pink+olive

Happy [FEATURE: EMM KUO] 2011

2011-01-13T02:24:00.000-08:00

First of all, I want to say a very belated HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. I know I've been slacking on the postings given that it's the holidays and I know its no excuse. I find it harder to motivate myself when I'm back home. Anyway, hopefully everyone out there is still reading as I have so many things to share with you.

So you're probably all wondering where those two beautiful lookbook photos are from. Here's the story: At the end of 2010, I discovered a new and upcoming designer who I have absolutely fallen in love, with her sleek designs, quality in materials and innovative textures. Her products have launched in the Fall of 2010 and these accessories are a piece of art within themselves. I had an amazing opportunity to interview her before the new years with regards to her line and the inspiration behind these sophisticated pieces.

Emm Kuo

Where are you from originally? Where do you live now?

I was born in Taipei, but grew up between Hawaii, New York and Hong Kong. But I’ve also lived in London and Shanghai. For the past few years I’ve been predominantly based in NYC and Hong Kong.

How did you get into designing?

While obtaining my BA at NYU I interned for Yigal Azrouel and LVMH. It was then that I was sure fashion was the right path for me. After working in fashion marketing, I went to Parsons School of Design for a graduate program in fashion design.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? How do you organize this inspiration?

I’m an avid traveler, and my friends call me a “freespirited jetsetter”, which I think is pretty funny but definitely holds a lot of truth. My travels have been a huge source of inspiration for me. I especially love visiting other cities and countries and seeing all the different personal styles people all over the world have. I’ve actually named each style of bag after a street I’ve lived on or have visited.

I love that you mix textures a lot, do you think this philosophy only applies to accessories/handbags or can it be carried to your entire wardrobe?

I’ve always loved to mix and match, and this philosophy not only applies to how I design my accessories, but how I like to dress and also how I like to decorate my home as well. I think mixing colors and textures and different prints together allows the design to have more depth and it makes any design more interesting.

Who are your favorite designers (currently)?

I absolutely love Givenchy and I think Riccardo Tisci is a genius. His clothes and accessories are romantic and feminine, but they still have a sense of edge and are somewhat sexy without being overtly so. I also really like Isabel Marant and Phillip Lim 3.1 for everyday. As far as accessories, I’m obsessed with Chrissie Morris shoes as well as Nicholas Kirkwood, and it would be my dream to one day do collaboration with either of them.

Do you have any advice for aspiring designers who want to get their foot in the door?

Fashion is a really competitive industry and it can be really tough, that’s why it’s so important to truly love what you do. You have to be really persistent. I was always told It’s the last mile that separates the winners from the losers. Which is completely true, but I’ve also realized that the last mile never ends! So yes, persistence is a must for any aspiring designer.

Can you design a Pink and Olive version one day? :)

Absolutely! I think collaborations are always fun.

Last but not least, where can we purchase these beautiful pieces?

We are currently stocked at this great boutique in the west village in NYC called A Man And A Woman and come spring we will be in Intermix throughout the US.

Blog: http://emmkuo.tumblr.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Emm_Kuo

chestnuts roasting on an open fire

2010-12-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

Please don't let the title deceive you, this is not exactly the most festive post but more of a "see you later" and "I miss you" to one of my dearest friend here in college. As all of you following me may know by now, the girl up there is not me. That's my beautiful friend Catherine Nakajima who will be studying abroad next semester in Copenhagen. Given that I'm graduating next semester, I won't be seeing this little one for awhile.

As a result of this upcoming travesty, we took a much needed break at the newly opened Bliss Spa (opened in June 2010) at the W Hotel here in Boston. The massages overall were mediocre, nothing worth raving about but the best part was the 'lounge' that I had so looked forward too since my visit to the Bliss Spa in New York. The 'lounge' is a little room that you have access to right before the session filled with all the good things in life - mini brownies, sesame crackers, tea (ginger pear whattt?), lemons, freshly sliced cucumbers and cheese, I guess (for all who don't know already, I'm not a big fan of cheese, at all). We probably spent a little too much time there as you can see we resulted in having a full on photo shoot with green apples, but nonetheless a relaxing and quiet time for the both of us. I decided to pull my camera out the minute she put on this amazing red tube dress was scored vintage in London. It was just so simple, I had to do it. Do these photos remind anyone else of Snow White, or is it just me?

I will definitely be posting more soon, I have many upcoming features so stay tuned! It's just that finals have only just wrapped and I'm still wallowing in my newfound freedom now that my life doesn't involve staying up till 6am, sleeping 4 hours and continuing the same routine for a whole entire week. My flight back home with the boyfriend is in 6 hours and clearly I am still not getting rest so ta daaaaaaaa, a new post!

oh can’t you see what our love has done, what it's doing to me

2010-12-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

photos by David Mok

(7 For All Mankind studded jeans, Michael Stars sweater, Zara booties, Topshop chain necklace)

I apologize for the sudden laziness on posts. I've been swamped with finals and internship hunting since thanksgiving and haven't even had much time to breathe. Good news is that I am officially an Internista! for Modernista!, a creative and communications agency here in Boston. Words can't even describe my excitement when I first got my offer, I've been dreaming of working at this company for forever and when I went to their office the other day for my interview, it confirmed that completely. Loft-like setting, sans cubicles, individual unique desk lamps, electric guitars hung across chairs, exactly what I needed.

These photos were taken way before our NYC trip. I figured that I wouldn't be able to look (or even attempt to look) effortless in this weather so we decided to take it inside instead. Also managed to pick up a few strange objects along the way including a Wilson basketball (courtesy of the boyfriend) and a shisha pipe (hookah?). People always ask me if its weird having my picture taken and I have to say that it does take some getting used to but as long as you're comfortable with the person who's taking the photo, the pictures will reflect that.

I love these jeans because they go well with any kind of occasion, there's always a way to dress them up or down. They come with a good story, as does most of all worthy clothing items. First of all, I absolutely love them. They're studded around the top but not in a tacky way. I purchased them almost exactly a year ago when I flew back home for winter break. Also the time that Cathay Pacific Airlines conveniently decided that it would be whimsical to leave my two suitcases here in America for just a couple of days, no big deal. I had to run to every story in town to stock up on my wardrobe until the safe arrival of my luggage and these were the only pair of jeans that I bought, meaning they are incredibly versatile and can be worn with almost anything ...

Bonus for the day (since I've been skimping on the posts)

U2 'Window in the Skies'
(created by Modernista! in 2006 - amazing right?)

peek-a-boo

2010-12-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

Blackberry Bold 9700: Must have. I have tried reverting to the iPhone twice but to no such avail. Upon purchasing the new iPhone 4, I had to sell it two weeks later again just so I could get my hands on a blackberry again. BBM > Whatsapp. Sorry folks.

Moleskin Daily Planner: I got one with the soft leather cover which makes for easier transportation and it's definitely lighter on the shoulders. I try to keep all my engagements in the planner but sometimes life gets too hectic and I rely on my memory instead.

Macbook: Apple certainly did good on this one. After using a Mac, I don't think I could ever switch back to a Windows PC. Besides, I would have to reorientate my fingers into using CTRL options again, so not investing my money, time and effort.

Burt's Bees Lipbalm: Gotta try it to love it, I'm sure most of you already have. I prefer the original one though, the tinted pomegranate gets a bit too messy for my liking.

Eclipse Mints: So dumb as I was, I thought that Eclipse were non-existent in America and hence I lugged a million cases of them (aka overweight suitcase) back to Boston. I was wrong, available in almost every drugstore and supermarket. Fail.

Bottega Veneta Wallet: My mom and I are big fans of the brand, the leather is incredibly soft and the simplicity of the woven pattern just keeps us going back for more. We have also recently coerced the father into joining the fan club which means more goodies to come!

Scarf (usually in a nude, muted color): Much needed layering item, especially in late fall-winter where weather in New England is often sporadic and unpredictable, never know when you're going to need it! I usually bring out a neutral color because it's versatile and easy to match. However, when feeling a bit more adventurous, I like to go for my leopard print one

Sabon Hand Cream in Carrot: This is a must-have staple in every girl's kit. I did a post on Sabon in my previous blog but I will reiterate that this company makes the best lotions + body scrubs. I have been a fan since my 'gor' (aka brother) David took me to their Soho store when I went to visit the city one weekend last year. We had the most enjoyable time there washing our hands in their big ceramic sink. Walked out with what seemed like a new pair of hands. Truly incredible. If you don't know about this brand already, you're missing out. BIG TIME.

What's in your bag?

i want to wake up in that city that never sleeps

2010-12-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

Megabus ride where our driver did not know the way to NewYork (or english for that matter) and my boyfriend had to quarter-back it all the way into the city, Asian-style thanksgiving with a 28lb roast pig, youtube videos (ktown hotties suggested by Sunny Yung), lots of Asian pears, Disney Scene-It, mahjong, foodparc, overpriced soju, running into everyone in ktown, poptart world, charmin' bathroom stalls (?????), olive garden, mediocre breadsticks, little girls getting arrested at f21, the frick collection, tea at the peninsula, sake bombing and the name game with three David's (yeah, it was quite a game), Henri Bendel, Soho sulking, faux-fur jacket purchasing, sushi of gari 46, west side story and having dimsum with kal penn (kumar from H&K), MISSING OUR BUS BACK TO BOSTON

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving too!

Tweet/comment if you have questions about the photos @NikkiWQC

Luxury Timeline

2010-12-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

Since I've been absent for probably longest period since I've started the blog, here's a little eye candy from NOWNESS. This video was aimed towards a 'heritage' theme and designed for the 2010 IHT Luxury Conference held in London which featured speakers Karl Lagerfeld and Alber Elbaz.
The video itself is just a little treat, wonderfully set to the most appropriate music.

Here is where my education comes into play -- when it comes to luxury, why did they not mention the French monarch who made luxury what it is today? aka, Louis XIV

2010-11-25T11:28:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from NYC

week 1 pink+olive

2010-11-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

As the weekend is slowly coming to an end after a slew of banned fourloko's paired with random get-together's with a bunch of rude MIT troublemakers, the innovator in me came up with an idea, a weekly pink+olive selection named after the very title of this blog.

For this debut week, I've decided on a more casual drawn-to-earth look starting with Sass & Bide's Cracker Jacks cargo pants paired with Raquel Allegra's Distressed cotton-blend t-shirt. During down time, this combination would be my go-to outfit. Paired together with some painstakingly high black booties and some version of a fur overcoat, I will be good to go.

(all links to net-a-porter)

PS1 patent

2010-11-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

Comes in three sizes: Pochette, Medium & Large

Treated by a process specifically developed to give the leather a soft and liquid feel: layers of clear lacquer are "painted" on the skin in place of the more traditional method.

I never know how I feel about patented leather. Besides the fact that the qualitative aspect calls for more rain resistance, the bag is much more difficult to handle than the usual soft/hard leather equivalents.

blue moon, you saw me standing alone

2010-11-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

(madewell vintage rocker jeans & booties, michael stars top, leopard print scarf from lane crawford, f21 jacket, chanel purse, jbrand jeans)

After playing around with the bellbottom idea in my head for the longest time, I finally did it. I purchased a pair of the stretchiest bell bottoms from Madewell on Newbury street aka the vintage rocker jean. Being a tad bit too long, there is no way to pair any kind of flat-heeled shoes with these babies so I've deemed them my "heel/wedge pants". I can't even begin to explain how comfortable they are and how sweet it was for my boyfriend to buy them for me as his first working-salary gift. The lady at Madewell also gave me those beautiful booties shot above to pair them with but with the price tag at over double the price of the jeans, I popped over to Zara and bought an extremely similar pair for fifty dollars.

The other eventful part of our evening was the short trip we made to the Boston Olive Oil Co. to try out countless samples of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. There was one pomegranate flavored vinegar that stood out and one very very buttery olive oil that I will never in my life lay hands on again. I had to scarf down three bland bread samples just to get rid of the taste.

New England weather temperatures are continually dropping so in my dictionary that translates to more faux-fur investments.

ps: forgot to mention that the point of me being on Newbury was a haircut + highlight at the Brandon Keith salon. Thoughts?

boutiques [dot] com

2010-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

I've realized between the course of yesterday and today that there was no way not to do a post about Google's new online boutiques.com. Previously, there have been sites like polyvore, net-a-porter, amazon, shopbop where online shopping has become a marathon rather than a quick sprint. However, boutiques.com has the ability to offer (well it is backed by Google) an even better solution, a conglomeration of all those sites mentioned before to add to every girls daily enjoyment and pleasure in a highly materialistic but rewarding setting.

Acting as a middle man between the web surfer and the pre-existing e-commerce websites for various fashion labels, boutiques.com not only provides a quick and easy database for all the materialistic goodies you might need but also gives insight into the heads of major fashion celebrities, designers and bloggers. I've been scouring through the individual boutique's of say, fashion toast's rumi neely as well as other major names in fashion, it's brilliant.

The site also allows you to set your individual preferences and find items that cater to them specifically. Google uses an array of human curators, visual recognition, and search algorithms to process your requests into reality. Ordinarily, I would find this tedious but the options to choose from are endless divided by style, cut, color, patterns etcetcetc... Also, when you do happen to come across something that catches your attention, you have the option to:

a) save it

b) share it

c) love it

d) hate it

The browser itself is easy to navigate around with the clean and minimalistic lines that one would easily expect from Google. Unfortunately for the fashion obsessed men and my international readers, this latest craze is only operational in the US and caters specifically to women's fashion - hopefully something that we can expect in the near future.

Here's a little sneak peak into my boutique, I will be browsing through it daily and adding/changing stuff so follow pinkandolive everyone!

(*just on a little side note, that Alice and Olivia Roxanne Bustier dress on Marisa Miller was my number one choice to wear to David's graduation last May. Sadly, they didn't have it in my size so I had to go with another DVF selection in black instead*)

happy browsing everyone!

cape town

2010-11-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

As impractical as it seems (but who can deny that fashion is sometimes very impractical) it has become increasingly trendy to wear jackets... as capes! Forget the sleeves, they are not important, they might ruffle up your sleeves or allow for less bulky arm wear. To me, the looks below resonate that effortless look that I have been dying to pin down and now I've finally got it. Next time you see me, expect my arms to be well hidden inside the warmth of my blazer instead of through those pinholes that we now call sleeves ;)

| The Sartorialist | Carolines Mode | tfs |

Mlle. Agnes

2010-11-14T21:13:00.001-08:00

First part of a 6 part series. E-mail me if you're interested in watching the rest. Truly inspirational video about the new American and English fashion industry against the old Parisian one. Special apperances by Karl Lagerfeld (DANCING!!), Anna Wintour, Alexander Wang, Phoebe Philo, Tavi etc...

Skyline

2010-11-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

| OAK NYC |

click to shop

jaw-dropping selection, will do some browsing while sipping on some green tea

PHOTOGRAPHER: RYAN MICHAEL KELLY
STYLIST: LOUIS TERLINE
HAIR & MAKEUP: MARTIN-CHRISTOPHER HARPER
MODEL: JULIA @ FUSION

sunday night inspiration

2010-11-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

bright lights, big city

2010-11-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our Veteran's Day-off this past weekend, it was my chance to make a quick and spontaneous trip to the big apple with one mission on my mind: the Coach Holiday Launch Campaign with all of my favorite fashion bloggers. I arrived late but everyone was just doing their own thing mingling with their own party. No joke, I was extremely terrified at first, millions of questions going through my mind but nothing coming out of my mouth. Then I got a boost-of-confidence text from my boyfriend saying that if I didn't at least go up to introduce myself that he would never bring me shopping again, I think that pretty much did it. I finally gathered up enough courage to walk up to Lindsey from SaucyGlossie (who, might I add, is GORGEOUS) and talked to her about her academic background (IR + Art History, just like me!), her work, New York and maybe even a possible internship at some point. After our farewells, I walked up and (ugh) interrupted Rachel from thatschic.net but she was very sweet about it. SO down to earth and such a bright smile it was like talking to a close girl friend from college. Somehow we even got to talking about Benny Benassi (which was my final destination of the night at Pacha. It sucked). Alas, I left the Coach store super giddy but extremely remorseful because I managed to walk out without taking a single photo of the event or with anyone for that matter. NOTHING. nada. zilch pictures on my blackberry, wtf?

Anyway, all in all it was a super great weekend.

seeing my gor, late night sessions, hospitals, hot chocolate, coffee, trailers, The Killers (horrible movie), dean&delucas, lunch at community, pinkberry, riverside, squirrels, unagi, plum wine, chicken wings, $2 chang beers, benny bennasi, mainlanders raving and too close for comfort couch sharing.

If there's one thing I learnt from this trip, its that next year after I graduate, I am definitely moving to the city.

f21 faux fur vest, zara military jacket, boyfriend's x-large tshirt, tiffany key ring

f21 navy button-down, jbrand white skinnies, banana republic wedges, topshop vintage clutch, rayban new aviators

photocredit: me & andrew choi

Summer when it sizzles

2010-11-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

In light of the fact that winter is slowly revealing its ugly head, the fact that I have a ton of pictures leftover from summer and I am inspired whilst writing an essay about Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution, I will do extra posts here and there just as flashbacks to seasons past.

{PARIS}

(1) Le Paris Café off Notre Dame (2) Goyard flagship, Rue St. Honoré (3) sushi at Kaiten off Champs Élysées (4) MAP (5) + (6) lunch: french onion soup + grilled chicken salade (7) Sylvie Fanchon (8) blending in with Henri Matisse's sculptures [zara top, zara pants, vintage necklace from Nice, sandals from random shoe store in Nice, longchamp backpack] (9) Madelaine station [topshop sweater, uniqlo scarf] (10) Ladurée (11) mother's Chanel

derek lam x ebay

2010-11-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

So for those of you who haven't heard, Derek Lam is set to launch a "diffusion line" (a lower-priced collection, joining the likes of Karl Lagerfeld) exclusively with e-Bay which will show during New York Fashion Week in February. Upon the unveiling, anyone with access to the internet (which I assume is everyone) will be able to vote for their favorite looks helping determine what goes into production. The collection will then be available for purchase at much more affordable price points on e-Bay in S/S 2011. GET EXCITED!

Derek Lam's Spring 2011 ready-to wear

dusty roses

2010-11-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to understand why there are so many more bloggers that hail from the west coast. The weather. Warm and temperate conditions allow for a more diverse look whilst colder ones means more bundling up hence allowing for less showing off, all you want to do is be warm. Pictures are also difficult to take with me complaining every 20 seconds that its "WAY TOO F***ING COLD", true story. Anyway, I just wanted to show off another recent purchase from topshop, this knitted slouchy stitchy jumper in dusty rose. I usually buy my sweaters in small but lately i've been so lazy to care so i've been buying sweaters one size too big to hide any bulge I might get from say, a big Italian meal which is exactly where I wore this sweater to. I paired it with these rib nylon spandex leggings from american apparel since the lint coming off the sweater means that I can't pair them with anything else.

topshop knitted slouchy stitch jumper in dusty rose, american apparel nylon spandex leggings, because i hold the key (BC) flats in rose pink

photo credit: david mok @DMokNow

Halloween ft. Aldous Snow & Jackie Q

2010-11-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Alas, one can never go too far off october 31st without a halloween outfit post. I did a total of three outfits this year as college calls for a halloween weekend which distorts your entire image of the holiday. I always believe in homemade costumes scrambled together with maybe a few kitschy pieces from a garment store. I managed to put together three pretty last minute costumes which were: pepper shaker (of salt & pepper), pebbles flinstones & jackie q (from get him to the greek). The weekend was not as exciting as I hoped with my saturday night ending quite early. TBH, the best part of all nights were putting the oufits together. As my camera is a semi-professional and way too big to carry around in a small purse (or with no purse at all), I save you one photo that my friend took of my last costume:

(DVF top, f21 fur vest, f21 earrings and makeup forever lashes)

thus my outfit transpired...

(and ps, yes that is a HK flag, showing pride for the 50% of our suite)

h&m x Goldrun

2010-11-02T15:24:00.001-07:00

So it looks like Lanvin is not the only team-up that h&m has done recently. Aside from dabbing into designer collections, the retailer and AR platform GoldRun have partnered together for an interactive mobile and display window platform, allowing iPhone users interact with the brand's clothing and accessories displayed in storefront windows of it's Manhattan locations. This platform would allow users to stand and snap away at their favorite accessories all the whilst creating their own virtual "fashion show" in addition to receiving an instant 10% off their purchase.

This sounds a lot like what FCUK had done a few weeks earlier in their collaboration with fashion journalist Louise Roe and YouTube to bring shopping online and styling in an interactive video. It would definitely be interesting to find out how tools like these contribute to sales for the retailer as well as an increased interest from the younger demographic that turn to digital and social media as everyday essential play tools. I guess you'll just have to stay tuned to find out.

rumi neely x dannijo

2010-11-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

So while everyone is going gaga over the h&m x lanvin collection (which don't get me wrong, is also amazing), i've been more preoccupied drooling over the rumi neely x dannijo collaboration for tobi. For those of you who have no idea, Rumi Neely is the case example of a successful fashion blogger. Having started back in 2007 with fashiontoast, simple one-click photos taken by her boyfriend Colin, her blog and name has developed into a brand that has thus carried her very far with collaborations ranging from RVCA to forever21. It's amazing the lengths she has gone in these few years, racking a following (just on twitter at least) of 24,000+ fans. Here's a quick sneak peak at the lookbook that just came out:

can't wait to get my hands on this piece:

via: tobi

shop the pre-sale collection here

in the dead of the night

2010-11-02T11:26:00.001-07:00

So these amazing Wisteria wedges from TopShop finally arrived. I don't remember when the first time I saw them was but I do know the moment I laid eyes on them that I had to get my hands on these. Between overcharging on cards and just pure laziness, I have put off getting these babies but here they are! Probably the most comfortable 6-inch heels that I currently own, I could wear them all day. I've worn them twice so far, first to an Asian formal where out of a crowd of maybe 300-400 people, there were only two guys taller than me. I find heels so difficult to carry, sometimes makes me wish that I was a few inches shorter but I should be grateful for being an above average height. The only two things that concerns me about these wedges is:

1) the huge amount of steep hills around my campus makes these impossible everyday wear (the city girl in me is screaming)

2) the challenge that comes with loose bows. they're not long so there's only so much I can do so right now, have been settling with having them tied loosely around the ankle

(topshop plaid, j brand jeans, h&m tank, hermés belt, topshop chiffon tie wisteria wedges)

note: the wedges in BLUSH are currently on SALE click here.

photocredit: David Mok @DMokNow

BOXED

2010-10-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

So since this blog is new, many of you might be unaware that I'm a sucker for brilliant packaging and design. I know that this blog was meant to be more fashion-focused than my previous ones, but hey, wouldn't this be the best accessory ever? It's like that purse you've always wanted, handy and great for parties!

Boa Boca, a Portuguese gourmet brand has come out with a new product, a boxed wine called Tryu. Sure, it has that cheaper, less-fancy feel to it but boxed wines are gaining acceptance here and there, especially for college kids on a budget (we all know how that feels, don't we?). Utilizing efficient and minimalistic design with simple sans serif typeface, these boxed wines I would gladly trade in bottles of gourmet wine for. If only Kappy's sold this, I would permanently glue this box to our kitchen counter top (in risk of sounding like the biggest alcoholic). But hey, that's the point. Great design is meant to suck you in.

How sleek is this?

N xx

OP is back

2010-10-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, she may be the girl that we all love to hate (everyone but me it seems), but no one can deny that she has that impeccable classy style that the Jackie O's in all of us one day aspire to dress like. Although her stint on The City has been officially declared dunzo, it won't be the last time we'll be seeing her fresh face. Olivia and her boyfriend, Johannes Hubel have recently signed on to become the new spokesmodels of Mango (aka MNG), a Spanish brand once represented by Scarlett Johansson.

Thanks to JACKIE C. for the tip-off

(Images via MTV style)