Happy 2013!
I have decided to start this year with my TOP 10 essentials, Fashion Edition.
I am not terming to be a fashion guru, & would just love to share on what i think works best for everyone on a daily basis, Singapore style!
Especially on this sunny island, what inspires me on Tumblr, fashion blogs etc. may not be fitting for our climate & practicality!
Good news is, most items are probably sitting right in your wardrobe already!
But i hope this post might offer some tips for your pre-existing items.
I have decided to start this year with my TOP 10 essentials, Fashion Edition.
I am not terming to be a fashion guru, & would just love to share on what i think works best for everyone on a daily basis, Singapore style!
Especially on this sunny island, what inspires me on Tumblr, fashion blogs etc. may not be fitting for our climate & practicality!
Good news is, most items are probably sitting right in your wardrobe already!
But i hope this post might offer some tips for your pre-existing items.
1) BASICS
But of course.
You've read it probably a millionth time in magazines but i can't agree more that this is what works around your existing pieces in your wardrobe!
Way back when i was a teenager, i always stock up on THE WHITE TANK TOP. I find myself getting them at Bugis street to TOPSHOP.
I am also super picky on this frivolous task..which is..
-length must NOT be too short, slightly long.
- straps must not be too thin or thick.
- finding one that is not a racer back but of a regular back (i found that this is most versatile)
- not too sheer, or too thick.
- round neck is the best. No V-neck or square...(but i do have some for fun variations)
And till date, i realise that it does wear out quickly since it is of a high maintenance white (turns yellow), or that it stretches out weird after a few good wear.
I have also spent on high-end ones just to find THE perfect tank, sadly...there is actually none!
So in short, go for those cheap ones you can find that fits right on you. Truth is, you may just have to "stock up" or replenish the old ones in time.
But for tees & sleeved tops, i do find that pricier ones gets it right.
I recommend T by Alexander Wang for tees if you might be interested. Or good ole Forever21!
Style Stock - White & Blacks; particularly in Tanks, Tees, 3/4 sleeves.
Style Hunt - Forever21, Massimo Dutti, Bugis Street, James Perse, Alexander Wang.
2) Jeans
Everyone is unique by body types, so i won't advice for a pair of skinnies upon you.
Generally, you should have a light & dark wash in your wardrobe, and a fit/cut that looks best on you.
You might want to consider trying a Boot-Cut as it looks good on most body types.
Make sure you do the booty check when you try them on, and the crotch area for signs that it might be too tight.
In summary, these are the styles i find flattering for body types:
Full Figure : Boot cut, Regular, Straight leg.
Petite: Flare, Boot Cut, Skinnies
Style Stock - Light & Dark Wash
Style Hunt - Abercrombie & Fitch, J Brand, 7 for all mankind, Rich & Skinny, Forever21, Levis (USA).
3) Shorts
I am sure everyone live by these here in Singapore! (I'm guilty of this too...)
Besides the usual plain ones, how about mixing it up with studs, patterns, wash & style?
Recently, i have been finding myself loving these Brandy Melville ones that i got them in every colour!
I also find that high-waisted ones adds an edge to an ensemble somehow. Printed ones makes me look like i put an effort into my outfit too! Try 'em!
Style Stock - Frayed Shorts, Studded Shorts, High-Waisted & Patterned Shorts.
Style Hunt - Ezrabelle, Forever21, Bugis Street, Brandy Melville, NastyGal, Runawaydreamz.
4) Formal Dress
I think labelling it LBD, the "Little Black Dress", is an overstatement.
Finding one in a color that looks like a million bucks on you should be THE dress.
But of course, a versatile and timeless color would gravitate towards black.
But there aint no harm in getting one in a color and style that looks perfect on you! As with that, i am sure you will get much good use out of!
Style Stock - Try sleeves, patterns or colors for variation.
Style Hunt - Forever21, BEBE, BCBG MAX AZRIA, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, H&M.
5) The Perfect Work Bag
I found this black one from H&M! I think i remember them to be $79.90!
Find one that is made well and it will be sure to make your money's worth.
Black would also be an ideal choice for easy pairing.
Oh, and i must say our WORK BAGS are amazing as well! I carried a laptop, documents and all in the rain and it held up :)
Would only offer the best to you guys!
Style Stock - Black leather work tote with an additional long strap would be ideal for easy carrying.
Style Hunt - H&M, Ezrabelle, Topshop.
6) Heels
Get them in black & nude. It's ALL you need actually.
I do recommend that this might be an investment piece as a good pair lasts (you can resole 'em), fits and look right!
I adore the "Bianca" from Christian Louboutin in patent.
However if you are tight on a budget, find one with at least 4 inches high, closed toe, and a hidden platform for comfort.
Getting those gel inserts helped too!
Style Stock - Black & Nude heels.
Style Hunt - Christian Louboutin, MiuMiu, Forever21, ALDO, Bugis Street, Far East Plaza (HeatWave).
7) Flats
A black or nude pair.
Great for looking presentable anytime you feel that you'd like to rest your soles.
Tory Burch does amazing ones that looks good for work & casuals!
Style Stock - Black or nude.
Style Hunt - Tory Burch, ZARA, TOMS, Primark (London), Far East Plaza.
8) Sandals
Another must have for us right?
I know, i live in mine too most days (along with my shorts) and wear them anytime over heels.
Besides the rubbered thong style, one with a strappy heel looks more presentable & dressier.
Or if you insist on a slip on thong style, try getting one in a leathered texture.
Again, Tory Burch makes good ones! I love the one called "Thora".
Style Stock - Textured or strappy sandals.
Style Hunt - Havaianas (Highly recommend! Does NOT disintegrate and lasts a looong time!)
Cottonon (on a tight budget? Only $5!), Abercrombie & Fitch, ZARA, Tory Burch, Sam Edelman.
9) Diamante Stud Earrings
Classic timeless jewellery to have! (& it does not even need to be the real thing~)
Size matters too by the way. A big one looks good for formal occasions, and a daintier one is perfect for an everyday.
Style Stock - Round is a classic. Try a princess (square) cut for variation.
Style Hunt - CHOMEL, Forever21, H&M.
10) Black Mid-Length Skirt
Be it a full, A-line or bandage style.
However i find that a full or A-lined one hitting just right at the knees are the perfect length and style for work and casual.
You can even play it up with textures by getting a leathered skater skirt, laced ones, or pairing it with a tee!
Style Stock - Black Knee Length Skirt
Style Hunt - Topshop, ZARA, H&M, Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, Pleasure Doing Business (Bandaged Style), Forever21.
But of course.
You've read it probably a millionth time in magazines but i can't agree more that this is what works around your existing pieces in your wardrobe!
Way back when i was a teenager, i always stock up on THE WHITE TANK TOP. I find myself getting them at Bugis street to TOPSHOP.
I am also super picky on this frivolous task..which is..
-length must NOT be too short, slightly long.
- straps must not be too thin or thick.
- finding one that is not a racer back but of a regular back (i found that this is most versatile)
- not too sheer, or too thick.
- round neck is the best. No V-neck or square...(but i do have some for fun variations)
And till date, i realise that it does wear out quickly since it is of a high maintenance white (turns yellow), or that it stretches out weird after a few good wear.
I have also spent on high-end ones just to find THE perfect tank, sadly...there is actually none!
So in short, go for those cheap ones you can find that fits right on you. Truth is, you may just have to "stock up" or replenish the old ones in time.
But for tees & sleeved tops, i do find that pricier ones gets it right.
I recommend T by Alexander Wang for tees if you might be interested. Or good ole Forever21!
Style Stock - White & Blacks; particularly in Tanks, Tees, 3/4 sleeves.
Style Hunt - Forever21, Massimo Dutti, Bugis Street, James Perse, Alexander Wang.
2) Jeans
Everyone is unique by body types, so i won't advice for a pair of skinnies upon you.
Generally, you should have a light & dark wash in your wardrobe, and a fit/cut that looks best on you.
You might want to consider trying a Boot-Cut as it looks good on most body types.
Make sure you do the booty check when you try them on, and the crotch area for signs that it might be too tight.
In summary, these are the styles i find flattering for body types:
Full Figure : Boot cut, Regular, Straight leg.
Petite: Flare, Boot Cut, Skinnies
Style Stock - Light & Dark Wash
Style Hunt - Abercrombie & Fitch, J Brand, 7 for all mankind, Rich & Skinny, Forever21, Levis (USA).
3) Shorts
I am sure everyone live by these here in Singapore! (I'm guilty of this too...)
Besides the usual plain ones, how about mixing it up with studs, patterns, wash & style?
Recently, i have been finding myself loving these Brandy Melville ones that i got them in every colour!
I also find that high-waisted ones adds an edge to an ensemble somehow. Printed ones makes me look like i put an effort into my outfit too! Try 'em!
Style Stock - Frayed Shorts, Studded Shorts, High-Waisted & Patterned Shorts.
Style Hunt - Ezrabelle, Forever21, Bugis Street, Brandy Melville, NastyGal, Runawaydreamz.
4) Formal Dress
I think labelling it LBD, the "Little Black Dress", is an overstatement.
Finding one in a color that looks like a million bucks on you should be THE dress.
But of course, a versatile and timeless color would gravitate towards black.
But there aint no harm in getting one in a color and style that looks perfect on you! As with that, i am sure you will get much good use out of!
Style Stock - Try sleeves, patterns or colors for variation.
Style Hunt - Forever21, BEBE, BCBG MAX AZRIA, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, H&M.
5) The Perfect Work Bag
I found this black one from H&M! I think i remember them to be $79.90!
Find one that is made well and it will be sure to make your money's worth.
Black would also be an ideal choice for easy pairing.
Oh, and i must say our WORK BAGS are amazing as well! I carried a laptop, documents and all in the rain and it held up :)
Would only offer the best to you guys!
Style Stock - Black leather work tote with an additional long strap would be ideal for easy carrying.
Style Hunt - H&M, Ezrabelle, Topshop.
6) Heels
Get them in black & nude. It's ALL you need actually.
I do recommend that this might be an investment piece as a good pair lasts (you can resole 'em), fits and look right!
I adore the "Bianca" from Christian Louboutin in patent.
However if you are tight on a budget, find one with at least 4 inches high, closed toe, and a hidden platform for comfort.
Getting those gel inserts helped too!
Style Stock - Black & Nude heels.
Style Hunt - Christian Louboutin, MiuMiu, Forever21, ALDO, Bugis Street, Far East Plaza (HeatWave).
7) Flats
A black or nude pair.
Great for looking presentable anytime you feel that you'd like to rest your soles.
Tory Burch does amazing ones that looks good for work & casuals!
Style Stock - Black or nude.
Style Hunt - Tory Burch, ZARA, TOMS, Primark (London), Far East Plaza.
8) Sandals
Another must have for us right?
I know, i live in mine too most days (along with my shorts) and wear them anytime over heels.
Besides the rubbered thong style, one with a strappy heel looks more presentable & dressier.
Or if you insist on a slip on thong style, try getting one in a leathered texture.
Again, Tory Burch makes good ones! I love the one called "Thora".
Style Stock - Textured or strappy sandals.
Style Hunt - Havaianas (Highly recommend! Does NOT disintegrate and lasts a looong time!)
Cottonon (on a tight budget? Only $5!), Abercrombie & Fitch, ZARA, Tory Burch, Sam Edelman.
9) Diamante Stud Earrings
Classic timeless jewellery to have! (& it does not even need to be the real thing~)
Size matters too by the way. A big one looks good for formal occasions, and a daintier one is perfect for an everyday.
Style Stock - Round is a classic. Try a princess (square) cut for variation.
Style Hunt - CHOMEL, Forever21, H&M.
10) Black Mid-Length Skirt
Be it a full, A-line or bandage style.
However i find that a full or A-lined one hitting just right at the knees are the perfect length and style for work and casual.
You can even play it up with textures by getting a leathered skater skirt, laced ones, or pairing it with a tee!
Style Stock - Black Knee Length Skirt
Style Hunt - Topshop, ZARA, H&M, Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, Pleasure Doing Business (Bandaged Style), Forever21.
One tip - if you have worn a piece that received alot of compliments on, you might want to consider getting more of that cut, style or color!
Hope this helps!
So what's YOUR fashion essentials?
Do drop me a comment below! I would love to know!
I will be coming up with a BEAUTY EDITION next.
Till then, stay gorgeous.
x Ezb's Editor
So what's YOUR fashion essentials?
Do drop me a comment below! I would love to know!
I will be coming up with a BEAUTY EDITION next.
Till then, stay gorgeous.
x Ezb's Editor