Instadigest | 2013 Spring

Well that was fast. A huge chunk of it was just uni. I wonder how Summer will go since it's ALL holidays. The last weeks of November were terrible. I'm still quite sick. Fix me pls. And work, well work is just work.

The good thing about Spring is that I spent a lot of time blogging about NYFW, LFW and MFW (I loved New York's the best). I should do PFW too but it's been too long and I'm still sick. Yes that will be my excuse. There were a few things going on in the last week of November too in the Sydney fashion world but I was too drained and tired to go. Nonetheless, I had a good time at the End Of Year Parade of Sydney's Fashion Design Studio and meeting the founder of Bailey Nelson Eyewear.

I've been watching a lot of Mad Men. It's such a great drama. Every episode leaves me very content even though sometimes not much really happens. The show is very surprising actually. I thought it would be much more sinister (like full of schemes) and once in a while, something very light hearted happens. Like the foot thing. Thanks Bambino for lending me the DVDs. I really liked the more sophisticated style of the earlier seasons.

Also, Spring in the gaming department meant the release of Pokemon. Which I spent a LOT of time on during the course of Uni. I play before class, in class, after class, whatever time I had. Also spent about the same amount of time for Animal Crossing... Then it got a bit boring so I studied a bit more (not really, it only got boring AFTER my exams.. yay.) But I've bought a lot of other games too. I hate PS3, such a terrible system with no good games except Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3. The only reason why I even bought a PS3 in the first place.

I finally got my PONY shoes. Although the sizing was annoying, so I basically bought two pairs of the black suede and I'll give the smaller pair to Arch and the white ones don't fit me that well. Oh well, I quite willingly suffer for fashion. Speaking of purchases I've basically got most of everything I wanted so I'm good with no shopping for a while, maybe just 1 watch left. But yeah, I NEED to save now :)

Also, had a great time at the birthday parties of my friends in Spring. They were probably New Years celebration and Valentine's Day babies.

The Cologne Diaries - Just for Him (Just Cavalli) Review

10 November 2013

When I heard about the release, I was really excited for it because I love supporting the Cavalli brand. Just Cavalli is great because it's for the younger market with really cool and casual pieces. I love their elaborate casual t-shirts and sometimes dressy shoes. This scent is supposed to be daring and sensual but it's a bit too sweet. I can see ladies liking it more than guys. The best part is the leathery base note. It goes really well with the bottle and packaging design with the snake skin.

It's a good scent and ok for everyday wear although nothing too special. The top note has to be the most recognisable because that's what people smell first. Overall, I was expecting a little more from Just Cavalli. It does look great as a gift however since the bottle and packaging is so great.

I do really like the ad campaigns though. Marlon x Georgia May Jagger. Maybe that's because Marlon is the Chico's bestie (also).

Top 5 Sunglasses for Guys and Girls 2014 - SAFILO GROUP

Sunglasses are always the most stylish form of luxurious accessory. They are the incorporation of style and creativity. I always love accessories more than any other item because they tell a story about someone's personality. Before the exams started I was invited to a showing of the eyewear of SAFILO GROUP. The biggest labels in sunglasses like Gucci, Carrera, Marc Jacobs, Dior and Saint Laurent launched their newest range. The best thing was to see the styles on the runway right in front of me. The main trend seems to be reflective lenses and Havana tones. It's really good to have a first hand look at sunglasses because you have to look at the details from all angles. Lots of touching occurred.

Some of the most stylish and outstanding sunglasses for ladies and men.

Top 5 for guys:
5. Gucci: GG 1051/S (Black) - smooth edges and stylish accents with the iconic t-bar hinges.
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs: MMJ 386/S - retro colour-blocking in D-shaped frames.
3. BOSS: BOSS 0556/S - retro design in a natural palette.
2. Pierre Cardin: P.C. 6790 - retro inspired pilot shaped sunglasses with amazing detail.
1. Dior Homme: Blacktie 177S - the translucent blue acetate and aluminium frame make a look effortlessly stylish.

Top 5 for ladies:
5. Carrera by Jimmy Choo: Glitter (Black) - bold luxury.
4. Max Mara: MM Diva - distinctive shape and colour.
3. Gucci: Web Ribbon - chic smooth rounded edges.
2. Bottega Veneta: B.V. 1000/S/S - unique with the signature Intrecciato.
1. Dior: Fashion Show Sunglasses - straight off the runway, oversized butterfly shades by Raf Simons.

There were so many great lines at the showing:
Alexander McQueen, BOSS, BOSS Orange, Bottega Veneta, Carrera, Dior, Dior Homme, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs, Max&Co., Max Mara, Pierre Cardin, Kate Spade and Saint Laurent Paris.
Keep reading for more pictures. If you can see me in the reflection it's because I am very skilled in the art of composition in a photo. Yes.

Now or Never

Sorry for the lack of updates, but I'm going to type up a huge chunk of stuff right now. As with this time of year, it's the wonderful exam period. Only 2 more years of this to go (hopefully). I really hate studying, it's just been so slow this semester and I can't seem to sit myself down and block out distractions. I really do think I have dumbed down but that's my fault. I haven't stimulated my mind and I have tried to avoid it. Just something really small I noticed that I haven't been playing games that can critically stimulate my mind and make me think and make me frustrated. It's because I know that in certain scenarios I will be so annoyed and I avoid it completely. Wrong mentality. Really, I should have thought about tackling the problems and trying to solve something instead of knowing that I don't want to do it and avoid that sort of anxiety. You know patience really defines a person so I've lost myself there a bit. Ok, back to studying... Although arduous now, I know I'm going to miss it because I'm the sort of person who acts very wise and pretends to enjoy the experience. Well not pretend but I tend to try and appreciate it more and then I do. I know I'll miss it because any change to me is refreshing but at the same time, a reminder of how great something else was. This kind of really hits me at my current job. I haven't been adjusting well to the new job and all in retail. I really wanted to be more involved with clothes and fashion doing retail but it's nothing like that. Retail is just selling garments. There's almost no fashion element in the job so far. I have had one register experience selling watches though and I do think that's much more what I want. I guess I just want to be associated and work with those brands. But I think I have settled on the mentality that it's just for the money right now. Okay, it's not like I make billions of dollars but it really isn't bad money for the job market right now, for something just part-time on top of study. Work is however, repetitive, non-stimulating and with a low sense of achievement everyday. I've never had a job before where I was in it just for the money. I'm always looking to fulfil my soul. The other day I got an e-mail about some fashion PR companies in New York that were looking for interns. I started daydreaming. Actually first of all I don't even know WHY I would get such e-mails because I'm all the way here, but yeah, I started daydreaming. Wouldn't it be amazing to go to New York to pursue something you've always wanted? It's just like a scene out of a movie (which I will create one day based on my memoirs - not). LOL anyway, so many things in life to me are just scenes out of a movie but they NEVER seem to end the perfect way like they do in there (so many times I can't even). But it's still fun to speculate and have a mental plan of what will I do and how I would face challenges. I was daydreaming about applying and getting it and making my way there in the belly of the beast doing something that would be fun to me. Then I just chickened out because I knew how difficult and expensive everything would be and went to sleep. Ha! Oh well, I know one day I will be ready though. When I am, I will do my best.

'It's now or never, daydreamer.'

YUI

Ever Style - Kai-aakmann SS14 Review

Kai-aakmann takes the strengths of casual wear into the new season with its cool and fresh looks. Showcased in September, the collection boasts some notable pieces in patterns and contrasting panels. The earthy palette is contrasted with brighter tones like purple and blue. Visually, these make the collection refreshing and innovative. Into the mix, asymmetrical panels and the peek of neon green add so much more flavour to the looks. The looks are very well put together with print clashing and I really liked the thick belts which visually separated the sections. It really helped in creating a well-put together showing.

I'm very excited for the new season because I do have a navy colour block jumper and a quilted top from Kai-aakmann. The structure and fitting are very relaxed, great for SS and the kaleidoscopic print is on trend and fresh for 2014. Cuffed trousers and jeans work well with the relaxed fit of the light outerwear. It's great because the jackets and blazers are both laid-back and structured. This collection is very appealing to the always stylish.
Check out some of the high res photos below.

The Cologne Diaries - DARK OBSESSION (Calvin Klein) Review

22 October 2013

Super late entry because uni just got really hectic suddenly (I don't know why, there aren't many assignments due, maybe just the stress of exams). Also, work is quite demanding, I have to go in 4 days a week and the other 3 are at uni. Anyway, I wanted to post this review a while ago.

I really wanted Calvin Klein's DARK OBSESSION when it was released earlier this year because it came with a bag. I think the bag really sold it to me at the time because I needed a holdall and I collect fragrances anyway - but then I missed out. This is my second Calvin Klein fragrance after IN2U for him which was very summery and young. I was interested in SHOCK and I loved the ad for it but I never got it.

For this one, the top note of the scent is quite recognisable and strong. The scent is very masculine. I do enjoy this one but my favourite is probably the mid note. The scent is a bit clearer.

I would have to say that the down side of the fragrance is that the top note is much stronger than the mid. This makes the fragrance feel that it's too strong when you first spray it on but it doesn't last long enough because once the top note is vaporised, the rest is hardly noticeable. To me, it's important for a fragrance to remind me that I'm wearing it. Like having subtle waffles of it throughout the day or at least an hour or two. The lack of longevity of it made it hard for me to write this actually. I wanted to write about it on the days I wear it but I often forget that I wore it or that I couldn't find anything too noticeable about it except its top note. Overall though, it scent is nice - quite fresh and it becomes woody dry.

The packaging is really nice because I love the feel of the matte finish. But DO TAKE CARE OF IT. The bottle got really scratched up by the stuff in my bag (keys and coins etc.) and now I've ruined it :(
It looked really nice with the matte finish before it got scratches all over it. I also like that it's quite flat, so it fits well in my iPad case (yes I often carry fragrances out).

MFW | 5 Trends at Milan Fashion Week - Wrap Up for SS14

The overtly sexualised Milan Fashion Week toned down quite a bit this year with more emphasis on art than previous seasons. MFW always showcase some of the most well recognised and provocative brands like DSquared2, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci. Although many labels still had sexy pieces and cutting which complimented the feminine silhouette, what I found most interesting were the very bold accessories. These statement pieces were definitely the highlight of the shows and got me checking out the photos over and over again. The great thing about having great accessories at a show is that the whole look is for sale and so well put together. Check out my other posts for London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week.

Photos will be uploaded here.

My favourite show was probably Roberto Cavalli, followed by Versace and Giorgio Armani.

NYFW | Romantic Parade - Zac Posen SS14 Review

Okay, the last designer post I will do for New York Fashion Week. Of course I save the best for last. Zac Posen creates stunning gowns for A-List celebrities and this season, the fashion was very frenchy, soft and romantic. Flowy dresses, sheer fabric, soft colours, flower embroidery and at times bright, rich pieces really make the collection luxurious.

The show was naive and innocent - models with flowers in their messy hair, big, beautiful pleats, and sheer garments. The show was also very simple - the dresses did all the talking. Have a look at the runway looks here.

NYFW | The Forest In Those Stories - Honor SS14 Review

Honor's show at New York Fashion Week was very enjoyable. The collection was cute, girly and fairytale-like. The atmosphere of the show in the woods with little LED lights like fireflies was mysterious and beautiful. Every piece was 'pretty' with flowers, lace and contrasting collars. Short skirts, long skirts, summer dresses, flared out layered cocktail dresses were all very girly and pretty. I loved the length of the dresses where the models' hands hanged lower than the hem. Some of the most fashionable pieces were the flower/lace cut-out sheer blouse, cut-out floral dress, lace cut-out short shorts and floral cropped pants. The floral winged sunglasses matched the looks very well. Everyone was probably on the lookout for the Big Bad Wolf. Check out the collection here!

Although I did want to stick strictly to menswear for NYFW (except some of my favourite designers), when I saw this show I was pleasantly surprised because all the pieces were very likeable but more importantly, marketable and sellable.

NYFW | The Latest Martian Fashion - Jeremy Scott SS14 Review

Jeremy Scott always holds the most memorable shows because he creates the most memorable and signature fashion. This collection in collaboration with Kenny Scharf at New York Fashion Week drew on influences from the 50s and Space Age culture. The youthful rebellion tied in with retro motifs created super hip dolls. It was awesome how there were corresponding designs between the guys and girls to make the collection very cohesive. Loud vintage is so much better and refreshing.

Print clash, retro TV test cards, lava lamps and even squeeze bottle ketchup showed off the vintage American culture. The cutting and structure of the pieces were also very retro, sticking closely to the theme. Hey, I want to go to Mars too. I love the way Jeremy Scott creates signature pieces season after season. His themes are always fresh, loud and memorable, but above all recognisable and marketable. This is branding like a pro.

Check out the runway photos here.

NYFW | The Park Or The Beach? - J.Crew SS14 Review

J.Crew always has very on trend clothing. This season at New York Fashion Week, the label created very outdoorsy pieces. The palette and prints used were about adventure. The menswear were more toned down compared to womens which were more lively and vibrant. Check out the collection here.

Guys:
Darker and earthier tones dominated the colours for the menswear. The collection was adventurous and explored the themes of nature. These pieces were well crafted for everyday wear but also had a few interesting key items. Outerwear is always strong from J.Crew and the suede bomber jacket is definitely one to look out for. Dustier and muted colours work well to complement the theme and materials used. The deeper, dustier blues were really good and I also liked the light parka. Everything was very trees and national park. See, three buttoned suit jackets don't always have to be so serious.

Girls:
Aloha! The large hibiscus print was definitely the stand out. It turns up the 'floral pants' thing into something much more stylish and Spring Summer. The heels were notable. Big floral print skirts were also good with denim, something J.Crew does well. The beachy theme was goof with thick stripes and lighter colours. The pieces screamed summer which is great to see and there were options for dressy or casual.

Photos from Fashionising

Carrera Eyewear Teams Up With The Highly Anticipated Film RUSH

I'm sure you all know about the upcoming movie RUSH directed by two-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard. I know I'm excited for it - mixing up fashion and style with racing - what's not to like? Based on the true story of racing rivals James Hunt (played by Australia's own Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl), the film takes on a stylish spin with Carrera Eyewear. Arguably, sunglasses are always the most instantly stylish of all accessories, it's exciting to see the Carrera brand still working closely with what got it started. Keep reading to see some OFFICIAL movie stills before it hits the screens here in October!

Carrera teams up with RUSH, on two-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard's spectacular big-screen re-creation of the merciless 1970s rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda

Daniel Brühl wears the re-edition of the Carrera 80 sunglasses stays true to its racing roots - metal frames, sculpted design and interchangeable polarised lenses are all about the racing attitude. The “Victory C® Logo” is signature to Carrera's timeless style.
This was the original campaign for Carrera from 1986 featuring Niki Lauda himeself!

Check out some more official movie images below.

NYFW | Earth and Wind - Nicholas K SS14 Review

Loose and unstructured. Nicholas K's collection at New York Fashion Week drew inspiration from the original Americans. The runway looks were very interesting as they all centred only on one colour at a time. The palette used was simple and natural which adds to the loosely fitting garments in the breeze. The looks were very urban and casual. Some of Nicholas K's best selling pieces are in outerwear and in this season, there were some great parkas and jackets - but that's not all for this season.

Check out all the photos here!

NYFW | Boardwalk to Runway - Tommy Hilfiger SS14 Review

Tommy Hilfiger's collection was all about surf culture and SoCal at New York Fashion Week. The cool air of models walking down a boardwalk runway from "Melrose to Malibu" (said the designer) showcased love for optimism - definitely a strong theme for Spring Summer. The collection was interesting and quite innovative, where the shorts and skirts looked like peeled down wetsuits. The use of neoprene was also quite interesting, taking the whole idea of surfing quite literally. Even the designs running along the body of the pieces represented those on wetsuits and waves. It's a fun and sexy idea and the show also had florals.

There were so many good runway looks so check them out here.

NYFW | Blue and Plum Coast - Todd Snyder SS14 Review

Probably one of the most structured and traditional approaches to menswear. Todd Snyder's SS14 also brings about a Mediterranean breeze to American fashion. Nautical stripes, deep sea blues, ankles, and shorts with leather shoes are the style trend for menswear at New York Fashion Week. Light outerwear is great for Spring Summer. They look good in the wind and are practical too :D
Have a look at the collection here.

Plaid pants, skinny belts, short sleeve button downs are cool and classy. Unbuttoned blazers are also good looks for SS and it's even better when they are textured. The collection was less 'fun' than some of the others but more structured and traditional. One of the most eye catching pieces is the patterned plum suit jacket.

Photos from Fashionising

NYFW | This Time Like A Storm - Marc Jacobs SS14 Review

Closing off New York Fashion Week, Marc Jacobs was the most highly anticipated show. During the 5 days, I was waiting to see Cara Delavigne at the shows as one of the most popular models in recent years. She appeared only in one show. For the one and only Marc Jacobs. The theme for this show was dark to say the least. Most of the pieces were serious gowns and jackets full of detail, tassels and texture. Except one... the sweatshirt that resembled the Coca-Cola Logo. What?

You can check out the photos of the show here.

NYFW | The Crocodile With No Scales - Lacoste SS14 Review

For me, Lacoste dropped off the radar for a couple of years, actually except I think SS12 where I saw a nice pair of shoes. I like that they are sticking true to their brand colours. The emerald green is really good with white and Lacoste is always a strong player in sports luxe. The green also works well with the soft pink this season as the rose gold colour is popular with younger fashion consumers. The collection at New York Fashion Week is crispy clean. Minimalism works great when a brand has an iconic colour. Sheer is very strong this season and white on white is a great way for Baptista to create an upscale chic and clean look.

Check out the runway photos here.

New Page.

So today was my last day at work. I know I'll miss that place, the people, the work culture and all the shenanigans - and all the laidbackness. It's weird to quit tutoring and wanting to go into retail and quite a few people are surprised that I want to move into a new job that has nothing to do with my uni degree. I don't know though, it's just something I want to do right now, at least for a year or so. I wouldn't say that this was a dumb decision but in life, sometimes we are so wayward we want to make a 'dumb decision' just because it makes us happy. It will be more challenging for me. It will be tougher, longer hours, less time for study and less free time in general. Everyday will be more hectic but the idea of being busy is so rewarding to me. I just want to never stop right now. I don't know if it is more right to make myself happy right now or if it is more right to work towards a future that I don't even know if I will enjoy. I'll have to hold off internship related stuff for a while. Maybe this doesn't seem like a big decision to other people, but right now it's changing a lot of what I think I will apprehend. I'll do my best. Grow upper.

NYFW | Carchitecture - General Idea SS14 Review

Bomber jackets are excellent for a more casual look. General Idea this season at New York Fashion Week presented colour-blocking in darker tones. The pieces were inspired by cars, clearly in the backdrop of the show. The colour-blocking made the pieces resemble the paint of cars along with the lines - creating headlights and other details of a car. It's an interesting idea, being a robot in disguise. Check out the photos here.

The bombers and other jackets created a top-heavy look which I like a lot. Bombers have become quite strong in more recent seasons and I hope it continues - it's dressed up but still modest. The lines used to section off the colours were smart and fresh. I think the blue jacket was particularly strong. The simple black shoes were good in the looks. Of course I have a keen eye for accessories and the blue/white/black backpack was great!

Photos from Fashionising

LFW | 5 Trends at London Fashion Week - Wrap Up for SS14

Clearly it was too onerous to post about every designer I was really interested in at all the Fashion Weeks (I'm lagging way behind in NYFW and Tumblr won't let me post 999 million photos a day). Instead, let's have a wrap up of London Fashion Week and see what trends were presented. Which ones would you try for the upcoming season?

Firstly, some notable mentions. I was pleasantly surprised by Mulberry which was nice to look at this season, I don't usually love their stuff but this season was good, with the use of fine florals mix minimalist approach which is ALWAYS chic. Claps for Paul Smith using houndstooth because it's such a timeless and sophisticated print. The most memorable was probably Tom Ford, known for sexy and provocative designs, the mirror suits and dresses were a little S&M but still feminine. Zoe Jordan and House of Holland had great casual pieces and were good for the younger market. Burberry Prorsum had very wearable but also fresh pieces. Finally, I liked David Koma for the edgey silhouette but they were less prêt-à-porter. My favourite was probably Paul Smith followed by Burberry Prorsum.

I will upload some LFW SS14 photos here. Check back later :) Wow, this post actually took hours.
Can't wait to have a look at Milan Fashion Week!

NYFW | Still Mod Chic - Ralph Lauren SS14 Review

I have to be very very honest, I was most surprised by Ralph Lauren's collection at New York Fashion Week. 1. It was a detour from what you'd normally expect from Ralph Lauren. 2. Mod was already a strong theme in SS13.  But you know what? If Ralph Lauren says it's still in then it is still in. The collection was very strong and chic, highlighting his interpretation and a better interpretation of what the mod 60's fashion meant. The updated pieces with masculine elements in monochrome were great to kick off the show, later which entered the brightly coloured gowns, ending on a storm of white garments.

I did however, want the mod pieces to be a little bit more feminine with the bags or accessories, but I don't care, I love Ralph Lauren SS14. The runway photos are all here.

NYFW | Another Spring - Robert Geller SS14 Review

It seems that many menswear designers have been taking inspiration from Europe for their SS14 collection at New York Fashion Week. Robert Geller has presented a new style inspired by Eastern European menswear. The pieces are conservative to preserve the masculine qualities of menswear and in this, mixed with punk influences. Darker pallets make Robert Geller's collection a stand out in the Spring/Summer season. See all the runway photos here (actually there might be a delay because of the Tumblr limit haha).

NYFW | Boho of Tomorrow - Anna Sui SS14 Review

Anna Sui's SS14 collection at New York Fashion Week looked back beyond 'hipster' and went straight to hippie. The bohemian style of the collection was coloured by the elementals inspired by earth, water and fire. The show was mysterious with the backdrop and the pieces were so interesting with the fine tessellating prints. The intricate details, earthy tones and material worked cohesively for a great show. You can see all the runway photos here.

For SS I enjoy the more flowy and unstructured looks.

NYFW | The Venetian American - Ernest Alexander SS14 Review

The Ernest Alexander SS14 collection unveiled at New York Fashion Week could easily be my favourite. The pieces are well created and trendy that they are stylish additions to anyone's wardrobe. It's also easy to match these with what you might already have. It's good to see that the looks are selling every  single piece so well from head to toe including the bags. There are strong elements of Italian and American suit tailoring, mixing up slim fit blazers with straight lines. Their non-padded shoulders give off effortless coolness. Check out all the looks here.

NYFW | Loud Secrets - Alexander Wang SS14 Review

Branding has always been the forefront of Alexander Wang inspirations and this season at New York Fashion Week, it was louder than ever. The discrete cut-outs of ALEXANDER WANG all across his garments was boastful yet modest. It was interesting to see this sort of approach to his pieces which were all very summery. I liked the cut-outs a lot, it's something new and fresh and bold. You can check out the photos here!

A little narcissistic perhaps - but he IS the creative of  the multi-million dollar Balenciaga. Alexander Wang besides having his name across the collection has signature motifs running throughout, themes like youth culture and just being bold about it.

NYFW | A Gentleman's Game - Michael Bastian SS14 Review

Inspired by French fashion, Michael Bastian has moulded his collection on arguably the most stylish man in the world. The pieces are quirky and fresh while still retaining the gentleman quality of menswear. This is charisma in fabric. You can see the collection here.

It's great to see fun but still classy prints - one of my favourite is the backgammon sweater although I have no idea how to play it properly, I just click it randomly on the old Windows game. The collection is not just prints, the textures make the garments much more refined.

NYFW | Snakes and Flowers - BCBGMAXAZRIA SS14 Review

I have to push these out like crazy cos London Fashion Week started last Friday and I really want to post on those too. Some of my favourite labels are there :D

BCBGMAXAZRIA at New York Fashion Week started the show off with a more light and natural palette and turned it up with deeper colours towards the end. I love the reconstructed pieces which were loose-fitting and the more sheer garments were strong with the lighter colours.

You can check out all the looks here. My friends and I love BCBG ;D

NYFW | Young Heart - Marc by Marc Jacobs SS14 Review

Probably the hottest line right now for younger fashion consumers. Marc by Marc Jacobs at New York Fashion Week showed off what being young is about. The stylish twists of varsity and cheerleading inspired outfits along with some statement novelty pieces were interesting. The use of pastels and satin was innocently youthful. Clearly, this line knows its demographic. Most garments were loose fitting and youthful. The energy was very high in the red pieces and the show ended with large star prints. You can see all the photos here.

The collection boasted some interesting pieces and their form was stylish but I felt underwhelmed by Marc by Marc Jacobs this season.

NYFW | Summertime Freshness - beyondcloset by Tae Yong SS14 Review

I was super excited to see beyondcloset to be at New York Fashion Week as one of the strongest emerging menswear brands from Asia. The label works with bright and bold colours, something I love about Spring/Summer seasons. Awesome awesome awesome. Check out the photos here.

The pieces also have a strong emphasis on shape and prints, making it one of the most interesting labels visually. The really playful colours and the runway looks were very well put together. I like this a lot. It's great to see menswear with much more creativity and bright colours. Menswear doesn't always have to be serious, and this brand shows the fun and more naive side.

NYFW | Look Good, Feel Good - Kenneth Cole SS14 Review

One of my personal favourite shoemakers, Kenneth Cole presented his SS14 collection at New York Fashion Week. The collection boasts casual streetwear and a flashblack to Harlem in the 80s. I think Kenneth Cole is trying something new this season but I'm not too sure about some of the clothing and colours. Some of the studded items were a bit outdated. However, I was very excited about the accessories. The necklaces, 'Feel Good' and 'Look Good' were great and some of the bracelets were the most interesting that I've seen from Kenneth Cole. The photos are here :)

NYFW | M is for Sexy - Michael Kors SS14 Review

Michael Kors is a favourite for many and I really enjoyed his SS13 so I was looking forward to seeing this collection at New York Fashion Week. Of course, the runway looks are all selling the bags and shoes. It's great to see that he matched the shoes to every outfit, something many designers overlook at the runway. It makes the whole look complete.

Michael Kors' pieces were well structured and feminine with smart cuttings for tops, and pleats for skirts. The leathery look is great but I'm not too big on the fur. He had a lot of fun with the collars of the look which often created an 'M' and I couldn't unsee it in the rest of the looks after I noticed it. All the runway photos are here. The show had everything you could ever want, leather, fur, florals, sheer, knits - you name it, and all very sexy and sophisticated.

NYFW | The True New Yorker - DKNY SS14 Review

DKNY at New York Fashion Week was a reminder of 90s New York flavour and urban sportswear. The brand showcased its strongest points in creative streetwear. The items were also updated with more pastel colours and the bold DKNY logo. Just in case it wasn't New York enough, the iconic yellow taxi cabs served as a backdrop for the show. It was well put together with large DKNY letters covered in graffiti. The photos are posted here. Street culture of the 90s was definitely a big inspiration, celebrating 25 years of the brand. Of course, headlines were of singer Rita Ora closing the show.

NYFW | Rustic Genius - Billy Reid SS14 Review

I first came across Billy Reid through K-Swiss because I love their sneakers. They have very interesting styles and they feel very 'me'. I'm sure you have all come across brands which reflect you the best. Billy Reid's SS14 is very texture and print oriented. You can find all the photos here. The show New York Fashion Week (NYFW) was really nicely produced to reflect the ideas of the collection. Especially loved the plants and railway of course.

There are really nice casual shirts that I would definitely wear. I love the materials that he used to create the looks. The pieces are more rustic but at the same time structured. Besides texture, prints seem to be the focus of the pieces. Gone is minimalist and the pieces feel much more retro and homey. The jumpers have really cool prints and texture which work excellently with shorts. The collection also goes a bit experimental with an extremely loose camouflage outerwear and an updated light camo jacket. The blazers all have really interesting prints or textures for the single colour ones. Contrasting panels in terms of materials used are very clever to create different textures too. Menswear has never been so interesting!

NYFW | Breezy Oasis - Diane Von Furstenberg SS14 Review

My first post for New York Fashion Week (NYFW)! NYFW is so different from all others because you get a really strong sense of American glamour. It's great to see modern luxurious styles and you're always bound to recognise a few very famous faces on the catwalk. New York Fashion Week to me is spending central - the trends and styles you see are always very marketable.

One of the most interesting womenswear designers is Diane Von Furstenberg. I focus more on menswear but I would always take note of what goes on at DVF. The good thing about womenswear is that the runway looks are very nicely styled because they can use more accessories. Sometimes the look is really well put together and you don't know where to look! It was also surprising to see Naomi Campbell close the show for DVF ss14. The superstar walked down in a beautifully detailed gold and black dress. Just shows how much work designers put into an outfit. All the photos are here!

Fast-Fashion World - Swedish Retailer H&M to Launch in Australia!

Earlier this year, H&M expressed interest in launching a concept flagship store in Australia. It will be the first in the continent adding to the wave of fast-fashion retailers (ZARA, Topman, Topshop) flocking here. Speculations of where that might be between Sydney or Melbourne are finally (and unfortunately) settled. The new flagship store will be in Melbourne's GPO next year. So jealous right now. I think fast-fashion has really revolutionised the way a lot of people shop. It's great that everyone can have good access to current trends and ideas for affordable prices (especially for menswear). I love their collaborations with some noted labels too like Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Maison Martin Margiela and Viktor & Rolf.

H&M The Icons (Hi, I love Liu Wen)

H&M Mens SS 2013

The new store will be one of the largest stores globally as H&M anchors its position in Australia as a top retailer. The store will be around 5,000 square meters over 3 floors. I want to get lost in it.

I love how H&M is marketed, working with noted designers to lift its own brand as well as provide the general public with access to clothing by those high-end designers (which are great at generating revenue at this more economic level). I hope there will be pieces which are Australian exclusive.

hm.com

Melbourne is getting everything :( with Japanese UNIQLO also wanting to set up its flagship store there. I want Kuroki Meisa all over Sydney instead please.

Being a Watch Guy - Obsession with watches

I always think accessories are the most important things in an outfit. They give hints about so many stories, so many stories of you. The thing is, because it isn't like a piece of clothing and it is chosen specifically and individually, accessories tell a lot about what is conscious as well as sub-conscious about a person. Currently I am really obsessed with watches. I love their look and I also like how they are practical things. I know a lot of people think why would you wear a watch when you have a phone to check the time, but watches are more than just practical things. Using something as what it actually is has long become a thing of the past. Everything these days can be a fashion statement or serve another purpose. I wish I could afford to collect watches (although not in the sense like some people who collect vintage Rolexes and Chopards for investment purposes but) to wear and to look at and keep at home - I want to collect these 'fashion' watches which aren't really expensive but still, it's time to work hard $$$. I really like the boxes that come with the watches too. I don't know, I want to be a watch guy haha.

Sean O'Pry is too cool. Patrick Demarchelier is crazy good. Maybe I'll get one from Calvin Klein just cos they're cool.

Instadigest | 2013 Winter

It's Spring time, although Winter wasn't relenting this year at all. I actually had quite a lot going on and I couldn't pick out only 6 photos from my instagram which represented this time completely, but I guess I had to make a decision and here are some of the most characterising moments for me this Winter. Plus, I kinda blogged about other lifey things in the Op-shop and Cologne diaries.

(30+ days x 3 months)/ 6 photos = 15+ days
So I guess mathematically, each photo should represent more than 15 days.

Left: Birthday month takes priority of course ;) Thanks to everyone (especially my mum and sis for flying to visit me), and especially for the love from all your shrivelled up black hearts :D

Right: Hanging out with Chrissy around The Rocks and The Observatory! The day was pretty tiring actually but it was super fun and one of the many good days I had during the break from uni. More photos here.

Left: Splurge day. Hi Pierre Balmain. I am very poor now but this jacket is an investment and leather jackets last forever anyway.

Right: The launch of SUCK IS FREE at +ESTATEofMIND. A great party and launch of a Sydney label. Check out my post here and the outfit post here. I had such an awesome time!

Left: Shooting with ensofoto! It was really thrilling and embarrassing doing this in public LOL. It was much more challenging then I thought. The finished photos are here and the outfit post is here.

Right: At the NOKIA Lumia 925 Launch Night. The dress was also showcased at Vivid Sydney 2013. Awesome night and super great planning. Check out more about the night here.