Urban/Street Style

Here is a look I was wearing on a day out in Leiden. My friend and I had come by a graffiti wall on our way to Centraal Station and thought would be nice to take a few shots. Was not really dressed for an occasion, but I guess one can say this is an interpretation of my own towards street/urban style.

Outfit #4

A look wearing my favourite jacket and a pair of my beloved shoes!

To view more details, please visit my Lookbook

Thank you!

Outfit #3 - Koninginnedag & Nacht

In the Netherlands, every year there is a day (30 April to be precise) to celebrate and honor the Dutch Queen Beatrix. Though it does not relate directly to the kingdoms birthday, the tradition has been around for many years now since the predecessor Juliana. On the night of the 29, it is probably where one can experience the most parties and booze! A great way for many to rejoice and let loose! On the following day, many festivals take place within main cities where people sale own merchandise at stands second hand for great deals! Furthermore, if lucky, one can spot the royal family cruising by in their fairytale carriage! The typical Dutch color is orange (oranje) and ties into fashion in many ways when people dress up for these festivities! Below I posted some pictures of myself and friends in awe of the glorious event!

 

London Trip - How to Pack Effectively

Before leaving to London, I had struggled packing. At first I had many items of clothing I wanted to bring along with me for the five day stay, but in reality bringing an excess of attires can be tiring and may lead to extra charges (having more than required luggage weight). For girls this is not uncommon obviously, most probably bring their entire wardrobe with three or more suitcases! Totally unnecessary.. and as for guys, though we often tend to limit ourselves, sometimes that can be difficult. Knowing much about London, I was well aware of the fashion capital and the sophistication in clothing many people wear. That was mainly the biggest issue I had, as I wanted to be dressed well for day to day basis (not to mention I was visiting universities for next year). That said, I had to plan strategically by mixing different (limited amounts of) clothing encompassing one (regular size) suitcase that would mash well together. At first, I had picked the color blue and gray (mainly from two blazers) as a definite element I wanted encompassed in my looks. Having had that in mind, I happened to have a pair of sneakers that have blue, silver, and white color blocking which were perfect! From there on, I had to focus on under-layers. To have a small variety, I picked out a blue polo and a yellow T-shirt that both mix well with blue or gray! As for bottoms, I wanted a different color and therefore went for my black denim jeans (tip: black goes with everything) as well as a gray chino (which looked great with the gray blazer having a pop of color from the shoes or shirt/polo). That made a total of, if curious, five items (including a sweater if ever cold) excluding one outfit I had worn with me during travel (as well as coat) and underwear/socks in addition to toiletries. So the key to successful packing in my theory is to first think of elements for your upcoming looks; whether color, type (e.g. suits and blazers if plan to be on business trip), shape, or texture! From then on, pick clothes that fit the chosen element criteria and try to make models by exchanging a regulated quantity of clothes (from one outfit to another).

Day 1 & 2

   

              

Day 3

           

Day 4

       

Sorry for Day 5 had not taken any pictures, but for an outlook (gray chino + gray blazer + yellow tee). Thank you!

Cool Alternative to Jeans: Chinos

Jeans are great, not going to lie, I have many of them as probably many people do! Yet, jeans can sometimes come off as ordinary, especially for a guy as we do not have as many options (apart from shorts or formal wear) compared to girls in relation to the lower part of our body. Not saying we should wear a dress, that's way too extreme, but if any of you want to change to something different.. chinos, also called 'khakis' are a great alternative! Originally worn by military soldiers during the two World Wars, they are now becoming a popular trend and they fit just as well as jeans do! I even find them to be more versatile and comfortable! And what's even better is that they come in a wider variety of colours than jeans, which can help elevate an outfit without too much effort.

Outfit #1

Hey everyone! Here is my first outfit which I thought matched well with the trends of the color blue for spring and summer. Personally, I prefer to play and match different colors together unlike on my previous post where most runway looks projected blue from head to toe. Though I am into designers, it can be really expensive. I would have to save up for a couple months (aka spend less) or it would have to be a special occasion, like a birthday. And not to to brag, but that sometimes meant one present for the entire year, which isn't bad at all since it was my own choice. However affording top quality goods does not always have to be by a brand. As a student, and probably for most, I too look to more affordable outlets. Mixing designers with normal sets of clothing is not bad at all, or even without, its not the price you pay but most importantly how you wear them. And most of all, stay true to one and style! Mine leans towards casually classic, with suave cuts and not an excess of outspoken details (though a few can sometimes be okay).

                             

Pique Blazer, €69.99, Pull&Bear, store Den Haag

Brown Cotton Chinos, €19.99, H&M, store Leiden

Spring/Summer 2011 Contrast Lace-ups, Gucci, store Paris

Can also viewed at: Lookbook.nu (online daily fashion photoblog)

Whites - Spring/Summer 2012

White was the most prominent color to be seen on the spring/summer 2012 runways from Paris, Milan, London, and New York. Perhaps due to the fact it is the lightest absorbing the least heat practical for the warm temperatures of the high seasons of July and August. The clothes were for the most simple (with minor details, apart from symmetrical cuts) and from appearance seemed to be comfortable. Fabrics like cotton, silk, satin, cashmere, and lamb skin were the favorites among many designers in enhancing soft complexions and smooth flow of the garments.

Balmain

Calvin Klein 

Dior Homme

Dolce & Gabbana

Gucci

John Varvatos

Kenzo

Rick Owens

Roberto Cavalli

Salvatore Ferragamo

Thierry Mugler

Yves Saint Laurent