SS07 Trend: Jumpsuits / Playsuits

First off, I don't know the exact name of the garment I'm talking about. Some sites call them jumpsuits (which just reminds me of those orange, jumpsuits from prison,) and other sites call them playsuits (such as Top Shop.) Doesn't matter, I'll just call them jumpsuits here. Actually, they remind me of shirt-dresses, which I just blogged about on Thursday, except jumpsuits' bottoms are shorts instead of skirts. Oops ok I'm rambling...

So the point of this post is me saying eww to jumpsuits. Jumpsuits is a thing that I relate to the 80's, and 80's to me is a decade of somewhat vulgar fashion, (although this really is more of an impression rather than me actually knowing 80's fashion well.) Plus this season's 80's revival of bright colours doesn't help.

I have to admit Nicole Richie makes the jumpsuit look mega-glamorous. (And no, this does not mean I think of her as my role model of any sorts.) I like the black and gold combo.

But I don't know, something about jumpsuits just make me dislike them. For example here, even though I think red silk looks nice on Michelle Trachtenberg, the red jumpsuit makes her look like she's in a flashy exercise video or some disco.

Lindsay looks relaxed and casual here. Maybe the jumpsuits look less tacky during daytime?

Can you blame me for not liking jumpsuits? Check these out. I especially hate jumpsuits that are sporty-looking, like the ones made of terry cloth or the green one in the left picture. Are you going to wear this look this summer?

Photo credit: www.activeendeavors.com, www.topshop.com

SS07 Trend: Shirt-Dresses

Shirt-dresses have become a summer essential in the past few years. I see it as the less girly version of the other dress trends (like bubble, volume, trapeze, mini or maxi dresses). I've been looking around for one for ages, and even though I still haven't found the perfect one, I've bought one from the Gap (the UK one). It's grey and white striped and it's got rolled-up-looking sleeves. It's not exactly the prettiest or glamorous thing around, but it's super relaxing item to wear and looks decent enough after I add on a thin, white patent belt. Some online finds:

One super 'of the moment' way to wear shirt dresses is to wear them over leggings (left -by Vince). Honestly, without the leggings, some of the shirt dresses can look slightly tacky (-kind of like you just lost your pants,) esp if the shirt dress looks too much like a plain shirt (right -by Splendid).

Another very 'this season' style is gingham/ checker prints. This See by Chloe shirt dress has been quite popular this season.

The Chloe dress (left) is meant for the rich and fabulous when they're out on the beach. The Viktor & Rolf (right) is classic, A-line shirt-dress would sure flatter most body types. Isn't it very 'Charlotte' from Sex and the City?

Here is another A-line shirt-dress. This is a much more youthful design and it's actually affordable, by Lux at Urban Outfitters. (Plus it really shows how much shape belts can provide.)

This pretty, girly one is by Joie. Wearing shirt-dresses with ankle boots (or short boots) is also very this season.

This Rebecca Taylor one is even more girly. I love how it looks so basic on top and when you look down, the flowery slip underneath makes the whole dress look so pretty and feminine. The dress is't very summer-friendly though.

I love this Vanessa Bruno shirt-dress. It's totally got that effortlessly-casual-in-the-city feel to it. (But then again, all of Vanessa Bruno's clothes do.)

When wearing shirt-dresses, I like to think with the attitude of the Stella McCartney shows -you know, that casual, cool, laid-back sort of attitude. Oh, remember to make sure your shirt dress ends above your knees. To make it even more 'this season', have the shirt-dress end mid-thigh.

Photo credit: www.net-a-porter.com. www.urbanoutfitters.com, www.vogue.co.uk, www.shopbop.com, www.vanessabruno.co.fr -Note that I collected these picture from a few months ago, so some of the sites may not sell the dresses shown anymore.

Gilmore Girls Tribute

Gilmore Girls ended 4 weeks ago *sobs*. Back then I was busy so I didn't have time to write a tribute, but here it is. I first watched Gilmore Girls when it was in its 2nd or 3rd season and since then, it's been my No.1 show. It's a show that's heart-warming, witty, smart, and I really connected with Rory because she went through the same school-related stuff. How many tv shows do you see that actually show the characters going to school for the sake of learning and aiming for colleges, and not to hang out with friends by the lockers (coughtheOCcough)?

Since then I've rewatched Season 1-4, and wow, the show has changed so much. It started as essentially, a family drama, a fast-talking one. Rory started attending Chilton, the private school, while Lorelai worked and went to business school part-time. They both reconnected with the grandparents and were growing up together.

Rory's first boyfriend, Dean. Gosh, remember how he was the perfect, nice boyfriend? He seemed so great until they had that affair after he got married -that was stupid.

Then Rory's second boyfriend, Jess. I liked how he connected with Rory but he was just too much of a jerk back then. Even now, he still remains as a favourite with the fans.

And finally, Rory's first adult boyfriend, Logan. I love love love Logan. I think I've watched the 100th episode, You Jump I Jump Jack so many times I remember the dialogue from the Life and Death Brigade before they jumped.

I was so sad when they broke up! I think what made their break up sadder than other tv break ups for me is that they broke up not because either one of them stopped loving each other or that they had a fight -the circumstances were just not right. Speaking of Season 5, her clothes have been so nice since then. I loved so many of her outfits -the ones that she wore to school and went to dinners in. They're always so simple but never boring and still looked put-together.

OK, enough of Rory's boyfriends. Ah, Lorelai and Luke. We've all been waiting since the very first episode for them to get together, and they did for Season 5, but then the soap opera-like plot of Luke having a daughter appeared and ruined everything. Thankfully, they made up in the last episode so at least we know they'll be together. Even though many fans were angry how short their makeup kiss was, I'm glad the episode focussed on Rory and Lorelai.

Now the goodbye starts. Thank you Stars Hollow folks for all the quirkiness and craziness that you've brought to the show. Even though Suki can get a bit irritating with her squealing, Michel's whining in his French accent is just way funny. And there is just so much to them: Lane and her secret life; Mrs Kim and her antique shop; Taylor and his town meetings; Kirk and his many businesses; Babette gossiping with Ms Patty...

Paris is possibly my second favourite character on the show. My gosh, she is just too funny. I LOVE all the scenes she's in. Her crazy ranting, plotting and scheming and over-achieving. Remember Paris at the Washington leadership conference thing, and her preparing for her first date with Jamie? Remember Paris breaking down in front of national television, announcing she had sex but didn't get into Harvard? Remember Rory and Paris attempting to do Spring Break the 'right way' in Florida? Remember how before they graduated, Paris surrounded her and Rory's flat with charts and lists of things to do before graduating? Barneys Girl and I want a friend who is so organised and motivated like that! I'm going to miss her so much!

Last but not least, the grandparents. While it's always funny to see Lorelai trying to avoid Emily and Richard, it's also heart-warming to see the family moments. Kelly Bishop and Edward Herrmann were absolutely fantastic on the show and really delivered both the funny and emotional scenes. Rewatching the old episodes, you really see how Lorelai became closer to her parents and how they've finally accepted Lorelai as she is.

This is the last scene from the first ever episode. I love how the show never (or almost had no) major drama and was always about the everyday lives of the girls.

Which is why I loved how the show ended -the last episode covered everything that needed to be covered. The last scene was back to the way the show is, which is random chattering between the girls and them getting coffee at Lukes. I've wanted the show to end with this exact scene for years so I'm glad they did. *Sobs again* This is the only fictional thing that I've ever felt so much at the end. I thought Lauren Graham (hate how Emmy snubs her) and Alexis Bledel (perfect as the pretty, quiet girl) were perfect for their roles -so thank you girls for the seven years of hard work!

SS07 Trend: Graphic T-Shirt Dresses

Long graphic t-shirt dresses is a combination of the dress trend and the re-newed graphic t-shirt trend. I love this trend -it's casual, summer-y and comfortable. It is literally the most effortless outfit one could walk out of the house in, I mean, it requires even less effort than a T-shirt and jeans combo.

I love love the simplicity (but not boring) of the t-shirt dress at Marc Jacobs. Wearing it with those sandals give the outfit a touch of elegance.

3.1 Phillip Lim's rosette dress is one hot item this summer. It sold out really quickly back a few months ago, but who can blame the customers? The dress is like a fusion of many huge SS07 trends, including the LWD and the 3-D rosettes.

I don't know if this dress by Marni counts as a T-shirt dress or just a shift dress, but it's still very 'this season' looking.

House of Holland is supposedly all the rage these days, but I absolutely dislike these super eye-catching slogan shirts (and possibly because I'm not a fan of Aggy, who is always seen related to this brand.)

The only unfortunate (or fortunate?) thing about this trend is that it's so hard to actually find them in stores, esp in high street stores.
I like the sketching of a girl on this Stella McCartney t-shirt dress, but I don't like the slanted shoulder design.

I'm not sure if this is a t-shirt dress, but I do like all the not-obvious details. The tailoring looks amazing, although the price certainly reflects the quality. (By Helmet Lang)

I've been staring at these dresses by See by Chloe on NAP for quite awhile, but never had the courage to splurge on it because I've never seen it in real life and have no idea if it would fit on me. I love the giraffe pattern one (left). But can you really wear them without wearing micro-shorts or a slip underneath?

Oh ya, just to avoid confusion, wearing a huge, oversized T-shirt is not a t-shirt dress. A t-shirt dress, as you can see from the examples above, are cut like normal t-shirts on top, and are extended to be a dress. So the shoulder area should actually fit you.

Photo credit: www.vogue.co.uk, www.shopbop.com, www.net-a-porter.com

SS07 Trend: Micro-Shorts

Micro-shorts are one of the big trends this summer. At first I was completely against the idea of micro-shorts -they can easily make one look slutty and overexposed.

Another reason why I didn't like micro-shorts was because I don't like high-waisted shorts, which are oh-so-in this season. They remind me of outdated, old-fashioned shorts or bikini bottoms. Plus they're very unflattering.

But then I thought it would be cool to wear micro-shorts underneath all the long, tunic tops I had. You know the tops that kind of cover your butt but not really if you move? I didn't want to wear leggings underneath because that's a way too 80's-bicycle-shorts thing to do. So instead of skinny jeans, I thought shorts would be a fun, refreshing alternative for summer, provided they're low/mid-waisted. Last summer I tried this look (long top over tiny shorts like Nicole Richie here) with a skirt because I wasn't bothered to find shorts. But with shorts everywhere now, it's definitely time to get a pair!

Lindsay Lohan is so rocking the shorts here.

And Hilary Duff looks so pretty and summery here with that girly top and micro black shorts. I love how her outfit is looks so casual but still pretty and put-together. (Plus, notice the matching baby blue camisole underneath and the Miu Miu Mary Janes.)

So onto my search for the perfect micro-shorts. I origianlly only wanted a black pair, but the Kate Moss denim shorts had a really great wash and design so I couldn't resist trying them on.

But after I finally got those four buttons buttoned (they look cool but oh-so-annoying to put on,) I realised how seriously short they were. I mean, I would like to move around in them and I just didn't feel comfortable. Not to mention we must remember that Kate Moss looks cool in them for obvious reasons.

Then I tried on these Top Shop shorts, but the back pockets were just really ugly.

I love this pair by the Top Shop Kate Moss line -love the row of buttons along the sides (which you can't really see in the photo). Unfortunately, the Oxford Circus shop ran out of Size 8's and the sizes run big for this design. I'm obviously fated not to own them.

Ugh, maybe I'll just settle for that boring pair I saw at Mango today. Afterall, the shorts are just going to be worn under my long tops and are hardly going to be visible -they don't have to be that perfect. Anyone tried out micro-shorts yet? How are you wearing them?

Photo source: www.topshop.com, www.vogue.co.uk

CFDA 2007

I was going to blog about fashion at the MTV Movies Award, but since I fancied none of the outfits there and the CFDA happened, obviously the CFDA was way more fashion-worthy to blog about. It's a bit iffy that both Oscar de la Renta and Preonza Schouler tied for the Designer of the Year Award, but oh well.

First off, two of this year's hostesses were Mary Kate and Ashley. The two brilliant businesswomen are wearing clothes by their own brands -Ash was wearing a long black jacket by The Row and MK was in a cream dress by Elizabeth and James (their new brand which I'm really looking foward to.) I'm not too sure about Ash's outfit, but I really MK's dress and her accessorising (many many braclets, rings and an oversized Miu Miu clutch).

Anna Wintour and Bee Schaffer both in black and white -both very pretty and classic.

Uma Thurman in Zac Posen. It's a nice dress, but not really my style. Diane von Furstenburg in her own very summery dress -it's so fabulous how her dresses are so colourful yet still so age-suitable.

Claire Danes in Peter Som -seriously pretty and really suits her.

Alicia Keyes in a boring dress and Chloe Sevigny in a Holly Dunlap dress. I don't like both of these dresses -one is boring and one is unflattering.

Eve Mendes in a hot pink Calvin Klein dress -modern, sleek and eye-catching. Kate Bosworth looking pretty (as usual) in Proenza Schouler. I thought the dress looked too mature and conservative for her at first, but then I thought it's lady-like with some pretty details -a very thin line indeed!

Lily Cole in a Valentino dress, which looked less lady-like and prim than the typical Valentino dress. It's very clubbing and party-ish (although is is really suitable for this event?) Hilary Rhoda in Marchesa -it's a really gorgeous and flowy dress, but nothing unexpected by Marchesa.

Michael Kors and his girls, Debra Messing and Heidi Klum. Heidi looks over-tanned and the dresses are just not particularly exciting.

Ralph Lauren with Oprah. The dress just looks like the ones Oprah always wears.

Zac Posen with Karen Elson (-she's pregnant and still looks amazing in one of those tight, long dresses!) Phillip Lim with Irina in his design. Irina's dress (and her look in general) is definitely one of my favourite from this event. It's so elegant, pretty and girly. I love the clothes by 3.1 Phillip Lim. He totally deserves the Swarovski Award for Womenswear imo.

The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake

I'm usually a fiction-reader, but after reading the description of the book and looking at the beautiful cover (the UK one on the left -yes I care about covers,) I decided to give The Beautiful Fall a try. It took me half a year to get through it, mainly because I stopped a few months during the holidays and exams, and it's also a bit thick and non-fiction.

The book is mainly about what it says on the cover: Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent and 'glorious excess in 1970s Paris', but it's also a lot more. The book goes through fashion from the 50s through Yves and Karl's journey, to changes in the fashion world in the 80s and 90s. It details the people who they hung out with, their career and the atmosphere of the fashion world in that period.

As someone who hasn't studied fashion and knew nothing about its history, this book really brought me a glimpse of what the fashion world was like back then: Back in the 70s, before fashion was strictly a business and creativity was important. And as someone who grew up knowing YSL only as an established brand name and from Stefano Pilati's designs, the book really drew out the genius and significance of Yves back in the 60s and 70s. He was THE designer who all women looked upon and relied on for fashion back then. Karl Lagerfeld on the other hand, was a freelance designer for a long time, designing from unknown brands to Fendi and Chloe, and eventually shot to fame in the 90s after Chanel hired him. He is amazing at adopting current trends with a brand's heritage and always learning new things.

The great thing about this book is that the author did not favour either one of the designers and showed the genius and disadvantages of both the designers. And while it was great to read about Yves and Karl, the best thing about this book is that you see how the fashion business has changed throughout the 60s to the 90s, mainly the Paris scene but also the international scene in general. So if you're interested in a bit of modern fashion history, give the book a try!