Summer to Fall

Hey everyone! Apologies for the summer close.. After a busy few months of travelling and working, time zoomed by like a bullet. Though days are getting darker and frostier, the warm season remains tucked into cosy oversized-coats and woven jumpers. And though light gradually veils itself, it is the shine soaked up that provides energy to withstand the freezing winter. Fall, which yields to blackness hence can be electrified from the past season!

Los Angeles
Walking Above Stars on Hollywood Boulevard

The Famous Rodeo Drive, Designer Fashion Haven 

The Two Santa's, California USA
Santa Monica

Santa Barbara

Provence & Côte D'Azur
Gorges du Verdon & Le Colorado Provencal de Rustrel

Dress According to Destination

Today, going to the beach with a friend and her sister's dogs I decided to dress according to the seas blue colour. Since we were not planning to swim since it is still chilly, especially near the shore with the current and winds, light colours for less heat absorption with long sleeves were practical, especially for looking after the dogs. Therefore a blue button-up denim top and my white jeans with a pair of white converse with blue/red line details were perfect! I had considered sandals but walking in the dunes, especially in the fields would have not been appropriate nor comfortable. Having the colours, I blend just enough in the scenery without being obscured by the environment. Dressing for the occasion according to your destination hence is a great way to look fabulous, even more so in pictures!

Asymmetrical

Whether it is for girls or boys, symmetry has been overdone. Designers nowadays therefore are moving steps beyond from the ordinary into greater scopes making imagination come to life. From special techniques in fabric choice, shapes, lines, and cuts, designers challenge themselves to transform clothes into contemporary and unique pieces! For men, the most recognized item was and probably still is the asymmetrical zipper jacket. Though it is mainly seen for women (mainly in Haute Couture collections), over the top designers notably Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Vivienne Westwood do provide this world of fantasy and inventiveness distinct to other designers.

John Galliano

Alexander McQueen 

Buckler

Yigal Azrouel

Vivienne Westwood

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!

Outfit #2

This is my second outfit in regard to the post on denim! Jeans are probably what I wear most when it comes to the textile. And basically no further! Nonetheless, it did not stop me from finding a great denim button-up shirt from Esprit. Though the inspiring quote "this moment is your life" sewn on probably gravitated me more to purchase, the shirt remains an iconic piece. Personally however, dressing full-on denim I find distasteful unless it is of different dye (color). Same as for bib overalls, in my opinion tacky or for the farm, a mismatch to trends nowadays. As for spring and summer, this was my improvisation of denim according to my style (with different colored pieces). 

Cotton Denim Button-up Shirt, €29.99, Esprit, store Den Haag

White Jeans, Guess?, store London 

All Star Sneakers, Converse, Pro store Den Haag

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

Power of Denim

Denim were first worn by American gold miners and cowboys of the Midwest. It was an ideal fabric for its sturdiness and long durability. Moreover, it maintained its color without risks of wearing out. In the 60s and 70s, it started becoming a flair thanks to the universal brand Levis founded in 1853 by Leob Strauss. From regular blue jeans, denim rapidly transcended into other attires such as jackets and shirts in the 80s. Ultimately, demand boomed leading to other renowned designers to join the competitive market. Present day, jeans are still a popular grab! And for the most part, other denim pieces as well! Inevitably, denim was spotted within a few of the 2012 spring/summer collections!

Vivienne Westwood

Acne

Iceberg