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style of the LBD ideally should be as simple as possible, rather than belonging to a particular trend that may become outdated.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! 

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!