On Whites and Off-whites

Have you ever pondered upon these questions when you’re wearing white?

‘Is my butt dirty?’ ‘OMG did I menstruated on my pants?’ ‘Oh hell no you’re not making me step into that puddle of mud!’ ‘Please food, do not, DO NOT get down and dirty with my tank top!’ ‘OMG F*** you food WHY WHY?!’ ‘Get this stain off me ASAP!’

Because I do. All the time. Well, most of the time.

Not that I produce a weekly long discharge that has an uncanny resemblance to rouge once a month, but don't you think wearing white is such a chore? Having to severely bleach them after a day of wearing, trying to emulate chic with a white bootcut trousers whilst mandatory to step in mud as an act of sacrifice in order to get that shot captioned 'Oh it's white? Whatever, I'm too fab for this'. Having kicked in paranoia of 'Omg will I be clumsy and spill?' forcibly ruins your good meal at some posh restaurant. Yet, many still opt to wear blanc.

Why? Tell me why?

Former picture's of me (#obviously) in a lightweight tee from Topshop, Uniqlo shorts, Zara camel-toned blazer (not to be confused with camel-toe) scored from a sale and my trustworthy 3.1 Phillip Lim that creased gracefully under my care (which includes over-stuffing the bag with too much nonsensical products, tossing it around like a boss and throwing it on the floor when I get home).

The image preceding the former is where I've decided to head down to town unexpectedly in a white tank top from Zara, H&M off-white embroidered jeans from it's Spring Summer collection that makes me look like I have a big crotch and blue velvet flats from Charles & Keith.

The third projects me as stealing the Alexander McQueen butterfly printed clutch (which, by the way, I bought it instead of committing theft),the same tank top as aforementioned (it just coincidentally happened) and in the sleek Isabel Marant pour H&M biker trousers that made my legs sweat like pigs on fire. I'm not even kidding.

And eventually rounding off the image parade with one that shows me (again, I know, boring..)  in a Givenchy-esque tee from Zara, Topshop denim berms cutoffs, Buffalo wedge sneakers from the mens (I know, right?!?!) and a widest brim fedora which obnoxiously hits people in the face whilst blocking their three quarters of their view.

Probably white emulates clean and minimalism, therefore chic? It's for you to argue.

Images done by Wayne & Imran

Blinded by the Label

So just before you guys think that I've vaporized from the surface of the Earth, or maybe even kidnapped by some random unforseen/undiscovered alien life-form, I shall drop you guys a 'Hi, I'm actually still alive' notification.

Before I go about ranting my mandatory yet repetitive and repulsive excuse of I-don't-have-time-because-of-the-army, let me throw you guys a question. Guess where I got my shirt from.

Come on, guess it!

No prizes for winning though.

It's from A.P.C. costing three hundred and thirty dollars to be exact. And to be frank, I have no idea what does the acronym A.P.C. represents (I just googled/wikipediaed it, it means Atelier de Production et de Création, which oh, it's a French label), nor who the designer(s) are in particular.

But I mean, it's A.P.C. right??

How many times have you guys been, or if you know of anyone in particular, blinded by the label? Once? Twice? Thrice? Or maybe countless times where your fingers and toes are rendered useless in your mathematical calculation? Why, why would I spend three hundred and thirty exact dollars for a basic sky blue shirt which I could have probably scored it in H&M for thirty dollars? For A.P.C.? For the brand well know for it's minimalistically articulate garments? I could've saved three hundred dollars!

My friend and I were just discussing about a girl (who happens to be a mutual acquaintances of mine, knowing each other's existence but not to a personal level) who's deeply enthused by The Label, in which she would starve go on a diet just to purchase, let's say, a Marc Jacobs purse, because of the block letters 'Marc by Marc Jacos' embossed at the top front of the purse.

'Doesn't she know the joy of munching on ramen and savory sashimi?' I asked in bewilderment (don't ask me why my conversation was all about Japanese food).

'She's blinded by the label. She can't be saved because she believes that the label would bring her social status up', my friend replied.

Social status? Seriously? What's social status? I couldn't care less as I further slurp down my cha soba. If I were to teeter a purse around because it's marked with 'Alexander Wang', which would then heighten my social status, gain popularity and exude pseudo-wealth, I would be a total sl*t to the designer.

But is that the only reason why individuals are so obsessed with The Label, till the fact that they were willing to forsake mandatory activities like eating? But I mean, diet, weight control, hey wadduppp. I can't fault her for that.

What about local designers now? Would she choose to purchase an internationally known label embossed cowhide duffle bag plastered for a thousand dollars, or would she go for an exotic skin bag similarly shaped in duffle, that is priced half of that, but from a local - aka not (yet) branded worldwide - designer (I'm talking about that Ling Wu bag OMG I died)? Hey, you can buy two bags sweetie.

Before I go about criticizing people that would eventually make a big turn and hit me back in the face, shirt's from aforementioned A.P.C., shorts from Topman as mentioned in my below post and bag's from Phillip Lim.

Fun fact: the shirt was actually bought from a sale for fifty. I wouldn't spend three hundred and thirty for a shirt. And I lied. I did know A.P.C. is French.


Images done by Gladys on iPhone 5C because I couldn't be bothered trotting around with a DSLR

The Worn-to-Death Shorts

As I further procrastinate my blogging (I know, it's a very long hiatus) whilst giving a legit (and omnipresently used) excuse of 'Omg my life is really busy right now I ain't got no time', I've decided to, you know, just drop by to make a quick visit - and update - over here, as demanded begged asked by two of my friends.

'Since you're at home today with a MC, why not do some blogging?', my first friend asked me, over the overly usage of app technology, aka Whatsapp in short.

So this rendered me to go through all my photographs from the past, the #ootds and the what-i-wores and everything (obviously I'm not in a good shape to take a fresh ootd shot right now), with all the wrecking of brains to come up with a new post idea, sourcing and editing, coupled with me having tissue stuck up my nose and coughing that is synonymous to a dinosaur burping, I was finally enlightened. I saw the light.

Yes, The Light.

A post about a Worn-to-Death piece.

I know, above are only two images of me in a gorgeous paisley printed tailored shorts from Topman, which yes, the print can't really be seen from here, but how does this justify my point of Worn-to-Death? Provided the fact that you guys actually know I've worn this shorts immediately on the next day of purchase, which followed by having it consecutively strapped around my bottom for 2 weekends straight. Talk about hygiene reasons, but here's a fun fact about me, I never wash my bottoms at all. And by bottoms I don't mean my butt.

Alright, just kidding, I wash some of them. Maybe the denim ones only. But lesbi honest, I'm not going to take the plunge of having the print fade after one wash, which would rendition me to bring out another eighty bucks to purchase another piece, with the risk of not having it in my size.

Anyways, the first image was done on a Saturday, where I casually felt like going for a swim in the pool (which turns out to be only a dip and splashing of water because the water was icy cold). I mean, doesn't a soft chambray, short sleeved denim shirt paired with a strappy sandals just screams 'I'm going for a swim!!!!!' No? Alright, just check out my Victoria Secrets-esque legs then.

The latter is then done on the next day (aka on Sunday) where I explored backyards and have finally decided that I should help out to the society by cleaning up garbage with the cleaner at the back. Just kidding, he was photo-bombing me, and I was out to grab some awesome brunch over at Mad Nest. So, what says better than having a soft cotton red shirt, paired with an awesome velvet studded flats that constantly gave wounds to my ankles and a Carrie Bradshaw meets Abu Dhabi clutch?

Former: Shirt's from Topshop, Sandals are from Charles & Keith and the bag is from a lovely local designer Michelle of A Paperbag Project (they're handmade by the way).

Latter: Shirt's from Zara Mens, Shoes are from River Island and Antik Batik Clutch

Okay, that is all. Till I see you guys, maybe in another millennium? I don't know either.


Images from my iPhone

Let's Talk Denim

Denim. An item that is always overly exploited by everyone because of its simplicity, yet providing substantial casual chic-ness in one's ensemble.

Was that a good opening statement? (Hahaha!)

Recently, not only I have been neglecting this space much, but I'm also resonating towards denim (and more denim), and I don't even know why. Reminisce three weeks back: Stepping out of Zara with bags and bags of clothes on 'Sale' that consists of only acid wash baggy jeans, ripped boyfriend denim and a light chambray denim shirt. Is it because denim is such a staple, that it provides efficacious and effortless casual chic look that I adore? Or is it because that I'm heavily influenced by The Man Repeller, till I'm impersonating her subconsciously? Either way (which I eventually conceded that it is both the reasons, and maybe even more), I know that being proprietary of the overflowing yet pseudo synonymous denim (they come in different shade, textures and cutting. None are exactly similar) would result me in stacking them together.

Above images: Me (as the top model) in a denim - with gorgeous embroidery at the back which cannot be seen sadly - shirt with a relaxed fit jeans. And you've guessed it right, it's all from Zara (apparently I believe they are one of the best high street retailers when it comes to denim production). Oh and wait, here's toast to another denim meets denim attire with a soft, chambray denim tee overlayed with a roughly edged denim shorts. And yeah, they're from Zara too. Just kidding, the former's from Topshop whilst the latter's from Topman (with my DIY, trimming an old jeans to shorts) respectively. I'm not really that of a Zara whore. Okay okay I have to confess, the jacket's from Zara.

Oh yeah, just in case I were to forget, the shoes are Doc Marts and Superga (2750 in Green Pine) respectively. But I highly doubt that you could see them in the above images.

But how boring can your #ootd go with just denim on denim, and on more denim only? With me dressing up in denim only (whilst others as well too), have I gone back to the 50s? Is denim the new black? Or is denim the self-proclaim (aka me) new black? So in order to compensate my overly abuse of denim (or some pseudo denim as well), I came up with the idea of let's-just-wear-denim-shorts-and-pair-it-up-with-something-so-I-don't-lose-my-#fashionstylist-capabilities.

Figure three: Me (again) in a pair of ripped, light denim shorts which I hastily purchased (as usual) from Topman, because I didn't have a pair of ripped, light denim shorts! Is this reason legit enough? Because as a matter of fact, it is indeed true. While I put on my American Apparel beanie that has been hackneyed (similar to thinking caps) and channel my inner stylist (alter ego), I've decided that it should go with this 'Loser' pullover I got off the sale racks at Topman few months back, and finally putting my Jeffrey Campbell kicks to use. Yes, call me a loser, but seriously, I don't care, because I'm happy that I'm impersonating the Man Repeller (my usual mantra).

Yup, that's pretty much it. Till then, I hope to source for the perfect dark denim jeans (Which I conveniently saw it in Zara racks for 109 bucks, man!). Or maybe I should also get a cut offs from Levi's. Hmmm...


Imran & Wayne as photographer

Phillip Lim Resort 2014

So... I know I haven't been diligently posting up substantial content (which comprises of my daily weekly #ootds and my favorites from season collections) recently. But I have an excuse. In fact two. One being the repetitive I-am-in-a-conscript-army-thus-I-lack-the-time-to-do-so while the other being having to spend more time with my new counterpart (yes, I literally failed to man repel). Whilst I am awake right now at eight in the morning (due to my adjusted body clock to wake up at five thirty every morning) actively thinking of the number of outfits I can create with the banana jacket I received last week from Topshop, I came to a conclusion that this post has to be arisen. So obviously, one of the pieces that I thought would go well with that flamboyant jacket was, my all time favorite garment. The Trousers. That is when I reminisced my escapade.

'Why not share the love I saw on Phillip Lim's website a week ago? Hopefully this will compensate my lack of #ootds.'

Well, really, I hope so.

So I hastily saved the images I deem to be immaculate and conspicuous (I am always with the 'Go big or go home' motto), got them resized and collaged on photoshop, and ta-da! The above images were born (still trying to claim it as part of my own 'creation' but we all know, I took them off from Phillip Lim's webpage). And obviously I was fascinated by Phillip Lim's resort collection this season (next, technically speaking), otherwise I wouldn't be writing a post about this.

Anyway, back to what I was doing: a week ago.

'I should really start my diligent saving regime soon, for that colbalt mini Pashli', I thought to myself, 'Or maybe I should just take another glimpse at it on the website and die in it's epitome of perfection.'

As I clicked on the webpage, there was this sudden uncontrollable force that led me to click on their Collection page. Which eventually led me to be staring at their Resort 2014 collection.

'Omg, I need that, and that, and that', I mellowed, but at the same time, I weltered, 'That must be a hefty price to pay for those trousers!' (Insert a teary face here)

The metallic leathery sheen effect slapped me hard, against my cheeks when those images started flashing towards my face. I was definitely baffled (well obviously), since my crave for a metallic, and slouchy trousers was satisfied. Not to mention those that are of two toned. I literally died, went to heaven and resurrected.

So upon my resurrection, I told myself this: 'I need to start saving up, and stop spending. For the golden pair of trousers. For that trousers.'

I wonder if the aforementioned wish would be satisfied for not...

P/S: Just found out that it costs 980 euros... So yeah...


Images from 3.1 Phillip Lim's webpage.

The DPP: Delirious Print Problem

There's something je ne sais quoi about my maniacal affection for prints. Not that I intended to insert a french word in my opening sentence I recently encountered (it means something that cannot be expressed in words) to make my post more polish and accentuate (a lie), but yes, there's just this je ne sais quoi feel to something I really adore. Which in this case is prints. Don't you guys feel the same way too, for the objects you really admire and signify a strong meaning to you? It can maybe be your pet dog (or any other pets), or like your mum's earrings that would eventually become your family heirloom, or your first pair of designer bag (for mine, it's my A Wang Rockie and I have been dyinggg, I repeat, dying with three gs). There will just be this sense of unexplainable connection between you and that particular item. No?

Now let's get back to the clothes. I know you guys are dying to know where they're from. Don't you? Because I know I will, and I am too.

In clockwise direction, the usual:

1. Thom Browne Whale Blazer (I swear I think I have this affinity with animal prints - albeit adorable ones only - because there's like this sudden influx of them in my closet)

2. Topshop Banana Print Jacket (scream "ZOMG" now because I did, died and resurrected), which I had no god-damn patience and checked it off the cart almost instantaneously.

3. Zara Beaded Clutch. Something you can only put 3 cards, a phone, your keys and maybe some cash.  Maybe your lipgloss too.

4. Rebecca Minkoff Embroidered Bootcut Trousers, which I was almost compelled to buying it when I saw the Man Repeller werqing it effortlessly.

5. Ray Ban via ASOS, you always need that pair of statement sunnies. Always.

6. Charlotte Olympia Popcorn Bag, not that I know what this textile is since it's the bag is entirely homogenous to a popcorn.

And lastly, 7. Shakuhachi Gypsy Chelsea Bootie via Solestruck.

So tell me, who could resist such a plethora of fashion amazon? Are you tempted? 

Images from Google, ASOS, Net-a-Porter, Topshop, Zara and Solestruck

Isabel Marant x H&M

Omfg.....

Can we really, just take a moment of silence for this?

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Okay, that's it. I literally went bonkers when I found out that Isabel Marant is going to collaborate with H&M, via the Man Repeller! I couldn't believe my eyes. My mouth was left there, wide hanging (with saliva dripping all over due to my perplex mix jubilant, albeit disgusting but, ohwell), eyes literally bulging out and screaming 'OMG OMG OMG' whilst publicizing it all over social media. This was one of the best news that I've ever received after my 6 days of field camp (which includes sleeping outdoors, not being able to bathe, nor any access to internet thus rendering me to be delayed with this much anticipated news). Below is the video. Just watch it. And die in awesomeness.

I've died. Did you? Tell me you did.

Image from H&M, video from Youtube

My Kind of Casual

To begin this post officially, I have something to declare first. I have no idea why the second image is of a warmer hue. Even after numerous amounts of Photoshop and Picasa to readjust it's color scheme, it's still in an eccentric tone as compared to the other two.

Okay, I am done ranting so let's get on to business.

I have received many comments regarding my personal style; on how avant-garde/OTT/AdR/eccentric it is, and how daring I could go in a relatively conservative society I'm living in. And because of this, it usually exudes to people the fact that I have never - I repeat, never - ever went casual at all.

'Why do people think I don't go casual at all?', I weltered to my close friend.

'Maybe it's because you're always spotted in some avant-garde outfit. You know, like Gossip Girl, just that she misses you out when you're in casual', he replied.

So this is why I rendered in to using the social media to broadcast my casual days (Gossip Girl can hide in a corner right now), and hence filtered down to the making of this post.

Exhibit 1: Slack of the outfit with a white loose tank and (slightly) ripped denim jeans, from Zara, while accentuating it by pairing up with a statement blazer from ASOS, some cute velvet flats from Candela, an American Apparel beanie and Alexander Wang purse.

Exhibit 2: An oversized denim shirt (Zara) with a pair of white shorts (Uniqlo) and some kick-ass studded sneakers from Aldo, the kind of relaxed outfit I love to be in at times when my closet decides to resonate the phrase 'You've got nothing to wear'.

Exhibit 3: The immensely 'Omg I don't really want to wear anything glamorous today because I'm too lazy' look, so I'm just going with a printed tee with denim shorts - both from Topman - and some ubiquitous combat Doc Martens. But wait, my outfit is too boring, so I'm carrying this boisterous Alexander McQueen butterfly printed clutch.

So that's it, my casual/alter-ego self. Okay, bye.


Images done by Imran

The All New Series: Confessions of a Shopaholic Shoeaholic

An adage (adapted from Carrie Bradshaw from The Carrie Diaries) goes: When a door closes, a shoe box opens. Well, in my case, it's two. Alright, I lied. It's actually three. Okay, let's get real. It's four.

Yeah, it's four.

Do you know what I had been doing for the past few months? (Hint: regarding shoes) Immensely scrolling through the pages of Solestruck and Nastygal whilst praying to Jesus that my shoes are still encrypted (well, in this case, it's the webpage, not the shoes itself) with the word 'In stock'. I could've spend this time reading Man Repeller repetitively (not that I didn't, but still), or well, scrolling through the pages of both ASOS and Shopbop, clicking on the 'Save to wishlist' button for every single piece of garment I found attractive (in man repelling terms). Or rather something more productive, generating ideas for my upcoming portfolio (which I happened to accidentally threw them away, omg) or new OOTDs for my subsequent posts.

But no, I didn't spend my time productively. I was just there, sitting right in front of my MacBook (and also my mobile device), hoping - whilst praying real hard - that a Black Friday sale would miraculously happen in Solestruck.

And nope, it didn't happen (just in case you would like to know).

Flashback yesterday: 'Why does this always happen to me?', I thought to myself, whilst strutting limping barefooted - with blisters all over my feet five to be precise, in which I counted - back home with my Candela velvet pumps on one hand and my Alexander Wang Rockie on the other, 'Why do I always do this? Purchasing countless amount of shoes that doesn't fit well on me?'.

The Devil dictated: 'That's because shoes are your crack. And a few blisters ain't gonna bring you down. I mean, it's just a few blisters, come on. You love shoes, and you need more shoes. Beauty over comfort. That's it. Period.'

The Angel then appeared and responded: 'Oh please, it's not you, it's just that the shoes are really, really convincing. Who wouldn't fall in love with a pair of new booties? But then again, it might be you, since you always resonate around shoes and shoes and more shoes.'

'Thank you so much, that really helped,' in which I replied sarcastically.

The Angel has fallen. Now I have two devils.

'Awesome'.

But anyway, the point is that whilst limping, I became conscious that I don't abide to the saying 'If the shoe fits' (I know there's no inter-relation between the phrase and the issue but it's just an imagery to describe the situation best). Instead, I inaugurated and followed the mantra 'If the shoe doesn't fit, jab your foot in till it fits'. And this, resulted into the proliferation of one/two-sizes-too-small shoes I own.

'Beauty over comfort. Yeah... Well, at least you still look fashionable barefooted while clutching 'em babies under your arms.'

In clockwise direction:

A) Superga 2950 in Ecru, S$69.90

B) Jeffrey Campbell Daltrey in Floral (but I still prefer it to be called 'paint of life') via Nastygal, $150

C) Aldo studded wedge sneakers in White, which reminds me of how much I want a pair of Isabel Marant, S$129

D) Candela Green velvet flats via Saks, something I (accidentally and casually) snagged off the shelves during their sale, S$159

If you think that's all, wait till you see my ever perpetual shoe wish on Solestruck...

The Bag Issue

And yet it is titled with the repetitively ubiquitous caption because, don't you just think that it is efficacious in getting the issue (note the pun) across? No?

You might all go 'omg not another bag post', or 'seriously, when will this ever end?'. But let's just bear with me with the yet-another-bag-post, alright? I'm doing this post because I've went on an endeavor to discover several purses that would bring about convenience during times of confessions-of-a-Shopaholic moment, yet not compromising to one's magnificence (lol).

If by this time, you could guess what type of bags I'm featuring, I will award you with the trophy of intelligence and clairvoyance.

Yes, it is the Cross Body Satchel. And I just realized the above collage gave away the answer..

Okay fine, I lied. The actual reason to why this post was concocted was not exactly about the aforementioned reason, but it's due to the fact that I am dried on ideas that renders me to cook up a post that I am by far, the most capable in (confession).

Okay, at least there was an eighth of truth to the (doubly) aforementioned reason. I mean, how can a cross body satchel not aid and improves one's life when their hands (and arms maybe) are busily occupied with shopping bags?

From top left in clockwise direction:

1) Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag, $195

2)Versus studded bag, $395

3) Mini Boy Chanel, a whopping amount of S$5,810

4) Givenchy Obsedia in royal blue, $1,555

5) Topshop panther embossed sling, a Coachella-worthy bag for S$79

And lastly, 11 inch Cambridge Satchel for S$204

We all can make room for new bags, right?

Appliqué

Above exhibit, something I espy on while googling 'H&M S/S 2013 Collection Preview' last October. And it was just there, the image, flashing the ineffably structured, applique filled white frayed vest. I was flabbergasted. My mouth was hanging freely, literally, almost like a toddler, ready for his next spoonful of oats. I glared (ogled probably) at the image for like about, two hours I presume (if I were to recall it correctly), whilst having images that this Isabel Marant-esque vest is already hanging in my closet, as though I was gifted with clairvoyance.

 'This is the perfect summer vest!', I exclaimed, 'I need this vest!'.

Flash forward five months: The freshly baked applique vest weighing ten pounds teetered into the stores of H&M, searched for the Spot - the location where hundreds of beyond-H&M-priced garments formerly stood - and rested at its rightful position.

Me: Sashaying down the stores pretending to be walking down Fifth Avenue whilst emulating Carrie Bradshaw (okay, I didn't exactly do that but, it gives off a better narration and imagery this way). Saw the vest from a hundred meters away, shrieked, sprinted towards it, grabbed it, almost dropped it because I wasn't anticipating it to be a thousand pounds, checked the price tag, left myself in dismay.

The vest was plastered with a hefty price of three hundred.

'How am I going to fork out three hundred dollars?', I contemplated, 'I need this vest, but I need those Zara blazers as well, and that Balenciaga bracelet, and that Acne wallet and leather jacket, and that...'

I eventually hung it back to it's original (not rightful this time round, definitely not) Spot with a heavy heart, having the taste of melancholy (that I could almost achieve the literal taste of sickening bitterness). I turned my back to it, staggered and stumbled on something, turned back, saw it staring back at me with those disappointed, puppy eyes. I sighed.

Flash forward two months after aforementioned incident: This masterpiece is finally hanging in the midst of my closet, finally at its supposed position. I'm pretty sure I am clairvoyant. Okay, I kid. What I did: Went with a hypothesis that H&M will always have 50% off for those clothing beyond-H&M-priced-because-of-its-remarkable-textiles (if I'm that affirmative, how is it still a hypothetical point? Whatever). Elicited this information, made use of it, had a perennial attitude, and BAM! There goes my panties.

Come to think of it, who would actually wear something that weighs as heavy as the Margiela jacket, but isn't Margiela? 

Well, that's me.

H&M Appliqué Vest from S/S 2013

Styling 101 102

This love-hate ambiguous relationship with clothes resurfaces when I met the banana embroidered striped tank. Costly, yet fashionable. Unelaborated, yet a casual classic. Somewhat not worthy, yet it's an essential piece (aka a must have). But why, why did I eventually cave in to forking out $130 for it? Why did I?

And that's a rhetorical question.

No, I kid. There's actually an answer to that 'rhetorical' question. A) The benefits of overly splurging on this tank (Note: I'm not a full time working adult, despite the fact that I'm receiving the measly allowance on a regular basis as a soldier, lol) outweighs the costs tremendously (false answer) and B) It's from a collaboration between Man Repeller and PJK (Patterson J. Kincaid) (hard truth that would actually make me pay that sum for a tank top). Which renditioned the fact that I frantically (yes I did) scrolled through Shopbop for ages after PJK released them in their stores (why don't they just do international shipping? That would have saved me from the panic attacks I suffered and endured).

The process of purchase (which I found it hilarious due to some unexpected, yet predictable, events from happening): Screaming (and I literally mean shrieking at the top of my voice) the omnipresently and commonly used profanity (aka the big F) during my night guard duty (which happened at 3 am, mind you), going 'OMG OMG OMG FINALLY' repetitively whilst filling in my card details and being 130 bucks broke the next moment. That isn't the funny part though. What made me chuckled was that this process rendered my buddy to get freaked out because he thought I saw, you know, a ghost. Which I casually replied 'Oh, it's just that my item is finally in stock. A banana tank top.'.

After the process: Sitting down during my sentry duty, constantly contemplating why I made the hastily thought through thoroughly (omg, wow) purchase, while partly hating myself slightly for forgoing the Zara blazer I had been eyeing for. That is why I came to a consensus with me, my brain and my heart. 'I need to make a styling post, otherwise my 'sacrifice' would be at vain. And I can get a +1 for my blog post. Smart me, yay me! Go me!'. Those, I swear, were my exact thoughts.

At least you guys know the reason behind the concoction of this post.

#1 exhibit: Casual chic mode (double Cs, think Chanel, lol jk. But still, think of Chanel when you get the pun) activated with Zara denim jeans and it's yellow suit blazer. Followed by a classic minaudière, which surprisingly (lol, maybe not quite) was also manufactured by Zara. Brogues are from Miista though.

#2 exhibit: Emulating Coachella chic (oops, the double Cs again!) with a velour printed trousers from Zara and some Charles and Keith sandals, because we ain't gonna wear no shoes (but I love 'em high cut sneakers though, so that option might be excluded) for Coachella! Don't ask me why, but I always pictured Coachella as a music festival by the beach. So there you have it, my reason.

Last (but not least, the most hilarious) exhibit: In H&M faux leather vest, Topshop camo sneakers, my trusty (and OMG favorite most) Alexander Wang rockie bag and Topshop giraffe printed shorts to give the who 'Omg I am visiting the safari look'. Not to forget that I could also bear my freshly tanned Victoria Secret's look-a-like (think Karlie) legs.

And look at 'em arms gurllll bitches be buff now.

Imran as Photographer

Go Green

So apparently, I am currently reciting reasons to why I am not doing a regular post update every week. Here are as follows:

A) Army life is tiring and I need my weekend for recuperating.

B) My photographer is delaying the shoots for the next post which I am dyinggggg to do! (lol)

C) Lacking of substantial inspiration as to what I can (and should) do an update on.

D) I would rather opt for rolling on the bed doing nothing as compared to sitting upright on it, while typing away and trying to get inspired.

And the list of goes on for my procrastination...

And as I am frantically clicking slamming typing on my black embossed Mac keyboard during my last few hours of book out (lol booking in like later, which is really sad considering I'm going to have a tough Thursday and Friday...), I felt that the latter part of option D is giving me the kick. I am literally getting the 'Omg eureka!' moment right now, which is relatively weird considering the fact that I'm actually suppose to produce a blog post content from the start, but I'm only doing the image collage right now. And as I ramble on continuously, let me get into the main crux of this topic for a, yet again, collage cum styling post.

You may question, how the hell do I get inspiration from typing a post that would actually end up getting me from here to nowhere? To be honest, I'm not that sure either. Perhaps whilst typing the aforementioned redundant crap about how I love procrastinating (yet being renditioned to whip up a blog post, not because I have to, but because I want to, and love to for all of you. Awww, I know that. ♥), I recalled a particular outfit that I came across in Style Men's magazine. It was something that I've never thought of doing, never ever (everrrr, I insist on repeating), nor even the slightest bit of putting it to a test.

Okay, I lied, I bought a camo printed sneakers from Topshop a few months back.

But the point is, camo was nothing I intended to indulge in. But upon seeing that editorial piece, perhaps I was struck by a ray of holy light (aka I was enlightened but I prefer using the former) whereby I've decided to bequeath my obdurated self. Is it because I'm starting to intuitively transcend my 'comfort' zone of 'being synonymous', or is it because I've simply chosen to conform to trend?

From left in clockwise direction: Acne green leather jacket which I am dying for; patiently waiting for sale (lol, ain't no bitch has two thousand dollars at my dispense), H&M for Water Aid palm tree tee, Comme des Garçons camo trousers from the men's section, iPhone 5 (sadly, the casing only) from Dannijo, holographic sunnies from Le Specs and the Charlotte Olympia banana leaf pandora clutch which all of you should know, and is something that I wish to attain.

Images all from Google.

'Em Onesies

'Should I or should I not?', I pondered while staring at those (gorgeous yet manrepelling) denim dungarees hanging in the store at Zara. 'I want it so I can be a legit manrepeller!', I thought, 'But why is dungarees going on trend this season? Ugh I hate this!'

Eventually I was compelled into buying it. As usual.

I gleefully strutted out of the store carrying the overly dyed navy paperbag embossed with Zara, and to my dismay, I caught 2 people wearing dungarees. 'Just my luck', I sighed, but I knew it was bound to happen. The trend is bound to happen.

This might be the only time that I've conformed to trend. But deep down inside me, I'm sure that this purchase wasn't due to trend conforming, but to manrepelling conforming.

And I am super lazy to continue elaborating this post. So bye.

Lazy Oaf Google Eye Beanie, Zara Onesies and Shirt from Men's section and Topshop Box Bag.
Imran as Photographer 

Vacation Woes

Obviously trying to cluster-f*ck (a new word I learned recently, inserted a * to make the expression less intimidating and more polite, yay me.) the above thirteen items into one collage, which renders the Lulu Guinness Lip clutch (let's play spot me!) to be 'strategically' located (think of it as stuck, miserably stuck) at a corner. Where am I even going?

'Vacation oh vacation. Oh vacay. Oh god. Oh boy. Noooooo...'. These are the five phrases that are commonly used by Yours Truly when I am going on a trip. You might be thinking, 'Is he fer real? Having repetitive sighs when he has the opportunity to travel? He sure is dumb.'. Well, duhhhhh. Excluding the dumb part. Obviously I'm not lamenting over the fact that I am visiting another country, but more on the 'WHAT SHOULD I PACK OHMAIGOD' part. And yes, they usually come in caps.

I'm pretty sure that is the first obstacle that we all most of us face (especially we fashionistas oh boy, it's like World War 3: Clothes Edition) is having to whip out that $100 you've decided to spend on, maybe a Zara chiffon shirt, just to pay for your excessive baggage that decides to weigh one million pounds on that day. Not that cool, I know that. It almost happened to me once. And well, I #obviously fall into this category of overpacking (albeit subtle because we fashionistas just need more clothes). I'm pretty sure most of you do to. Let's be honest (Lesbi honest). So in order to discover a solution to all of your agony and depression, Guru Sean will be here to give you tips for your vacation packing (with the help of Guide in packing 101 for Dummies). Oh the irony...

Not claiming that I'm an expert nor a pro (well duh, to be honest, I have no idea why I'm doing this post as well since I really can't pack adequately) in keeping your baggage around the acceptable weight limit region, but this might help impart a few (insert useful here) tricks of styling to you guys.

Figure A all the way above shows the fourteen items you'll be needing to place (oh, you don't have to stuff them now!) inside your baggage, and I'm pretty sure this will last you for an entire week. Disclaimer: No hygiene nor cleanliness guaranteed, since you'll definitely be re-wearing, uhm, the stale garments. Only recommended for countries with cooler climates.

Figure B above shows a simple white tee from Topman underneath the Topshop elephant printed dungarees. Since we all need to reminisce our youth days where we live in the 'pretence' of being naive and innocent (and adorable), let's go all the way with this Lazy Oaf bobble beanie. And despite this whole 'vacation packing-cum-styling' business going on here is revolving (strictly if you do not want to perspire and stink and have revolting pungent clothes) around the FW season, I still chose to throw in a pair of Ancient Greek sandals done with the collaboration of Marios Schwab. But honestly speaking, we can werq this outfit for both Fall and Spring. Not so much for winter though, unless you don't mind getting frostbites.

Oh right, I almost forgot. Above clutch is from Zara.

I swear, I tried my very best to cover up the plaid square thing on the figure above, like how I did on Figure A. But I guess I couldn't over here. Oh well, moving on, we're going to wear the same dungarees (yay to being unclean), with a plaid shirt from Uniqlo underneath it. Challenging inner 'skater chic' (or in a more chic way, hipster chic *crediting Trishna*, but I prefer manrepelling chic) with Superga 2750, but not losing your femininity once you've this Lulu Guinness Lip Clutch (leather embossed gurllll) with you.

And finally on day 3, you're able to wear something new. A cute suit from Alexander Wang (T by A Wang to be exact), a yellow knitted jumper from Topshop, a super chic Tortoise shell eyewear from Cheap Monday and a pair of lace up from Jeffrey Campbell. Nothing really fancy, just your typical I-want-to-look-chic-in-a-suit day.

And now let's go with a simple chic outfit, suitable for your I-don't-know-what-to-wear-on-day-four-but-still-wanna-look-chic days. A classic white tee with denim shorts, paired with a grey A Wang blazer to emulate chic, yet throwing in some quirkiness with the Lazy Oaf (peek-a-boo) beanie and the Zara (amaze-bally printed) clutch.

So this is the day where you can go wear your pullover over the tartan shirt to display a pop of tartan (print) underneath that shade of bright yellow. Pair it with the neon orange clutch and boisterous loafers, and there you have it, the manrepelling overly obnoxious colorful and peacock day.

And after being too flamboyant for the previous day, it's back to tuning yourself down to a more subtle hue, while wearing the same tartan shirt you wore yesterday (and maybe perspired badly in it, lol) tucked into (at the front only, you know the drill) a pair of cute grey shorts with some bohemian fringe sandals. I really wonder how one is going to pull this off during spring, or even autumn.

And on the last day, since all your clothes have been used (and smelling like the epitome of fish market), let's do a mash up with all the clothes we have, an look as manrepelling as possible. Don't think I'll need to further explain where the clothes are from since it's gonna be so repetitive till you could finish a whole pie. And I've no idea what I'm saying already.

Okay I'm done here. This (super mini) 'project' took me two weeks to complete. Apologies for the delay but, I just couldn't help but to sloth around during my weekend breaks.


Images from luisaviaroma, topshop, topman, zara, ancientgreek, nastygal, lazyoaf, cheapmonday, feistheist and finally, lagarconne . Wow, that's a long credit list. And no, I didn't use polyvore. I use picasa.