Fashion Tips and Tricks: The Cheongsam

9 January 2012

Status: Resisting urge to eat junk  food (currently doing a detox)

Time: 2.00AM

T-minus 2 weeks to Chinese New Year guys! I don't know about you, but I'm really excited. Next to Christmas and Easter, Chinese New Year is one of my favourite holidays. I mean, it's the time of the year when family members from far and wide come back home, and reunite as a family. Absolutely heartwarming.

I confess, I'm a huge shopaholic. And Chinese New Year is the one time of the year when I have THE perfect excuse to shop. But this year, I've promised myself that it's going to be different. 

This CNY, I've resolved to buy only 2 things for my wardrobe.

A full Cheongsam, and a Cheongsam top. 

Image courtesy of: zimbio.com

I love Cheongsams. And why not? Cheongsams are actually really sexy. I especially love bareback and sleeveless ones. I think they make women look sultry, and very elegant. Though some might disagree with me, I actually believe that the Cheongsam can be worn, not only during Chinese New Year and special occasions, but on any other day. 

How? Elementary, my dear ones.

It's all in the pairing.

1. Jeans

Image courtesy of: cnngo.com

This is precisely why I want a Cheongsam top. So I can pair it with anything in my closet. Wearing a Cheongsam top with a pair of jeans makes your ensemble a little more casual. You can actually prance around in college or on the streets without looking overdressed. 

2. The high waist factor.

Image courtesy of: cnngo.com

Now, I know that I've mentioned this a bajillion times on this blog, but high waisted pants and skirts, are absolute saviors. Pair your Cheongsam with a pair of high waisted pants or skirt to give it a more modern twist. Add a nice belt and accessories to make your outfit more interesting. I'm not sure how many people would agree with me on this, but I actually think it looks pretty cute. 

Be extra careful if the Cheongsam you're using is skin-tight and made of silk material. I don't think anyone would want a ripped Cheongsam for CNY, would you?

Remember, fashion isn't just about riding with the trends. Sometimes, a little bit of creativity is all you need. 

3. Tights and Funky Shoes

Image courtesy of: Lookbook.nu, Ebba Zingmark

Call me crazy, but I actually think this works. This is a combo for the the more daring fashionistas out there. 

Pair your Cheongsam qipao with a pair of colourful tights (or tights with a nice pattern would do). However, make sure that the colour/pattern does not clash with the qipao, or you might come off as if you have clothes dyslexia. Wear a pair of really cool shoes (like platform boots, for example), and voila! 

You're sure to be in the spotlight this CNY. 

Well, there you have it. My take on modernising the Cheongsam for everyday wear. So, go ahead. Try something a little different with yours. After all, where's the fun in fashion if you don't experiment a little with it? 

Till next time. Au revoir, sweet ones. 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