chambray with a twist of lime

Sportsgirl chambray shirt, t by Alexander Wang skirt, Converse, Alexander Wang Rocco bag, Karen Walker sunglasses

It's been awhile since I've worn this much Alexander Wang in one outfit; although mathematicians will tell you that in the grand scheme of things, 2 really isn't all that many. As much of an Alexander Wang fan as I am (in all his variations, as Alexander Wang, as t by Alexander Wang, as Balenciaga's hottest new thing or as uncle of the coolest tot in fashion) I always find myself mass purchasing his pieces and then regretting them. I know, the blasphemy!

I have this skirt in two colours; this very summer-appropriate shade of lime and the stain-magnet choice of white. In theory, it's everything I want in a casual skirt. It's simple but with a twist - literally. It's the perfect thing to wear with any top thrown over it, even an oversized chambray top, that's so oversized I don't know whether to tuck it in or to simply tie it Daisy Duke style. 

But all hell breaks lose when I try to walk in this skirt. My damn modesty gets in the way. See the high point of the intersection of the twist? It rides up everytime I walk. So with every step that I take, I'm in the perpetual state of not knowing if I'm accidentenally chucking a Britney (read: vag flash). It's anxiety like that, that I really don't need in my life. I thought I could solve the problem by turning the skirt so that the twist lies on one leg (inspired by all things Helmut Lang and the thigh split) alas, somehow it keep returning to its original state. 

Any suggestions? 

 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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cosy creams

Sportsgirl knit | Mister Zimi leather jacket | J Brand jeans| Celine bag | Chloe 'susanna' boots 

The one thing that I love all year round are light-weight knits, but I love them more in winter because I can layer them with my leather jackets. I'm a pretty clumsy person, so when I'm hunting for a white/cream knit, it's pretty much a pre-requisite that I have to hunt below a certain price range. Which is probably how I find myself in either Zara or Sportsgirl, its the perfect price range for a knit so that I won't cry when I spill coffee on it. I'll tell you the story of how I spilt hot chocolate on my white silk Ellery another day. 

 x karen

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tell me something sweet

Sportsgirl knit (seen here) | Joe's Jeans highwater jeans (seen here & here) | Mister Zimi jacket (seen here, here & here) | Alexander Wang boots (seen here, here & here)

Who knew that it would take days of relentless rain to bring out my inner colour-enthusiast? But when the sun is away playing hide-n-seek, you need a more cheerful wardrobe otherwise you'd just find yourself caught in the winter stereotype of black and greys. Although, that's really my primary colours these days, except apparently for when its torrential rain weather. But, true to my recent neutrally-coloured self, I've been the veritable Swtizerland in terms of colour choices, this outfit was peppered by navy, white and my essential Mister Zimi leather jacket*. 

 x karen

* A recent leather jacket purchase has been made, stayed tuned for photos! 

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trenchcoat dilemma

Sportsgirl tee (seen here & here) | J Brand jeans | Current/Elliot jacket | Willow 'work' boots (seen here, here & here) | Celine clutch

This jacket has single-handedly solved a trench coat dilemma that I've had for the past two years. I've been back and forth on whether to invest in a Burberry trench coat in the classic camel colour. I have a gorgeous Burberry trench in this deep purple that I wear on special occasions but I've been craving a casual one for autumn/spring weather, so that I can wear outfits like this a la Mrs Bloom. And then I came across this Current/Elliot jacket which was essentially the love child of the trench of my dreams and my essential military jackets. Sometimes when it's right, you know it straight away.

p.s. I am really get my worth out of these boots, aren't I? It's all about cost per wear people!

 x karen

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quilted velvet

Josh Goot velvet bomber | Sportsgirl tank | Zara skirt | Valentino rockstud heels | Celine trio bag

What's the one thing that's better than quilted leather? Okay, maybe not better. Not much can compete with a classic Chanel 2.55 in my heart but what can at least compete with it? Quilted velvet of course! If you follow me on instagram (@thechicndamned - shameless plug!) then you might know how much I love this Josh Goot velvet bomber. It's the perfect item of decadence to wear with any outfits, especially for chilly autumn days. The studs in these shoes add a nice contrast to the luxury of the velvet- one of my favourite fabrics! For me, this was such a perfect no-brainer outfit for this limbo-weather. A cross between luxury, leather, studs and my favourite- stripes!

 x karen

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hi-top casual

Sportsgirl top | Subtitled jacket | One Teaspoon denim shorts | Witchery belt | Converse hi-top

One of the best things about fashion is that its not consistent and you don't have to be consistent.

It's all about the frivolity of dressing up according to your mood and what you're doing that day.

Even if you're going to be in hi-tops and denim shorts all day, there is absolutely nothing stopping 

you from wearing bright red lips like you're Anne Hathaway and ready for the red carpet.

x karen

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round up

Zara jeans // Sportsgirl slip & clutch // Subtitled jacket // Sunday Somewhere sunglasses // Nine West heels

I've been mentally debating for awhile about what my last post for 2012 should be,

to be truthful, I'm super corny and so I want it to be representative of both what the past

year has been about and what I'm looking forward to in the coming year. But, seriously,

how can one outfit be that expressive?

So, I decided to go which this above outfit (this was out of a choice of two- now, imagine

how indecisive I am when I shop, probably why I always end up with just both).

This was the year I truly discovered the boyfriend jeans, so it was only apt that it'll

feature in my last post of the year. The lingerie-esque top/dress/slip is a reminder to myself

that I should always enjoy fashion and continue to have fun with my blog. Like the

boyfriend jeans, I've been living in my khaki jacket- the perfect thing to throw on in

any occasion especially with the freakish not-really-cold-not-really-hot weather we've

been having.

Sparkly shoes were a necessity.

How can it be NYE if you're not wearing something sparkly?

(although, truth be told these photos were taken during Christmas-

another season whom equally deserves, if not more, sequins and all things sparkly).

I hope you have a  great NYE & an amazing New Year to follow

x karen

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palm beach// day 02

Sportsgirl top // Isabel Marant skirt // Topshop jacket // Senso 'bertina' boots

The thing about impromptu roadtrips is last minute packing;

the lack of having your whole wardrobe with you 

is the opportunity of being able to put together outfits

that you normally wouldn't imagine. 

x karen

p.s. yes, these are the forgotten photos from the second part of the Palm Beach "series"

baggies

Rag & Bone knit // Sportsgirl jacket // One Teaspoon 'baggies' jeans // RMK shoes // Country Road tote

I really, really wanted to show you guys these jeans that I recently added to

my One Teaspoon family, so you'll have to put up with the Instagram shot. I spied 

these at the Sydney Westfield One Teaspoon store and 

was immediately drawn to the colour and fit. 

In actuality, the colour of both the jeans and the knit isn't that bright; Instagram 
filters have a way of doing things like that (it's a nasty habit really). I've had a soft

spot for ripped denim since my first pair of J Brand jean (remember these babies?)

and these One Teaspoon pair are in the most intriguing shade of light blue 

with a slight grey undertone. It's almost, almost reminds me of an acid wash...
except without the actual acid wash- so really just bleach (feel free to ignore
me if I'm confusing you even more). Anyways, I sized up 3 sizes 
to get the extreme baggy look and so that I can differentiate this pair of 
boyfriend jeans to my other J Brand Aidans (worn here, here and here).

It's the perfect solution for lazy and uninspired outfit days

Ripped jeans add instant bad-ass to your wardrobe
But you already know that.

x k

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staple.

Sportsgirl white shirt // Chicwish shorts // Topshop belt // Miu Miu bag

Nothing beats the versatility of a simple white shirt. It's pretty much a staple in my wardrobe so it's no wonder that I have collected a huge quantity of white shirts in different cuts and materials. Recently I've been trying to cull my wardrobe to make it more 'capsule' and it has been eye-opening to see the sheer amount, of what is essentially the same time of clothing in my closet when in reality I only ever see to reach for my Bassike white tees and Equipment silk shirts. I hate myself for my need to collect staples, it really undermines the whole idea of having an essential item that I can always reach for when I collect too many of the same "staple". 

I've really been trying to not buy anymore 'repeats' and just concentrate on being pieces that will last, even if it means splurging a little bit. But somethings, it's hard to draw the line between when it's an appropriate splurge (i.e. when I will get lots of wear out of it) or an inappropriate splurge (i.e. when I think I'll wear it everyday from now and until forever but never do). Which is why I've decided to sell some of things on ebay, wish me luck!

x k

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tie me by the waist

Jill Stuart cardigan // Current Elliot jeans // Steve Madden heels // Sportsgirl scarf & tank

Just a quick mid-week post to get through Humpday Wednesday.

These photos were taken near the end of last month, when the weather was a bit cooler. Although, to be honest, sweaters seem quite appropriate at the moment.

I bought this Jill Stuart cardigan in Hong Kong last time I visited, maybe almost 2 years ago.

My tastes have grown decidedly less girly in the past year so its been sitting in my closet for awhile. But I quite like the way it looks with my polka dot jeans and the leopard print scarf. I can't say no to a soft grey knit!

Hope you're having a great week so far :)

x k

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