Lessons in Cute

Chloé Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:39:00 +0000

I've always liked Chloé, but I admit it's been a while since the French label last came up with something that got me really excited. So I was pleasantly surprised when I checked out the Chloé Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear collection.

Firstly, flat sandals feature generously in this Chloé collection. I cannot overstate how much I love flat sandals. I want to wear them with everything--dresses, trousers, shorts. Chloé combines flat sandals with crisp shirts and even suits! Part of the reason these leather sandals work so well here is that the clothes are well-cut and never overly casual or sloppy, although they do retain a relaxed air.

Speaking of suits, that brings me to the next thing I love about this collection--chic work-appropriate attire that's devil-may-care casual but still formal enough to wear to the office (for those girls whose jobs don't permit them to waltz in wearing sundresses). Just bring along a pair of aforesaid flat sandals and you're good once you step out after work.

As you can see, the sandals work for outfits that fall on the chic side of casual. The neutral tones make them appropriate for work, too (well, at certain offices anyway).

Taking the level of formality up a notch doesn't make these sandals look out of place in these pictures. I absolutely love the unisex cut of the white shirt.

If you have to wear a suit at work, these suits will ensure you don't get lost in a sea of black standard issue business get-ups. Throw on a pair of oxfords, loafers or flat pumps and keep the sandals for after work.

Again, I love the androgynous touch the unisex shirt brings. Something about the way the body and sleeves fall down straight. The dress in the second picture was so pretty I felt compelled to include it. Best of all, its loose silhouette makes it look extremely comfy (some of you mori girls may like it too)!

Hope these clothes inspire you to put in a little more effort at work!

Image source: Chloé

What to wear to a Christmas party

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:06:00 +0000

So, with constant reminders from just about every business in town that Christmas is on its way, I'm sure many girls have been thinking about what to wear to this year's Christmas parties. Christmas party attire is particularly festive and a tad fussier than normal party attire, but not too wild or sexy--on the conservative side, if you will. So, I looked to my hands-down favourite place to browse for dresses online, Modcloth, for inspiration. Here are my top 5 picks:

This dress, aptly named Belle Epoque, doesn't so much scream as quietly glow Parisian chic.

This dress manages to be both simple and luxurious at the same time.

Adorable, flirty, yet shy and low-key enough to be worn to more casual events like a Christmas lunch or potluck dinner.

The grey built-in tank top prevents this dress from looking too fussy.

This dress is so festive! I would wear this to a classy yet hearty Christmas dinner at a friend's home.

I've just about fallen in love with Modcloth and everything on their site. I'll do a review when I order my first dress from them.

Image source: Modcloth

Boy by Band of Outsiders Spring 2010 Ready-To-Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:17:00 +0000

I love menswear inspired outfits. There's just something utterly adorable about a girl with a feminine face in oxfords, blazers and unisex collared shirts. The spring RTW collection of Boy by Band of Outsiders is full of clothes a naughty boy would wear to church, and I think it looks even better on girls than boys!

The double-breasted coat looks great dressed down with shorts and sandals. The playsuit makes me feel like climbing trees!

The print on the dress looks even better on the shorts in the second picture. I love the styling in the second picture--the double breasted coat is so playful paired with the shorts and sandals.

Blazers paired with shorts seem to be very popular this spring.

I just love these looks. The rolled up pants, messy hair, beanies and casual shoes transform these outfits from business-like to hip and youthful. I'd like to see a girl in these looks!

Image source: Style

Luella Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:48:00 +0000

I've had a soft spot for Luella ever since those bat-print shirts a few seasons back. This spring, Luella returns with a more ladylike collection that screams 'sweetheart'.

What adorable dresses! They manage to look sweet without being too demure.

Many of the skirts in the collection are bell-shaped, as is the second dress. Making the skirts bell-shaped rather than A-line gives the dresses the spunk Luella is known for.

I'm in love with the heart cut-out!

Image source: Style

French sailor shirts

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Boatneck French sailor shirts are a classic item that will never go out of style, and lately they seem to have received an extra boost in popularity. The beautiful Audrey Tatou sports one in Coco Avant Chanel, and I myself (not that I am anywhere near Audrey or Chanel!) have owned a cotton one from H&M for more than a year that I've since worn to death.

Lately lots of girls have been seen pairing them with jeans or trousers. However, one of my favourite incarnations of the French sailor shirt came from the poster of a Korean movie, The Naked Kitchen.

Then there's the bold, sequined, angular version from Balmain.

While not strictly a sailor shirt, this outfit on Jean Seberg is just as chic.

My personal favourite is this one from Petit Bateau. The band of white above the stripes, the buttons at the collar and the slightly shorter sleeves make it so much more than just another striped shirt.

Obsessed with Comme des Garçons Play tshirts

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:17:00 +0000

What do you think of Comme des Garçons' label Play? While I've seen the heart tshirts on so many people that they're starting to become a cliché, I can't help but want one too!

I know many people would tell me I got suckered into buying an overpriced tshirt, but I still find them too cute to resist!

Does anyone else feel the same?

Image source: Dover Street Market

Mercibeaucoup Fall/Winter 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:44:00 +0000

Mercibeaucoup is a Japanese brand by designer Eri Utsugi. It is under the same parent company as the more well known Tsumori Chisato, which I love as well. Style-wise, Mercibeaucoup is boyish and a little grungey, reminiscent of early Marc Jacobs.

While copying full ensembles from Mercibeaucoup's fashion shows is too much for most people, I think we can learn a lot from their styling. I love the way they mix and match prints and colours, and throw in interesting accessories.

The first outfit features masterful styling. The mixture of plaid is very Marc Jacobs, while the polka dotted belt makes it even cuter. The printed top in the second outfit goes perfectly with the polka-dotted scarf.

I've always loved plaid and polka dots, and these examples feature them in unexpected ways.

I'm loving these scarves worn in this way--wound all around the neck. Wearing scarves in this manner helps baggy, layered outfits look more put together. And the loose tshirt on the right reflects the increasing trendiness of Russian dolls and other Russian-inspired imagery.

Image source: A-net

Screen Style: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:25:00 +0000

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg) is a French musical film directed by Jacques Demy. The special thing about this film is that every single line is sung, unlike normal musicals where there is spoken dialogue in between musical numbers.

Doesn't sound very exciting, you say? Think again. The film has the most adorable set and wardrobe ever! Catherine Deneuve, in the star-making role of Geneviève, has a wardrobe that's so sweet it hurts, yet she manages to come off looking poised instead of cutesy.

The undoubtedly exquisite quality of the piny cardigan and pleated skirt make a classic outfit even more chic.

She is wearing a peach sundress under this chic peach coat. One of many nice coats in the film.

The cutting of this white flared coat is so pretty.

Classic Burberry trench coat worn over a baby blue gingham dress, baby blue cardigan and paired with black maryjanes.

A more complete view of the baby blue gingham dress. These bright pastels suit Catherine Deneuve's colouring really well.

A sweet little dress that somehow looks so French. Reminds me of French brand A.P.C.

Watching this film inspired me to buck up with my French studies!

School satchels inspired by the Proenza Schouler PS1

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:29:00 +0000

The Proenza Schouler PS1 that was so popular late last year and early this year has made everyone rethink school bag-like satchels or messenger bags. Not just any mid-sized sling bag counts as one. Usually there must be one or two buckles and a flap, like the school bags our parents may have used.

They're not as formal or fussy as other big structured bags, and then there's that vintage schoolgirl appeal. I've been carrying small satchels for a while but now I feel inspired to upgrade to a roomy one! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to drop thousands on a bag right now! But luckily there are cheaper alternatives.

Mary-Kate Olsen, Kirsten Dunst and Leighton Meister, all cuties in their own right, with the Proenza Schouler PS1.

Two satchels from Topshop. The beige bag is quite a close copy of the PS1, while the second has a worn, vintage look.

This one is from Australian brand Sportsgirl. It's actually called Textbook Satchel. While I think this shade of purple is quite delightful, I'm not sure if the material look very nice. It looks like it might be a bit soft.

Better yet, hit your local vintage or second-hand store. School satchels are in abundance at such stores because I suppose there was a time when people really did use bags like that just because they were functional. And they didn't cost over a thousand dollars either!

Image source: Topshop, Urban Outfitters

Related post:

Drawstring bags

Eley Kishimoto Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:49:00 +0000

As half the world prepares for a cold winter ahead, designers have already shown their Spring/Summer 2010 collections. As I am currently in the Southern hemisphere, I am indeed moving into spring. But I don't deny that thoughts of summer helped me to get through a long winter. I'd listen to songs about summer on my headphones while walking around in four layers and a long coat.

If you're gearing up for winter, Eley Kishimoto's Spring/Summer 2010 collection should give you the strength to stay strong till spring. The cheery floral fabrics and airy sundresses make you feel a little warmer just looking at them.

These dresses make me feel like throwing a garden party!

The dress with the printed on collar is sweetly bold! And the subtle use of stripes adds a spunky touch to the floral dress.

These dresses are too cute! The blue dress reminds me of the sailor tops from one of A.P.C.'s old collections. Both dresses are perfect for casual summer days. The neon green works surprisingly well.

Cute and airy tent dresses, great for picnics and a good alternative to denim cut-offs.

Drawstring bags

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:31:00 +0000

I've been seeing a lot of drawstring bags around lately. Unlike the smaller drawstring cloth bags everyone probably has lying around somewhere in their homes, these bags are made of leather, suede or stiffer fabrics and are slung across the body or on the shoulder. They're just right for casual outfits, or to dress down a pretty dress and top combo.

These bags from Topshop are edgy, but I'm not sure how I feel about the big round studs at the base.

This bag is cute too and could be worn slung on the arm.

This one will look cuter when the drawstrings are pulled tight, and it's in a rich jewel tone perfect for fall.

This is from Urban Outfitters and I think it's cute! It's got a nice shape and the light blue is quite unusual.

Another one from Urban Outfitters, this time quite sporty-looking. It reminds me a bit of those parachute bags that were popular in the 90s.

This cute purple drawstring bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Image source: Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Shopbop

Erin Fetherston Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:07:00 +0000

The first word that springs to mind when I think of Erin Fetherston is: feminine. Her clothes are girlish in a rather innocent yet refined way. My impression of the brand is that it usually features lots of nudes and pink--and this collection is no different. Everything is just so pretty.

Just look at the feminine cuts, cinched ever so slightly at the waist. Isn't the belt with the heart-shaped buckle in the first picture cute?

These clothes are all so pretty, yet they're so understated that I never feel like they're cloying or demanding or 'princessy'.

Somehow, these all-pink outfits are gentle enough that they're not in the least bit annoying the way some pink outfits can be. Yet they're youthful enough to be cute and not boring or serious.

Image source: Style

Top knot hairstyle

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:48:00 +0000

The top knot hairstyle (basically just a super high bun) has been popping up everywhere of late, from the runways to the streets. It's cute because it's not necessarily feminine--it looks super casual when messy, and alien-like when slick. It's quirky and fun.

The top knot hairstyle was a feature Marc Jacobs, Jenny Kayne and 3.1 Phillip Lim collections.

In fact, the top knot hairstyle has been seen on celebrities and girls on the street for a very long time.

As seen at varying heights on Sienna Miller and Rachel Bilson.This hairstyle is very popular in East Asia, as seen on Korean actress Shin Min-a and Japanese actress Yu Aoi.

I've been wearing the top knot hairstyle for quite a while myself, as I'm sure many girls have. It is perfect for casual dates, and makes otherwise stuffy or formal outfits cuter and more youthful. I wear them when I'm lounging about at home in my pyjamas, and I've worn one to a formal wedding dinner. Best of all, it takes less than 2 minutes to create.

Image source: Style

Melissa Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:22:00 +0000

For a few years now, my favourite shoes have come from Brazilian brand Melissa. Their shoes and sandals are made entirely of rubber--but they look nothing like that other infamous brand of rubber footwear, Crocs.

I loved their collaboration with Vivienne Westwood, which first came out last year if I recall correctly. Vivienne Westwood has always been a little kitsch, and the playful rubber material of Melissa shoes brings that out perfectly.

In fact, I have that exact pair of beige t-strap heels. I'll be the first to admit that they aren't cheap for rubber shoes, but I loved them so much I decided to splurge... just that one time.... I actually seldom wear heels because I like to walk around a lot, but these are as comfy as flip flops!

There are other cute Melissa shoes besides those in the Vivienne Westwood collection.

To be honest, these Melissa shoes look like they could have been designed by Vivienne Westwood as well. The blue pair in the middle looks very similar to the platforms she used to make.

They make very comfy flat shoes too. I actually have that last sandal in black; it was my first pair of Melissa shoes ever. It looks much better in black but I couldn't find a picture.

I love how Melissa shoes never seem to be apologetic about wanting to have fun!

Image source: Melissa

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:23:00 +0000

To me, Marc Jacobs can do no wrong, so this post may be biased. I always faithfully check out Marc by Marc Jacobs because the pieces never fail to be cheerful and childlike; the styling is fantastic as well and always provides lots of cute and casual style ideas.

The Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection this year comes in eye-popping colours. I'm in the Southern hemisphere right now and we're just moving from winter into spring, so these clothes are making me anticipate warm weather even more.

These sundresses come in bright contrasting shades. I love the contrast of the red shoes against the blue dress. And the colour combination on the ethnic-looking dress is fantastic! Striped casual belts cinching at the waist give an outfit more structured silhouette without making them look too formal.

Marc Jacobs always employs such brilliant styling. Here he mixes stripes with checks and plaid with more plaid.

We probably already own things we can use to recreate these looks. The tshirt tucked into the high-waist flared skirt is feminine but still cute and casual. I love dressing up my tshirts like that! It's the perfect way to get away with wearing old tshirts while escaping looking sloppy.

I usually adore everything Marc by Marc Jacobs comes up with anyway, but right now I'm really loving how the high-waisted, A-line silhouette can look so casual.

Image source: Style

Cute is the new sexy.

noreply@blogger.com (Mori Girl) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Every girl loves fashion, but not everyone has the same style. I'm starting this blog because I haven't been able to find another that features fashion and style just the way I like it--cute. I'm not talking about the excessive use of pink, frills and lace. The kind of cute I'm referring to is a style that's sometimes chic, sometimes androgynous, sometimes a bit rough around the edges, often quirky and whimsical, and always interesting. It's the kind of style that draws your attention to the clothes before the body, and reflects a fun-loving, curious, even childlike approach to life. That's the way I like it, and perhaps there are other ladies who feel the same way. Hope you enjoy this blog!