Vogue Notes

Thrift Store Shopping

2009-08-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Who wants overpriced, overly trendy clothes from clean, bright shiny stores when you can get potentially ugly, tacky clothes from the 80s from grungy, dark and dank stores with racks crammed to the hilt with clothes?

Haha, I jest.

Thrift store shopping is such a guilty pastime of mine I'm surprised I haven't done it often enough. Rifling through stuffed racks gives me such an immense thrill, the thrill of the chase and eventually, of the find.

I even delight in dressing down FOR thrift store shopping, which is such an event in my life that I need an outfit especially tailored for thrift store shopping. And yes, there is a way to dress for thrift store shopping, like how there is a way to dress for lazy Sunday brunches, and also like how there is a way to dress for popping in and out of exclusive boutiques along tree-lined paths.

But seriously, thrift store shopping is perfect for fickle(?) fashionistas like me. More often than not, I fall in love with something, only to fall out of love with it after a few months as a new love comes into the picture. What's more, I also really dislike wearing something that is instantly recognizable because its such a popular print/patter/design that everyone can tell when you got it from where.

Where's the appeal in that?

Thrift shopping does away with all that, where I am guaranteed unique pieces for a steal (unless of course you go & buy some Forever21 'thrift' top, which is just ridiculous seriously) With thrift shopping, I can pick up vintage tea scarves, delicate quality brooches, perfectly broken-in carmel brown boots... the list continues.

And since fashion is always recycling itself, it is almost always certain that you'll be able to pick up something or another that is in season now, but with non of the cliched 'runway inspired' design.

Remember the strong shoulders trend with the signature puffed up shoulders? So so so overdone. If I want strong shoulders, I'd get something really 80s! Like a really padded mesh top. Who cares if it really looks like you unearthed it from your grandmum's cabinet recesses? You definitely arent, so wear what you like I say.

Isn't this how everything goes in fashion?

P.S. My favorite vintage/thrift look by hkldnsfmode from Chictopia

XO

Rock The Boat(shoes)

2009-07-18T02:49:00.000-07:00

I'll need some extra pairs of eyes to aid me in my search for my newest fashion obsession. Helpful volunteers get my eternal gratitude!

For the past few weeks, a certain shoe style has been running through my head. Not a particular shoe though, mind you, but a particular style. And nope, it isn't 6-inch staggeringly high stilettoes, and neither is it a perky Liberty floral print summer espadrille, and it isn't that now ubiquitous black studded gladiators. Instead, I'm pining for a perfectly cute pair of boat shoes made out of soft calfskin leather that I'm planning to wear everywhere.

If that proves mite too difficult to locate, I promise I'll settle for one in distressed leather with gorgeous forest green panels.

But most importantly, they MUST be boatshoes. They have to have that adorable leather stringing across the top and sides of the shoe that remind me so of hardy drawstring bags that I used to love so much as a kid. What's more, I also love that it is what fashion really should be all about, comfortable yet studiously cool.

This fash-session (aka fashion obsession) started when I chanced upon an entire rack of sturdy tough Sperry Topsiders in a store and even though they were clearly for guys, I couldn't help but salivate over them. A particular pair,a rich mustard yellow one, really caught my eye. That bright cheery pair popped right out of the stack and somehow, just managed to stick itself in my head. And from then on, inexplicable really, but I fell head over heels for boatshoes.

Just thinking of how I can match boatshoes to an outfit excites me to no end, not only will the sole addition of boat shoes to any outfit give that Alexa Chung vibe which I so love, it will also let me give up on the tired ballet flats that everyone is sporting.

Off with ballet flats and on with the boat shoes!

Till next time,

Make It Light-Washed : Soft Denim Pieces

2009-07-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

It's been far too long. Don't get me wrong, I love writing, especially about fashion and even more so about up and coming trends I believe will hit it big in both the style stakes and in hearts of style-savvy girls everywhere. However, it's been really tough for me to really have time to sit down and write a great trend story. I want everything I put up here to be no less than perfect, and sometimes I really don't have the time.

But today, I made myself really sit down and write. I owed everyone that much at least.

So, enough of the chatter, I'll get down to the trend at hand.

Besides the requisite summer wear like tank tops and denim cutoffs that everyone sports, summer wear to me is all about loose, easy fit pieces that are not only chic but most importantly, keep me cool without looking just like everyone else. Personally, I adopt quite a different approach to warm weather wear. While hemlines rise and sleeves shrink in the summer for most, I resolutely do the opposite. I opt for long sleeves - rolled up of course, and bohemian gypsy skirts or light linen pants. Which brings me to our focus today - Light-washed, easy denim pieces that are soft as an old flannel shirt.

I've seen many versions of this trend, but the one that will win the hearts of many, I believe, will be the oversized denim shirt, with only a faint blue wash to reveal that it belongs to the denim category. Like a comfy old denim shirt that has been washed and rewashed so many times, this season's hottest new trend seems to be what every girl should already have lying somewhere in her wardrobe.If not, head to Topshop for the perfect worn in denim shirt, made oversized specially so you don't have to get a few sizes up. A close lookalike comes in the form of a belted version from Forever 21. Zara's Spring/Summer collection also has a few great looking ones which are on sale right now.

Topshop

Forever 21

Wear this with nothing else but sheerest of stockings,fierce dark booties and a bowler hat. I know I will!

XO,

Chictopia Madness

2008-10-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Aren't we all guilty of voyeurism? Reality tv shows, browsing other people's happy snaps, and of course reading blogs! Are all symptoms of our voyeuristic nature. For the fashion obsessed however, voyeurism comes in the form of Who Wore What When?

Don't pictures of celebrities in fashionable outfits thrill us to no end? The impeccable mix and mash of textures and colours and that attitude to match, simply irresistable. The icons of our fashion voyeuristic nature has to be the Olsen twins. After all, this was how they were recognised far beyond their numerous tween roles and have now been elevated to style divas nature.

Of course, it isn't that often that we really get to see uber fashionable style on celebs and to satisfy our cravings, many who are in the know turn to our alternatives. Like The Sartorialist, Facehunter etc..., hell, even chic looking stylish people are worth looking at.

However, while these 2 may be all the rage, I personally subscribe to another. Chictopia.

Chictopia is way underrated for its absolute treasure trove of baubles it hides and compared to the overly high fashion (read:couture) looks that The Sartorialist captures, I prefer the younger,chic set, with styles that suit my age and my wallet.

Chictopia is not monopolized by a single lensman as the rest are. Instead, it is like a fashionified version of Facebook, where all-too-cool girls post up (almost) daily pictures of themselves in outfits, for the Chictopians to rate.

I have been blown away by the sheer chicness of the Chictopians as the girls (and some guys) can always be counted upon to ooze fashion out of their every pore, if in only the way they pose. But this is rare. Of the many chictopians I've seen, most are experts in dressing well and posing great and have that certain aura about them that screams they care more about getting great bargains (aka, Target, H&M, thrift stores, etc...) and looking fabulously chic rather than caring where the labels on their impeccably dressed bods come from. Unlike some we know, who have ZERO ounces of style but yet tries to pretend that labels maketh the woman. Pfft!

Before I sign off, I thought I'd share with you my inspiration of the day - nothing to do with outfit choice, but what ran through my mind as I browsed every look.

"Fashion is simply a state of mind, its either you believe that you are chic in whatever you happen to be wearing, or you don't. And that can turn the ugliest outfit into the hippest and coolest, or vice versa."

I'm right, no?

Toodles,

2008-10-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Isn't celebrity style watching such a guilty indulgence? Celebs stepping out of their homes in high fashion, sometimes making it, sometimes not so much. But celebrity style watch has always been one of my favorite ways to while away a day, seeing how these celebrities wear their Chanel and their Jimmy Choos. And especially for certain celebrities, their style is all the more fascinating, how their eye for fashion really stands out and most importantly, it makes hoards of fashion-crazed fans want to emulate that look.

Today, our style star is Lauren Conrad, and saying that she has great style is not surprising to most, because of her internship at Teen Vogue (as seen on The Hills) and her clothing line. It's not just that she has a great eye for what looks good on her but that she can match her clothes so well. For example, that beige cropped jacket on her black dress with the lovely tulip skirt is just amazing. The dress by itself would be pretty but perhaps a little shy of plain. But together, its perfect. That cropped jacket just makes her waist look daintily tiny. How cute!

Lauren Conrad, you're a star in my style books!

Loves,

2008-09-25T00:16:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the trend again. It's the time when a certain new trend appears that receives, well, quite a lot of talk. Trends that may seem cool and en vogue for some, but rubbish and plain wrong for others. There's usually two clear cut camps for this, you're either for or against it.

As seen from these pictures, apparently, the fashion-savvy set celebrities in Hollywood are clearly loving it. These celebrities are the ones that fashionistas all over the globe worship, for their impeccable sense of style and that oh-so-enviable attitude to carry it off. The Olsen sisters, Mischa Barton, Lauren Conrad, Rachel Bilson..., these are those girls who are never seen less than gorgeous outside, and who possess their own style personality, able to turn any outfit into their own.

So by the looks of it, shouldn't we be dashing to the stores to grab a few of these?

Not necessarily. Take heed. These are LEATHER leggings. Leather, especially to us girls in warmer weather, is practically a foreign term. No one can dream of walking down the streets in a leather jacket, no matter how cold the day is. What more leather leggings that wrap tightly around your legs, giving them almost no room to breathe?
Leggings is also the other problem. Unless you have fantastic looking pins like these celebs, forget about venturing out in anything resembling leggings. You'd be better off on the beach in your tiniest bikini, cellulite and all.

Perhaps this is why there's so much talk about this trend. All the cool girls are wearing it but I can't because this trend is flat out unflattering. What a pity.

Luckily for moi, I probably will be able to carry this off perfectly, and I cannot rush to the stores fast enough to pick up a pair. Members Only Leather Leggings

Loves,

2008-09-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

Back to school! Well, only the fashion, thank goodness.

Prim navy blazers and stripes, houndstooth and berets, all so reminiscent of a preppy school girl, not unlike the ilk of the best book of all times, Gossip Girl. I love how well those preppy blazers and that rebellious insouciance goes together, almost like summer day and bikinis, you can't do without the other.

I especially love berets thrown in together with the whole look as it gives the outfit that added chic-ness that hats are known to impart to the wearer. Not everyone can carry that off, unfortunately. How sad. My heart goes out to you.

Of course, you shouldn't go crazy and wear everything school related in one outfit, people might mistake you a school kid. Quelle horreur! As the old adage says, 'Less is always more'. Don't overdo it.

I have a fantastic school blazer hanging in my closet that i picked up for a song while shopping in Japan, and it does wonders for an ordinary outfit. Just throw it on a lazy (matching colors!) tank top and skirt and you can transition from laid-back sexy to preppy cool. Instant fashion-school cred.

Lovely!

Soon,

Currently Inspired By #1

2008-09-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

Every week, I'll put up a collage of what currently inspires my dressing and what I believe will be hot hot hot! in a few months.

Austere military jackets, exotic head scarves, cuffed flare pants, relaxed jumpsuits, chain necklaces, the cult favorite doc martens(for the serious trendsetters only!), rocker style zips, layering rings...

I only have a few words for this. Super chic people, super chic.

2008-09-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

Must I say it again? I absolutely ADORE champagne. Not only does its bubbles give you that instant lift, it promises a most definite delight in sipping delicately from the sleek,
elegant champagne flute. Even the act of drinking it brings out glamour and much sophistication that no other drink can provide.

Its soothing pale golden color never fails to attract all but yet one sip, and unlike alcohol of other sorts, the immense lightness lingers on the tongue and can never overwhelm the drinker. Unlike vodka which attempts to grab the drinker's attention with its strong,
arresting taste and the immediate rush to your head, champagne respects and cherishes the enjoyment of the drinker, providing only the needed taste and feel. Perfect!

Ah, what a spiel. Of course, the only champagne I drink is Moet and Chandon and though its no Cristal, it is wonderful.

Talking about champagne brings to mind lovely parties and merry times, where the clink of champagne glasses and the audible hum of activity never fails to brighten up my spirits and bring me into the mood for partying.

That reminds me. For my next little soiree, I must share the love of glorious champagne to everyone else. Break out the Moet, I say!

Till next time,

After a Long Hiatus

2008-02-02T00:48:00.000-08:00

I must apologise for the long hiatus. I've been... busy. You know, a true fashionista is seldom ever free, so many soirees, parties, shopping trips, day outs at salons... simply so much to do and so little time! But abandoning you loyal readers like this is just simply unacceptable! And a girl about town must always have her manners around her and so, many apologies.

Anyway, I've heard news about how almost every girl's dream store, H&M, has plans to open in Singapore probably either late this year or early next year. Now, don't get me wrong, I do love H&M, yes I do. In fact, it's one of my favorite fashion treasure troves and I always leave with huge bags of gorgeous clothes and a very satisfied smile.

Now that I hear its planning to make it way to Singapore, I am, least to say, perturbed. H&M has always been every fashionista's secret pleasure, where they can find get great chic buys for a fraction of the cost which they otherwise would have to pay for. If you are wondering why some girls seem to have giant wardrobes where they seem to have a never-ending supply of clothes, well, now you know. And don't go thinking, big deal, who wants those when I can afford better? Ah, that's where you're wrong, sweetheart. The likes of sienna miller, rachel bilson and supermodel chanel iman has been spotted out and about in H&M togs, flaunting it proudly too. That goes to show, affordable doesn't have to mean cheap.

But back to my point. H&M making its way to Singapore should then considerably warm my heart and fill me with hope for my burgeoning wardrobe, no? Humph. Far from it. The sole reason I escape to other countries for my shopping is because, let's face it, clothes in Singapore is pretty much too boring or too repetitive, with the same styles replicating itself gazillions of times everywhere. Let's just say I absolutely HATE the idea of seeing what I have on someone else. Especially if it appears on someone who looks less than fabulous in it. Shudder.

And what is worse is that H&M is so much more value-for-money than most other high street brands like Zara, Mango or Topshop, and what this means is that tons and i do mean TONS of people will flock to H&M. You can guess what happens next. The dearth of H&M as a veritable fashion treasure trove for every other Jane and Amy will be wearing clothes from there. Darn. Does this mean I will have to start looking high end?

This is depressing. I need some spa therapy ASAP. Now, which one should I go for, the soothing ginger camomile wrap or the sinful dark chocolate facial? Hmmm...

Till next time,

Great Singapore Sale?

2007-05-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

The Great Singapore Sale is coming up yet again. Being a shopaholic like moi one would assume I would be all hyped up and excited about this.

No siree.

Other than cosmetics or lingerie, there's nothing fantastic about sales. First of all, the sizes are all wrong, they are all way too big for me. As if they weren't big enough before the sales already. And also, I HATE queues and this is the when every store would probably have a majorly long queue, for the dressing rooms, for payment and even for the freakin' toilet.

But, the main reason I hate sales is that I detest impulse buys that I'd never wear even once. Don't you just hate it when something looks so fabulously chic when you're trying it on but when you get home, the look just falls flat? The glimmer that you saw in the folds of the fabric has turned into a dull spot. What a letdown. The money should have really gone to something better.

There's also the reputation to maintain. Imagine also how totally un-fashionable and un-chic one would look dashing to the sales and fighting with the lady with bleached hair and fake Louis Vuitton for that last gaudy pink feather boa that is at 70% off. Not nice. Also, tips doled out by newspapers on 'How To Survive The GSS' are so cliched and so overdone that they make me want to ditch the GSS altogether and fly off to Bangkok or Hong Kong immediately to get away from the maddening crowds.

One of the most godawful tips I've heard is to bring your own snacks and water so that you won't waste precious shopping time.

Hello?

Where's the whole shopping spirit? Shopping is supposed to be relaxing, strolling through malls and boutiques, spending a lovely hour or two over tea and enjoying the whole experience. This is shopping. Not rushing like mad women with bad hair at that.

And to imagine, messy racks of clothing, getting pushed around, receiving dirty looks from women waiting outside the dressing room if you preen for too long... Totally not my style.

Someone give me a cool compress! I think I'm getting a headache from thinking about how my whole shopping experience for the next month will be thus marred irreparably.

Think I'll retreat into my cozy comforts of my bed and Macbook, and shop from there.

Tata,

The Story of Brand

2007-05-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I happened to see this chic lady on the train the other day. She was carrying a Loewe Amazonia bag.

Not to say the least, I immediately scoffed at it, thinking, "Oh, thats a fake one. But what a GORGEOUS fake bag."

Obviously so.

Someone who is able to afford Authentic Loewe bags should not be taking trains. Instead, they will be taking cabs, if they can't drive.

They are wealthy enough to take a cab everywhere they go. Not trains. Unless the person is aka Paris Hilton and her posse on The Simple Life. But I seriously doubt that since I didn't see any sweaty cameramen following this lady.

A word of advice here. If you do buy and carry around imitation bags, please do not ever take public transport. It only exposes your secret that the bag is not the real thing.

Maybe it really is a real bag, perhaps she spent a few months salary on that but she herself is in essence a typical lady with a typical income? Which is why she still takes the public transport?
Possible. But not worth it. Even if the bag is fully real, people (like moi) would still think other wise. So, in one word, pointless.

On the other hand, it was the most gorgeous Loewe bag I've ever seen. Soft calf leather in a lovely shade of chocolaty brown, and with the intricate Loewe logo imprinted on the front. No other confusing colours or de-classifying colours marred the sheer beauty of the simplicity of the bag. Absolutely gorgeous. The BEST I've ever seen. If the quality of fake bags were that good, I wouldn't mind getting one myself. By golly, I've never seen such a beauty in its boutiques before.

Wish me luck! I must get my hands on that bag.

Till next time,

Summer Fashion

2007-04-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

Summer. How many times must I profess my love for summer? I love it that my oversized sunglasses get put into good use, I love it that shorts can be worn everywhere and anywhere and I love it that I can flaunt my pretty, colorful bikinis. More than that, I love the summer fashion, the brilliant bright colours, the breezy chiffon, the luscious styles. Who can say no to THAT?

The only problem. I can't possibly buy every single summer clothing I fall in love with. That would mean buying over the whole shop, which would, frankly, be ridiculous.

Although summer fashion never fails to entice me, I realise that if not worn well, these bright styles can be then translated to gaudy, which I would label as a tremendous numero uno fashion faux pas. I believe in my sense of style fully though, and I know that this word would never be found on me.

First rule is that these bright prints and colours are, unfortunately, not suitable for bigger sized girls, like those of UK12 and above. Not especially if you're well endowed. These bright prints can only exaggerate those areas. These pretty summer frocks are only suitable for girls model-sized. Perhaps you bigger girls should stick to the winter styles, of which have duller colours and less prints.

Second way to avoid looking 'gaudy' is to ensure that colours don't clash. No matter what you might think, bright green doesn't go with fuschia pink, neither will royal purple go with orange. Make sure your colours go well together and that they should be more or less in the same colour group, with at most 2 spectras away.

Lastly, no matter what you do, DO NOT wear leopard prints or fishnet stockings with any summer outfit. That is NOT summer dressing. Unless you're intending to receive as many stares as possible. Instead, think LOOSE, BREEZY and FLOWY.

The sun's beckoning to me. I'm going to slip into my fetching blue bikini and soak up some sun at the pool. See ya there!

Sadness Of It All

2007-04-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

You know what? There's something sad about the state of girls' fashion sense here in Singapore. It's not that they don't shop, in fact, quite the opposite, many of these girls I will be referring to later on are most likely avid shoppers. They DO shop, and probably spend quite alot on clothes and fashion. So it goes that usually these girls would be quite fashion savvy and stylish wouldn't it? That can't be further from the truth.

I've noticed that many of these girls get their jeans from mass market brands like the way overrated Levis and owns one of the I-Want-One-Because-Everyone-Has-One-Birkenstocks. My best bet is that she would have paid at least $100 from head to toe. The funny thing is, she actually ends up looking like she bought everything from some bargain bin sales or a flea market.

Ain't that tragic? They probably felt that paying more for a mass market brand would up their style quotient by quite a bit, and so would rather get that than a 'no brand' pair of jeans which would have a similar cutting but cost a quarter less. Unfortunately for these sad, deluded girls, it doesn't work that way, I'm sorry to say.

Look, I don't mince my words. Why would I and in fact, why should I?

If you are one of these girls out there, my heart goes out to you. I feel for you, I really do.

Let me give you a piece of advice:
Looking truly chic and stylish has absolutely nothing to do with brand or the price you pay for whatever it is that you buy. If you have it in you, you can look like the next Sienna Miller or Nicole Richie with bargain bin or flea market finds. Of course, there are some which are intrinsically bound together, like style and Christian Louboutins or like elegance and Chanel.

When it comes to these, I fully believe that to get that style, you have to pay for it. Christian Louboutins signature red soled shoes are gorgeous in every way as it not only is a smart way to tell others that these are his shoes, but is also the ultimate artistic delivery. His red soles add just the right amount of pizzazz to entice and attract all attention to that epitome of style.

But that's gone off the topic. What was I saying before? Oh yes.

Believe it or not, I can dress two girls, one in bargain bin goods and another to wear everything from Guess?, and get the one with the bargain bin finds to look twice as cool and wealthy as the other. Style is how you wear your clothes, how you mix and match your finds to whatever you already have in your closet and end up looking fabulous. It is nothing along the line of 'price equates style'.

Of course, then there are those girls who are able to wear Dolce & Gabanna and put on Prada boots AND look like what they pay for. That is the perfect combination isn't it? However, we all know that perfection doesn't fall from the sky. You either have the luck or you don't. So I say, for the rest of us who don't have that luck, keep to updating your style quotient. Read fashion magazines, look at how other fashion savvy girls on the road dress... anything, just remember that style can definitely come in the form of an $8 top, as long as you know how to put everything together. AND!carry it off with oodles of attitude.

Talking about flea markets makes me so excited. I must admit I love going to flea markets and doing a spot of bargain hunting. The thrill of the chase and the excitement of the fun all adds up to a great shopping experience, so next time you see this fabulously chic girl rummaging excitedly through a bargain bin, you'll know that's me.

Love,

Vogue Notes-The Fashion Insider

2007-04-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost on us now, and looking at all the new summery scents out in stores, I cannot help but think of lovely lazy summer days spent jet setting around the shopping capitals of the world or soaking up the sun on soft sandy beaches and whiling away breezy summer nights dining at stylish alfreso restaurants...and of course, shopping! I think....

Oh! My, my, where ARE my manners?

Let me introduce myself. You can call me Chanel. That's obviously not my real name, but since there's not much need for one, it'll do. And I happen to like that brand anyway.

Vogue Notes.

Simply put, fashion notes. I see so many people everyday, some with an amazing sense of style and taste, and some with none at all. Most, however, fall in between. Putting together my love for writing with my style inclinations, I came up with Vogue Notes, a place to note down anything fashion related, be it my thoughts, my ideas, on what I observe.

I would love to tell you more, but oh, I've got so many people to talk to, so many things to do! As I've said, summer time is rolling around again, and I've got plans I need to make. Where's my passport? Where's the sun lotion? The smell of fresh new clothes?

Hmmm, I already have an idea for my next post. I can tell it is going to be somewhat controversial. But, that's for next time.

Until then,