The Age of Vint[age]

Ever felt like you're stuck in the 70's/80's (in a fashionably positive way, that is) albeit the trasitioning of modern style?

Ever felt let down by the latest trends, only finding them similar with the previous and upcoming styles?

Maybe it's time we go
back to basic,
back in time,
back to the past.

In retrospect, we're using yesteryears' rules and regulations of fashion for today!

After all, if it wasn't for the old, there would never be the new. Just like how great music transpired in the 90's. Without that foundation, there wouldn't be awesome music produced today.

Before you chuck aside all those blouses, bags and accessories of your mother's or aunt's hand-me-downs, save that shopping money and get creative with what you've been given for free. Who says vintage doesn't fly today?

A few days ago, I experienced the joy of vintage shopping. Vintage carries the trait of being unique and one of a kind. You probably won't catch someone else wearing the same outfit or using the same bag. The art of vintage may come as a drawback for those who thrive and look meticulously on brands as most vintage apparel do not come from high-end designers, but the outcome may change their minds.

I got myself a yellow chiffon blouse similar to the ones below:


Team up your outfit with more vintage elements:


Let's keep the past alive, shall we? ;)

(*The author encountered some technical difficulty while creating this entry, stay updated for a more indepth entry soon!)

Don't Let It Cramp Your Style, Working Girl

It's not like going to the mall or going to college.

It's serious business.

...going to the office, that is.

Some of us may be working girls, fresh to the working industry or undergoing an internship; whatever it is -- formality is vital.

Being stuck in the office does not mean we can't be fashionable.

Here are a few pointers as to what is appropriate and fashionable in the boardroom:

There are numerous tops that can compliment a blazer


such as a turtleneck

* * *

Or with a sleeveless blouse



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Don't forget, blazers can be fashionable too:


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Pencil skirts spell sophistication and formality, which looks stunning with heels:


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Pointed heels are gorgeous, especially with long pants; the only setback is that its triangular feature tends to cause discomfort to the feet.


* * *

If your office doesn't mind some insertion of being casual, why not try a one-piece dress:


And why not add in a pearl necklace to establish a more formal look!


* * *

Some other styles that will work your way through:


Working can be fun at the same time. :)

I'm Wearing Mary Janes (No, It's Not a Brand!)

Fashion isn't a mere hobby, interest or art.

It's also an education.

Just like any other field of study, fashion has its own terminology. We're always talking and writing about fashion, it's time we familiarise ourselves with the fashion thesaurus. ;)

We see these fashion trends everywhere. But what are they exactly called?

Here are some terms we ought to know:

A Line Skirts/ Dresses
(skirts & dresses in the shape of the letter A)

* * *

Bootleg Pants
(similar to those hippies bell-bottom pants)

* * *

Bubble Skirts

* * *

Drainpipe Jeans
(skinny jeans)

* * *

Cowl Necks

* * *

Capris
(pants that don't reach your ankles)

* * *

Cap Sleeves

* * *

Hankerchief Outfits
(hem falls into several graceful points)

* * *

Commonly used, commonly worn. Above are the different terms. :)

* * *

Hipster Pants

* * *

Empire Lines
(A silhouette where the waistline is pulled up just below the bust)

* * *

Fishtail Skirts

* * *

Tunic Outfits
(A straight cut dress without darts)

* * *

Platform Heels

Heels with thick soles, either made of wood, cork or plastic. It creates the illusion of height without the discomfort of regular heels.

* * *

Mary Janes

Sounds like a brand, but it's not. Its style is inspired by school children's shoes with its strap as the main feature.

* * *

Mules
(shoes without a back strap)

* * *

Kitten Heels
(Shoes with short heels that has a distinctive curve)

Fashion Class Dismissed. =)

The Art of Mixing & Matching

Exhibit A:

~ Plain White T ~

It probably costs around RM15 to get one, or possibly cheaper. But it could work so many wonders.

* * *

Exhibit B:

You could wear it with a vest like this:

The good news about white is that it goes well with just about colour. The bad news: stains and stray marks are more visible to the eye.

In turn, the vest could be worn like this:

With any simple top underneath, wear it unbuttoned.

* * *

Exhibit C:

Or wear your white T with a scarf!


Scarf (b) is more appropriate for a cooler climate. My favourite is scarf (c) - thin and long; looks great clung around your neck like that.

In turn, these scarves could be used as fabulous headbands:


These headbands could also evolve into fabric belts like the one below, wrapped around your white T in any way you like!


* * *

Exhibit D:

Wear it with a cardigan as seen in photo (a) - which can also be worn with other tops and dresses as seen in photo (b).


You don't need to buy countless coloured tops just to finish an appearance. Try to start with a plain white T, it'll take you on a trip!

Wear It With A Smile & Some Style : Casual Wear

Ever get stressed out just by trying to think of what to wear for the day that's ahead of you?

There's

no special occasion,
it's just a normal day,
you're just going out to run some errands...

but you want to look just right.

Right?

So it's another ordinary day, but there are times where you find yourself squeezing and tweezing every muscle of your brain just trying to figure out a nice, decent and simple outfit.

You want to look simple, but you end up fancy.
You want to look mediocre, but you end up being bright.
You want to look decent, but you end up as a fashion-gone-wrong victim.

Don't you ever get those days? You don't want to get tensed up for such a small deal, but all you want is to

look good,
feel good,
and to boost some confidence.

You don't need a million different outfits just to accommodate those casual days. Try mixing and matching. Mixing and matching is wise, but can get pretty ugly. :s Stay sensible and just keep things simple.

Sometimes less is more:
(courtesy of Gossip Girl & Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants celebs)

Blake Lively wears a simple ensemble; appropriate for those casual, non-eventful days. :)
- Fav Piece: White Jacket -

* * *

Leighton Meester in a vintage yellow top; will look less formal with a denim skirt; the tie can stay. ;)
- Fav Piece: Yellow Top -

* * *

Alexis Bledel wears a perfect combination of black & white; will look good with black slacks/ jeans.
- Fav Piece: Black Vest -

* * *

Amber Tambly in a sleek grey jacket; will look more casual with t-shirt & jeans instead.
- Fav Piece: Grey Jacket -

* * *

A preppy look; the plain colours gives the effect of simplicity & elegance; still suitable for those easy-going days. :)
- Fav Piece: Navy Blue Buttoned Top -

* * *

Not to forget, here is America Farrera in the conventional methodology of casuality:
T-shirt & Jeans!
- Fav Piece: Any Cool T-Shirt that Fits Perfectly -

* * *

Other Celebs:

Don't be induced by the mysterious art of this skillfully taken photo, but Mandy Moore's top is definitely decent to the eyes and gorgeous at the same time.

Additional thoughts:

Compliment the top according to height. ;)
a) for taller individuals - bell bottom-ish jeans
b) for slightly less taller individuals - skinny jeans or dark leggings

* * *

1st Look : Playing it safe
2nd Look : Simple yet sophisticated
3rd Look : Young and different

-Fav Look: the 3rd one -

* * *

In a nutshell, just make sure that whatever you're wearing, you wear it with a smile and some style. :)

Gaga Over Charms

From the day I was born, I've been obsessed over charm bracelets!

There's something about the jingle they give everytime your hand moves.

Charm bracelets are uniquely special; each charm may symbolise different elements such as

love,
an event,
an interest,
a pet or
character.

- All to which are integral parts of our lives.

Charms often come in the representation of butterflies. Known as something beautiful, colourful and free.

Infamous brands include names like Thomas Sabo, Tiffany & Co., Links of London and Swarovski. For a brand like Thomas Sabo, one piece of charm could cost up to hundreds of Ringgit. They are meticulously designed and structured to the smallest detail.

Dangling & jiggling gracefully:



My lifetime goal:

To own each charm bracelet depicted above. ;)

I love 'em so much that I could design and sell my own!
*Hint Hint*