Marc Jacobs

Windswept

“Love me without fear. Trust me without questioning. Need me without demanding. Want me without restrictions. Accept me without change. Desire me without inhibitions. For a love so free …Will never fly away…” -Dick Sutphen

[Photos by NR]
Top: Bar III Gray and Black Color Block Dolman
Skirt: Modcloth Kelly Green Skirt (similar here and here)
Purse: Marc Jacobs Classic Wellington
Shoes: Aldo Caged Booties (old) (similar here)
Necklace: Kenneth Jay Jane Clustered Pendant from Bloomingdales
 

Found these old caged booties in my closet the other day and thought how did I forget about you guys? I was feeling a bit spunky so I paired these fun shoes with a body conscious skirt. The mini was a little on the mini-ish side so I wanted to balanced the look with a flowy dolman top.

Mondern Day Vintage

If it’s one thing I love, it’s a fabulously bold peplum. This stunning Aqua Helena Bow Front Tailored mini peplum skirt from ASOS has been a hit amongst many stylish fashion bloggers such as the sweet Jamie of The Fancy Teacup, the fabulous Blair of Atlantic-Pacific, and the classy Layla of Chic Chef (from left to right).

When I purchased this skirt late last year, I was contemplating on pairing it with a kelly green top, but after seeing it so stylishly color-blocked by these ladies, I wanted to see how it would look against a basic black top. Black is such a universal color and can be paired with anything but sometimes can come off as too simple. With that in mind, I decided to have some fun accessorizing with pearls, flower pins, a statement ring and a pair of sheer vintage gloves…

“I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and… I believe in miracles.” -Audrey Hepburn

[Photos by NR]

Top: BCBGMAXAZRIA black top
Skirt: Aqua Helena Bow Front Tailored Mini Skirt from ASOS
* Update * Skirt has been sold out but you can purchase the dress here
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Ron Ron
Bag: Marc Jacobs Classic Wellington
Glasses: Prada
Flower pins/Necklace/Ring: Forever21
Earrings: Kate Spade Metropolitan Pearl Earrings
 

Readers: While color-blocking with this skirt is stunning, what are your thoughts on black?

Imaginary Outfits with Printed Bottoms

If you haven’t noticed, print and graphic bottoms has been everywhere lately. From the runways to the streets, this 80s trend is coming back with a bang. It’s such a bold n’ playful look with a modernize twist, but if you’re not careful you can end up looking like you belong in the 80s. Currently I’m kinda crazy about florals, leopard and yes, tie dye pants!

…Since it’s midnight and I can’t drag Mr. Photographer to go outside to take pictures :p, I figured I can use my imagination. Here are 4 prints that I have been lusting after…What are your thoughts on printed pants and how would you style them?

:: Flower Beds ::

Pants: Tropical Floral Pants
Top: Dorothy Perkins Green Pleats Blouse
Jacket: C.S.B. White Tailor Blazer
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Crosspiga
Necklace: Fun Turquoise Statement Necklace
 

:: Wild Side ::

 
Pants: Joe’s Jeans Chelsea Ultra Slim Fit
Top: Welikefashion Sweater Moon Black
Jacket: Hot Pink Blazer (similar here)
Shoes: Donna Karan Elasticated strappy Perspex wedge sandals
Bag: Marc Jacobs Wellington
Bracelets: ASOS
 

:: Prints & Things ::

Pants: Diane von Furstenberg Leaf Print Pants
Top: Weekday Peak Blouse
Jacket: Topshop Ponte Boyfriend Blazer
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Sex 120 Patent-Leather Pumps
Bag: Marc Jacobs Wellington
Necklace: Mawi Sun Ray Tube Necklace
Bracelet: Elaine’s Black Spike Bracelet
 

:: Dabbling in Tie Dye ::

 
Pants: Not Just a Label Tie Dye Jeans (similar for less)
Top: T by Alexander Wang Top
Jacket: Plein Sud Jeanius White Piping Blazer
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Ron Ron Pumps in Patent Leather
Bag: Marc Jacobs Wellington
Necklace: Gold Armoured Plate Necklace
 

To see more details for these items or to view other outfits, check out my Polyvore page.

Readers: Which Look is your Favorite?

 

Vintagosity

“Happiness is a wine of the rarest vintage, and seems insipid to a vulgar taste.” -Logan Pearsall Smith

[Photos by NR]
 
Top: Corset from Victoria’s Secret
Pants: High-Waisted Trousers from American Apparel 
Jacket: Cropped Tweed Jacket from Express
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Over-sized Satchel (smaller size here)
Glasses: Christian Dior
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini Tanen Pumps from Nordstrom
Necklace and Beret: Necklace and Slouchy Beret from Nordstrom
Nail Polish: Urban Outfitters
 

There’s something about the 1940s and 50s that oozes gorgeous femininity and vintage glamour.  Being obsessed with high-waisted anything, of course the high-waisted tapered trousers are one of my fave. I adore them not only for the look but also for the reason why women started wearing them. Do you know the story?

During the 40’s men wore high-waisted pants. While they were at the battlefronts, women adopted the style to take over their mens’ workplace. Realizing the comfort, the high-waisted pants were stuck and adopted into many shapes and forms.

In the 80s’s the high-waist pants became less form fitting and more voluminous with pleating around the hips. This continued to be popular well into the 90s and the 21st century, but with bolder and brighter hues. I’m so glad that this look has such a special place in fashion culture because I cannot get enough of these feminist pants!

 :: Style Tips ::

I am no expert and for all I know I might be wearing this all bad, but for me when it comes to wearing high-waisted trousers, I have two essential rules: (i) A fitted or cropped top, and (ii) high heels.

Fitted Top: A cropped or form fitting top balances out the extra material in the pants. If you opt for the latter, make sure the shirt is tucked in (don’t cover up the best element of the pants) and does not add too much bulk under the pants.

If it’s chilly out go for a fitted, structured, and cropped jacket. Avoid outerwear that sits passed your hips as it can make you look dowdy and bigger than you really are.

High Heels: High-waisted trousers look their best with high heels (a must if you are very short) or bold flats (only if you’ve got the height).

Happy Monday and Lunar New Year! Thank you for reading!