I've been a bit under-the-weather lately (more tired than sick though), so what I did not find amusing was finally returning to update my blog last night only to find out that my internet was down! Argh!
Work is so far so good. You guys guessed it right, I'm now employed at Value Village and I'm spending an inordinate amount of time there. Yesterday I was assigned to clean-up the kid's section, which I thought would go over well since I probably wouldn't find anything I would buy there. Wrong! There was a very cute shirt-dress and colorful skirt in the XL section. Oh dear. I'm supposed to be saving money for my trip in August. At least for now I haven't spent any! But I am eyeing a particular SLR camera... Maybe I'll luck out and someone would have already bought it by the time I return to work this afternoon.
Today I will also be attending my first wedding. Actually, I'll be missing the actual ceremony due to work (bummer), but I will be able to attend the long party afterwards! My boyfriend says there isn't anything to miss in the ceremony, but for a person who hasn't seen one yet, I'd say there's quite a bit to miss! I'm fascinated by cultural ceremonies. Anyways, last night I was scrounging around through my closet to see what would be appropriate attire. As you can see, it looks like I've given up color matching for a few weeks. I like the unexpected combinations. But the shawl does look rather dull and mumsy-ish... at least to me. Please excuse the messy hair.
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Weariness, Work, Weddings
Graduation Dresses II
Usually the saying goes, 'when all else fails, turn to the LBD.' I think graduation is the exception, because it would just be so...black! But if you must, I think these black dresses with some prints and patterns would be a great option to offset the blackness (left: Donna Ricco, right: Cynthia Steffe). I actually quite like the Cynthia Steffe. The cutting is simple and the pattern is subtle but interesting.
In the case for graduation, I think the saying should be, 'when all else fails, turn to the white dress.' Here we have a very classic white dress from Theory (left). Maybe you can add personality to it with some accessories? The other day, I saw graduation pictures of people with pearl necklaces and matching earrings, and it looked very elegant. For a bit more fun, this dress from Carmen Marc Valvo (right) is cute.
Of course, all else has not failed yet. You might want to go to the other extreme and go for bright florals. That would definitely brighten up the gown. The thing about graduation dresses, is that they should be daytime, but not too casual, maintaining a bit of modesty and decorum. That is a hard line to balance. You'd notice that I haven't picked anything too revealing nor too casual so far. The trick for floral dresses is to choose one with a clean cutting so it won't look too much.
You can also take a book from my page (I think I've decided on wearing my purple Marc by MJ dress from the last post) and go for a dress with a simple cutting but a bold color. I LOVE the simple yet elegant cutting of the blue Burberry dress (left), even though this blue is not my best color. My best color is of course, purple, like this purple on the Rory Beca dress (right).
I know I said nothing too low cut, but if you can carry it off, I LOVE this purple Nanette Lepore dress (left). The details are just so feminine and PRETTY. On the opposite end, there is this bolder block dress (right), from Theory. Whichever one suits your personality better.
Another great summer color (especially for SS08 as it is THE color) to think about is yellow. It is summery, refreshing, not too girly nor too dark and just super fun. There is this simple one from Vince (left). But personally I ADORE this yellow block dress from T Tahari (right). My friend got this (and I hope she keeps it!). The cutting is simple and elegant, and the block colors highlight the cutting of the dress, making it even more flattering for the wearer. Come to think of it, I want a yellow dress like this too!Image Source: Saks, Nordstrom, Shopbop and Bloomingdales
Kickstand
I'm a complete sucker for odd little details on shoes, which is why I fell in love with these Alexandre Herchcovitch boots. They're stuck somewhere in between chunky and spindly, with much more of an emphasis on the chunky. I think the little heel at the bottom looks sort of like a kickstand. It almost looks as if the heel is floating. I'd love to traipse around in a pair of these curious little things. Maybe Jane from Sea of Shoes can snag herself a pair so I can live vicariously through her.
Images from left to right:
nylonmag.com, nymag.com, shoeblog.com
Nike Dri-FIT Technology
I am not saying that sporty tees are not cool. I'm just saying that I don't pull the style off. Actually, if I see someone in magazines wearing a sporty tee in a casual style and pulling it off, I automatically think she's either really pretty (thus manages to pull off all sort of style,) or that she's one of those cool, boyfriend-jeans-type-of girls. Although now that I think about it, those have usually been Adidas shirts.
In the past, I've always chosen white or light-coloured graphic tees by Nike. I've tried a Filas tee, but that didn't fit as well or look as pretty. Usually, the Nike tees are made of Nike's Dri-FIT material, which like the label above says, helps absorb sweat and helps cool you down. While I wouldn't say the shirts feel 100% 'breathable', they did feel air-ier than the tees by other brands. But for the past five years I've slowed down buying these tees until last month, I realised that my old ones either have holes in them or the colour has faded, so I visited sports shops and bought two. The strange thing is, after trying the two new tees for a month, I actually think the tees have improved a lot! 
The shirt is really what the description says it is -the fabric is seriously 'breathable'. It absorbs sweat and allows air to get through to cool your body down. And very importantly, for such a 'breathable' shirt, it is not see-though, which you should not take for granted when it comes to light-coloured, airy, sporty tees.
I'm not sure what has changed. The label on the shirt looks slightly different -it now says FIT DRY instead of Dri-FIT, and there's the little label (image above) printed on the tees, but aren't they the same thing? The new tees also feel smoother and more slippery, like satin, than the old tees. OK, this is not worth over-analysing -Nike has probably just improved its material technology. But seriously, I love the material.
Nike has also used the technology for its other products. I bought a pair of sporty pants last December on sale (like this pair except mine is longer,) and they are so comfortable. I was walking in them on the streets and I could actually feel the cool London wind. So if you're the athletic type of girl who enjoys running outdoors, a pair of these breezy Nike pants would be perfect, (or at least I imagine it would be, since I don't actually run outdoors.)
Kenzo Styling
Today for the first time in a while I felt a surge of creative energy and promptly raided my closet to throw together a more interesting outfit. I really do love to throw together prints. Although I am a big fan of minimalism, I tend to gravitate towards the eclectic more because it's so much easier to achieve with what I have in my closet at the moment. I really would love simple, well-tailored pieces as well, but alas I am a thrift-store addict and my closet has taken on a life of its own.
Belowen asked how my first day of work was. Would anyone like to guess where I ended up working for the summer? A big hint: I wore yellow tights yesterday and the obligatory red vest on top turned my outfit into something more Ronald McDonald inspired (wait! no! Don't guess McD's! I'd rather drop dead!). Another hint: I spend too much time there anyways.
So my first day actually went pretty well. It was a full workday and I watched training videos and answered questions for half of the time. The other half I spent bagging and putting things back on racks and consoling frustrated customers who stood in line for a long time (we had a huge sale day and the lines were incredibly long). Still, I felt comfortable there and, along with my internship at a local marketing firm, it makes my summer feel quite fulfilled.
So my outfit today was a mishmash of colors and patterns. It reminds me of the fall 2006 Kenzo collection, a favourite of mine. I seem to refer back to old collections very often. I guess whatever mood I'm feeling from moment to moment can't always be captured by the most recent collections.
Images from style.com
Cannes Festival Fashion 2008
Best dress definitely goes to Natalie Portman. I love how all her outfits are so cute, funny, girly and yet she still looks elegant.
I love the flirty red tiered dress! Not so hot on this black/white number though. It doesn't look very well made. Nor particularly flattering.
Something more sophisticated. Cate Blanchett looks great in Armani. Mischa looks stunning too in that rich royal blue gown. Though I think she looks a little too sophisticated for her age.
Aishwarya Rai looks classic in that silver dress. And I absolutely adore the back and the long train of Penelope Cruz's cream Marchesa dress.
Now onto the disasters. How did Chanel come up with these two hideous creations to adorn Madonna and Gweneth Paltrow with? Though Madonna's dress actually makes Gweneth's dress look not so bad! 
Dita von Teese looks pale and ghostly in this green Christian Lacroix creation. Ugh. She looks much better in the simple white wrap dress.
Linsday Lohan looks like she's wearing an expensive green Persian rug. Angelina Jolie actually looks quite pretty here . The cutting of this Max Azria dress quite her current figure perfectly. I also love how she chose to wear minimal make-up. She already naturally glows from her condition. The only thing though is that I don't like this color. It just looks so.... earthy and dirty. She'd look much better in a more vibrant color.
Milla Jovovich needs to fire or hire (if she hasn't already got one) a stylist. And go eat something. Are those rib bones I see (right in green)?Image Source: NY Mag and Style Dash
A sunset and a sunny pair of tights
I wish the weather would hurry up and decide what it wants to do today because the forecast says rain but I only see a rather bright overcast sky. Today I start my first shift of work. Luckily I found a place that doesn't require I fit the designated company "look" otherwise my blog posts would get pretty dull pretty fast. So here's what I'm going to wear (it's an afternoon-evening shift). Let's hope these shoes stay comfy for 8 hours. I'll bring an extra pair just in case. 
And just for fun, here was the scene on the beach yesterday. It was incredibly gorgeous. A nice color palette for a dramatic dress.
Happy Memorial Day
I am loving the vibrant colors and the flirty ruffles on these dresses from Catherina Malandrino (left) and Julie Haus (right). They are the perfect summery party dresses!
Something more classic, there are these two party picks from Cynthia Rowley (left) and Velvet (right). The thing about the Velvet dress though is that it might be more perfect for fall/winter, since they're long sleeved and black- even though black is perfect year round.
Something more glam, I like this sequins top from Vanessa Bruno (left). It is simple, matte but still glam. And these gold heels from Kors is also great. The peep toe makes it summery and the heels are just right and not too thin for a night of dancing.
In the daytime, we have this looks from Marc by Marc Jacobs (left). I love the retro preppiness of that block patterned polo. And I like how the shorts are tailored. Then there is this colorful top from Catherine Malandrino (right), which just looks super fun!
I love this pink top from Foley + Corinnna. I have something similar in black, but this shade just looks so much more fun! And this Karen Zambos dress (right) is simply adorable. I can imagine someone walking along a beach/resort-like area wearing it. Oh and its patriotic too!
Speaking of patriotic, so are these strappy sandals from Marc by Marc Jacobs (left). I've actually been eying these for some time too. I love the bright colors, the solid heels and the platform, which makes me think that they will be comfortable to walk in while still giving me height. They'd be perfect as my casual summer sandals for daily use. My concern is that the straps will hurt (they are thin after all) and since I've not seen it in real life, I fear it would not measure up to my expectations. And what if I get tired of them after a few weeks? They're not exactly the most "classic" style. Though it is 50% off now and the deal is actually quite good........Another fun platform to look at are these Chloe's (right). They actually look more comfortable, considering the thick straps and all.
More casual shoes (both by Marc by MJ)! I have these red heels in white from last last season and thats why I'm loving the elegant peep toe style. They even seem to have improved the sole too! The material they used for the sole of the white heels last season was just not a good choice for summer shoes. Very absorbing and suffocating. Meh. (Though to solve that problem, you can always just add a pair of fragrant insoles in from Summer Soles ). Then there are these flip flops. Not sure if its worth getting Marc by MJ flip flops, but I saw a girl wear it in the elevator the other week, and the color is just great!Happy Memorial Day everyone!
Image Source: Intermix Online and Shopbop
Fabric Mutt
I took photos of this particular outfit Friday night before I went to a Ladytron concert but then my camera ran out of batteries and I never got around to making a post. I really should have done it yesterday since I had all afternoon to recharge them but I was being rather lazy and went out to see a movie instead. Bad blogger! By the way, if you're into a suspenseful emotional roller coaster, see the Italian film The Unknown Woman. Both my friend and I were left in tears by the end of the movie. I think my emotional quota is filled for the week.
Back to the outfit, this skirt was purchased at Value Village many months ago but I never quite knew what to pair it with, so it was never worn. But I am still very attracted to the odd combination of purple suede and burnt orange corduroy. So now as I am attempting to reacquaint myself with my closet, I pulled it out again and paired it with whatever struck me first. That would be this pretty blue top. I actually ended up wearing it with a dark teal v-neck tee just in case the crowd in the front would get rowdy (wouldn't want buttons popping off anywhere), but I like this version better, so I'm posting the blue blouse.
Random note: I think I need to come up with new poses. How do models do it?
The Favourite, H&M
Today I trekked down to the newly opened H&M flagship store to check out the stock. I was pleasantly surprised to find things that weren't at all casual or beachy (which was all I ran into in our other two stores). I saw many pieces I liked. A few dresses and jackets. None of them were in my size, however. I couldn't find anything smaller than size 8 really. So I'll go back sometime after all the hoopla has calmed down to check it out again. I should ask when they expect to restock...
Now that the H&M Fall line previews have been released, I am extremely glad to have a larger store open where I might actually have the chance to come by some of their more editorial items. I love the layers and layers of knits, dramatic hooded coat, long cardigan, floaty blue skirt, the little beige jacket (is that leather? it reminds me of Marni!) and many many others things. Are these shoes actually H&M as well? They look extremely alike to the Chloe versions. Oh and those black over the knee boots are divine. I'm salivating.
Images from tfs.com
Lanvin Flats
When the Lanvin flats became a hit back a year or so back, with people like Nicole Richie, wearing it everywhere in different colors, I did not see the attraction. They honestly did not look any different from standard flats and I did not see where the $500USD price tag came from. They don't even have heels!
Out of curiosity though, I tried on a pair of red patent Lanvin flats (similar to the one above) the other day at Barneys- and I think I'm finally understanding where the price tag comes from. Even though it is about as thin as any other flats, they are REALLY comfortable. Like amazingly so. Seriously. I noticed the difference right after I tried it on. The sole was cushiony- like sneakers! I don't know how they do it. Even in patent leather, the scrunchy thing is super soft. Now I know what all the rave was about.Still though, the price is a bit steep for flats. Maybe if they were $300.
Image Source: Barneys
Interview Day
Today I managed to book myself three job interviews. It was pretty hectic. I'm awaiting the response of the third one (which should be tomorrow) before I decide. Nothing special, just some small jobs in retail. I still do have a nice internship at a local fashion marketing firm which I am very excited about, however. The outfit below is what I wore to the last interview. I wore my new dress to the first two. I hope all goes well. It would be nice to pay off my little trip to Prague and Bucharest early.
Graduation Dresses I
The thought process began when the SS08 collections started filtering into the stores. I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but I figured that I'd just KNOW once I see it (kind of the same theory I have for men :P). The "moment" came back in March when a friend, HG and I decided to check out the new Marc by Marc Jacobs collection in the store. We ooh-ed and ahh-ed (very discretely of course) over the new collection and then I saw this dress and said, "Ooh, this dress is cute! Hey, maybe I can wear it for graduation!" It was just an offhanded comment, but the idea took root and when I went home, I thought more about it. I certainly didn't want to wear black to graduation- I'd be black enough in my completely black gown and black cap, with my black hair. Purple is not very conventional, but it IS my favourite color and this will definitely stand out from the crowd. Its youthful and it compliments my skin tone perfectly. The style is a bit of retro. I thought I wanted to look classic for my graduation (so my pictures would look timeless), but then my friend said that the whole point of pictures is to remember the event, and therefore I should also remember the fashion during the time of the event too. She had a point. And so, HG and I went back the store and tried it on. It looks great on me! After mulling over this for another month, I finally got it. The only thing is that the chest area (again!) needs a bit of altering. Since the dress is in HK right now and I'm in Chicago though and there's barely any time in between..........that is going to be a problem. I'll figure something out.
At the back of my mind though, I keep wondering if I should stick with something more conventionally graduation like after all. Read: something with a more classic design with a more pastel like, floral or white pattern. Naturally I thought of BCBG. They are currently having excellent sales too! Unfortunately though, the pickings this season are thin- especially in the store! I thought about this dress (left) that so resembles dresses from Marc by MJ and Juicy Couture from seasons past. A friend of mine wore the Marc by MJ version for her graduation and looked cute. And I did absolutely LOVED the Juicy Couture version. Unfortunately though, I thought this one was a bit too short and not very appropriate for the occasion. And so, I turned to this elegant, black and white floral print dress. I actually really like it. It is very proper, classic, feminine and not too black. Unfortunately, it ran out of my sizes online (its on sale!) and it isn't even available in stores anymore.
Then I stopped by the dress floor at Bloomies and tried on a bunch of dresses. I am in LOVE with these two dresses. The strapless one (left: from BCBG, though not available in store or online!),is actually absolutely PERFECT as a graduation dress. It is very simple, elegant and just super pretty. The little bubbly bottom, is just so and adds a bit of the "now" in. It fits perfectly on me too, even though I'm flat. I was hesitant at first though because it doesn't look quite day time and can look a bit prom-like. But today, when I went to "visit" it at Bloomies again, it was GONE. It was such a good sell, that it is SOLD OUT after 2 weeks on the rack and not even on sale (at $300)!!!! Of course, now that it is sold out, it only looks more and more perfect to me!!!! I cannot stop staring at the picture now and mentally hitting myself for not just getting it when I saw it!The other dress (right) is from Plenty and it is THE most perfectly fitted dress. It is the epitomes of elegance and style. It is feminine and pretty, without exposing too much skin. It looks absolutely GORGEOUS on too. My ONLY problem with it, is the high neck. Nothing against high necks in general- just that it would poke out from under the V neck of my graduation gown, which would not be pretty. This would be THE perfect dress if I had a wedding to go to. Anyone want to invite me to a wedding some time soon?
Image Source: Net a Porter and BCBG
Breaking the Shopping Fast
And my old loafers for kicks:
