How to: 6 ways to wear a skater dress

I think it's safe to say that if you don't own a skater dress, you're probably not aware of how useful these things are. You're missing out. Probably one of the most versatile dresses known to the fashion world, this is a dress that you can wear for virtually any occasion. You'd be surprised, it's actually quite easy to change it up.

This is a Forever New Skater Dress, you can purchase it for $99.99 here. You can find similar pieces at PhatCulture.com for RM59 here, su-estillo.com for RM69 here, and peepboutique.com for RM59 here.

1. Rock and Edgy

This is pretty much an "I-want-to-beat-someone-up" outfit. I'd normally wear this when I'm in a bad mood. If you don't own a leather jacket, it's a good idea to invest in one. They almost never go out of style. And they're great for adding a bit of an edge to your ensemble. 

2. Laid back and chic

This is actually how I'd wear my skater dress on a daily basis - when I'm far too lazy to think of what to wear. Perfect for looking casual, yet dressed up. You can do away with the cardigan and the fedora if you like. I think it'll still look pretty great.

3. Dainty Daisy

If you have some fancy afternoon tea with the family coming up soon, then this would be a great combo for you. Also great to look all sweet and sugary for a date with the boy next door you've been eyeing for ages, or brunch with the girls.

No, you don't have to wear the hat. Although, it does add on to the sophisticated air in this ensemble, don't you agree? Kinda makes you look like the sweeter version of Selina Kyle from Dark Knight Rises.

4. The Not-so-boring Office Chick

We all get tired of our office wear after a while. The usual white blouse and pencil skirt or slacks can get boring. So get that skater dress out and have some fun. Just make sure the length of the skirt is according to the office dress code. 

I'd suggest pairing it with a fitted blazer, for a more formal office look. I love how the red belt makes the whole outfit pop. 

5. Going Boho in a skater dress

Now, whoever said you can't go boho in a skater dress? This is probably my favourite combination out of the 6 I've done (I have a weakness for hippie-wear). Simply add a denim vest or a jacket and a brown woven belt to make this otherwise rather dainty dress a bit more rugged.

6. Glamorous in Lace 

Great for either a fancy dinner, or a partying at a nightclub, you could ditch the lace stockings and replace the pumps with something else (just make sure that it's one of those va-va-voom pumps i.e.: tons of shiny glitter, studs, etc. else the look may not look as attention grabbing). I personally feel the lace stockings make the entire outfit much more eye-catching.

All styling is done via Polyvore.com. Follow me at eileenwoo.polyvore.com to view my other style combinations.

'Till next time.
xoxo, darlings.

8 Tricks to Hide the Tummy Bulge

So, Chinese New Year is right around the corner. And we all know what that means.

No. It's not all about the angpau-s. Or losing money after gambling with your cousin and your cousin's cousin's second cousin twice removed.

One of the major woes I've found in most women I know whenever it comes to CNY, is that bloody tummy bulge you always get after eating too many CNY cookies, or whatever your relatives stuff you with after exclaiming "YOU'RE SO SKINNY! EAT MORE!"

Then you go home and have a good look in the mirror and shriek at your husband/boyfriend/brother/sister/close relative/mother/father/whoever is near you saying "OH GOD I LOOK SO FAT!"

While I don't have a magical wand that I can wave to make the fats go away, neither do I know of any miracle weight loss programs, I do have a few tricks for you to hide the bulge... Besides sucking it in.

1. Empire Waist Tops

stylehive.com

This is one of the easiest ways to hide that tiny belly. Empire waist anything fits neatly at your bust, then drapes softly all the way down without clinging to your body. Perfect for hiding the bulge after being stuffed with one cookie too many!

While we're on the subject of tops, a V-neck or open neck top/dress creates the perfect distraction from the midsection, directing the eye towards the face. They also help create the illusion of being taller and slimmer. Steer clear of tight-fitting and/or cropped tops. You are trying to hide the belly. Not show it off to the rest of the world.

2. A-Line Skirts

elbowsandkneesblog.com

Here's another sure-fire way to flatten your stomach in an instant. An A-line skirt, long or short, flows easily over your midsection, giving the illusion of a flat stomach. Plus, they're wonderfully versatile. I'd suggest you get one with an elastic waistband if you're planning to pig out on the day itself.

3. Wrap dresses

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THANK YOU Diane Von Furstenberg for putting the wrap dress back on the fashion map back in 1973. Up to this day, these dresses have remained immensely popular (check, Kate Middleton's engagement dress). If there's any dress that will flatter your round stomach, it's this one. 

Pick a dress that touches or reaches slightly above your knee. For petite girls, a shorter skirt will make your legs look longer.

4. Vertical patterns and stripes

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Vertical stripes, or clothes with vertical patterns tend to give a long and leaner look. Plus, a busier pattern gives the illusion of a flatter stomach.

Here's a tip: the narrower the stripes are, the thinner you'll look. Avoid patterns that are too big or too loud. Smaller patterns help "shrink" your body a whole lot more. Try not to wear anything in a diagonal pattern. These clothes will make you look shorter, wider and place a bigger emphasis on your little belly. 

5. Ruched Clothes

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Clothes that are ruched have gathered areas of material that makes you look more "pulled in". I would also recommend tops or dresses made out of flowy and soft material. Scalloped hemlines are a huge help too.

6. Peplums

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Peplums. These things seem to be getting quite prominent in the fashion scene in Malaysia. And while I'm still pretty much on the fence about them, I have to admit that they do conceal unwanted areas very well, while giving your figure a nicer silhouette.

7. Fitted blazers

lookbook.nu

The general reaction that most women have once they start to show a bit of weight is to reach for their baggiest, most oversized clothes in order to conceal it all. Now, why would you want to hide your beautiful womanly curves? Flaunt it, sister! In fact, clothes that are too big on you, tend to make you look bigger than you really are.

So pick something that fits. Like a good fitted blazer. Perfect for the office, or just too look a bit more dressed up. Find one that nips right at the waist, and choose a fabric with a bit of a stretch so that it enhances your curves while hiding the belly. They'll never know the difference. 

8. Good lingerie. 

tpflblog.blogspot.com

Did you know that a good pair of lingerie is actually more useful than a good outfit? Other than to make you feel more confident on the inside, and seduce your man in bed, these things can help shape and sculpt your body to near perfection. Believe it or not, a good pair of underwear can give you more cleavage, more curves, and even hide your tummy.

Here's where shapewear comes in. This is an amazing way to disguise your extra flab and create a gorgeous silhouette. You'll look a whole size smaller. With these babies, you'll be able to run around in your tightest mini dresses and not worry about anything spilling out. Just make sure you get the right size. You'll want to feel comfortable. 

So, there you go. 8 tricks to hide the tummy bulge. I really hope this helps. But ladies, please remember, no matter what you wear, it's more important to feel confident on the inside. You're beautiful no matter what they tell you.

Till next time.

xoxo, darlings!

How-to: 7 ways to wear a dipped hem skirt

I don't know about you, but I'm still pretty much caught in the whole dipped-hem skirt mania. I love the feeling it gives me, how the skirt sway and floats with my every mov. You can read my thoughts on the skirt here. 

When it comes to picking an asymmetrical skirt, it's important to choose one that suits your frame. 

If you're on the skinny side, pick one with ruffles for a fuller look. For the cute, chubbier ones out there, I'd suggest choosing one with a shorter hem. Preferably up or near the knee. If you're petite with short, chubby legs, please for the love of all things fashionable do not wear the skirt with flats. Keep in mind that a dip hemmed skirt shows off your legs, and short, stumpy, and dumpy will never be the new sexy.

Believe it or not, asymmetrical skirts are extremely versatile. There are a number of amazing looks for a variety of occasions you can create with just this one skirt. Allow me to demonstrate.

Here's a dipped-hem skirt I picked from browsing through Polyvore. The skirt is actually from Romwe.com. You can purchase it from the site for $26.25 here. 

You'd be surprised at the number of combinations that you can come up with with this skirt, besides your basic tank top. All you need is a bit of creativity, and a whole lot of daring. 

1. All Glammed Up

If you're due for some serious partying, it's time to put your dipped-hem skirt to good use. You have no idea how nice it feels to dance with such a flowy skirt.

If you don't have a leopard print bustier, you can always replace it with whatever colour or print you have, depending on the colour of your skirt and the accessories that go with it. It's better if you wear the skirt with a belt, it adds a bit more class to the look. 

2. Prim and Proper

This look is perfect for a day at the office, a lunch date, or brunch with the girls. It's simple, yet feminine. Also a great combo to wear when visiting the future in-laws. You can even replace the top with a chiffon collared shirt as well. Keep the accessories simple and sweet. Can't wear spikes and tell people "I'm a good girl! Really!", can you?

3. Laid Back Grunge Chic

Now who says you can't wear a dipped-hem skirt on a lazy day? Pick a slouchy top from your closet and you're good to go. If you're a bit of a grunge chick, then wear a pair of heeled boots. This is a look that pretty much says "I'm a bit relaxed today, but I still want to look good.", so it's great for a casual day out.

 4. A Touch of Bohemian

This is probably one of my favourite ways to wear the dipped-hem skirt. Since we're all still pretty much in love with tribal prints, grab a tribal print tank top (or a plain tank if you don't have one), a pair and wedges and boho accessories like feathered jewellery or anything "flower child" - beads, woven bracelets or hippie headgear, or even a dreamcatcher necklace, if you have one. 

A great combination for a casual occasion, I think. For you college-going people, you can consider wearing something like this to class.

 5. That Edgy Rocker Chick

For girls who like a bit of an edge to their outfits, here's an idea for you. Grab a bandeau ready tank top (you know, the ones with the big arm holes, great for subtly showing off your bandeau, or a part of your bra if you're daring enough), or a loose cropped top and wear your outfit with either boots or studded flats. 

The key to this look is add a splash of edginess to the skirt. So if you have studded or spiked accessories, or anything that screams punk rock, all the better. Great for going out with friends for lunch or a night out on town. 

 6. Almost Plain Jane

Tried, true, and tested, a simple tank top can go with just about anything in your wardrobe. That includes asymmetrical skirts. This is probably the simplest way to wear an asymmetrical skirt. But that doesn't mean it has to be boring. Pull on a cardigan for those chilly days (or whenever you're under harsh air conditioning), you can choose to wear flats or heels, depending on your level of comfort, accessorise, and you're done.

7. Sheer Elegance

Trust me on this, a swanky dinner is the perfect time to show off your asymmetrical skirt. Throw on a dressy top, kinda like the one in the combo I did up, and if you don't have a glittery belt, a black leather belt (gold or silver buckle, NOT plastic) would do just fine. Grab a clutch and a pair of killer heels, your classiest bling, and voila!

All styling is done via Polyvore.com. Follow me at eileenwoo.polyvore.com to view my other style combinations.

Till next time.
xoxo, darlings.