Monochromatic Match

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Photos by Candice Lake  

Coat - Asos
Pants & Shoes - Zara
Hat - Vintage//grandma's closet

The month always flies by when fashion week is happening.  Lots of energy goes into prep and organizing, then the shows happen, and before we know it, February is almost over.  I saw a lot of great collections this season, and use this time as a source of renewed inspiration in the middle of a sometimes discouragingly cold winter. 

One of the events I often look forward to aside from shows is mingling with my fellow influencers at the Shopstyle Social House.  As busy as we all are during this week, this is a time when we can all come together and take a little time out to catch up with each other and unwind a bit.  Not to mention having the privilege to go out for a shoot with the stunning & talented Candice Lake.  Alongside with her was also photographer Jason Jean.  I was out with Courtney of Color Me Courtney and Annabelle of Viva Luxury, and Courtney and I happened to be head-to-toe in pastels! It was a perfect duo of monochromatic color-coordination, and such a fun experience shooting with everyone.

Monochrome is one of my favorite styles (I want to say trends, but it is timeless) to wear because it's a simple way to make a big statement.  You don't have to think much about color coordination or matching patterns since it's all the same - just pick a color and find your pieces.  

I've listed several options below to help you jumpstart a baby-blue monochromatic look of your own, but you can choose any color you like of course.  Have fun with it!  

Season's Trends: Current Favorites

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Tunic Dress - Tobi 
Chunky Cardigan - Zara
Hat - Asos
Boots - Zara

Two of my favorite trends of the moment are oversize, and over-the-knee.  I guess you could say more is more right now when it comes to shapes and silhouettes! Who doesn't love the idea of a big, snuggly oversized cardigan to wrap yourself up in, through this cold, cold winter? 
Over-the-knee is really a trend that's currently widespread more in the form of the boots you're seeing everywhere, so I figured I'd put a little variation and do it with socks.  Knit ones, so nearly as warm as wearing the boots.  

I wore my cardigan over a simple tunic dress from Tobi, which I got recently (a steal at $16 right now!) and am loving because it's one of those basics that will go with everything.  I can throw it on by itself when I have nothing to wear and am rushing out the door, or I can use it as the foundation of an outfit and style it various ways.  It was the perfect pairing to my cardigan because it's a thinner, t-shirt like material (read: comfy!), and balances out the chunkiness of the knit.  I love chunky but don't want to come out looking like a marshmallow.

Trends that are functional are the best, especially when it comes to keeping warm in the winter. (And something I probably should focus on even more, since I just got over the flu.  It was pretty unpleasant.) 
What are your favorite trends of the moment? 

Chocheng

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Knit set - Chocheng
Boots - Dr Martens
Faux fur scarf - Zara

I met Chocheng Char back in September at New York Fashion Week.  We sat down over tea in the setting of a lovely loft space where he was presenting his Spring/Summer collection.  Freshly impelled by the close-up viewing of his attention to detail and impeccable tailoring, I had know more about his line and background.  

For starters, he was born in Hong Kong but is of Mongolian descent.  Chocheng has a store in Beijing but his flagship is right here on Madison Avenue, which he is very proud of.  If you are lucky to stop by, be aware that the whole space was built from scratch by him-- even the furniture design.   

We both had something in common: inspiration from our grandmothers.  Betty Char-Nuis Clemos was a renowned fashion designer who started her career as a successful tailor in Shanghai (hence those incomparable skills of his own) and also the first Asian retailer to import licensed Paris Haute Couture to Hong Kong.

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With ownership of coveted sources from within fashion houses such as Chanel, her success was clear, and life's work valuable.  Thankfully for her legacy, her grandson had innate skills that were clearly inherited from her.

I'm wearing Chocheng's knit top & skirt set, which is designed to give the illusion of pleats, much like the pink skirt in the above photo.  The skirt is pleated but the top is not.  Incredibly comfortable and high quality, which are two things you look for in a collection in addition to aesthetics.  You can tell Chocheng truly knows the female body.  

Shop the look below.

What's inspiring you this year? 

x

 

 

Streetstyle Photos by Dennis Christians

Winter Florals

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Dress - Yumi Kim

Who says you can't wear florals in the winter?

There are certain rules we hear about in fashion, and people still ask me about them.  But really, they don't apply anymore.  And that's not just the risk-taker in me speaking.  While some "rules" are based on legitimate mathematics of proportions and aesthetic perception, others like "no white after labor day", or "florals are for spring" - are outdated and overruled.

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This week I took an intensive aromatherapy certification course.  In my nursing work, I have an affinity for the holistic treatment of patients.  What is holistic nursing?  Without getting too scientific here, it's treating the person as a whole; not just physically but emotionally as well.  You came in with a stomach ache?  As many meds as the doctor may subscribe, the problem may never be solved until someone realizes that the root cause was emotional. 

Aromatherapy is one of the ways to treat a person holistically.
And perhaps because I took a course based on treatment based on beautiful smelling botanicals, I'm in a floral mood.

This winter, try wearing a floral maxi.  I absolutely love the feeling of putting on a flowy maxi dress and feeling like I'm floating.  It's got sleeves, so the weather-appropriate aspect is covered.
Much like aromas, what you wear on your body can impact your feelings that day.  Why not influence your day with some florals.  

Who else is so ready for the new year?

xx 

 

 

Photos by Felipe Espinal  

Velvet

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If you haven't noticed the trend by now, you can tell just by taking a look at my last two posts that textures are all the rage.  Faux fur, in the form of coats and scarves, and of course, velvet.   

Velvet, particularly in jewel tones, for your pants, dresses, tops, and shoes this season- it's everywhere.   It's such a super-soft but fun, playful texture.  You can't go wrong.  It's perfect for holiday parties or a weekend out, and I think a great trend to try without having to get too risky.  I paired it with a fitted body suit since velvet already adds a bit more volume to wherever you choose to wear it.

 

Shop my look below to get your own velvet and cozy faux-fur outfit...I'll be living in these pieces this winter!