Mango Spring 2011 Nude Collection Look Book

It's supposedly Autumn here in Australia (Fall, for you international readers, if you are out there - hellooooo?) and it doesn't get too cold at all. I know this is Mango's Spring look book, but this collection of neutral colour palette by the Spanish label, works perfectly into the early Autumn wardrobe. 

Source: fashion gone rogue

Fall from Grace

Four days ago, I fell from my platform wedges (also known as, trucks, or bricks, to my fashion ignorant mates) and I was on my hands and knees. My first response to pain (and let's not forget the humiliation that I face whilst being labelled a 'fashion victim')? Crying out in agony for my two hurt babies. No, not my knee caps suffering from burst capillaries! My damaged jeans and platforms! And last week, I fell from my towering sandals. And once again, it was like my pain nerves somehow extended to my shoes. 
Unfortunately, band-aids and bruises aren't attractive (thought it's worked for a conversation starter with a stranger man on the train). Fortunately, I can use the maxi skirt trend, and socks with sandals trend to my advantage. 
So here's my abrupt conclusion to this post. Not to sound twisted, but we, fashion people are rarely interested in appearing our 'real' height.

What on Earth did I wear last winter?

My wardrobe has expanded into a floor-drobe, yet I have nothing to wear. How can this be? Maybe I have a well-refined knack for buying the same items in 40 different variations? Currently studying shirt construction, last night, I counted how many white shirts I own - eleven! Who needs or buys eleven very similar button-up collared shirts in various shades of white? I also own an extensive range of black blazers (five), but there's not a lot else going on other than "it" items I bought out of impulse, wore once and hold on to in case it comes back in fashion. Making things more difficult for me and my one-trick-pony wardrobe, it's starting to get chilly in the mornings, so now I'm faced with the mystery of What on Earth did I wear last winter? I'm think I might dye a few of these in bright orange, purple, and fuchsia.

My so-called white shirt collection, lain on the bed.

Inspiration: Stockholm street style

How one country, let alone one city, can produce so many stylish creatures is a perplexity to me. Stockholm, compared to many other cities, has such a high concentration of amazing style. However, they are different from the Italians and the French, in that their style has a sense of quirkyness or irony behind it. I want to go to Sweden! Their chocolate and sweets are quite amazing too!

Source: stockholm street style

Rodarte for Opening Ceremony Spring 2011 Look Book

If I had to choose just one clothing range for my spring wardrobe, this would be it. Rodarte and Opening Ceremony's ultra-stylish collaboration. Yup. But then again, I say that all the time, don't I.

Samuji Fall 2011 Look Book

If you are like me, and love embracing feminine silhouettes and button-ups shirts, you'll like Samuji. The Finnish label features casual designs with a quiet elegance. Check out their short little "Inspirations" video clip, here (The girl needs to be taught how to put on lipstick!)

Model: Ellu Arula

Photographer: Nina Merikallio

Stylist: Minttu Vesala

Haider Ackermann Fall 2011

Rumours are swirling about Haider Ackermann being a possible John Galliano's successor at the House of Dior. With Ackermann's sleek and somewhat futuristic vision, it's a little hard to imagine him follow Galliano's high octane glamour. But no doubt Ackermann is a master of his own. P.S Other targets of speculation on Galliano's replacement includes, Alber Elbaz, Riccardo Tisci, and even Hedi Slimane.

Dear...

Dear tall, brooding, stylish Asian boy, who was so stylish, I kept following because of your stylishness,
I didn't even get to see your face, maybe just the tip of your nose? It was your messy hair and effortlessly cool clothes and vintage leather bag and your individualist attitude that captured my attention. Without realising, I followed your slouchy minimalistic, subdued colour-cordinated, perfectly proportioned outfit from Soho, all the way to 36th street.


Dear New York City
I miss the concrete jungle where dreams are made of. You were my eye-opener, and dream catcher. I'm losing my motivation to study and get ahead. Help!


Dear lecturer
I'm in disbelief. I can't believe you said statement shoulders are in fashion now, like now. Um, no. According to the runways, they are a long gone trend. I mean they are so two-thousand-and-ten! I am just seriously disappointed. And I can't get over the fact that you're not trend aware. I know I'm overreacting, but I can't help that it bothers me. Probably because it is a passion and obsession of mine, and is to be a profession of mine in the future.


Dear Susan, Christina, and Jessica,
We remind me of The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. I love our weekly catch-ups, and deep and meaningful conversations about boys, future husbands, life, natural disasters (well, in today's case), Bear Grylls, boys, self-esteem, insecurities, family, wedding dresses, boys and finding the right one. Let's continue to encourage each other, and grow (up) together as beautiful and confident women.

Man vs Wild (Born Survivor) Bear Grylls

Dear Autumn,
When are you officially here? Until when do I have to sweat it out every morning just to walk to the train station?


Dear readers,
Leave me a comment or two?


Dear future husband,
Every year, my window of hope just gets smaller and smaller. But I know you're out there, so I won't lower my standards.


Dear God,
You are my hiding place and safe refuge.

Inspiration: Unexpected Colour

A totally unexpected combination of colour, or that pop of neon, can do wonders to your overall outfit. I'm taking cue from leading trendsetters spotted at Paris Fashion Week. See how the sandal and sock look is done. The French does it superbly, bold and fresh!

Sources: chicmuse, facehunter, manrepeller, google image

Monthly Recap: February '11

Today was March the first, already the third month of the new year. 2010 ended, and 2011 really started with a sort of an anti-climax.
Alone on Christmas Eve
Betrayal of a close friend
Alone on New Year's Day
Alone on Valentine's Day
Stranded in New York storm storm
Homeless for a few of days
Loss of money and valuables
Grandpa passed away
Physical change
Cried way too much tears


But I know, still, 2011 is going to be better than 2010. I will wait in patience and anticipation,
Because I'm hopeful. I learned that people with hope are better influencers and greater reformers.
Because I'm going to be a geek.  With my nerd-glasses, I will follow that high-disctinction student around. Maybe I'll pick up a thing or two.
Because I'm inspired. Creative ideas come from vast experiences.
Because I'm determined. I now have people to prove myself to.
Because I've matured. I've seen a  lot, I've felt a lot, and I think I've matured ten years.
Because I'm satisfied. In who I am, and what I'm called to do.
Because I'm a year closer to meeting my version of Mr Darcy. I started a marriage book of all my favorite quotes, poems, ideas for kids names and date night ideas. I even have a section: "To read when we get in future disagreements." Honestly? It's one of my most favourite books in the world.


And with all my rantings, self-encouragement and embarrassing confessions out there,
my March can officially begin.