The breakdown

A relaxed outfit for a laid back weekend.

Top: Korea, Necklace: Korea, Shorts: H&M Garden Collection, Clutch: H&M, Sandals: Modern Vintage

♥,
Fal

What I really think about colored skinnies

So colored skinnies seems to be the hot trend now with a plethora of celebrities spotted around town in their brightly colored denims.

Call me boring, but I have never ventured to put on a pair of colorful skinnies, and I never will. And that is for a good reason. While, celebs look fine in it, I think everyday people like myself would probably look like a performer at NDP or Chingay Parade. Most of us do not have legs like Alexa Chung or    Karlie Kloss. Let's face it, celebs and models look good in anything, including a trash bag. So while, colorful skinnies look great on them, I still have my reservations about them mostly because they emphasize areas (like calves or thighs) that might not be so flattering.

And such jeans, when worn on a casual day with a t-shirt or tank top, look like they were just bought from This Fashion. They don't really up your style cred, especially those bright neon colored jeans. Styling, with colored skinnies, has to be spot on.

For now, I'll be sticking to my normal colored jeans, in their normal blue, black and white washes. Colored jeans? Perhaps another day when I'm a bit more adventurous.

♥,
Fal

My Club21 loot

Here's what I got at the very awesome Club21 Bazaar Sale last weekend.

From left to right: Emporio Armani maxi-skirt, Dries van Noten wrap skirt and (Mom's) Dries van Noten floral blouse


Loving my buys to pieces, and I can't wait to wear them out. I love the Emporio Armani skirt because it has this unique swallow tail-ish hem.

As for my Dries van Noten wrap skirt, what can I say? The printed fabric is simply awesome.

♥,
Fal

Made well for Alexa

I chanced upon Alexa Chung's second collection for Madewell whilst paving a digital path through the myriad of open tabs and windows on my desktop. This American brand (owned by the J.Crew company) has been surprisingly low-key; I've heard of Madewell but never felt compelled to explore their online store. A quick browse and I was pleasantly surprised as the clothes are simple and practical yet chic and stylish. Much like British It girl, Alexa Chung's own understated chic that has made her the style icon that she is today.

Alexa stars in the Madewell Fall 2011 ad campaign which featured the Fall collaboration in a Southwest backdrop for a road trip feel. The collection is slated to arrive in stores and on madewell.com on September 22. I found some images of the ad campaign that features Alexa herself.





Here's a preview of some of the items in Alexa Chung for Madewell which I snapped from madewell.com.










I have to say that the collection from this preview, just screams Alexa. My personal favourites are 02, 04 and 05 for their laidback feel. Alexa's inspiration for the collection was girls in bands who "lived their looks". I am assuming then, that the collection is grungy yet girly with a hint of attitude. The thing is, Alexa Chung is such a unique and stylish individual that whatever she has on her oh-so-petite frame contains that perfect mix of attitude, grunge and girly, that I am quite certain not everyone else can pull off.

That being said, is it made well for Alexa? Or Alexa for Madewell? I am not entirely convinced that the collection is one that girls of all shapes and sizes can experience and enjoy although I am certain that everyone will love it. Take the last item, for example, the velvet dress with the white peter pan collar. Discounting the fact that this dress is not made for our (ridiculous and hellish) local weather conditions, how many people can actually wear this dress without looking like they just stepped out of Sunday school at the neighbourhood cathedral?

As always, fashion isn't just about wearing what's trendy and cool or wearing what a favourite style icon is wearing. (Case in point: Alexa Chung's velvet dress.) Instead, fashion is about making yourself look good, so as Fal would also very much agree, wear what suits you and we guarantee, you'll always look awesome.


♥,
Fir

Brand profile

I chanced upon the Danish brand STORM & MARIE recently and fell in love with their designs. 
Opposites truly attract and even complement each other in this case, as the designs are energetic, rebellious and untamed, yet delicate, chic and elegant. Designers Signe Elisabeth Vedel and Kim Vedel Hansen's shared vision arised from their passionate endeavour and twins (Storm and Marie).


What I like most about the brand is the clean and simple lines; the understated elegance and the balance between toughness and femininity. Once again, this is very prominent in Danish designs, but oh-so 
wearable.




























































































































































Photos courtesy of Storm and Marie

♥,
Fal

These boots were made for walkin'

Decided to take my new pair of boots that I bought from Monki in Hong Kong out for a walk the other day.

Knitted sweater: Korea, Necklace: Korea, Shorts: Forever 21, Boots: Monki

♥,

Fal

The Club21 Bazaar Sale

If you missed the first 2 days of the Club21 Bazaar Sale, don't fret because there's still one more day left to grab all the designer garbs that are going for up to 90% off! Here's what I spotted during my shopping trip there.

Marni, D&G, Marc Jacobs and ck Calvin Klein footwear. There was some serious snatching and hustling here!






    








Lingered a little longer at the Balenciaga rack. Just two of the covetable items that were hanging on the rack!


Expect big brands like Emporio Armani, DKNY, Acne, Thakoon and 3.1 Phillip Lim at the sale. The Club21 Bazaar sale is located at the F1 Pit Building, and will be open from 10am - 6pm. Remember, its the last day today!

♥,
Fal

On the avenue

Fever Avenue is a local online portal, showcasing the latest in events, fashion and music in Singapore and the region. Add this site to your 'Favorites' if you want to keep up with the latest news and get an exclusive peek into the coolest events around town.

We were very honored to be invited to write a Fever Avenue guest feature on shopping tips in Korea lately. Click here if you like to read more about it.


♥,
Fal

Denim Do's

Mixing denim is definitely a hit-or-miss trend. The result is either pulling it off or looking like a disaster from the 80's. Common sense says pair different coloured denims together so you don't end up looking like you're a factory worker donned in denim overalls or a cowboy/girl from the wild wild west.

Three bits of advice that may help.

One, try to make sure that the denim items complement instead of just contrasting with each other.
Two, make it look like you meant for your denim to be mismatched to look effortlessly cool.
Three, use different cuts and textures so the overall look isn't dated. Also, make sure your denim apparel fits well.

I paired a soft, fitted, light-washed denim shirt with dark denim jeans. I chose jeans with a dark wash closer to navy than to black. Its understated and effortless to pull off.





♥,
Fir

Orange Fever Part II

1. My all time favorite combination is orange with navy. An orange + navy breton stripes assemble always exudes a laid-back, New York City summer vibe.

2. Orange and sea foam green, a very interesting colour combination.

3. Orange and a dose of green makes an outfit stand out.

4. If you're daring, pair a bright colour like purple, with orange to make your outfit pop.

♥,
Fal

All in the details

I spotted the gold detail on the collar of this soft white shirt from a mile away. Gorgeous! The metal bit was surprisingly light so it didn't weigh the entire collar down. Kudos to Zara Woman for that.

Apologies for the grainy image. As Zara doesn't permit photography within the shop, I had to pretend I was browsing through the rack as I snuck my phone in between the hangars whilst using my body to block any salesgirl-gazes. It doesn't help that I cannot turn off the shutter sound on this Blackberry of mine. Anyway, covert mission take-a-photo-in-the-shop was a success.




♥,
Fir

Time Taken to Make a Dress: ORI accessories private launch

It's been a year since Time Taken to Make a Dress' previous collection, and we were really excited when they invited us to the private launch of their latest accessories collection. This marks their foray into  accessories; lovingly handmade by none other than the TTMD designers themselves.

Their venture into designing and crafting accessories arose when they received clients' requests for more versatile and affordable pieces which can be worn on every occasion unlike dresses which are usually tailored for a special occasion and steeply priced.

The collection, ORI, is inspired by Japanese origami. A series of manipulated fabrics such as silk and chartreuse, transformed by intricate folding techniques, make the accessories delicate and feminine.

The launch, held at their studio, was a small and cosy private affair. A spread of yummy finger food for guests was also thoughtfully prepared by the designers, Jade and Letitia.

Love the very organised workspace.

We managed to coax Jade (left) and Letitia (right) who were very camera shy into taking a photo. Thank you!

The ORI collection will be on exhibition from now till 20 August 2011. If you're keen to view the pieces, head down to Time Taken to Make a Dress at 61 Niven Road. Visit www.timetakentomakedress.com for more information.

♥,
Fal

A Little Encouragement...

Goes a really long way. To all my friends who have been really kind and sweet - telling me how they think thefword looks great and supporting me in their own ways, I really appreciate it! It gives me great motivation, and I promise I'll continue to put up good content that will be worth the read. Your support means alot!

♥,
Fal

The Problem with Shoes

I always have problems with shoes.

#1. There is no space for all my shoes. Impractical as it is to keep buying them, somehow I can never get enough of them. I'm sure we're all familiar with 'buy first think later' and 'the more the merrier' when it comes to shoes! Fal's overstuffed shoe cabinet is physical and tangible testament to those concepts.

#2. The heel
The skyscrapers that I see resting smugly on all the shelves in the shops never fail to make me wonder "how the hell do people walk in those". Before I continue, I must share what I learnt today:


The shoes these days have a platform under the outsole which affords the heel an additional inch or two. That makes the shoe much more comfortable to wear but the fact that the shoe is a towering 4 to 5 inches remains. I am all for impracticality but I draw the line when I cannot function properly in any particular pair of high heels. What's the point of buying a smashing pair of heels only to not be able to walk properly in them? Sometimes, in poorly designed shoes, the base of my foot doesn't rest on the shank and I end up with a foot or calf cramp. I guess discomfort can be dealt with and a wallet full of plasters may go a long way, but if I cannot walk in them or if I look like I am struggling to walk in them then I say forget it, I'll just go with a lower heel.

At a more personal level, I am highly accident prone. I hate to admit it but I am beginning to accept this fact about myself, not to mention my dear friends never let me forget it (ahem). In addition, I do need my precious legs for dancing. Therefore, such towering skyscrapers on my feet? Not ideal.

Wherever possible, I tend to avoid stilettos, preferring thick, chunky or platform heels if I want to "grow" a few extra inches. Not only are they more comfortable, I can last a whole day in them whether I am walking, running or standing. Hence, I am more than pleased with the Fall/Winter footwear this year; shoes that are more textured and detailed with chunky heels. Chunky heels can be sexy too. Enough said, here are some beauties that I would love to get my hands on!


Pyramid Flared Heel from Topshop


Fendi Chameleon Heels


Tommy Hilfiger Loafer Heel


Jeffrey Campbell Woven Slingback Wedge


Gatsby Tie-up Maryjanes from Topshop
heavily "inspired" by DKNY's F/W booties


Marc by Marc Jacobs Deer Embroidered Wedge Boots


Lanvin Snakeskin Derby Shoe
I couldn't leave out the trusty oxfords


♥,
Fir