Clean-cut Canvas: Dion Lee

If it isn't friday- the time of the week when we end up in a detrimental state of overflowing school work but succumb to great writing inspiration. 

If there is one thing I love about assignments, it is the fact that online shopping can easily pass off as inspiration-sourcing. And call me a civil servant to the world of inspiration-sourcing because I'm bought every time net-a-porter decides to help shove my way to a page with Alexander Wang boots that cost as much as 300 jars of apricot jam that I wouldn't be able to finish in a lifetime. 

I don't even like apricot jam. (Shoutout to my fridge for jam inspiration though) 

Boots and jam aside, sourcing has done me well with newer perspectives and yet another designer to rave about. I've been shuddering over the amount of money spent on my sushi dinners and not his clothing:

Australia has been breeding a new generation of designers that make waking up in clean-cut tailoring the new norm. If New York has Wang to make the outta-bed clean-cut look, Australia has Dion Lee to make the I-don't-need-anything-else-in-life clean-cut look.

Structured, well-tailored and a great eye for detail would be a few terms to describe him. While paying tribute to traditional tailoring, the 24 year-old designer finds it in himself to create art out of it. And the result? Think numbers that accessorise themselves along the way with eccentric, crisp tailoring. This- complex simplicity- is new art. (Okay fine, art never grows old but still.)

While we see his pieces as to-die-for additions to our wardrobes, Dion Lee's pieces reflect a kind of reinvention that just bites at every tailored corner, making us wonder "why didn't I think of that?!" Truly, Lee has to be a representative of a blooming generation- eager to find beauty in old things to piece on a brand new canvas- and alas, a complete painting.

To say the least, I am ecstatic that Dion Lee's eye for quality and detail has met an audience that is willing to support the designer to greater heights. If this is what he is now, I cannot wait to see the powerhouse he's bound to lead in the next few years. 

Lots of love and 'inspiration-sourcing', 

Tessa

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Images via Vogue/ Style.com/ everywhere maybe.

S/S 2014: The Birken-Sandal trend

As the snow leaves with the chilly spirit, leaving space for bean sprouts to germinate (beautiful thought isn't it) and eggs to fry on your hot-enough pavement, the boots leave too. Of course, a well needed replacement widens the gap where our feet's exposed and we're well on our way to this:

Ida IV, Zara, Birkenstock, Gentle Souls, Givenchy

Not too sure about other countries, but the Asian one like mine has expressed its love for these sandals ages ago. Except, well- it's a different crowd we're talking about. Think grandfathers situated in the likely old-man-scene, sitting in a coffee shop with one leg up. 

I'm not into the idea of achieve the old man's look, but I'm in on this trend for another reason- the power of toning an outfit down is in great hands of this one, and it's going on maximum with the advantage-taking. My first night with it called for major experimentation (don't we all turn our wardrobes upside down, dancing around the house in all the skirts that actually match the new shoes?!) and I least expected myself to be doing the dance in my prom skirt. 

WHY YES, the once ballroom-dancing appropriate skirt has transformed itself into a shopping-mall friendly one. Whether Birkenstocks, BirkWannabes (that's mine uhuh), nike slippers or $5 ones off the market, the possibilities with the sandals can get so limitless- you'll never know what's germinating in this trend. 

Nonetheless, here's my take, three ways that have germinated whilst wardrobe dancing ;) 

One. Weightless Statement
Bershka jacket, H&M wool hat, Zalora Sandals, Topshop earrings and eyeshadow

A leather jacket and a giant floppy hat elevates statement making into a whole new level. Whilst all the attention seeking, the sandals add an effortless touch. While you're busy (secretly)(YES- guilty as charged, I ALWAYS suffer in the hot weather) dealing with the tight fitting jacket and floppy hat, ease it down with the easy slip-on sandals- giving you a smooth look without forgetting the edge.

 (pretty obvious that I've been having too much fun playing with photoshop HAHA)

Two. Lazy day Edge
Zara lace top, H&M laced-up hot shorts, ModParade lip brooch, Juicy Couture Eu de Parfum, favourite Benefit tints (review here!)
I've always had a thing for leather clashing with something soft- which, in this case is lace. There is always a kind of beauty that comes in with clashing textures or patterns, it's so wrong that it actually works. Fix some good hairspray (always sworn by L'oreal's Elnett spray- cheap and good) for the day and you're pretty much all ready to rule the world. Well, I like to feel that I can.

Three. Sportsluxe Rules

Thrifted Wilson Jersey (yes, my best friend checked it and apparently I'm supporting a retired player), Topshop Accessories 

There's nothing to not love when it comes to mixing sports and a sandal so casual. However the biggest faux pas that we might overlook is looking more like a player who just came out of the shower in slippers instead of someone ready to go out. Forget those worries by going on some heavy accessorising, keeping the clothing straightforward. Complimenting the jersey's colours will do the trick too, putting you one point closer to victory ;)

So here's to the season of Birken-sandals, yet another trend I never expected myself to be writing about!

Lots of Love and Sandal wearing,

Tessa

I love your trash

(I seem to be changing fonts in every post and telling myself "OKAY THIS IS THE OFFICIAL FONT YOU WILL USE IN EVERY POST" in every post because the mood always seems to change)

The iron-jawed girl in me always finds it within her ways to get things done extravagantly different, and I'm pretty much into this trait. For many reasons, I would cringe at wearing something if everyone was or go back home to change if I felt I was wearing something comparable to the ultra-popular GEEK shirt.

It's not a strength 24/7- other than the mindful spirit whilst running that gets me up and saying "if everyone will do it this way, do it better"- very often do I end up with a depleting energy to keep ahead. Outside the track or away from the punching bags, I can't exactly say how thrilled my wallet has been to have to buy something that no one has. 

Nevertheless, it's a personality that's been with me since young- and even I see it within the inspiration that has caught my eye.

The beauty of inspiration acts in the same way as the perception that one man's trash can be another's treasure- it can only speak to you on a personal level. When your heart sincerely welcomes it in for a cup of tea, you know it's a connection that's been ignited- the characters within you holding hands, lighting a spark that only gets brighter.

Top left, the african-like turban: a common sight on screen, an uncommon sight on street
(Nadia x Nadia, photographed by Nadine Ijewere)

Top right, hand sewn: putting the pencil down, threading an impression with a needle.
(Rick Owens depicted by Jennifer Corker)

Bottom left, pushing limit: Okay okay I gotta admit, the sportluxe obsession got me again. But I am exceptionally in love with the old, dirty looking double-end bag. Some reality hit into the usual fashionably-pristine shot. And can we please leave some love for her fleshy, musuclar thighs?
(Phillip Gay for INTERVIEW Germany 2012)

AND MY FAVOURITE,

Bottom right, ironic purpose: a safety pin holding itself on your ears, not looking the safest. Très chic- I bet the fashion police would stop you just to ask where you got it from.
(Viktor & Rolf, Spring 2014)

Lots of love

Tessa

Till death do us part

Roxy crop top // white bottoms from Taiwan // SAY HELLOOOO TO the Supergas 

This time, I used the I REALLY NEED NEW SHOES FOR WORK excuse to make my next purchase. As stupid as it sounds (just like the rest of the other 323781537621 excuses for every other piece in my closet), it actually happened and I'm still at the cloud nine phase!

I can probably foresee myself advancing to the you-may-kiss-the-bride cum honeymoon stage in about a few days, but I'll update you guys soon on our progress ;)

Ahhh, If it isn't the pair of Supergas that I've been dying to get since last year. I was one very very hesitant girl, playing hard to get with this pair. I remember staying up and wondering whether to make the first move and hand over money. But $70? For another pair of sneakers? Was it really going to rob me of all those precious bowls of ramen and possibly another chance to buy a hamster cage for the sake of fun?

Well yes. Eventually I got robbed anyway.

Although seriously though, I've never felt this happy with a pair of shoes- probably a sense of achievement that I scored a pair of sneakers away from Converse and Vans. Uhuh uhuh uhuh feeling so hiPPpPppPPPpster right nowWwWWWwwwWWWw. If you have yet to know about Supergas- let me do the introducing!

1. This Italian brand has been around since the first World War (yes i know you're like WHAT Y U NO SHOW YOURSELF HERE EARLIER?! Same reaction sista, same reaction. )
2.  Made it's mark with sneaker-goers like us ever since it started creating such versions apart from their original leather kicks. 
3. Fashion icons like our favourite Alexa Chung has graced the Superga-wearing-phenominon, representing the brand through advertising campaigns.
4. Meanwhile, fashion bloggers like Chiara Ferragni (blonde salad) have collaborated with the brand for some lacey looks that lace-tablecloth enthusiasts would love (don't get me wrong, I love my tablecloths too)

While some of you may still be asking what's so good about it, I'll probably just direct you to Rockstar to give a pair a try- understand it's comfort and versatility for yourself! Okay, maybe I could be speaking too highly of it. But love blinds one, no? ;)

While I embark on this new journey with the new pair, do let me know if you've gone smitten over one too- we can start discussing a new Superga facebook fanpage over bowls of ramen that I can totally afford

Aaaand if you're already on your way to handing over the money, head over to

-Official Singapore site
-Zalora (I got mine here for $20 off because of a promotion!)
-ASOS
-Urban outfitters (if you're in the mood to spend some bowls of ramen on shipping)
-or head to Rockstar to experience the shoes on your own!


LOTS OF LOVE

WHEN ON A #YOLO SHOPPING SPREE for SS13 (part 2)

as continued from [part 1]

 

Keyword: WRAP

On the runway: Bottega Veneta, Andrew Gn

 In our wardrobes:

 Left to right: 

ASOS // Zara [as seen on 232362198368946394 million fashion icons on earth] // Love (ASOS)

 Keyword: FRINGE

On the runway: Saint Laurent, Rodarte

In our wardrobes:

*bored of an old top? Cut/shred it, VOILA- FRINGE!

 Left to right:

 Steve Madden // Staring At Stars (Urban Outfitters) 

Keyword:  DENIM

On the runway: Miu Miu, Ashish

In our wardrobes:

*the usual denim look's too boring for you? go DOUBLE DENIM!

Left to right: 

Bank // American Apparel // New Look

WHEN ON A #YOLO SHOPPING SPREE for SS13 (part 1)

(pardon the really lame blog title) (though really, it does make sense)

  

SHOPPING- The daily ritual that I cannot-not partake in

ASOS' iPhone app makes it even better, and the liberty to keep tabs up with online stores aids the emptying of our banks.

While shopping this season, there's bound to be something that'll catch your eye- whether you're in a love or hate relationship with the spring breeze and summer heat.

Here are some of my favourite online picks to perk up our wardrobes (AW YEAH SHOPPING MODE ON)

Keyword: PRINT

On the runway: Acne

In our wardrobes:

*$2 daiso shirt + fabric marker works too ;)

 Left to right (click click click!) : 

Nike (ASOS) // American Apparel [which I love- comes in every alphabet!] // Glamorous (ASOS)

Keyword: Transparent

 On the runway: Chanel, Valentino

 In our wardrobes:

*take advantage of the see-through-ness and pair with priddddddy socks!

Left to right: 

 Jeffrey Campbell (Nasty Gal) // Velvet  [ZALORA *see below]

 Keyword: STRIPED

On the runway: Chloé, Marc Jacobs

In our wardrobes:

 Left to right:

Ezra (ZALORA * see below) // House of Holland (ASOS) // Editor's Market [just me or does it resemble the Marc Jacobs piece?]

 Keyword: CROP

On the runway: Louis Vuitton, Jonathan Saunders

In our wardrobes:

 Left to right: 

Nasty Gal [evening favourite!] // Corner Shop (Urban Outfitters) // Hollister

Hunting for my favourites for part 2, catch it tomorrow!

OH NOOO FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL TOMORROWWWWW *crosses fingers*

xxoxoxoxox

p.s Know of any online stores with reasonable shipping rates + good stuff? :O

*Sponsored:
ZALORA is the online shopping destination and a real plus point- has fast delivery island-wide!

Favourite Trio: #2!

heart trobblingly, feet wobblingly, brain explodingly:

faux leather baseball cap, Benefit's Sugarlicious makeup kit, old Nike School shoes

The time has come for the presentation of three of my biggest obsessions of the moment, YAY I LOVE THESE MOMENTS. Okay, let's skip the expression-of-feelings part before I start majoring in philosophy.

1. faux leather baseball cap/ H&M

Give me a choice between faux or real leather and I'll choose faux anytime- at least it doesn't smell under the hot sun. Faux leather especially comes in handy when you're in sunny and humid Singapore, where the easiest way for an insurance company to go bankrupt is to sell insurance policies that it will never be hot Singapore.

I got this baby at a H&M sale in London and have never let go of it ever since. There's something so lovable about having a cap- it's always the best outfit-completer and easily hides all your bad-hair-day hairdos! (ding ding ding +1 point)

2.  Lip and Cheek kit/ Benefit

 

FOR THE LOVE OF THINGS THAT DON'T LOOK LIKE THEY MAKE A DIFFERENCE BUT ACTUALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Rated 5 full stars on Sephora's website, Benefit's kits really are the biggest angels to a bad-face-day kind of morning. Throw in our early-morning pouts and terrible moods after stupid pigeons peck on our windows- I get you:

 #firstworldpains

I got this life saver for my birthday from a good family friend. I never knew of it's existence before my birthday nor saw any importance in getting makeup outside the lipgloss/eyeliner/foundation catogory. Well, maybe until I got hold of this box of goodness. 

I really cannot explain how they help but they just do- your cheeks look great and perked up without too much of the *bling* effect and your lips are completely covered with the lip/cheek tint aka Benetint (see below) and lipgloss.

 I forgot to mention- it tastes good too

Delicious-tasting and sweet-smelling, no other better kit than this. Yeap, I'm already fully fledged fan. #101ThingsToHaveBeforeYouDie

3. Sneakers and rainbow laces/ Nike and SportsDirect

 

In my dictionary, anything that I've managed to spend a year with becomes vintage. So yeap,

Vintage library books

Vintage phone

Vintage Teri (my photographer cum sister)

and of course, Vintage sneakers

By now you probably would've figured that these Nike sneakers must've had a fairshare of years with me. True enough, it was my companion, my guide, my everything (jk, not so) back in Secondary school.

I admit, I'm a very sentimental person. So you'll never find me throwing away things (especially shoes and clothes) until doomsday comes when mom decides to get frustrated over the mess my unneeded things. So of course, the strategy to throwing away less things is finding a need in the unneeded. 

When life gives you boring school shoes, make not-so-boring shoes with rainbow laces!

So then came the rainbow laces from Sports Direct at a total bargain (1 pound!) and I actually found good use for this pair of shoes eversince. Memory-carrying + pretty laces + durable + comfortable (and minus the SECONDARYSCHOOLKID look) , can't get any better than this!

So that's it for three of my favourite things at the moment! Be sure to try out the Benefit kit and tell me all about your love for it ;). And if you're looking for the exact same laces, here

HAVE A GOOD WEEK AHEAD

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo