The 5 Golden Do-s and Don’t-s When Wearing Jewellery

Most people say that “Clothes make a woman”. True. But I say her accessories complete her.

Many of us are used to sticking to that one simple pendant and ear studs for every occasion. And while I’m sure they’re very pretty, it couldn't hurt to change things up a bit. You’d be surprised at how much you can accentuate that pretty dress, just by adding the right kind of jewellery.

Key word: RIGHT. Yes, there are certain rules you have to follow when it comes to accessorising. But don’t worry, they’re actually quite simple to follow.

1.  DO go bold.

Like I said, a simple pendant is nice enough. But if you really want to take your look to the next level, don’t be afraid to try something a little bit out of your comfort zone. What’s the point of having bling when people can barely even notice it? After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

2.  DON’T go overboard.

Okay, I’m going to sound a bit contradictory. But hear me out. Yes, boldly showing off your bling is good, but there is such a thing as having too much of a good thing.

Because you might end up looking like a pimp. If you’re wearing a loud printed piece of clothing, do not, under any circumstances, over accessorise.

Bonus Tip: If you’re planning on wearing huge extravagant earrings, refrain from pairing them with huge extravagant necklaces. Wear that pendant of yours, if you must. It’s either or. Bracelets on the wrists are fine, but be mindful of the occasion you’re heading to. Less is usually more in a sophisticated event.

3. DO consider your body type.

Jewellery, like clothing, is sometimes designed to complement certain features. They can either draw attention to the positive or the negative.

For example, if you have a short and thick neck, refrain from chokers as they tend to emphasise on that particular area. Instead, try a graduated necklace to lengthen it.

CHOMEL Crystal Necklace and Earring Set, 116.10SGD.

You should also be sure to note the types of earring that would go well with your face shape. Women with slender wrists may be able to carry off chunky bracelets well, but be careful not to overload them – they’ll drown you.

4.  DON’T mix metals

Half true. You can mix them. Just be smart about it. Silver on silver (or any other type of metal) are very well coordinated together, and there’s nothing wrong with adding a gold or bronze.

ALDO Batista Bracelets, 19.00 SGD

But that depends on the style that you use when putting it together – you cannot wear an antique necklace paired with a modern lightning bolt charm bracelets and expect it to look good. Like I said, be smart about it. If you want to mix it up, make sure that there’s a bit of synchronisation in the combo.

5.  DO mind the necklines

Have you ever seen those girls who seem to be immaculately dressed, yet something just seemed completely off?

It could be the necklaces they paired with the neckline of their outfits.  This is one of the most common fashion mistakes women can make when putting on jewellery. Just make sure you’re not one of them.

Oh, and if you happen to be looking for some extra sparkly things to add to your jewellery collection, check out the beautiful women’s jewellery collection at ZALORA. So many lovely choices to feel spoiled with! Warning: oodles of pretty things on sale, wallet crying may ensue. 

Outfit Post: Yes, I still think Aztec Print is Cool

Sorry for the lack of updates guys. It's been crazily busy. But surprise, surprise, kittens, I'm back. This is actually a very overdue outfit post. I wore this for my uncle's wedding a while back. And yes, I realise how last season this is, but I still love Aztec print. 

I got the dress from Kaleidoscope Sunday. Do check them out, they've got an amazing and very affordable  range of clothes. Paired this with a pair of black Viss pumps, a box clutch from Creole, and accessories from DIVA. 

For this elegant look, I kept accessories at a bare minimal, so it wouldn't take the attention away from the ensemble. I think the outfit stood out pretty well. I mean, you don't exactly see many people wearing print to wedding dinners. At least, not to the ones I've been to. 

I rarely paint my nails (I'm really too lazy to be bothered), but since it was a special occasion, I figured... Why not? For the occasion, I used OPI's "Do You Lilac It?". A very nice shade of purple, don't you agree?

Check out the huge rock on my finger!

Alright it's not real. But a girl can fantasize, can't she? 

'Till next time, toodles!

Overalls and Pinafores, and why I hate them

So, I'm in a particularly bitchy mood today. And my outlet? Criticizing the one thing in fashion that should never have walked the earth, ever.

Disclaimer: This article is written purely based on opinion. Because any human being with an ounce of character should have an opinion.

Yes, I'm snappy. I'm bitchy. I'm angry. So there.

Now back to our scheduled program.

theiconic.com.au

I have no freaking clue why overalls or pinafores should exist. DENIM overalls, especially. They make you look like a practicing hillbilly. If you're no older than 17, and unless you're forced to wear a school uniform, please do not prance around looking like an overgrown schoolgirl.

I can forgive the people who wear them in their teens. You're young, fine. Children who have been forced into them by their parents have no choice. But if you're over 20, for god's sake, stop pretending like you're still 16 going on 17. It's not cute. It's a freaking eyesore.

Hell, you're definitely not as innocent as a rose if you're already 20. What age is this again? Oh that's right, the 21st century.

Alright, so maybe they aren't as bad as they seem to be. Yes, some people can pull them off. Like Jennifer Aniston did when she was playing Rachel Green in Friends. But personally, I don't like them. I would not be caught dead in them. I suppose you'd have to have a certain kind of look for them.

Depending on the type of the pinafore or overall you're wearing. But on some people, please refrain from looking like an overgrown 4 year old. Or a hillbilly. Or a World War 2 (no offence whatsoever meant here it is a very respectable profession) nurse. Or a Victorian era schoolgirl. Or a suburban housewife.

Also, in the case of overalls, have you noticed how difficult it is to pee with those things? You'd have to literally strip yourself down.

'Till next time, ciao!

Outfit Post: Walking on Sunshine

Disclaimer: Before I begin, I'd like to apologise profusely for the crappy camera quality and the horrific angling in the pictures. That is all. 

While the majority of my outfit posts are pretty much with me in dresses, I doubt any of them are as feminine as this one. 

This Project Swissify dress is a soft pastel yellow, with subtle floral prints made from flowy chiffon material. Putting on this dress made me feel like a character straight from a vintage film. So prim, so proper!

I decided to style this dress with a straw fedora, a pair of oxfords, and a bright blue bag. Adds a nice accent, don't you think? The bag was a present from one of my ex bosses. I generally use it whenever I need to have as little things to carry as possible. Very convenient.

I honestly can't get enough of this dress. I felt like such a dainty, perfect girl. This would be great for an interview, a casual day out with friends, a picnic, or to impress your future in laws - I swear you'd look so prim and proper you'll be approved within the minute.

Oh and just so you know, Project Swissify has just updated their page with their latest collection. All pieces are extremely unique so you'd better head on quick before they're all gone. Check it out here! They were so pretty I just had to grab one for myself. 

Dress: Project Swissify

Fedora: Deeper and Harder

Shoes: Bought at a Bazaar in Plaza Mont Kiara

Outfit of the Day: Motorcycle Jackets and Nebula Prints

So, I've realised that most of my outfit posts mainly consist of me wearing dresses. In reality, I'm a shorts person. I literally go everywhere wearing shorts. I find them so convenient. Very easy to move around in.

This isn't exactly an outfit I'd wear on a daily basis. In fact, it's completely out of my personal style. But hey, what's wrong with being different once in a while? 

I'm also still very much in love with Galaxy prints. 

This outfit is pretty much my attempt to carry off an edgy look. The clothes I'm wearing are actually stuff I bought a long time ago, recycled to create a new look. What do you think?

A bustier top, polyvester high waisted shorts, motorcycle jacket and a pair of boots. I think the Nebula print on the bustier gives a nice pop of colour there. Don't you?

I wouldn't recommend wearing this to work though. Probably on days when you either want to look scary or beat someone up. I kid. You can pretty much wear it for parties, or an outing in broad daylight, if you're daring enough. 

'Till next time, ciao guys!

Bustier: Markets@Jaya One
Motorcycle Jacket: Cotton On
Shorts: IWearSin.com
Boots: Arrogant Minnie
Sungalsses: Brands Outlet, Ikano Power Centre

Who Wants a Vacation?

I know I do.

The irony of my job? I write about travelling to different places, different countries, yet I've never been to a single one of them.

Oh, before you start getting confused, I don't believe I've properly introduced my profession.

I'm a writer. A freelance writer. And occasionally, I write travel articles like "Top 10 Reasons Why You MUST Visit Okinawa!" or "The Many Wonders of Indonesia!".

And believe me, writing those reasons for whatever country or vacation spot I'm talking about, what with all the research I do to back up my points, that makes me want to go even more.

So, why am I rambling about vacations when:

A. This is a fashion blog. People come here to read about fashion. I must be confusing what little amount of readers I actually have (sorry, guys).
B. I have not set foot on any other soil that is not Malaysian. Travel blogger? Me? Pfft. Right.

That's why.

A while back I actually wrote an article about visiting Philippines. And boy, that place sure does sound amazing. Definitely on my "Places-To-Visit-Once-I-Have-The-Money" list. But hey, if it's a chance to visit 4 wonderful cities, all expenses paid, with USD$2000 worth of travel allowances, I'm all for it. 

What's this?

Oh. Just one of the beautiful beaches you could be visiting in Philippines.

Cebu Pacific Air Asean is the number 1 airline in the Philippines, known for its trademark low fares and network of 53 destinations. And they're searching for their very own Juan Blogger. 

You might remember them for providing us with the sexy stewardesses dancing in the cabin to show us their in-flight safety demo. Hold on to your pants, boys, the video's down there.

If you're a blogger then you really, REALLY should join. Re-read the grand prize and tell me you aren't convinced. 

Come on. It's really simple.

All you need to do, is show off your best (or most creative, I'd go with creative) dance moves! Record yourself doing your very own version of the in-flight safety demo dance then submit your entry by 15 March 2013. For more info, click here. 

It should kinda look like this.

Yes boys, this is the video I was talking about.
I will not be responsible for any keyboard damages caused by excessive drooling.

If you're a blogger, and you're still not convinced to join, well. More for me. MUAHAHAHAHAH!

But really, it's a golden opportunity. You should join. 

And now, I'm off to film my own entry. Fingers crossed!

Till next time.
Ciao, guys!

5 Most Fashionable Films, Ever

Aside from the story line, the shooting locations, the shooting technique and whatnot, movie costumes have certainly been a huge part of what makes a movie altogether more thrilling. Exactly how many times have to drooled over whatever Sarah Jessica Parker was wearing in Sex and the City?

So here we go, my pick of the 5 most fashionable films, ever.

1. Annie Hall

One of the most iconic films of all time, Annie Hall is a romantic comedy about the ups and downs of the relationship of two mismatched New York neurotics - Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). 

The film was largely based on the actual relationship between Allen and Keaton. And did you know that Annie's wardrobe was influenced by Keaton's own closet? When the costume designer objected to Keaton's  suggestions of using her own clothes in the film, Allen said: "Leave her. She's a genius."

The result? Women liked what they saw - a free spirit finding her way. The Annie Hall look is essentially a girl in men's clothing - loose enough to make it look liberating, yet fitting enough to subtly accentuate your femininity.

2. Breakfast at Tiffany's

Actually, I can't remember an Audrey Hepburn movie that isn't stylish. However, this is probably the most iconic of all. Who could forget that elegant black dress? The one that spawned all other little black dresses. Thank Givenchy himself for creating the costumes that are now the most celebrated pieces in fashion history.

If you've never watched this movie, please don't tell anyone, silently download it or buy the DVD, watch it, and pretend you've watched it years ago. Because if you've never watched it... Well, just watch it and don't tell anyone you haven't.

Breakfast at Tiffany's is about a Holly Golightly (Hepburn) a New York socialite who falls in love with a young author (Paul Varjak). 

3. Marie Antoinette

The movie about the tragic Queen of France herself, while Marie Antoinette isn't a particularly critically acclaimed film, the costumes are nothing to be sneezed at. Hey, I like a bit of flamboyance in fashion.

Yes, the costumes are over the top. But they portrayed the luxury and opulence of the French upper class to the tee. What with the luxe fabric, jewelled satin shoes, elaborate hair pieces, exotic fans and flamboyant hats, you can't help but want to be a part of that world, even if it were for a few brief minutes. 

That's how the world of the rich should look like.

4. The Great Gatsby

So sue me. I have a weakness for flapper fashion. As described by Vanity Fair: "Summer whites, cable knits, beaded sheaths, and crisp oxfords set against green lawns and blue skies full of sea." pretty much sums up the costumes and setting of The Great Gatsby.

I doubt I've ever seen a man carry out a pink suit as well as Jay Gatsby (Robert Redford), a masterpiece designed by Ralph Lauren. It's actually quite symbolic in the film. Very pale, surprising with a hint of childlike trust - the unlikely purity that will eventually undo the peculiar Jay Gatsby.

Yum.

5. Rear Window

Aside from Audrey Hepburn movies, almost all of Grace Kelly's movies are the most stylish movies in Hollywood history. While she was only a supporting actress, all of her costumes in Rear Window are classic Kelly. The full-swish skirts, fitted tops, pearls, elbow length gloves and that Hermes bag that we now know as "The Kelly Bag".

Posing, lounging or pacing, Grace Kelly filled the screen with such cultured femininity. Especially accentuated with those gorgeous dresses of hers. 

Fun fact: Did you know that the costume designer Edith Head was nominated for 35 Oscars, winning 8 times including Grace Kelly's stunning pieces in Rear Window? 

Till next time,

Ciao, guys!