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

------

Images via Vogue/ Style.com/ everywhere maybe.

COACHELLA 2014: 7 fresh trends other than the astronaut

The Coachella vibe never dies- maybe for awhile but in 9 months or so we'll be back on the festival game and chanting our limited tribal-call vocabulary. Okay, I kid. But not about the vocabulary though, I mean have you seen anyone instagram with hashtags other than #Coachella #IsawVanessaHudgens #poolparty #astronaut? (Although, I have to admit, I was quite an avid fan of the last one)

For years now, many of us have yearned to be in indie valley- the spirit, the mood, the clothes all brings the ultimate scene together. It's quite interesting how the world participates, that even shop fronts here are going all "WHAT WILL YOU WEAR TO COACHELLA THIS YEAR" even though none of us seem to be going to Coachella this year. But, like every shopping victim, we eventually find it within ourselves to look like Vanessa Hudgens the next day. 

Granted, some of you may still be adamant that Hudgens will always be your favourite High School Musical girl who will only hang out and sing all day by the lockers- but here's some lessons we ought to pick up even though Coachella will never happen for us.

1. IF SHE CAN CROP, HE CAN CROP

I wasn't into finding girls gracing the cropped trend because it's been around for so long, that people probably say "crop" as much as Gatsby could mention "old sport". But will all due respect, the guys have been lacking in this trend- in fact we NEVER would have expected them to join in. Well, until Kid Cudi. 

Raw edges were all in for the singer, and while everyone's writing in on how ridiculous it looks, I'd beg to differ. Its quite funny that the world sees more half naked men than women on a daily basis, but can't seem to handle one showing just a little skin. If women can wear suits, why can't men pull off crop tops? ECCENTRIC. FRESH. I LIKE. 

2. MESSY HAIR DON'T CARE

This entire hair game just got trickier, girls- instead of just blow drying your hair, you're gonna have to get some sea salt spray going and kill your hair into going frizzy. Or maybe just never comb your hair throughout Coachella. That works too. 

I'm in love with this look though, for its out-of-bed impression. Like the girl has so much more to care about in life than hair. Love that. (Even though she probably spent an hour with that sea salt spray)

3. KARDASHIAN LIPS ARE SO LAST YEAR, IT'S TIME TO SMILE
(oh gosh this looks like some dental ad)
(NO GUYS, I PROMISE I WASN'T SPONSORED BY COLGATE)

With the #selfie activity going on, there's always a chance to pull it off in a new way. Even though these weren't selfies, I found it very exciting to see many street style photos focused on the girl's face. Brace-faced, shielded with sunglasses and equipped with a smile- definitely a great way to zoom in on the details.

Side note though, I'm smitten with the pink lipstick shade the girl on the left is wearing! A definitely must-have if I can ever achieve that skin colour.

4. SUMMER WON'T COME BETWEEN US AND LONG SKIRTS

Worn, styled and proven- the long skirts (or dresses) have proven themselves to be here for spring/summer. Chuck the thick wooly ones in the storeroom for now, and let the light ones take front row. And if it isn't obvious enough, the cheerful summer vibes are best given out by your favourite florals.

Loosen the mood with a tie-up crop or make your beach-dress a town-dress with some edgy boots. These pictures really are giving the ultimate long-skirt-styling 101s!

5. SEXY IS BACK

I'll admit. I'm quite proud of the pun pulled with the title HAHA. The sun's out and this trend is your biggest answer to getting some tanned skin going on (not too sure about the front though whoops). Go for a twisted top, halterneck or brave it out with a bikini!

6. "IT DOESN'T COUNT TILL YOU SEE THE"... BELLY BUTTON.
(if you're not getting it, please get to watching meangirls. Pronto.)

One of a kind, I was so into this one. Couldn't find any other person gracing this one, other than the usual cropped tops- but I couldn't bear to leave this photo alone. I was already guessing that she did a DIY but judging from the clean edges, IT WAS SOLD THIS WAY.
HEAR THE CHEERING IN THE BACKGROUND.
THERE IS HOPE FOR US NOW.

However, until I finally find it and contemplate on being a selfish blogger who'll never disclose where it's from, i'll be whipping my scissors out for the fun of it!

7. CELEBRITY FOLLOWIN'learning from the familar faces

Vanessa Hudgens, Sarah Hyland, Selena Gomez

I know I know, it's so hard to spot this one out so I'll just explain it to you.

Get a bindi.

Closing Title

While we're still here Coachella dreaming, there's always a lesson to learn even if they're miles away. So fret not and dress your best- maybe its about time we bring the party to Singapore. Mmhmm, are you thinking what I'm thinking? I'll see you at the artificial grass shop.

Lots of love and messy hair,

Tessa

Picture credits: Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Refinery29, The Guardian, Style.com

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

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!

Fashion Week Edit: A/W13

Fashion Week, ah. The time of the year when us girls feed on low-carb popcorn with less sugar and survive on diet coke, while spending time in front of our heated up laptops, waiting for Cara to walk down the runway and for our turn to tweet "GO CARA GO CARA GO CARA." (because honestly speaking, that's the only model we can seem to recognize under all that heavy makeup)

Across four of the world's largest fashion cities, shows were walked to translate this autumn/winter's biggest trends into numbers. This season's shows were jet-packed with most-gossip-worthy news, from Galliano being a part of Oscar de la Renta to Alexander Wang heading Balenciaga for the first time. AND BOYYYYY the most exciting thing, of course, is to find out what's next for our wardrobes in a few months' time! WE. WE. WE SO EXCITED.

Following the same format that I did for the SS13 post,

THIS MONTH, FASHION WEEK A/W13 WANTS TO TELL YOU: 

 

1. It's the ultimate battle of the sexes

 Left to right: Band of Outsiders, Carolina Herrera, Band of Outsiders, Balmain, Burberry

Ah, the battle of the sexes. Nobody does it better than designers. It's the time of the year when girls get bored over skirts and dresses and start turning to the men's section instead (guilty as charged) and start the battle in WHO WEARS IT BETTER? magazine columns. Gladly, I'm welcoming this trend with open arms because:

*eats popcorn*

Kristen's Advice of the Day: to counter-attack (used to be) ex-boyfriend, wear similar suit but wear it better.
(though Robert still wins, in my opinion)

Other than a revenge tool, menswear is a pretty fresh and interesting take on our wardrobes. Create bold looks with broad, masculine shoulders and you'll be singing "Who runs the world" better than Beyoncé anytime.

2. Pink is the new black

 

Left to right: Cédric Charlier, Band of Outsiders, Balmain, Carven 

Don't worry, you're not alone- I'm having an omg-its-a-pink-panther-invasion moment too. This season's shows had models marching down in pink hues that almost resembled a sea of Percy Pigs.  Perk up the cold, wintry blues (or rainy in our Singaporean case. boo.) with shades of pink- or even just head down to Marks and Spencers for a packet of those gummy pigs to get a taste of what autumn's gonna be like ;)

3. Your old school uniforms are your new #OOTDS

 

Left to right: Celine, Ashish, Gucci, Comme des Garçons

OKAY DON'T FREAK OUT, TAKE A DEEP BREATH: Don't worry, that's not you in your school uniform on the runway (and definitely not in the Comme des Garçons). Un-fold those skirts and pull up plaid trousers, show school spirit in a school pullover too (WHOOOOH, TP SPIRIT)- do it the Ashish (above) way. Whoever said school was boring probably hasn't seen what's about to happen this coming semester.

4. You'll be needing bottoms of the pyjama category

Left to right: Carolina Herrera, Christopher Kane, Chloe

Walk your way this autumn/winter in nostalgic slumber pieces we used wear to our best friend's slumber party (that is, before FBTs started to reign the sleeping/eating/shopping/running/everything dresscode). Whether in Carolina Herrera's take on a patterned number or a statement-making colour like Christopher Kane, you can't go wrong with this one. In fact, why not start now- your pyjama wardrobe's all ready!

5. Calling all bakers: here's your chance to shine

 From left to right: Balmain, Ashish, Central Saint Martins

It was only a few months ago when designers got hooked onto metallic pieces aluminium foil and created inspiration for even the biggest labels like Burberry: 

Above: Mad for Metal in the 18th Sep post last year

True enough, the obsession over our mom's baking essential brought it to the hall of fame across all kinds of magazine spreads too,

This coming autumn/winter leaves no exception (YAY) and leaves no foil behind. Metallics are definitely here to stay, and there's no bigger message that it's the ultimate investment that'll last you through this year! 

6. Trending 'copy and paste' of the season: our flooring

Left to right: Carven, Balenciaga, Band of Outsiders

For the love of really random patterns, it seems like fashion week has a crush on it too. Alexander Wang's debut at Balenciaga brought upon numbers resembling our um, marble floors. Crazy, but it is rather love-worthy, no? After all, anything that looks like a good ol' slice of marble cake deserves such attention.

The likelihood of marbled flooring being entirely Sold out? 0% ("but in this world, nothing is definite" fine ok fine) Corrections, 0.1%. The likelihood of clothes that look like marbled flooring being entirely sold out? 100%, soon >:)

 

7. PUT THAT CHOCOLATE BROWNIE DOWWWWN

 

Left to Right: Dior, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Chloé

Forget the thought of winter's sad layers of coats (that make us the equivalent of fishballs), because the hourglasses are making their way back into the spotlight! Think major waist-belt investments and skin-hugging dresses, and you're on your way to an interesting season. Sounds like the perfect time to give up that plate of foie gras and bring the lemonade diet back into plan, non?

8. Nobody said rubbing shoulders couldn't be done fashionably

 Left to right: Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Gucci 

This A/W, Broad shoulders play the complementing appetisers to the Masculine trend (see: battle of the sexes). On that note, cue in the bold cuts at the top and a beautiful silhouette all the way down- whether in the minimal black or playful colours like Bottega Veneta. Ah, sounds like the perfect time to carry out Operation rubshoulderswithahotguy WHEEEEEE.

IN CONCLUSION, 

+ fashion week was inspired by our house (see: flooring)
+ cake of the day is marble cake
+ aaaaand no, don't do it the Kristen Stewart way. Because for all you know, you'll be getting back together with him. (CONGRATS)
+ To mothers with kids who love to DIY but practically lose interest after 6.5 minutes: HIDE YOUR ALUMINIUM FOIL

On a more serious note, I really hope you enjoyed reading the post! Trends and writing get me really excited so Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer fashion weeks always give me the best opportunity to practice! Would love to read your comments/criticism/take on marbled cake toooo!

HAVE A GREAT DAY, #TGIF!

xoxoxoox

photo credits: Style.com and google