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

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

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

'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 

Accoutrement

Being in ns somehow made me feel less intelligent and uneducated, as though I was a child depriving of knowledge that I covet for, as I was constantly devoid of reading manrepeller on a daily basis (which I used to do, I'm serious). However, thanks to ever perpetual and advancing of technology, I managed to catch a few short glimpse (aka skimming through) my - China branded - Android cell phone, due to the insufficient time and the not so copious amount of battery I possess. To be honest, I have no idea of what I'm complaining about.

Okay, now I remember. I miss the luxury of being behind my 14 inch MacBook, lying down on my commodious and comfy bed compared to scrolling (and trying to miserably zoom and squint my eyes) through my 3 inch(?) cell phone.

Let's get back to topic. Well, reading her post on 'Accoutrementing' did enlighten me on how I am continuously accoutrementing myself with intricate details (equates to #armparty) and keeping my battle ready armor (aka clothing wise; no pun intended to ns) to the minimum. Probably it's because of the you-know-it sweltering weather, or maybe it's also because of my sloth habit - slowly - building up inside me.

Alright, I admit, it's the latter. It was is always the latter. I am just too lazy to be decking in layers of palatial garment on me. I guess I'm slowly starting to find my personal style. That is definitely slanting towards casual chic (but not yet French chic), I suppose? But I presume that somehow or another, my style was already inherently and intuitively defined as it is.

Besides that, reading that post also made me realised how I am heavily influenced by the manrepeller herself, who choses to ignore all odds (aka relationships; but she eventually was unable to repel a man, and social stigma etc), while constantly accoutrementing, decking myself in superfluous amounts of #armparty. Leaving the house without my armparty? Hashtag no. I will feel naked without them. I'm serious. I'm not kidding.

And #obviously my accoutrementing doesn't stop just there. Who said accoutrementing only applied for accessories? Look at my newly bought (considered new since it's not even a month old) Alexander Wang Rockie that have structured and highly defined trademark studs embossed underneath it. Definitely an accoutrement. What about this Lazy Oaf beanie? Definitely another (super adorable!!! The eyes, omg!!!) accoutrement. And guess who made me checked it out of the cart? I'm pretty sure it's obvious.

P/S: Did anyone miss me?? (insert shamelessness here). And yes, I'm pretty much spazzing in the gif.


Lazy Oaf Beanie, Zara Lips Tee, FEIST Blazer, Taobao Trousers and Alexander Wang Rockie. #Armparty from everywhere
Imran as Photographer 

Clash of the Prints

Print on print (on print and on more prints), the daily mantra into being a (successful) manrepeller. Oops, I just brought up the word 'manrepeller' again. But what can I do? Decking myself in prints gave me solace and excitement simultaneously (if that's even possible). The reason to why I'm crazy about decking prints is A) my manrepelling impersonation is currently at a plateau of 15%, B) I look so fetch! and C) I just love it! Silly it may seems, but tell me, don't you spot any uncanny resemblances to the official manrepeller? Yes, no? In retrospect, the time when I've decided to plough myself in four somewhat distinct prints (if Baroque, Stripes, Python and Dog print(?!) is distinct enough) was last Friday. Two years back, I could recall print decking as repugnance, while refusing to step out of my black and white more black dresscode. But Anna dello Russo gave me light and brought me out of my abyss of darkness (no pun intended; I still love black btw it's French chic), that made me possess a closet with the ever-spilling rainbow coloured opulence (fabrics).

Despite the prodigious discovery on print decking, some may look really unpleasant (I'm refraining from using the 2Rs: repulsive and revolting) with print decking. So let me (Guru Sean per se) guide you to achieve your very first Honors in the art of Print Decking.

Step 1: Refrain from causing a massive devastation with your colour option. Stick within a selected colour and you'll be fine 99% of the time (see above: blue was the selected colour). If you insist in flaunting your art of colour blocking, select a colour (in which your print consists with) and try not to deviate two colours (left or right) from the rainbow colour wheel. For example, for my Baroque Blazer, I would stick within the hue of either yellow, indigo or purple. And maybe orange.

Step 2: During the process of piling three prints and above, try to keep a print in the form of black or white. This would give the boisterous yet sophisticated feel to your #ootd.

Step 3: Keep your look as clean as possible. I have no idea what to fill Step 3 with (since accomplishing steps 1 and 2 are already satisfactory).

I'm not going to even go to 'Step 4: Exude confidence' because we all know that one's confidence will make their outfits look immaculate (even when you messed up). That line seems kinda familiar...

Figure A shows me stepping out from my limo, in a conspicuous three contradistinct printed (think baroque, stripes and brocade) 'suit' that portrays a little formality (revisit my obsession for Suits) and masculinity perhaps? Maybe not quite. And with Figure B, let's just say that the photographer was so astonished by my ineffable style (pardon me while I boost a little ego; humor intended), that he had decided to snap a few more shots.

Above three figures: Baroque Blazer's stashed from a sale two seasons back in Zara, Striped Shirt's also from Zara, and Brocade Trousers was on the recent sale at (you know it, none other than) Zara. I'm not a Zara junkie. No I'm not. Still denying it.

Okay fine I am a Zara whore.

Bottom two figures: Orange Tartan Shirt from AMEN Label with sleeves folded unprofessionally, while being tucked into a Houndstooth Trousers that costs about twenty bucks from Taobao. And of course, with the obligatory massive #armparty that renders me to unable to reminisce their origin. But one that remained vividly in my mind (that's because I've only purchased it recently) was a triangular emblem that symbolizes fire sign horoscopes (waddup to all Sagittarius gurllll), from Topshop which I know isn't worth the price of 13 bucks. But how can I deal?

Imran as Photographer and Life Guru (I was coerced into typing this)

New York City (Da Best Place Eva)

"Hey Upper East Siders, Gossip Girl here, your one and only source into the most scandalous lives of Manhattan's elites. And what do we have here today? Spotted: Sean Seyfried in a NYC t-shirt. Is that how he's going to deceive himself as being an official New Yorker? Or is that how delusion works?"

Lol jk. Okay, half of it is factual (I really wish to say I'm a Manhattan elite but sadly that's the false part). And I'm sure (not too sure though, her hair's mail's so big because it's full of secrets) Gossip Girl wouldn't be bothered, or the least interested, in spotting #ootd(s). I mean, come on, me in casual chic formation again, including crazy-diamante-huge-ass necklace and #armparty? I bet Gossip Girl must be sick of spotting me, if she's real and inhabiting somewhere.

Okay, I'm sure you guys must be guessing, 'This is really casual, I mean 'em jeans gurl. Where 'em coloured printed pants be missin'?' Chill, let me explain the aforementioned 'casual chic' issue. Yes, this time round, it's beyond my casual chic days. Wayyyyyy more casual (chic) than those times with a kick ass (why am I constantly using this phrase?) printed trousers. My reason/excuse? I don't own a pair of ripped denims. I swear. Never in my life have I acquired a pair of ripped denims (take note of the bold and italics). In actual fact, my mum banned me from owning them. Since she's one of those Feng Shui (google this if you're unsure) superstitious person, she believed that ripped ones are a form of inviting bad luck. Or that's what I could remember. And of course, being a rebel forever (wait, it kinda rhymes), I've decided to go against her crazy beliefs (lol sounds major, but it isn't) and purchase one, in order to emulate the manrepelling look.

And as for this tee, it was the only time I believed that fate actually existed. When I clicked on the 'New In' hover button on Topshop, the first thing there lies upon thy eyes. The t-shirt. The sudden urge to possess it (completely) transpired. This, me, now. My thoughts were somewhat peculiar, yet succinct. I knew I needed it no matter what. But the moment I realized that they weren't coming in stores (Singapore) soon (the thought was at least three to four months back), I fell into despair. I have lost all hope (insert dramatic sound effects here). But apparently - and miraculously - this tee appeared right before my eyes, in Topshop somewhere in late January. My reactions? To summarize it in four words: OMG, grab, counter, pay.

Now I can believe in destiny. Yay me.

Overwhelming blings. Pardon me if you need a pair of sunnies. And oh, I've got a haircut, and my fringe is back (not really since I actually push them all up again ._.)!

Zara (Kick - and Huge - Ass) Necklace, Topshop NYC tee, Zara Distressed Jeans (apparently I got the wrong ones, so I went back to do an exchange. And I immediately went to the washroom to change into it. #fashionistapains) and Hashtag Armparty.

Images done by Jolene.

Metallica

My temperamental choice of style kicks in once again when I abandon those casual chic looks while plunging back into the casual-formal chic appearance. What's the difference, right? It's just an additional word - formal - inserted to the phrase 'casual chic', and the inclusion of a padded double lapel blazer to my whole ensemble.

Basically, I was just trying to repent on the fact that I hastily (and rashly) snagged off 4 outerwears (that includes two blazers, one trench coat and one biker jacket; probably more but these are the only ones that I could think of now) from Zara during their last spring (or summer) sale. And it ended clogging my closet with mountains of blazers that were only worn less than five times. I know, a major sin that might take years for me to repent, right? That's why I chose to utilize this blazer (as well as the shirt oh god I love the shirt, but rarely wore it).

But I mean, who doesn't encounter such situations; that you impulsively and imprudently acquire clothes in bulk when they are on sale? And that the clothes are screaming out to you, waving, while saying 'Hey! I'm half price now! Buy me! I know you want me! xoxo', flooded with all those exclamation marks? Or that you promised yourself not to bring out your credit cards or cash, but irregardlessly did so because apparently you've decided to try on that piece of garment and it fits you so perfectly? Or that despite knowing that they're past season, yet you chose to console yourself by telling lying to yourself that you'll wear them, which in fact would just end up still tagged after ten months??

That happened to me. More than once. More than I could actually imagine. Even when things (clothes in general, throw in shoes, bags and accessories) are not on sale, I would still end up purchasing the quasi synonymous white shirt because of the different prints, and the design to it. How they say 'A fashionista's mind is oriented in a different way (I would prefer to think of it as 'a more sartorially expressive way') than others' is really true. A white polyester fringed shirt is different from a white cotton/chiffon blend backless shirt, which is different from a white chiffon shirt with leopard face printed all over it.

This is why I trend #fashionistaproblems. Something not easily comprehensible (for the weak, lol).


Cheap Monday Sunglasses, Zara Paisley Shirt & Flora Blazer, H&M Shorts, 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour (apparently not seen in here) and Hashtag Armparty on my left arm only because I couldn't possibly let too much armparty cause abrasion on my bag, hence I kept my right arm bare.
Images done by Imran.

Dork

Dork. Another word embossed tee of mine - which unfortunately cannot be seen in any of the above pictures, just with the little R giving a cheeky peek (see here for exact image) - that made me contemplate whether I would like to be called as one, or not. And before I could reach my answer, there is a sudden proliferation of it's sister counterpart, Geek, plastered all over navy, maroon and forest green tees that originated from Topshop. It is no mistaken that I got both my 'Dork' and 'Dweeb' (the Dsquared², no pun intended) from Topman, the brother version of Topshop, which might be the answer to (or maybe not) the massive propagation of slogan tees in Topshop (think words like Sick, Geek, Nerd, Chill etc etc).

I wasn't sure whether to dig into my measly wallet and head over to the counter with Dweeb (I saw them first before Dork came along) in my hands, but the idea was somehow enticed by the fact that manrepeller (lol, her influence again) owned a 'Loser' jumper from Topshop. So I thought, 'Hmmm, maybe purchasing this tee would bring me one step closer to impersonate her.'. Yup, so I did what was right (at that point it was right despite my financial guardian saying that it's wrong) to my tearful wallet.

And it wasn't long after my purchase, while at the same time these tees became copious in Topshop, they started being omnipresent in almost every single individual. Almost everyone (and I really mean it) at least own the 'Geek' tee. So I did another mind intensive thinking regime, 'Am I disappointed with the sudden surge of such tees that renders mine being synonymous? Or am I blatantly upset with the impervious minds of individuals that would rather opt for Geek, the normality with its definition known by every populace, instead of something more random (and edgy, hahaha), like Dweeb? Or both?'. I can't say the same thing to Dork though.

Forget those questions because it will take me at least a week to derive my answer. Which would only end up being option D: Stop thinking and move on. This also happened to be the day where I braved the forever-sweltering weather and left the house wearing a leather biker jacket. And yes, I wore it, there's no mistake to that. Goodbye to carrying them on my shoulders to make me look chic-er.

I wonder how heavy my jacket became after soaking into the bliss of my perspiration.


Topman Dork Tee and Red Chino Shorts, Topshop Biker Jacket & Hash tag Armparty
Images done by Imran.

Styling 101

Does anyone fall into the same category of repeating your outfits every time because you just can't think of anything else to wear, despite your wardrobe containing full of opulence and fabric that are screaming 'Let me out!!!'?

I do. 

Well, sometimes I do. And that is when I find myself stuck in a cycle of grabbing the same piece of garment, and not knowing exactly how to wear it differently compared to what I wore yesterday. It's like a moment when you have your sense of style immobilized, and you're stuck in a phase whereby wearing the similar outfit as of yesterday gave you solace.

But that only happens to me once in a blue moon. That's because I'm a future stylist (insert wannabe here), and if I were to transiently lose my ability to Mix'n'Match, I'll be rolling in da deep shit trouble. So, Guru Sean would make a reappearance (last appearance as of March 2012) and be your fairy god-father. And no, Guru Sean isn't here to wave his wand and magically transform your pumpkins into any additional clothes. I'm here to impart lessons on 'How to style your favourite piece in different ways 101'. The Guru Sean way.

For today's lesson, we'll be using Guru Sean's favourite piece of garment deemed essential by him, the Black Biker Jacket. Here I'll be using the Margiela x H&M jacket.

It's always wise to invest in a good quality leather biker jacket. A Black Biker Jacket can never go wrong with almost anything. Figure A shows Guru Sean in a casual chic form, with a Tartan Shorts and a laid back White tee (also deem as essential in most closets). In order to still carry the manrepeller vibe, Guru Sean completed the outfit with a boisterous flora tapestry booties. To sum it all up, white tee, printed shorts, cute booties and you're good to go.

Want something to pop from your outfit? Keep everything else simple and monochrome. Using white as the base colour (you can also use full red, nude or yellow) in order to create the contrast, I am clueless if this outfit screams casual or dressed up.

But if Blair Waldorf can wear a sequined Elie Saab dress and say 'It's casual', then I believe this is beyond casual (humor intended).

And on days where black is the only choice in the colour spectrum that you seek comfort in, piling in full black might seem the best (and easiest to look chic) option. To remain hassle-free, go with a simple black tee and a black skinnys. Pair it with some booties. Add a little touch with statement accessories. And there you have, Olsen sisters 3D (dress down days) chic.

If this lesson has been by far too complex for one, the most important note that has to be taken is: Just remember to accessorize.

Featuring the essential piece, Maison Martin Margiela x H&M Adjusted Jacket
Figure A: Topshop Tee and Tapestry Boots, Amen Label Tartan Shorts
Figure B: Topshop Tee, Zara Studded Jeans with TBA Python Brogues
Figure C: Topman tee, Topshop Jeans, Doctor Martens Booties
Yours Truly as Model.
Above images taken and edited by Elizabeth.

Kleine Zwarte

Photography / Elizabeth
Editing / Elizabeth
Styling / Sean
Model / Sean