Journey to Fashion

Street Style Never Takes a Vacation, Even in Feverish Summer

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:33:44 +0000

When summer arrives, it's time for celebs to go to beach for a vacation. But luckily we still have those dedicated icons on the street, and the same hard working street style bloggers to present them.
As for me, I'm everything but original on this. I'm only lucky enough to gather all of these fab street chics, which are so gorgeous and lively that I could not even resist the urge to sort them and repost.

If four staffers from Vogue wore a similar look (stripe) when arriving at work on the same day is not convincing enough for you to accept the stripe, just look at above stripes on the street. No matter the strapless flattering one garancedore found in Milan, or the loose ones Stylesightings found in Stockholm and New York, stripes are so everywhere. Thin lines or thick ones, you decide.

Call me blue obsessed, or whatever, I just love them so much in feverish summer, as it has the magic to turn the fever down and make you cool and peace. And I'm so happy to find Stylecaster, thestreethearts and easyfashion just have the same obsession with me. Light blue is much easier. A playsuit is chic enough without needing any companion. A sleeveless dress would also be fun if you play a successful color game, like above. The gold bracelet, brown shoulder bag, oh and the same golden hair, everything just blend so well with blue. Last, we got to the dark blue, which is easy to be heavy in heat days, but look, the fringe belt, and white handy bag resolve the problem.

It's really a restless feverish summer, even black would not take a rest. Black, believed to absorb more heat than any other colors, still active in summer at least prove one thing, there are those gals getting cool under the skin. I mean the ELLE girl. Though famous for different faces, black stays on cool this summer. Polka tight, military boots and long jeans vest gave LBD some rock 'n' roll style. And I guess classic white Tee and black skirt are no stranger in gal's wardrobe, and here is a good example to rock it. Huge clutch and a pair of cool sandals are the key.

Summer is always exciting, for gals we could put on those bold colors or florals improper for cold weather and stroll around. But sometimes changing your inertial logic and living some new experience is also exciting. Try to imagine maybe summer doesn't have to mean we need to put colors or florals from head to toe, though they could be seen everywhere, and sometimes even could be made really good. Stylecaster, Stylesightings and altamiranyc seemed agree and gave fab gals to prove. Simple, you could put the color or floral on tube-tops, cardigan, shorts, sandals, or whatever you could imagine. As per the color, oh you make it.
Tags - street-style

All Season Fashion

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:50:25 +0000

We often have a misconception about season on or off the runway. Light dresses often could be found on fall / winter runway, while fur in spring / summer. Sometimes fashion is really hard to manage. But the good news is, celebs on the street present really practical ways to help make best use of our wardrobe no matter how season changes.
Except the scarf in summer, here are some other of my findings - winter pieces appear on summer street.

Don't hide your ankle boots in wardrobe for several months and keep them waiting for autumn anxiously. No matter they are handsome boots like Kate Bosworth and Victoria Beckham, or loose-fitted like Taylor Momsen, they are all good examples to complete the mix-&-match game in summer.

Cardigans are no strangers to our wardrobe. It almost dominates the four seasons, even in hottest summer, and defines an effortless chic style. It is really good friend for gals staying in air-condition room all the day. Just effortlessly throw it on, like our cardigan icon Jessica Alba, Sienna Miller and Alex Chung, you keep yourself warm, and chic.

One of the looks you will regret for missing, I mean mini dress matching with cropped jacket. Sporting some shoulder details on jacket like Rihanna, or putting emphasis on the mini dress, like Hayden Penettiere and Olivia Palermo, are two directions, respectively, as I think it will be ruined if both were taken.

Thigh high boots are so ahead of the game. Remember how rodarte F/W 09/10 swept the CFDA mid June and took Womenswear Designer of the Year? I could not claim all the credit to the wound-and-bound effect thigh high boots, but absolutely it weights a lot. But fashion world are too rush to wait several months quietly for the autumn. Here they are! Miley Cyrus, Rihanna and Lindsay Lohan! Thigh high boots! On summer street! Definitely it'll be another all season piece worth your investment.

You have any inputs about this all season fashion, like winter pieces appear in summer? Don't hesitate to share^_^
Tags - all-season-fashion , ankle-boots , cardigan , cropped-jacket , thigh-high-boots , kate-bosworth , victoria-beckham , taylor-momsen , jessica-alba , sienna-miller , alex-chung , rihanna , hayden-penettiere , olivia-palermo , miley-cyrus , lindsay-lohan

Scarf Chic in Summer

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:58:35 +0000

In summer, scarf might not be a must-have to keep us warm, but absolutely it is one of the simplest ways to make us chic. Of course, only if you make it right.
These celebs in scarves are really awesome, though in different styles. If something in common must be summarized, it's the scarf giving an 'I'm a super star' statement and differentiating these gals from crowd.
Let me make it clear, it's far from a post to teach a total scarf rule, as it's too extensive to be covered up and honest, out of my reach. These are only some up-to-date findings. What I did here is sorting, and giving some clues to scarf - this all season accessory in summer.

Basic pieces blending with bold color scarf never goes wrong. And this summer, the 'bold color' means pink. Especially the one worn by Kate Bosworth and Lindsay Lohan - pink with big roses, I'm not good at ID job, could anyone help me on this?

Gray is a neutral color that goes well with both light and dark colors. In the light and busy colors dominated summer, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Walsh and Alessandra Ambrosio prove the opposite is also right - dark color is far from being out if you put a statement gray scarf as accessory. Magically your style could be upgraded from the moment you put it on. Light textures like chiffon or cotton instead of cashmere are needed, otherwise you will get to be weird instead of chic, though both would catch enough attention.

Check, or plaid, whatever, is the coolest color to define an effortless chic look like Kirsten Dunst, or a tomboy look like Katie Holmes, or depression look like Heidi Klum. Of course, I mean the scarf. Again, it's a world of neutral colors.

Scarf could be sexy. A slim, light textured one helps. Heidi Montag's gray, Emmy Rossum's floral print, or Anne Hathaway's mini pink give some clues.

Less is more. Jessica Alba and Katie Holmes prove it once more using these no fringe, no color scarves. We may not even notice them if they are not worn by fashion icon above. But once they are wrapped around the neck effortlessly, everything is different.

Tags - scarf , celeb-style , kate-bosworth , lindsay-lohan , jessica-alba , kirsten-dunst , katie-holmes , heidi-klum , anne-hathaway , easy-chic

Everyone is Wearing: Maxi Dress + Denim Jacket

Mon, 04 May 2009 13:13:08 +0000

I'm guessing gals noticing a blog like this would not feel strange about denim jacket - this magic piece that never goes out of fashion. But you are out if you still wear it in neutral ways. This season, denim jacket finds a feminine friend - maxi dress, and totally change a new look.
Maxi dress, went hot last summer and kept sweeping the fashion world this spring. Interestingly I found three F words to describe it: flirty, flowing and floor length. Hehe~~ really cool description.
What would happen when these two pieces in absolutely different style meets? Here is the result. Thank god they are all off carpet style easy to copy! And thank gals like Nicole Richie, Miranda Kerr and Jessica Simpson, who pioneer this match and tell how hot it could be.

Three gals present different looks here - Nicole is lovable with floral print, Miranda simple and cool with black, Jessica wild with African inspired prints. I suggest to pick basic denim and leave space for maxi dress to show different style, like these three gals have shown.
BTW, in practical review, this match is perfect for this early summer season to keep you warm^_^
As this post focus on the matching of denim jacket and maxi dress, I gave less focus on maxi dress itself. But if you are interested in trying this new match and wanna learn more on maxi dress, here is a great post I found writing about how to wear maxi dresses. Hope it is helpful.
Finally, if you have any words to say about maxi dress or denim jacket as a useful input? DO feel free to comment.
Image Credit: JustJared

Tags - denim-jacket , maxi-dress , miranda-kerr , nicole-richie , jassica-simpson

Love Her Look - Hello Book!

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:02:05 +0000

Reading may be the only hobby I insisted all these years without getting bored. But 23rd April, the 14th World Book and Copyright Day reminded me of how people are distracted nowadays - TV, overloaded job, internet, social contact, all these together squeeze our precious time and prevent us from getting quiet time for reading. Maybe that's why the United Union paid a world-wide tribute books and authors on this date.

I've mentioned millions of times: it is the inner shine to make us unique and charming. I do not deny the influence of fashion, on the contrary, I love it as it makes us look fabulous. But it is far from being the unique meaning of our lives, in particular those who do not work in fashion industry. On the contrary, reading could be a lifetime habit and extend its positive influence all along. In this festival for books, pick up a book and discover the joy of reading. Of course, it will be better providing being a lifetime reader.

A little far from our topic. This painting I found in garancedore is perfect for such a date. It defines an intellectual girl. Floral print top plus skirt with huge bow on the waist make this girl bookish, graceful and quiet. Couldn't help finding all these pieces on net-a-porter to help define a similar character.

Love this cream colored Bally Cotton Peasant Skirt at the first sight. Its color, material and the huge bow on the waist make it perfect on defining a sweet and graceful girl. Honest, basic white T-shirt is more often cool instead of sweet or graceful. But Luella printing a lovely little pony totally changes its character. Nacoles Zoena Woven Flats in brown is comfy. It's the 3D floral on it attracts me most. Finally, need to mention the Bally Printed Silk Scarf, which is gorgeous especially the fringe at the end make it a absolute chic.

Tags - world-book-and-copyright-day

Trend Alert - Cobalt Blue

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:01:21 +0000

As I posted several days ago in Spectrums of Blue - Calm Down the Boiling Spirits, blue will be hot this season. Now, celebs began to show us how they define one of them - dark blue, or cobalt blue.
Last week, with the limited resources I managed, three girls put this cobalt blue on in parties - Audrina Patridge, Kim Kardashian and Rachel Zoe. Not to say the ones I don't know.
This pushed me to take a look on net-a-porter and stylefinder and find out how it is expressed for daily wear. Here is my findings.
Exactly, I googled the cobalt blue and found it has strict definition and manufacturing skill. It is only one little piece in extensive blue spectrum. Sorry I couldn't give the same exact scope as the definition did haha~

DKNY Cozy Merino Wool Cardigan
Knit yourself chic with DKNY's update of the iconic cozy cardigan in blue. There is great space for you to develop, drape it, fold it, knot it or twist it anyway you like to create a different look every time you wear it.

Mawi Hoop Pearl Crystal Earrings
Pearl came back. Unlike ordinary cream colored pieces, I found this blue one on net-a-porter. Put it with the Fendi dress here, damn, what a perfect match to give you a simple but sensational evening look.

Tom Binns Blue Crystal Cuff
Yes, it is floral again. Save your blame as it is really hot. But I guess there is something else to catch your eyes except the floral shape - the blue crystal, it's one of the perfect colors for diamonds, including crystal. Silver rhodium floral cuff with multiple blue crystal stones displays a modern flourish. Wear this to make blue glitter on your wrist. Of course, if you could accept the price, about 1,000 dollars.

Topshop Jersey Striped Scarf
Jersey scarfs are quickly becoming a must-have this summer. A cobalt blue scarf would be weird. But when it comes to blue stripe, it will be totally different. It is a stylish nod to the nautical trend.

Fendi Lace Effect Shoe
What will happen when lace meets cobalt blue? Fendi gives you the perfect answer. This lace effect sandal is born to be the focus in your outfit, no matter for party or daily wear. And thin heel will never be out.

Celine Shirt and Skirt
This Celine shirt and tie-dye skirt is so hot and striking that it could be easily recognized no matter just put it there, or put it on. Really good choice for sharp style. Also, the price is the same sharp as the style - more than 2000 pounds.

Fendi Silk crepe de Chine dress
Not like Celine's sharp beauty, this effortlessly stylish Fendi dress will easily become your elegant day ensemble. Its status in your wardrobe is like LBD, but more stylish.

Anya Hindmarch Straw Clutch
This straw clutch is really chic and glamour in a low profile. Straw knitting is seasonal element. The attendance of blue is perfect to make the straw knitting upgrade. But would you pay about 200 pounds for such a straw? Depends on your contrast about the value and price.

Tags - trend , blue , topshop , fendi , celine , dkny

Trend Alert - 3D Floral

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:37:37 +0000

Seems floral print could not satisfy designers as well as picky girls, as 3D floral showed up on ss 2009 runway. Found Lily Donaldson (my favorite supermodel) shown on Dolce & Gabbana with three-dimensional flowers scattering on this fabulous dress, and headgear.
Of course it's a little exaggerating to put 3D floral everywhere like Dolce & Gabbana in our daily wear, but putting on some trendy pieces to show a vivid look for this spring is more feasible.

Oscar de la Renta Applique patent sandals
Oscar de la Renta;s beautiful floral applique sandals bring spring to full bloom to the feet. Seasonal brights and panache are clashed here.

Catherine Malandrino Cotton Petal-Detail Sundress
Lemon yellow gives a taste of sunshine and is best option for warm weather. Putting flowers on the neck gives it feminine details. If you need one sundress this season, and cutie style happen to be your favorite, remember these two elements: bright color with 3D floral details.

Topshop Flower Earings
Topshop blew a typhoon in NYC early this month as nobody could resist bargainous trendy pieces like Topshop. Like this fabulous flower earings in coffee color only cost less than 20$. Floral pieces usually give a sharp look. But Topshop presents it in coffee color to turn it down and makes it modest.

Matthew Williamson Embellished tulle tank top
Aside from his sophisticated game skill with color, Matthew Williamson played a 3D floral game. Also, it's fabulous. Nude see-through material should be pretty sexy. But bead and flower embellishment throughout makes it sweet. It will be even cuter without considering the price.

Christian Louboutin Mount Street bag
It's not a clutch, not even a bag. It's a real flower. That's the only comment I could give. As I'm totally stunned. Love it.

Dorothy Perkins Flower Bib Necklace
Neck is another place you could put floral on. In this season, the huger, the better. Dorothy Perkins work out this floral hoop necklace to satisfy trendy girls.

Tags - trend , topshop , oscar-de-la-renta , matthew-williamson , christian-louboutin

Love Her Look - Garden Girl

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:35:02 +0000

Consider country life as working hard under the sun and far from glamour? You are out! This season, designers meant to make girls learn to enjoy leisure time in the country and stay in style. Lacoste displayed a really stylish country girl. Loose-fitting and comfortable material are key points, as it's the way to correspond to the lounging air there. But remember you are not really a farmer. So, you need belt, heels and trendy accessories make you stand out. Come to find out how to be a garden girl without looking like a farmer.

3.1 Phillip Lim High-Waisted Carrot Pants ($375)
Working in garden, pants are more convenient than skirt. But be sure to pick a comfort able one. But remember rolling it up to make it crisp. Garden girl rejects any sloppy.

Paul Smith Paul Oversized Floral Blouse (??171)
Nothing could be more fitted to define garden girl than floral print, not to say it's the hottest piece this spring. Peach oversized floral print long sleeved blouse with button detail cuffs with roll-up option.

Kors by Michael Kors Tajines Gladiator Sandals ($225)
Another reason to roll up carrot pants mentioned above, is showing your beautiful shoes. Brown soft leather and wooden chunky heels add a natural feel to your look.

Emilio Pucci Raffia Floppy hat ($415)
Take shelter from the sun in this classic wide brimmed hat. A must-have to garden girl. But it's also an great investment for the beach or poolside.

Erickson Beamon Boudica embellished cuff ($700)
Like shoes, accessories need to respond to natural's calling. Both wooden and metallic are good options. Erickson Beamon gave a pretty luxurious cuff with gold plated metal and Swarovski crystal embellishment.

Topshop Multi-strap Belt (??30)
As I said above, loose-fitting doesn't mean to be floppy. A belt, especially as chic as Topshop Multi-strap Belt, saved you from such a trap.
Tags - love-her-look , 3.1-phillip-lim , paul-smith-paul , kors-by-michael-kors , emilio-pucci , erickson-beamon , topshop

Sweet Love - Mix Match Game 3

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 14:25:54 +0000

Mood: We never lack of love. What we are really short of is the mood to feel. Fortunately I still have the mood after almost seven year's love life with my honey, who put my chilly hand onto his belly to warm me up during this chilly week. Thank you honey, I love you.
Weather: Thank God finally it will warm up next week. And finally we get the time to show light dresses, and cheer up with sunny days.
Schedule: With such sunny days in next week, it will be perfect if work doesn't torture me. But life means never being perfect. It will be a tough week for me, wish I could survive the newly launched projects, and squeeze more time to blog.
Style: Touched by my honey, I meant to present a sweet style. But I have to control the sweet items to avoid it's over exaggerating, as purely sweet is always the one I dare not to try. Sweet mix cool is more appropriate.

Sweet is expressed by the items like pink bag, flowers before breast, heart-shape ring, and cream colored dress. The attendance of black jacket and sunglass balance sweet pieces and give a cool smell.
When seeing above outfit, I could help but wonder, am I short of the nerve of being sweet? Or black so totally dominates my taste that I even couldn't express sweet without it? Oh girls, pls forgive me if you find above outfit doesn't sweet at all. I will try more light colors in later games. After all, spring has arrived!
Tags - mix&match , sweet

Everyone Is Wearing Boyfriend Jeans

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:29:45 +0000

Boyfriend jeans, or baggy jeans, whatever you name it, it came back.
Do you still remember how many criticisms Katie Holmes has received once she showed up with Tom Cruise's jeans in NYC street last summer? It doesn't matter, what really matter is, designers have stick to her and presented it as the hottest trend on jeans, even trousers. Just look at the celebrities followed, even Victoria Beckham, famous for her stiff style, also joined in.
Ok, then mainly we'll learn from Katie, also some good followers. But at the end, the bad followers did give us a lesson: boyfriend jeans are not that easy, and not fitted for anyone.

Though many celebs rolled into this new trend, still, Katie Holmes, the pioneer of boyfriend jeans, is my favorite. Maybe original is best ^_^
If girlish style is the one you can't give up, then you have to turn away, as this article doesn't fit you, as masculine in handsome way is boyfriend jeans stand for. Even the tops, shoes and other accessories going with it, should avoid over girlish style.
Wear it: The most popular look is cuffed, after all, boyfriend jeans always longer than we need. The jeans should be rolled up twice, but not make it look perfect. A masculine belt is necessary and will make you get points.
Shoes: Katie gave a sample of flats, heels, even sneakers. All of them are good companies to boyfriend jeans, only do not rolling up when it matching with sneaker.
Tops: Tops are important, as boyfriend jeans are really loose and need something to balance. well-fitted T-shirts, cardigans and blouses all match it well. Body flattering is the key. Katie gave us some really good samples.

Wow~~ here is the crowd of celebs rolling into this hottest trend. Fabulous team hah? You can judge how hot this trend is, and will be, by the coverage. I sorted them into good and bad, come judge and learn something.
Good followers include Jennifer Aniston, Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham and Amanda Peet. Find something in common? It's the cool but not trashy smell they threw off. That's the key to make them success. Baggy means a loose and causal style, not asking you put anything at hand on your body CASUALLY. See these successful followers, everything was managed carefully. Delicate hair style, figure-flattering tops, no accessories (if scarf doesn't count), everything is simple but in cool style.
Conclusion: Most good followers keep an uncuffed look (though it is recommended as the most fabulous look), going with sneaker or flip-flop. Seems it's easier to copy.

Have you noticed the awful copies listed in the "bad follower"? Some faces even be recognized for their usual good taste. Do you find what makes them look shabby? Loose T-shirt (Rachael Bilson), petite figure (Reeze Witherspood), hair in a mess (oh SJP please, baggy jeans make you easy and casual, not trashy), sexy body type but not right for baggy (Lindsay Lohan).
Conclusion: Boyfriend jeans really does not fit anyone, or goes well with anything. It's enemy of petite, or girls with short legs, and makes them look even smaller. Loose-fitted tops should be avoided. It makes you look sloppy.

Do you have any experience (good or bad) or words to say about boyfriend jeans? Please share.

Tags - celeb-style , boyfriend-jeans , katie-holmes , jennifer-aniston , heidi-klum