Orange Mod.

Hellooooo?

Is there still anyone out there? 

First of all, just an explanation as to why my blog has been so decidedly inactive for the past 2 weeks; or to be honest, lacking in posts since before Christmas. Well, if you follow me on instagram (as you all should!) for the past 2 weeks, I've been traipsing all over Europe. By all over; I mean London, Paris & Stockholm. It was a wonderful trip with an equal mixture of touristy cliches & business meetings (more on that later). 

In the meantime, here's a long overdue post that I meant to post before I left. Something to keep you entertained whilst I go through the plethora of photos that I took in Europe!

Tuchuzy silk tee, Rag & Bone Bomber skirt, Senso Qimat boots, Alexander Wang bag & Ray-Ban aviators

White is always an easy to go to option for pairing with anything bright or printed i.e. anything that you wouldn't ordinarily find in my wardrobe. This white silk tee from Tuchuzy is absolutely perfect, it adds a hint of luxury with the cool silk and criss-cross back. The perfect choice to wear with my new favourite Rag & Bone skirt (definitely regretted not bringing this to Europe!)- can't wear to wear it with different sweaters and jackets once the temperature drops. 

x karen

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cropped, my way.

Zara cropped top & sunglasses, 3.1 Phillip Lim skirt, Saba fur vest, Senso bertina boots, Dannijo vala necklace, Hermes watch, Celine clutch

I think over the years, the most important thing I've learnt (sartorially speaking anyways) is the need to steer away from trends that do not suit my body shape. It's one of those things that you need to be brutally honest about, because there's nothing worse than wearing something that's ill-fitted or show off the parts that you'd rather remain hidden. As much as I am for self-love and empowerment, I fail to see how that can be achieved if I'm wearing something that I'm uncomfortable in.

Which leads me to the topic of the latest trend that I've been avoiding like the plague- cropped top. I've never felt the need to flaunt my abdomen, so I've avoided crop tops as much as they've avoided me. But the more I see them, the more I want to hop onto the bandwagon. I found this beauty in Zara and could not resist, the long sleeves add a casual "tee" element of the top, not to mention it's in my favourite print-stripes, and it's perfect paired with a high-waited skirt. (This leather 3.1 Philip Lim dress deserves a post on its own, one of the most amazing leather pieces that I own!)

 x karen

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spring tradition

Sportsgirl jumper | Sass & Bide skirt (seen here) | Senso boots (seen here & here) | Madewell belt | Celine trio

I just have to make it clear, I actually do realise that it's spring and I could lighten up when the weather does so. For all intents and purposes, this outfit did start off on the other end of the colour spectrum; quite a few outfit lives ago. But evidently, as much as I've been looking forward to the warmer months, I still can't let go of my lights, navys and blacks. But perhaps its just tradition because this is the same knit that I wore in early spring last year too. 

 x karen

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inkprint

Sass & Bide sweater (see here) | One Teaspoon shorts (see here & here) | Senso Bertina boots (see here, here & here)| Celine trio bag

Sometimes it's just fun to throw together some well-loved items and call it an outfit; my all-time favourite denim shorts, the Senso boots that travelled with me in Asia, the Celine trio that I wear with everything, comfy knit and Karen Walker 'deep freeze' sunglasses that are paired with everything. 

 x karen

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15 minutes eternal

Isabel Marant Etoile skirt | St James top | Mister Zimi leather jacket | Senso boots | Chloe bag

I've been having the most amazing time on my holiday, I actually have barely thought about

blogging. Previously, I was so sure that I'd use this amazing opportunity to take lots of exotic photos

but really, I've just been trying to soak up as much as I can.

After a gruelling 24+ hours, I finally made my way from Phuket, Thailand to Japan's Narita Airport. 
The change in climate is such an adjustment, along with the difference of the society in general.
I just came back from going out for a wander around Shinjuku and the cold was very
confronting, especially since I've spent the last 10 days in nothing but One Teaspoon shorts and 
Bassike tanks. 

I'm missing the more temperate winters of Hong Kong, my first destination, so I decided to get my act 
together and post these photos from when I was lucky enough to catch the Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal 
exhibition at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. It's in commemoration of the 25th year of his death. I can't

say that I've always been a Warhol fan or knew any of his works besides the rudimentary

ones that most people are exposed to. However, after seeing the exhibition I feel that I have a 

greater understanding of the principles behind his work and it was interesting just to see the way

in which his paintings and sculptures developed over time. I don't think I'm lying if I said 

that this was probably the most memorable experience that I'm taking away from Hong Kong

(especially since I've been twice before). Well, the Exhibition and my Celine experience-

although they were on the same day so really, its the same thing. 

I promise to post some more photos soon, in the meantime, I'll be on instagram- @thechicndamned.

p.s. if you find yourself crossing paths with the Andy Warhol exhibition, thank yourself by going there-

and then you can come and thank me later!

x karen

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quick break

Mister Zimi leather jacket | H&M floral pants | Alexander McQueen scarf | Senso boots

I've been in Hong Kong for the past few days and I've been so busy hitting all the shopping spots

that I haven't had any time to take any photos. That and the intense crowd makes me nervous to stop

in the middle of the street - fear of being trampled over. The winter has surprisingly been quite mild

and so these new H&M floral pants were the perfect answer. This is just a quick photo I posted

on instagram, hopefully I'll be able to post something else soon- otherwise I'll be relying on some backlog

from Sydney. 

x karen

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la dolce vita

Dolce Vita dress| Senso 'Bertina' boots | Comme des garcon clutch | Karen Walker sunglasses| Jennifer Zeuner necklaces

Basically all of Australia's eastern coastline has been under siege by the Rainman (and I don't mean Dustin Hoffman)

so it felt almost rude to post photos of anything but the sunshine. There isn't a more perfect way to get over the rainy weekend

blues (I'm still feeling the lethargic effects) than to reminisce about what a great summer we had. 

I can't wait for the sunshine in Thailand- not sure if I can survive the humidity though.

x karen

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comfort bubble

T by Alexander Wang tank (on sale here)| Rag & Bone 'portobello' leather shorts (seen here & here) | Senso 'Britney I' boots | Asos denim jacket (similar here) | Jennifer Zeuner necklaces

 I think it's always important to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, both sartorially and in life generally (because
apparently at the wise old age of 22, I feel ancient enough to give such sage and learned advice- you can choose to not listen
but that will be at your own detriment). I joke , of course- about the ancient part not the comfort bubble part. For the 
longest time, I was always scared to wear bright colours and to be honest, it's a fear that hasn't truly left me. I've long come
to terms with the fact that I will never be as comfortable in a bright red or a bright yellow as I will be in my greys, 
whites and blacks. If I want colour in my outfit, it's usually done through accessories or shades that aren't as bright
as my top here. But once in a while, it's nice to challenge that preconceived notion, even if its self-imposed; and when
I do, I always match it with clothes that I'm comfortable in i.e. these Rag & Bone leather shorts. 

x karen

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there she goes

Stylestalker 'there she goes' playsuit | Chloe sunglasses & 'paraty' bag | Senso 'bertina' boots | Jennifer Zeuner necklace

 Quite possibly, the best thing you can do for yourself this summer is to buy a playsuit or dig one out from your wardrobe.

It's the perfect thing to wear on days where you just don't feel like wearing anything i.e. every summer day. This playsuit 

from Stylestalker is the perfect amount of light summery colours, funky draping & detailing and incredible comfort. 
I bought it last year and I've been getting plenty of wear out of it- it's also perfect in autumn with a thin jacket layered 
over it (see here). I told you that it was versatile. 

x karen

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