be as simple as possible, rather than belonging to a particular trend that may become outdated. 

As you can see, I went ahead with a simple design, yet "funkified" with three zippers, starting on each side of the waist, drawing an inward curve against the hip for a rocker chic effect. Now, all I need is an Alkemie Jewelry Zipper Bangle and an Aurelie Bidermann Demeter 18-karat gold-plated necklace, if only Santa could hear me...

See the silly grins on my face? It's the plain LBD effect, and okay okay...mine is also one of a kind, thanks to SZEKI's unique curations. But rest assured, Alexander Wang has two quite fabulous editions you can get your hands on, and not to mention, they are on sale too: a draped brushed-crepe dress if you are in a romantic mood, or a ponte zip dress if you want to rock the zippers like I do! 

Add a little cozy haircalf inspiration to your wardrobe this holiday

I spy a pony & calf hair craze this season, so I thought it appropriate to dissect it and throw in a funky concoction of trinkets around this trend that are way up on my wishlist!

hi-tops: All Saints, feather bracelet: LeiVanKash, collar: Eleven Objects, bag: Alexander Wang, cardigan: Pixie Market

Widely used in the mid-1800s to stiffen crinolines and lend shape to dramatic hats, haircalf has played a vital role in fashion throughout history. Over the past few Fall and Winter seasons, fashion has seen its fair share of horseplay in a variety of accessories such as shoes, collars, bags and equestrian-style hats. 


Not only do pony and calf hair accessories add a decadent touch to any ensemble, they have a cozy textural feel. I promise, these glorious little objects will bring you much warmth this coming Christmas holiday...

What I wore: Edgy minimalism inspired by French tailoring and Asian designer duds

A nice fall day inspired me to show off my taste for French tailoring and Asian designer duds. It also seems like I can't get over my black and blue craze these days. What can I say, edgy minimalism never goes out of style. Add a leopard fur trim to the story (and a bow where you'd least expect it) and you're golden. 

coat: Sandro, leggings: Express, booties: Alexander Wang

Let's start with my new pea coat and how it became such an iconic piece. 

The Pea Coat, Yves Saint Laurent, 1962

Long seen as a staple of working class sailors, the double breasted pea coat jacket was introduced by Yves Saint Laurent in 1962 as an outerwear icon during the launch of his own couture house. The repurposing of functional wear such as pea coats into haute couture undoubtedly became one of YSL's signatures, and a part of his foundation of contemporary fashion design from which many of today's designers (such as those at Sandro) take their cues.
   

Oftentimes today's designers will add a controversial touch to a garment, as a means to make it truly stand out. It is precisely the play on contrasts, and the extra daring detail that will convert a classic piece into something edgy and modern. The bow at the back of my Sandro pea coat precisely shows how a single little detail can bring youth and modernity to a classic. 

sweater: SZEKI

Last but not least is my love for Asian designer clothing and the chic minimalism they suggest through their designs. The denim trim on my black sweater could suggest that I paired this knit with a basic denim shirt. Look closer--there, you found it--the button at the collar proves that the denim part was sewn to the sweater. And this is how basics are turned edgy, thanks to SZEKI. Oh and although my last post was dedicated to them, I must say that my Wang-a-tangs surely complete the outfit well, adding a much needed twist of French chic and downtown cool to balance it all off! 

Falling for Fall yet? 'Tis the best season to show those little details off!

Falling for my Wang-a-tangs

Lately, my love for Asian-American fashion designers has highly manifested itself. Unlike the avant-garde work of Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo and Issey Miyake — Japanese designers who took Paris by storm in the 1980s — no common theme resides among the designs of Asian-Americans. Alexander Wang’s street style looks nothing like Derek Lam’s polished dresses, nor the colorful mash-up prints of Peter Som, who also consults on sportswear for Tommy Hilfiger. A fresh new wave of edginess however unites these young designers, as their pieces all stand out in their youthfulness.

My personal favorite is Alexander Wang. After dropping out in his sophomore year at Parsons The New School for Design, he launched his first women's ready-to-wear collection in 2007, and the rest is history--and my booties. 

Known for his edgy, somewhat masculine womenswear designs, Alexander Wang embodies casually cool downtown style, drawing inspiration from the 1990s, French chic, and rock grunge—always finished off with a slouchy, rolled-out-of-bed edge. With a pointed toe and whipstitch trim, these black leather lace-up ankle boots epitomize the label's edgy urban style. Thanks to The Outnet, I snatched a great bargain on my new little Wang-a-tangs! 


Curious to see the rest of my outfit? Patience is a virtue--and while your thoughts dwell on this inspiring proverb, hug my feet!

An Ode to Masculinity & Metallics...and Daphne

If your mind has been dwelling over yesterday's post and you are all about Yves--a little birdie told me about a YSL Sample Sale going on, starting this evening and until Friday....

Now back to business.

Masculinity and metallics are an imposing trend this season. And if you know me, you already know of my love for all things boyish. 



Coco Chanel

The play on proportions has surely evolved in dressmaking since Chanel first took a 1920's Paris by storm with the look of La Garçonne. The play on simplicity which hid the female silhouette and adopted androgynous forms behind Chanel's little black dresses has set the stage for our contemporary designers to explore even further the play on masculine and feminine codes. 

Photo courtesy of Style.com

Stella McCartney's gold quilted bubble coat from her 2011 AW collection exemplifies the designer's ability to adapt menswear on women - and leaves us (ME especially) in awe. The balloon shaped silhouette, paired with a sporty collar, and not to mention the gold metallic finish make this piece a shining show-stopper. Anyone who is able to snatch this little number will exhibit the effortless chic we all aspire towards. 



Speaking about metallics and redefined shapes, look what I  found the other day at H&M, courtesy of my beloved Blackberry. That's right, a silver oversized fall jacket that oozes chic--perhaps a "wink" at Stella's mastery...

My new jacket reminds me of Daphne Guiness and her sharp shoulder silver jacket...it may sport a different style but surely like mine it didn't go unnoticed...Pair that sweeeeet piece with what I've concoted below to sport her stylishness, and clicky clicky below to find out where to purchase the fabulous pieces I listed!
 

Sandals: Alexander Wang, Collar: Gemma Lister, Dress: Alexander Wang, Clutch: Alexander McQueen, Headband: Madame Framboise, Bangles and ring: LeiVanKash 

Until we speak again...have a brilliant day!