revisiting the suede

Bassike tee, Forever 21 suede skirt, Kahlo vest (seen here), 3.1 Phillip Lim d'orsay heels (seen here), Celine clutch, Karen Walker sunglasses

Lately, I've been trying to "revisit" old pieces in my wardrobe rather than buying new clothes; I'm not saying it's working but I've been trying. This is mainly for 2 reasons, I really really want to cull my wardrobe so that it's more manageable (lack of outfits is primarily due to too much choice rather than lack thereof) and with the new shop I've been absolutely horrible and sneaked way too many personal orders in. Whoops. 

This suede skirt was a miracle find from Forever 21. It's the perfect mini skirt cut and the fabric really adds a little something extra to any outfit. 

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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summer remnants

Lilya top | Shakuhachi shorts (seen here) | 3.1 Phillip Lim heels (seen here)| Ray-Ban sunglasses

I spent this weekend pretending that summer isn't really about to leave us...

x karen

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modern spring romance

Equipment shirt, One Teaspoon jeans, 3.1 Phillip Lim d'Orsay heels, K is for Kani floral headband 

I recently read an article that lamented the fall of chivalry and gallantry due to the feminist movement. I'm a strong believer of to each their own- after all, one person's polite gesture of opening the door for a female can and have been interpreted as someone else's expression of sexism. Whilst perfectly capable of opening my own doors, sometimes a simple gesture can be rather refreshing and reminiscent of the Austen world; a society that was heavily dictated by etiquette and manners. 

However, this article did get me thinking in this fast changing world and even faster changing fashion. How does romance and fanciful notions of Prince Charming translate into our world, and more importantly our wardrobe. If our greatest example is the Duchess of Cambridge and her infinite wardrobe of sensible nude pumps. Should we be foregoing our Louboutins and leather skirts in lieu of tea dresses and wedges should Mr Darcy come knocking on our door? 

The answer is a big, fat - NO!

Why wear a sensible floral dress to a spring picnic, whether its by the Serpentine or Bondi Beach or the Eiffel Tower, when you can restrict your floral to just a silk shirt to be paired with devilishly ripped boyfriend jeans. And maybe a floral crown too because, well just because. And modern romance should be exactly that; a contrast between the traditional notions of romance and our new unrestricted sense of freedom (and who said fashion was frivolous? Look at me being all theological and shit). The outfit should be the girly you that grew up watching Disney movies and the tomboy you that just wants to be comfortable. The heels? That's for the inner narcissist that knows a good pair of boyfriend jeans needs a good pair of heels.

After all, we're not really a boy.
                      
x karen

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pink diamonds.

Bassike white tee // Maurie & Eve shorts // 3.1 Phillip Lim d'orsay heels

I fell in love with these shorts almost as soon as I saw it, almost. I actually had my heart set on the Maurie and Eve lapis pants in the same print (found here) because I am in love with the print. It reminded me of the Bowie pants that they did last year, very Celine inspired but still very much their own. I regretted not snapping up a pair when I had the chance and so the Lapis pants seemed like the perfect alternative. But somehow I ended up getting the shorts instead. 

But if you're thinking of getting a pair of the Maurie & Eve lapis shorts, you should probably consider going down one size. I went with my usual size and I found it a tad too big, but I kept them anyways thinking that I could wear it lower on my hips but for some reason the back then rides up and the front is lower...if you know what I mean? But its nothing that getting the right size can't fix. The print is absolutely amazing to layer even with a cute cream knit for the chillier spring days- which was what I was originally planning but the sun was having none of that. 

I hope you had a great long weekend! 

x k

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running through my mind

A few things that's been running through my mind. It's that awkward time of the year where it's still officially winter but there are some gorgeous sunny days were it almost feels like spring. These are just a few essentials that, if money was not an issue, would be holding my hand through the difficult days ahead.

Clockwise from the top left: Azzedine Alaia cut-out boots that is pretty much the perfect shoe for in-between weather. It's winter enough so that you don't look odd but the cut-outs are the perfect cool spring edit. These are on sale at the outnet, so if you have an extra thousand pounds- you can buy us both a pair. Balenciaga leather jacket for when the sun sets and you need something to throw over your  Acne silk dress that's in one of the most perfect shades of pink I've seen in awhile. Since it's not quite summer, the sun will probably be playing hide-and-seek so these lightly-tinted Ray-Ban aviators are the perfect choice. You may also wear these sitting next to Anna Wintour in the first row, show her how the New Gen does it. No compilation is complete with a little Dannijo love; the perfect compromise between bling and tribal. The red Phillip Lim bag is so that you have something to carry your leather jacket in, flats are optional. And almost-spring isn't almost spring without a floral skirt by Girl by Band of Outsiders. These may be substituted by the Isabel Marant skirt that you wore to death last year. It's Marant, it will not date. Or pair it with your Balenciaga leather jacket. 

x

karen

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