Au Revoir 2011 (Part 2)

31 December 2011

Status: Munching raisins
Time: 3.35AM

Bonjour, darlings! It's me again. Woke up at around 3AM, and since I can't go back to sleep, I figured I may as well finish off my "Au Revoir 2011" series. Considering it's almost 2012 already, I really shouldn't put off this post, should I?

Last time round, I mentioned 3 different fashion trends that dominated 2011: Vintage 70's, Punk, and Crop Tops. Let's continue.

1. Lace and Sheer

In my opinion, these 2 types of material are somewhat similar, yet distinct in their own ways.

Lace

Once upon a time, I used to equate lace with what my grandmother used to wear. So, I basically rejected anything with lace. Up to this moment, I still wouldn't say I was completely wrong. Lace, like all things in fashion, if not worn right would look simply horrible on any person. And when it comes to lace, you'd look years older if you didn't know how to work it.

I admit, over the years, I've warmed up to lace. I think it's a wonderfully feminine thing to wear. I mean, there's just something about lace that makes everything sweeter and more romantic. I'm actually glad that the trend came back in 2011.

The point of it all was to find a balance in the material. To look romantic, yet not too sickeningly sweet. To come off as sensual, and not overly suggestive.

Image courtesy of: Lookbook.nu

Sheer

We've seen it everywhere this year. Well, almost.

What I liked about this trend was the immense sexiness it exudes. And the effortlessness it brings to your clothes. Sheer clothing are like a tease, keeping tongues wagging, hungry for more. But I think the best part of it all, is how it enhances your complexion. They act like a layer that makes your skin so much smoother.

This time round, we've seen a lot more innovation in the sheer trend. Check these out:

Images courtesy of: Lookbook.nu

While not many people (I think) can accept the trend (I know of some people who found it just plain wrong), I actually thought the trend was very interesting. I mean, it's different, in a good way. Who wants to be conventional anyway?

2. Colour blocking

A personal favourite of mine, out of all of the trends that came in this year. Thank GOD the trend came back on! It was getting SO boring with all the conventional colours. I agree that there is an infinite danger to colour blocking.... Too much of it might make you look like a clown. But once you get the colour combinations right (and aligned with your skin tone - VERY important factor), I assure you that the result is a great show-stopper.

And honestly, why blend in when you can stand out?

Image courtesy of: pixibeauty.blogspot.com

3. Tail hems 

I'm going to come right out now and say.... I'm not too sure about this trend. It's not to say that I would never wear a tail hem. Au contraire, I dream of owning one. I just haven't found the time to hit the shopping malls and buy the perfect one. I've always felt that tail hems give an air of elegance and playfulness. That hint of sensuality is just...  Too irresistible.

But there's something about tail hems that I can't quite put my finger on.

Maybe it's the impracticality of it - should the longer end of the hem be too long. I have this crazy vision that the long end would accidentally get caught onto a motorcycle or something.

However, I really hope the trend continues in 2012. It's a nice change to your conventional skirts and dresses, and it would be interesting to where this trend can take us in the near future.

Image courtesy of: urbanogcom.blogspot.com

Well, there you have it. 2 whole posts paying homage to the trends of 2011. I hope you've enjoyed reading them as much as I've enjoyed writing them. 

I can't wait to see what trends come along next year. Can you?

See you in 2012. Happy new year!

Till then. Au revoir, lovelies. xoxo

Emergency Fashion Fix: What'cha wearin' for NYE?

30 December 2011

Status: Rushing post with very wet hair.
Time: 5.30PM

Alright. Less than 24 hours till New Year's Eve. Time to bid goodbye to 2011, and say hello to 2012. Whether it's to impress that hot new crush of yours, or to just have a good time, I think it's safe to say that everyone wants to look good on NYE.

So... Here comes the dreaded question: What are you wearing?

If you're a procrastinator (like me), who puts off planning your special NYE gear till the very last minute, and you've suddenly discovered that you can't find anything in your local shopping malls, don't fret. All you need,  is one basic wardrobe essential.

Basic tank tops. 

These are what I call the "Saviors of a Fashion Nightmare"

Especially useful when you have no idea what to wear. 

You can pair them with anything.... With a bit of creativity, that is. 

Plus, they're highly useful when you simply can't decide on what to wear.

Images courtesy of: acharmedwife.com

With these babies, you can let your imagination fly. Here are a few suggestions:

I've probably repeated myself over this a thousand times, but I really can't help it. 

High waisted shorts, pants, or anything for that matter, are very versatile. If you have one in your wardrobe, USE THEM. Pair them with your basic tank, add a few accessories, pull up a pair of really nice heels (or cute flats, whichever you prefer), and you're good to go. 

But, if you're already bored with the waist skirts and pants you have in your wardrobe, here's an idea:

Turn your favourite dress into a brand new skirt. It's a really clever way to revamp an old dress, and look FAB on NYE.

I got this idea from Miss TiffanyMA on YouTube the other day, and I thought to myself: "Hey, why not?"

Check out her video on how to do it. It's really quick, and don't worry, you won't need to cut up your dress. 

Oh, and if you think it's going to be a little bit drafty, then add a nice jacket or blazer to your ensemble. Or, you could get creative and use a nice boyfriend shirt as a light jacket. 

Images courtesy of: lookbook.nu

But, if the high waisted idea isn't your thing, then grab a pair of really nice jeans, add some accessories, pull up your gorgeous kicks, and voila!

Instant chic and ready to usher in 2012, in style. 

In my opinion, looking good on NYE (or any occasion for that matter), doesn't necessarily mean buying a new outfit. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of creativity, and some accessories. So really, take a real good look at your wardrobe before you panic this New Year's Eve, and let your imagination go wild. 

Till then. Au revoir, beautiful people. xoxo 

Au Revoir 2011 (Part 1)

30 December 2011.

Status: Sitting in front of computer, munching chocolate.

Time: 4.14AM

Oh 2011, you have been kind. Not just to me, but to the Fashion World as well. I must say, as the year comes to a close, I can't help but feel largely impressed with the trends that dominated the year.

So, in honor of the 2011 fashion trends, let's have a quick look, shall we?

1. The return of 70's Sophistication

Vintage. It's like fine wine. It gets better with age. I personally never understood why the 70's went out of style anyways.

There's just something about it that gives an extra lift to any woman. An extra sophisticated lift, that is. It's hard to find anything 70's trashy. IF you wear the look right, that is.

Take the high waisted skirts AND pants, for example. Versatile and chic. I do believe it's also a staple in EVERY girl's closet now.

High waisted skirts and pants have a certain charm about them. And they do wonders for a girl's figure. Skinny or curvy, any girl can pull off this look. If you wear it right. If you're slightly curvy, I would recommend that you wear those high waisted bottoms that have a bit more flair.

Images courtesy of: widbox.com, ssasychic.com, fashionindie.com, jessehanus.com

Then there's the pussy-bow top.

Quite personally, I didn't fancy the trend. I have this weird conviction about bows at the neck. Too... Stuffy. But, I will say that pussy bow tops are in fact, cute. I adore the ones with soft, loose material. Very sophisticated, in a not-so stuffy manner. Though I still wouldn't wear them.

Images courtesy of: allaboutyou.com, fashionboutiques.org.uk

And who could forget the jumpsuits?

While not exactly versatile, jumpsuits are absolutely adorable. They're perfect for those occasions when you just don't know what to wear, and you really don't feel like wearing a dress. I know I have those moments.

Image courtesy of: trendmill.com, cents-of-style.com

2. The punk vengeance

As most of us know, the punk look has been in and out of fashion trends since... Well, since it appeared. This unconventional style has influenced the world of fashion in many, many ways. Especially the motorcycle chic that we've seen a lot of in 2011.

Here are a few examples.

Studs and spikes

I've never hated studs, neither did I have a strong liking for them. However, I do agree that they add a delicious edge to any ensemble. And I believe that they do give a sense of controversy. When paired with the right clothes, these babies give any fashionista an ultra-cool bad girl look.

But of course, there's always too much of a good thing. You wouldn't want to look like a porcupine, would you?

Never wear this on a date.

Highly hazardous to your potential boyfriend.

You might actually be charged for murder.

Or, well. Something from Mars.

What was she thinking?

Other forms of punk elements spotted this year are safety pins and heavy boots.

Images courtesy of: helloknewworld.com, joonbug.com, girldir.com, justjared.buzznet.com, refinery29.com, styleluminisingme.com

3. The crop top

I never understood why this trend went out of fashion either.

Although, I strongly suspect it's because of the minimal number of people daring enough to wear it. This time round, however, crop tops aren't JUST for showing off those gorgeous abs. It's also about finding new ways to show a small peep of your midriff, in an elegant manner. Or, to just add a more chic layer to your outfit.

Here's a brief break down on the many ways the crop top has been re-invented this year.

Layering.

Great for some of us (myself included) who have yet to work off that extra tummy bulge, but still yearning to wear a crop top.

Loose Cropped Top

Bustier Cropped Top

Cropped tops, worn with high-waisted bottoms.

Not for the faint-hearted.

I strongly recommend these for the more daring girls.

I said it many times, and I'll say it again. I love cropped tops. Sexy, daring and just plain adorable, it's the perfect piece to liven up your everyday look. The trick, however, is to not look trashy. If worn carelessly, one might end up looking like a prostitute.

'nuff said.

Images courtesy of: 2threads.com, collegecandy.files.wordpress.com, motelclothes.com, foreverstylestruck.blogspot.com, readthesmiths.com

So ends part 1. Keep an eye out, part 2 will be out really soon.

Till then. Au revoir mes amis. xoxo