Honeybunch Fashion

The Age of Vint[age]

2010-10-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

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

* * *

Don't forget, blazers can be fashionable too:

* * *

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

* * *

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!)

2009-06-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

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*

Be Your Alter Ego For A Day

2009-06-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

"I play it safe."

"I'm by the book."

"I do it the prim & proper way."

"I abide the rules."

* * * *

Tired of coming up with these excuses? These are the things we tell ourselves as an explanation for our hesitant reflexes when it comes to daring acts.

No, I don't mean dangerous stunts and such...

I mean - FASHION! :)

From my point of view, there are 2 types of fashion:

1) one for the runway
2) one for the streets

Disaster strikes when the two are mixed up and put in the wrong time and place. All those fashion we see in magazines are mainly meant to be shown on the runway. And they look absolutely stunning on a model doing the catwalk; and not on someone taking a morning stroll in the park, for instance.

Let's keep these on the runway...and on the runway alone:

Then there are those designed for the runway AND the streets:

When I mentioned to be daring, there's an extent to these daring acts - don't take it too far. Maintain moderation and try not to set a major contrast between you and the rest of the world. Unless if the party was made for you, that is. ;) Don't be afraid to get all dolled up for a special night out, a posh dinner or for some glam party!

Let these celebrity photos trigger some ideas:

~ Jennifer Love Hewitt ~

Beautiful evening gown

(R) A white dress suitable for day or night wear

~ Avril Lavigne ~

Punk rock look with a fashionable hat

~ Ashlee Simpson ~

Another punk rock look with the hat & sneakers

~ The Veronicas ~

Feminity with slots of punk rock

My Favourite:

~ Jennifer Lopez ~

GORGEOUS outfit with GORGEOUS matching heels

The next time you receive an invitation to the "coolest and hippest party of the year", get in the game and set the standards higher. Bring the fashionista out in you and transform your closet into a diva's haven!

Groovy Summer Footwear

2009-06-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

Chuck those winter boots away, we're in dire need of some nice summer footwear pampering!

I just ordered a pair of Schuh white leather zulu sandals online. It's something like this:

They look superbly comfy. I can't wait til they arrive!

This type of design may have been around for a long time, but it never seems to wear itself out of fashion.

Here's another cute one that looks equally comfy:

And specially handpicked by HB:

Ipanema flip-flops!

...Designed by model Gisele Bundchen :)

Prices range from RM30 - RM50 for Malaysian customers but slightly more expensive if purchasing from the UK.

I have 3 pairs at home, they're groovy, durable and perfect for everyday wear!

Atrociously Just Bags

2009-06-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

My first love in fashion is bags - and more bags!

Top priorities: tote bags and handbags.

They're a special piece of accessory that can inject confidence and excitement. Even without intense dolling up and dressing up, a fabulous bag can bring out the glow in you.

HB's Criteria of the Perfect Bag:

1. Not too fancy & not too loud
2. Its colour matches almost any outfit you're wearing
3. Not too big nor too small & fits everything you need
4. Has easy access & easy mobility
5. Able to maintain its durability for a reasonable period
6. Something your heart tells you that you can't leave the house without it
7. Practical for most occasions (especially for going to class, work, etc.)
8. Affordable

Then we have those other bags bought for special occasions. We'll keep those aside for now.

My favourite brands are Lollipops and Jane Norman.

Lollipops designs are unique and absolutely intriguing. Each design is produced in a limited quantity to maintain its status quo.

Malaysian customers can get a hold of these bags directly from any Lollipops branch found in malls like Bangsar Village and Sunway Pyramid or in departmental stores.

Bags range from RM300 and above.

If you ever make it to Paris, visit a Lollipops branch because that's where it all started! There is a far greater choice of design and affordable prices can be found.

This is the one I got from Paris:

But mine's white in colour. ;)

Next up >> some Jane Norman frenzy!

As far as my knowledge goes, this brand is only available for UK customers. Perhaps some e-shopping might do the trick for international customers.

Here are some of my favourite designs:

I've also sqeezed in some wallets:

So that's my review on bags! No matter which brand it may be, if it fits HB's criteria list, no disputes!

The Hills & Its Fashion

2009-06-06T19:31:00.001-07:00

The Hills season 5 reached its finale which almost made me teared.

I'll miss having to routinely and diligently download episodes each week just to watch some juicy, edited 20 minute drama. I know it's not as real as it has been proclaimed, but it has indeed been my source of entertainment for the past 10 weeks.

I love the fashion portrayed in The Hills.

All in all, here are the favourites, that has caught my eye:

1. The Perfect Hairdo

(Mind the 'eye-bopping' photo.)

Stephanie's hairdo looks stunning with the inward curving of her bangs.
Her mascara blend of purple and blue adds a charming touch.

2. The Vintage Outfit

I am in love with Stephanie's vintage outfit (L)!

3. The Second Vintage Look

Kimberly's hair and makeup matches perfectly with her red outfit! The eyeliner did the magic.

Simplicity at its best.
If you intend to stand out from the crowd, red is your colour. Suits you for those shopping days, for attending parties and for those lunch dates!

3. The Third Vintage Look

Whitney's look (L) charmed me in this episode. Full of elegance and not too matchy either.
(This is taken from an episode of The City.)

The earrings and her 'messy hair' look go well with the whole ensemble, too.

Who said only modern designs can pass the test? These vintage-looking earrings are great for those with long, wavy hair.

4. The Perfect Night Look

Audrina looks amazing with her night makeup that really makes her eyes stand out. It goes gorgeously well with her hair grabbed in a loose ponytail. It probably required gallons and gallons of hairspray.

5. Turquoise-Themed

That's why everyone loves to buy black. It goes with almost any addictional piece like a cardigan and with just about any accessory. Stephanie (L) chose to have her black outfit to be streaked with splashes of turquoise/teal (notice her bangles and hairband).

The actual bracelets you see in the photo are Orka Mesica Teal Friendship Beads which are particularly pricey - $175, considering the fact that it's inserted with four 14k yellow gold charms in between. It's doesn't quite fit within our normal budget line so here are some alternative ideas:

Stack them up neatly along your arms to go with a plain (black) top and you're all set, whatever the occasion may be!