Style Musings: Owl Jumper

An Owl Jumper I found at Valley Girl for only AUD$9.99. It was a great find!

I wore this on Saturday when we went out to have lunch with my Grandma and Auntie. It was a bit cool even if the sun was out so I decided to wear this once before I put it in storage. This jumper has a very comfortable and cozy material which kept me warm during cold season.

We are slowly sorting out our winter clothes by moving some into the guest room's closet. At the same time, we are bringing out our lighter clothes as the weather is becoming warmer. I can't wait Summer to come!

Style Musings: Uniqlo Pop Up Store in Sydney

Uniqlo (means Unique + Clothing), is one of my favourite Japanese clothing stores. We discovered Uniqlo when we travelled to Seoul a few years back but it's only last year that I paid attention to this store.

I love Uniqlo because of their minimal and classic styles, the clothing material they use, reasonable prices & how their clothes cater to a particular season (Heattech for cold season & Airism for warm season). I also like their collaboration with different brands, artists and designers. 

Last month, Uniqlo finally opened their first store in Australia. The flagship store opened in Melbourne but Sydneysiders like me were somehow grateful because on the first day of operations, their online store when up and running as well. 

I ordered a denim dress and an Andy Warhol bag online on the Wednesday they opened and in two business days, my package arrived in Sydney. I'm impressed! 

Last week, Uniqlo Australia announced that there will be a pop up store in Sydney and they opened today. The pop up store is open from 3rd May to 30th September. 

 (last two images from Uniqlo Australia)

I've seen photos online and there was a queue to get in. I'm going to wait a while before I make my visit. I'm just happy now that for a few months, Sydneysiders will be able to avail of their winter clothes (we need them here in Sydney too!). According to news, a big Sydney store will open by end of 2014.

Uniqlo's HEATTECH Shirts

After travelling to Asia in a span of two years, most of my winter clothing these days seem to come from three brands: Uniqlo, Muji and H&M.  In 2011, I did massive shopping at H&M and Muji but this year, Uniqlo was where I found a lot of clothing pieces I liked as they have good quality material at reasonable prices. I'm especially thankful to discover their HEATTECH clothing which generates heat and provides insulation too. Their HEATTECH range includes shirts, leggings, socks, cardigans, beannies and scarves.

I chose the long sleeve shirts for my first HEATTECH purchases. These are base layer shirts perfect for layering during cold season. The clothing material is soft, comforting and fits nicely on the body. 

I used them when we travelled in Seoul where we experienced 4-11 degree Celsius temperatures. Where I would normally have four layers of clothing, I survived the cold with just three layers and even had to ditch the scarf at times.

The next time I come across Uniqlo's HEATTECH range, I will try their other pieces such as the cardigans and scarves.

By the way, Uniqlo will soon open their first branch in Australia by end of this year. I'm happy that we will finally have one here down under, however, it will be in Melbourne which is a state away from where I am (and no we're not flying to Melbourne just so we can shop for Uniqlo stuff). But we'll never know, right? We might have one here in Sydney too in the future.

Style Musings: Jackie Ohh by Ray-Ban

These 1950's inspired Jackie Ohh sunglasses created by Ray-Ban are a true retro style classic. It was made in reference to style icon Jackie Onassis, a clear indication of the inspiration behind the design.

While I've always liked Ray-Ban's aviator and wayfarer sunglasses, I chose the Jackie Ohh to be my first Ray-Ban. In choosing sunglasses, I like bug-eye style sunnies because it gives the area surrounding my eyes more protection, which is always my main concern. It also gives me a wider range of vision as smaller lenses or frames tend to block my peripherals. 

The Jackie Ohh is perfect in giving my need for wider frames and at the same time, it gives a different look to the bug-eye as its tips are somewhat catlike. I already have square-framed sunnies which I bought at Dior two years ago so the Jackie Ohh satisfies my need for rounded frames.

Another first time for me was ordering these sunglasses online via ClearlyContacts.com.au which I thought was very brave of me to do. What I did to make sure that the glasses would fit me is get the measurement of the sunglasses and compare it against my sunglasses at home. It also helped that ClearlyContacts.com.au has a 366 day return policy and they would even pay for return shipping. The nice about ClearlyContacts too was that they sent me a little screwdriver (which can be use for other things too, not just for sunglasses) and glasses cleaner.

This is not a sponsored post.

Style Musings: Mr and Mrs Camera Shirts

Chanced upon a camera shirt at a Korean clothing store named SPAO in April 2011. SPAO is a global clothing brand shop offering various items from casual wear to men's suits, women's suits, children's clothing, underwear, sportswear, and accessories.  We were on our way back to our hotel when we passed by their store. It was here that the Husband found a good winter jacket and this camera shirt that I liked the moment I saw it.

November 2012, we were grateful to receive gifts from our friends from SG which included a UNIQLO camera shirt for the Husband. I realized that it matches my shirt from SPAO! 

Aren't they cute??? The amusing thing was it was a pleasant surprise that my camera shirt has found a match after almost two years. It was kind of serendipitous too that both of us are into photography.

Style Musings: Finding a Fascinator

One of my fashion dreams came true last month as I found a simple and classy fascinator that went well with my black lace dress. 

A fascinator is a headpiece, a style of millinery. The word originally referred to a fine, lacy head covering akin to a shawl and made from woolor lace, but mostly feathers. In the modern usage, it refers to a woman's alternative to hat for formal attire; it is usually a large hair decoration on a band or clip with elaborate trimmings and decoration like a formal hat and it can incorporate a base to make it a miniature hat. (source)

I found this fascinator at French Connection during the end of year sales. I tried it on due to curiosity and when the Husband saw me, he complimented, "That looks good on you." I checked the price and it had a very huge discount so I took that as a sign and bought it.

Other reasons why I love my fascinator:

• Other than being simple and classy, it's very dainty. 
• It wasn't loud and too conspicuous. 
• It's something my petite frame can easily get away.
• It's a headband fascinator so it's very easy to wear.

A few tips:

• If you're buying a headband fascinator, make sure that it fits your head perfectly.
• If you want a fascinator that you can wear to more than one occasion, choose neutral colours such as black, white, beige, etc.
• In Australia, the best time to buy a fascinator is usually after Melbourne Cup season (or any horse race event), end of year sales or Boxing Day.

Style Musings: Hello Summer!

Summer officially started on the 1st of December and the day before, we were hit by a heatwave-ish temperature of 34-37 degrees Celsius. The Husband and I were blessed to hang out at Manly Beach with friends on Friday. In the city and at the beach, the heat wasn't as bad as the wind was cool. 

When the sun is out, I take advantage and wear something light and cool. Last Friday, I wore a sundress I got on sale via yesstyle.com and paired it with platform Havaianas which I got from Boracay, Philippines.

The dress I wore had a bright, floral design and had a very simple cut. What I loved about the dress was it had two lines of embroidered flowers on the front. It's a tiny detail but it made the dress more dainty. 

While I prefer good quality and designer sunglasses, however, I'm open to buying a pair of cheap sunnies. Once in a while, I find a style that can easily match an outfit on an everyday basis. Here's a pair of wayfarer sunnies that I found at Valleygirl for only AUD$10.00. 

I hope the Summer season will bless us with moderate warm temps ahead so all of us Sydneysiders can enjoy wearing our sundresses, shorts and singlets and flip flops.

Ensemble: Sundress by 59 Seconds (via yesstyle.com) * Platform Flip Flops by Havaianas * Wayfarer Sunglasses by Valleygirl * Brown Handbag by Marithe et Francois Girbaud

Style Musings: Slipper Loafers from Topshop

It's been awhile since Topshop/Topman opened in Sydney and it was only a month ago that I had the time to visit.  Actually, I only remembered to visit because we passed by the Gowings Building. It's funny that I  looked forward to the opening of Topshop here in Sydney and yet I somehow forgot its existence once it's opened. There were a few good pieces but most are a bit too young for my taste. There's a part of me that will always like youthful pieces but their clothes seem a bit too fad-ish for me. I've seen a few classic pieces but found that some prices are ridiculous especially when I compare them to what I've seen and bought from Asian online stores. (So sorry to compare but I'm a consumer who wants reasonably-priced style items). 

I walked out of the store without a piece of clothing but fortunate enough to discover a pretty pair of slipper loafers with black and silver trimmings. It's very comfortable to wear and it doesn't feel as flat because the insole has a bit of cushion. It was priced at AUD$44.00 

I was wearing a black lace dress when I was there as I was to watch Legally Blonde in a few hours. Although I have my foldable shoes with me, the slipper loafers I found matched with my black lace dress so well.

I wore it right after I paid for it. It's great for walking and good enough to wear with something fancy because of it's design.

Topshop/Topman
Gowings Building

55 Market St, Sydney

Style Musings: Casio Retro Watch

The 80's is back, fashion-wise that is. The peplums, loose shirts, bright colours, pointy heels, lace shirts and dresses are back in style there days. Even Casio's retro watches are back!

When I saw a Casio Retro Watch on sale, I bought it right away because I love timepieces and it would be great to add to my little collection. It's a fun watch as it has an alarm and you can turn on the backlight when you're in the dark (reminds me of my kiddie watches in grade school). Since it's a classic style, it's easy to pair up with most outfits.

 I love 80's fashion (that's why I even had an 80's themed party this year) and I noticed that I always have something that's reminiscent of the 80's era in my wardrobe. There is always something good when styles from another decade comes back as it's nice to buy clothes and accessories we're once comfortable in. 

What item/s have you bought recently that's hailed from the 80's?

Style Musings: Dotted Rain Boots

I already own a pair of rain boots but that didn't stop me from looking for another pair. The first one I bought goes up to my knee and I found it bulky. I wanted something lighter and shorter. 

At one of my visits to Morning Glory last month, I found that they're selling rain boots. It was fortunate that they've got a dotted black pair and had it in my size.

I fell in love with it instantly as it's the right length for me and it has heels!!! At first look, it doesn't seem like rain boots. It can pass as normal boots. 

Photos taken during our Koreatown Fri-date
Black Shirt and Dotted Scarf: yesstyle.com.au  Denim Skirt: Topshop  Puff Jacket: SES
Black Tights: Voodoo Hosiery  Rain Boots: Morning Glory
Satchel: LeSportsac  Umbrella: Daiso

Style Musings: Flipsters (Foldable Shoes)

I love wearing sensibly-heeled shoes especially when the occasion calls for it.  However, I can't really wear them for a long period of time because it hurts my feet especially when I do a lot of walking. To any woman who wears a pair of high-heeled shoes, it is always of great comfort to change into something more feet-friendly. Thankfully these days, there are foldable flat shoes available in the market.

After my endless search on the net, I finally found a great pair made in Australia. Flipsters is an Australian brand that makes foldable slippers and foldable flat shoes. They have a range of simple and classic designs. Their products are of great quality because their outside sole is durable and the inside sole is well-cushioned for comfort.

I bought a platinum Flipster Ballet Flats from Ciao Bella Travel (they deliver within 24 hours) and it fits wonderful.  It's soft, cushion-y and feels like I'm wearing real shoes because it is real shoes! It is not just an alternative footwear for an hour or two. Flipsters Ballet Flats can be worn for leisure too.

TIP in finding the perfect foldable shoes: It should make you feel like you are wearing real shoes. I bought a pair of foldable flats before and the sole was too thin, it felt like I'm wearing paper and at any moment, they would break.

A pair of Flipsters folds nicely and comes with a small bag. It's not bulky and takes only a small space inside your bag.

Order your Flipsters via www.flipsters.com.au and www.ciaobellatravel.com.au

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Style Musings: Colour Blocked Sunday

Sundays are made for laidback dressing especially when you are spending some quiet time at a park with loved ones. One sunny but still cold day in August (it was the last week of winter), we head out and had a picnic brekky at a park. It was an opportunity to wear something more minimal like a blue hooded-vest to partner with my bright yellow knitted shirt. Blue and yellow is one of my favourite colour blocking combinations as it reminds me of blue skies and the Sun.

Blue Hooded-Vest: Giordano

Yellow Knitted Shirt: Valley Girl

Jeans: Levi's

Shoes: Keds 

Accessories: LeSportSac bag and yellow Pearl earrings

Style Musings: My Winter Essentials

It's the last day of Winter and there's a sigh of relief at the thought that it is ending. While this year is probably one of the perfect Winters I've had in Sydney, just a few days that we had rain and lots of sunshiny days, my "tropical body" is nothing short of excited to welcome the warm season ahead.

As my way of saying goodbye to Winter, I've prepared a list of items that helped me get thru each and every cold day. For those in Australia, these might give you an idea on what to look out for in winter sales (currently on-going!) and for countries about to experience cold weather, this list might give you an idea on winter essentials to buy.

Puff Jacket. I've got trench coats for different levels of winter coldness but there comes a point when I would only wear my puff jackets because they're the only ones who can keep me warm during negative degree temperatures. The one I'm wearing below gives me maximum warmth as this jacket's insulation is made of furry material ("Carpeted itong jacket na ito!" is what I always tell the Husband). Although puff jackets make me feel like I'm a walking marshmallow and make me look shapeless, I don't care. Once it's hugging my body, I'm able to face any coldness the winter brings. My tip in finding a puff jacket: try it on and see how the insulation feels on your body and how thick the insulation is ( "is it keeping your body warm enough?").

Scarves. Like the puff jacket, I have different kinds of scarves to cater to different levels of coldness. Scarves are your neck and chest's bestfriend as it adds warm and protection to your body.  The knitted scarf is the one that ultimately keeps me warm on very cold days.

Knitted Beannies. On very cold and windy days, wearing a beannie is a must. It keeps your head covered and hair in placed. 

Knitted Gloves. All the gloves I wear during winter are knitted as I love the cozy feel of them. 

These two pairs below is gadget-friendly.  The brown pair has the finger part cut up but if you're not using your hands for tapping gadgets, you can wear the top part to cover your fingers. 

This fuchsia pair has grey tips on the thumb, pointing and middle fingers so when you wear this pair, your fingers are able to tap gadgets. You can wear this pair of glove without taking it off in order to tap your phone or tablet. Very clever!

Knee-high socks and toe socks. Although I wear tights on some days, I have a lot of days when I only need to wear socks as my legs doesn't feel cold much compared to my upper body. However, these knee-high socks are helpful when I'm wearing high boots.  The toe socks on the other hand are helpful when I'm at home as it keeps my toes warm during bedtime.

Winter Boots for the Home. I found this cute winter boots at Target on sale and got it so I can use it at home.

Laced-up Boots in Canvas. Another great find for me as it was on sale. I use this when I'm tired of wearing heavy leather boots. They keep the feet warm and so comfortable. Since it's canvas, this can be worn during Spring and Autumn. 

Tomorrow Spring will officially start but it will still be a fair bit cold on the first two-three weeks. I'm no plans of putting these pieces that kept me warm this season as yet but the thought of wearing lighter clothes excites me.

Hope Winter was kind to you this year!

Style Musings: Oversized Knitted Jumper

I'm glad that knitted jumpers made a comeback this year.  For the past few years, it wasn't as prevalent as it is now.  It's about time for fashion stores to make more of these as it's getting colder each year.  Some days it's not enough to wear just not-so-thick knitted shirts as the ones that give more warmth are these oversized and thick knitted jumpers. On days when it's cool but sunny, one can get away with just the jumper over two to three shirts underneath instead of a winter coat. They make one look bulky, shapeless even, but who cares? What's important is that one's warm during cold days. 

Yesterday, we caught the sunset at North Strathfield where we had dinner and coffee with friends. With just a camisole and thermal underneath my oversized knitted jumper, I stayed warm enough until we went home.

Pink Oversized Knitted Jumper: D.P Shop

Striped Skirt: Big W

Tights: Voodoo

Ankle Boots: Shoe Shed

Satchel: Valley Girl

Accessories: DKNY watch, The Bead Shop, Diva

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