Superficial Mama

Swimsuit Trendspotting: Rash Guards & Wetsuits

2014-06-07T17:41:00.001-07:00

There's a trend I really, really love this summer. It's so brilliant I'm surprised I hadn't thought about it until now. It's the "rash guard" or "wetsuit" version of a swimsuit.

Up until this point, we basically had two options: bikini and one-piece. For those who have the body and who want to flaunt it, bikini is the no-brainer. But I was a fool to believe one-piece is more forgiving to the rest of us. The swimsuit designers must have believed our covered flesh is crying for attention inside, so they did us a big favor by adding weird carve-outs at all these weird places (Paris Hilton, here's looking at you).

This has bothered me for a long time. It's less about the body image confidence and more about the social context appropriateness. My body shape changed over time, and so did my social life, but something held true. From hanging out with my girl friends' boyfriends in my 20s to sharing the same community pool with my neighbor's dad in my 30s, the reality is, not all of us want to let it all hang out, all the time!

So imagine my relief when I saw these rash guards/ wetsuits as an alternative by the poolside. I might finally enjoy the pool for the first time.

Clockwise from top left corner: Pret-A-Surf for J.Crew, J.Crew, Lisa Marie Fernandez, J.Crew

OK, one "tiny" question here. Should I wear a (padded) bikini underneath these rashguards? Because there's nothing more awkward than nipples on first contact with the water, is there not?

Couture Sneakers

2014-02-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

Chanel and Dior showed some high end sneakers at the spring couture show. Sneakers have always been a symbol of cool for the youth. The most recent wide spread adaptation of sneakers by the fashion editors and bloggers alike may have indicated not just a fad but a foundamental shift in the heel height.

While New Balance 501 and Nike Free may seem overexposed by now, there's a new slew of sneakers popping up the fashion scene everyday. The slip on at Givenchy, Celine and Marc Jacobs makes Vans the latest cool kicks for cool kids.

In case you're still fighting with the force, especially if you're one of those who resisted the trend because you've already been there, done that as one of the cool kids back in the 90's, here's Karl Lagerfeld and Raf Simmons putting their spin on the trend at the Chanel and Dior couture show. With price tag allegedly being north of €3000, perhaps the "supposedly" more affluent us will be convinced that wearing sneakers in your 30s or 40s is not such a morbid idea. If the 1% are wearing them as a badge of pride, surely the sneakers will find its appeal among the 99%.

Perhaps, the wide adaptation of sneakers may not be just a fad. The sneakers trend at its exact form probably reached its peak with couture versions. But its real impact may be the fundamental shift in how we perceive beauty and its association with height of a heel. If even a pair of sneakers can be considered as trendy and beautiful, surely all other variety of lower-heel footwear will gain its presence back into our closet.So time to say goodbye to our four-inch stiletto, platform sandals, hidden-or-not-so-hidden wedged footwear, and embrace our real heights (and maybe not so flattering leg shapes for some of us).

The search is over!!

2013-10-11T01:18:00.001-07:00

Alexander Wang Prisma Skeletal Lunch Bag

Meet my new love, Alexander Wang's Prisma Skeletal Lunch Bag!

I know, I know, not exactly the latest "it" bag, but I think Alexander Wang really nailed it this time. I've been searching bags all summer (well, it's already October, you see?). Some are practical, some are radical, some simply made my heart sing, only in a melancholy tune because it was too fragile and impractical. But when this one arrived at my doorstep, I just knew that this is it.

If you really think about this, isn't the fundamental needs the same despite the trend? We all look for the same thing in our bag: style, versatility, functionality and security (and cellphone and car key). But we're often faced with trade offs. The stylish ones are too small. The big ones are too heavy…. That's why we need so many bags, don't we.

This is how the Prisma Skeletal Lunch Bag got it right:

Style

Grey goes with everything, especially with an all black outfit. Snake embossed leather gives it an oomph to this urban chic bag.

Versatility

I can wear it in so many ways, as a tote, a clutch, and a cross-body. Although realistically you'll probably see me wearing it as a cross-body for the most part.

Functionality

It's lightweight (especially for an Alexander Wang bag) and just big enough to fit in my iPad.

Security

As I grew ~~older~~ wiser, I've learned the importance of closure--in life as well as in bags.
With the magnetic strip, the bag is effortlessly closed. Gone are the days of unzipped bags, flying around personal items, and when I travel, I'll be less worried about pickpocketing.

I must say, I wish more bags are made this way.

Now, if only someone can come up with a solution to make me find my cellphone and keys…..

Innovator's Dilemma: on J.Crew Spring 2014 Collection

2013-09-25T02:05:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure about all the other J.Crew aficionados, but as a ~~fellow~~ former J.Crew fan, I was not convinced J.Crew hit the right note at the Spring 2014 presentation.

The truth is, I haven't felt excited about J.Crew for quite some time now.

It's not that they don't have exciting things going on lately. Quite the contrary, they still do--in abundance. It's just that I'm not in the market for loud and crazy patterns and adornments anymore. That was just so…. 2012.

OK, if you look at the street style photos stack from the current Fashion Week, you'd dismiss my humble observation. But beyond the facade, 2013 is all about going back to the basics.

In fashion, if you can't stay ahead of your customers desire and lust, you're done.

Which opens up a question: How does a brand avoid being stuck in a rut while staying true to its brand identity?

Up until this point, J.Crew has been hitting home-runs under Jenna Lyons & Millard "Mickey" Drexler's direction with its winning formula--a mismatched contrast of high-and-low, boy-meets-girl, mixed with a finishing touch of a few loud and crazy accents. In fact, J.Crew might be single handedly responsible for introducing that extra jolt to the mass market. They were clearly the market pioneer. Even Anna Wintour said,

“J.Crew is a force to be reckoned with, and anyone who tells you otherwise is insane.”

However, that winning formula was a strategy that successfully expanded its business and built its brand equity. It is not to be confused with the core of its business value.

I might be a customer of one, but in my opinion, J.Crew is about quality wardrobe staples with a fine touch at reasonable price. While for others it might be about the classic preppy Nantucket roots, for me, I go to J.Crew for my wardrobe workhorses that are well-cut in quality fabrics that don't make me feel guilty if I abuse them with heavy wear and washing machine. Whether it's seer suckers or neon stripes doesn't really matter.

In the most recent presentation at Spring 2014, I saw a strong J.Crew signature look, and I sensed the danger of them losing touch with their desirable clientele by staring too long in their past glory. The last thing I'm buying next season will be neon color, kaleidoscope or tropical floral motif. Try monochromatic palette with lots of volume. (Yes, to their defense, they have a few in the offerings. See above.)

I don't mean to be that harsh on J.Crew. After all, I face the same conundrum for my personal style too. On one hand, it's pathetic to chase the latest and the hottest like a fashion victim, but on the other hand, it's equally appalling to be stuck in a rut (or the wrong decade for some). A few years back, you would only see monochromatic colors in my wardrobe, namely grey, navy, black and beige (I am simply too messy for white). And my wildest adventure might be a few pinks that channelled my inner ballerina. Today, my wardrobe is that of a Pantone Universe largely, if not single handedly, thanks to J.Crew's massive creative imagination.

However, play time's over and I'm ready to go back to my quieter, calmer roots. (Yes, coincidentally, I, along with the thousands of millions of other fashionistas.)

So J.Crew, are you ready to grow up with us too?

Mother of Pearl

2013-09-18T16:25:00.001-07:00

Mother of Pearl, Spring 2014

One of the brands I've been paying attention to and growing fond of is Mother of Pearl, a relatively young brand from UK.

Founded by Creative Director Maia Norman, the concept is very fresh and unique indeed: Each season, the brand would collaborate with an acclaimed artist or a team of artists to come up with offbeat contemporary casual wear that looks eye popping yet comfortable at the same time. The secret to deliver a consistency season after season? Enters Amy Powney, the head designer since 2010. From a business perspective, for a young brand still establishing its standing and loyal customer base, it cannot (yet) afford to be dragged all over the map by individual artists influence. It might not even be able to afford to shift its design signature like the ones we typically seen by mavericks like Marc Jacobs or Miuccia Prada. But I think the team at Mother of Pearl has found a winning formula.

Mother of Pearl's design reminds me of Marimekko's apparel line. Except that Mother of Pearl consists of mostly silk and Marimekko mostly of cotton. Wait, Marimekko has an apparel line? I wonder why I'm comparing one little known brand to a lesser known brand. Never mind!

My favorite pieces are some of the midi tube skirt/dress and the wide crop pants you've been seeing all over the place in Spring 2014 runway, which Mother of Pearl has been sporting for quite some time now. While I'm deeply in love with these midi tube skirts and wide crop pants, I'm a little scared that what looks "awkwardly cute" on a model would somehow transform into "awkwardly ugly" on me. Isn't "awkwardly ugly" redundant, one might ask. In case I wasn't clear about this, looking awkward does not equate to looking ugly. Not in a girl's fashion lexicon.

I find the clashes of patterns, florals and stripes a good balance to the awkward shapes. Given that I'd opt for awkward shapes over figure hugging ones at any given occasion (OK, maybe with two exceptions: job interviews and my wedding day--where one is not expected to truly be herself for the most part), the artistic spin makes the otherwise momsy look cool.

Mother of Pearl, Report 2013, in collaboration with Gary Hume

Mother of Pearl, Spring 2013, in collaboration with Francesco Simeti

The "It" Jeans of 2013

2013-08-18T00:57:00.000-07:00

By now, we know what the "It" jeans of 2013 looks like: not exactly slouchy, definitely not skinny, and bonus point if it comes with some worn-in effect. And I've found the perfect one-- meet the Gap Sexy Boyfriend jeans.

I've been wearing these Gap's Sexy Boyfriend jeans all summer long and I have no doubt of its heavy rotation into this fall/winter.

Two things that surprised me.

First, I honestly thought I was never going to get tired of my skinny jeans. Colors may fade, patterns may fag, but I was sure I've found my signature look like Kate Moss found hers. But alas, they have silently sunk to the bottom of my drawer.

Secondly, and probably most surprisingly, I'm raving about Gap. Gap, guys!!! Yawn, right? For the first time in years, they finally got their jeans right. Ironic, since they are the quintessential American denim brand. Could it be that Gap's new creative director, Rebekka Bay, is doing a great job reviving the brand? Whatever it may be, here I am, choosing a pair of Gap jeans over Current/Elliott or J Brand, because the Gap ones are simply so much cuter.

For those of you who are fans of Current/Elliott or J Brand, don't lose faith. Gap is nowhere nearly as soft as these high-end denim. (For one, I would probably not wear them on a intercontinental flight) The softness is probably why we pay a premium. After all, designs can be copied, cut can be studied and improved, but the fabrics themselves, I do believe we get what we pay for.

Shopping Tips for Down Under

2013-06-28T00:26:00.001-07:00

Aboriginal Art pillow case

From left to right: ~~Chicken Feet~~ Dragon Claw necklace from Zabbana (NZ), Ring from Manly Market (Australia), Kauri Ring from Waiheke Island (NZ)

Aesop from Strand Arcade in Sydney

As I've mentioned in my last post, the price tag takes a bit of getting used to when you are shopping in Down Under. Frankly I didn't get to shop a lot as the main purpose of my trip was to have a good time with family & friends. But here are a few lessons I've learned that might come handy if you happen to be in that part of the world.

Things to Buy:
1. Merino Wool

Merino wool? Meh, right? But I swear, the merino wool in New Zealand is a different calibre. Simply put, they do not shrink. Machine washable? Pfffff! Try Machine dry-able! In New Zealand, you can find any apparel item in merino wool (even underwear), in all price range, from über chic urban designer to athletic apparel. Personally, I'd buy one special designer piece and stock on basics from places from Glassons. For the guys, try mountain gear brands like Icebreaker, Macpac or Kathmandu.

2. Sterling Silver

While things are outrageously overpriced in general, I was shocked to find affordable, gorgeously designed sterling silver jewelry in both New Zealand & Australia. I blame Tiffany for jacking up the price of boring sterling silver jewelry in the States, and I blame myself for being a sucker willing to pay whatever the price for David Yurman. Considered my airfare paid for by finding these hidden jewels.

It will add TONS of coolness to my simple white Tees & beat up denim shorts, don't you think?

3. Aboriginal Art

While I was fairly familiar with New Zealand and Maori influence on its arts and design, I was completely new to the Australian/Aboriginal art form. It was love at first sight!! I think the Australian fashion scene definitely got influenced by it. The best part? They can be easily found in any stores geared towards tourist.

4. Local Designers

They are outrageously priced and they are probably unknown outside of Down Under, but I always try to get one thing I truly love from one of the local designers. To me, that's the souvenir I get for myself. My personal favorites are Karen Walker, Zambesi, NOM*D, Workshop and Standard Issue from New Zealand. And my friend Ashley introduced me to Gorman and Scanlan & Theodore in Australia.

What NOT to Buy:
While everything is heftily marked up comparing to the States, there are a few pitfalls I've learned along the way too.

1. Flax weave baskets

You have no idea how many beautiful flax weave baskets I've left in New Zealand because it was simply impossible to bring them back to the States. Too bulky, too delicate, and too impractical. I used to carry everything in my straw bag in New Zealand, but it might come off as poor-man's Bottega Veneta in the States, where brand and status is everything.

2. Jurlique & Aesop (and any Australian import you can find in the States)

Jurlique makes THE

BEST rose scented hand cream and Aesop makes me want to try everything in that cute brown bottle. Yes, they are both Australian brands and they make wonderful products. But they are cheaper to buy in the States than in Australia. For lack of a better word, WTF is what I said to my BFF Ashley who lives in Sydney. (And she uses L'Occitane for all her skincare--at least its import)

3. Anything Import

…But not if you're a tourist like me. Then you ought to stay away from anything import--from L'Occitane to L'Oreal. Consider it the penalty they pay for living in such a beautiful place. Life is all fair, after all.

Style Lessons From Down Under

2013-06-25T19:01:00.002-07:00

Spending my early twenties in New Zealand, it played a profound role in shaping my sense of style. But after living in the States for more than a decade, I've experienced a major culture (read: style) shock during my extended stay Down Under.

Phase 1: You Don't Need A Lot

Thanks to the ever stricter airline policy, I edited down to 3 pants, 3 T-shirts, 4 sweaters and 2 jackets--for two and half months, surviving from summer to winter. It was hard at the beginning, as I only brought one short sleeve T-shirt and it frequented the washing machine almost on a daily basis. But as the temperature dropped, I learned that laundry is really optional (Too much information!!)

In all seriousness though, I've learned that all the things I'd left behind at home are also optional. And somehow I've forgotten that I only got one torso, one ass and two feet, and I simply don't need 20 pairs of jeans and ~~40,~~ hmmm, 80 pairs of shoes.

Phase 2: You Don't Need A Lot to Look Stylish

In America, we are so used to affordable abundance, I seem to have lost the ability to choose & edit. Whereas in Australia and New Zealand, things are so overpriced, one simply cannot afford to not be a little more selective.

I had a major style envy on everybody in Sydney--guys, gals… Heck, some of the dogs had better outfits than mine. I salivated in front of my BFF Ashley's style-packed closet. Because space also comes with a premium in metropolitan Sydney, every piece you own need a compelling reason to be there in your closet.

The most ironic part is, when you can only own 2 pairs of jeans instead of 20, you somehow end up looking fabulous, all the time.

Phase 3: Put In Some Effort to Look Good Everyday

That being said, I am not sure if I am ready to give up the affordable abundance in America. But we can certainly learn a thing or two from our counterpart from Down Under.

As a person who deeply cares about fashion, I'm bashful to admit that I do not put in a lot of effort to look good everyday. I've long had a suspicion that looking good is frowned upon deep down in our culture. I had always put in some effort to look "less good" at work because I didn't want people to lose focus of what might be underneath. And then as a stay at home mom, I feel self-conscious if I am not dressed like a practical and self-sacrifice mom. But that didn't stop me from loving fashion and appreciate beautiful things. Not a bit.

The style lesson I took away from this trip is to put in some effort to look better everyday. As shallow as this may sound, I end up feeling better about myself. And often times, all it takes is to take a look at myself in the mirror before heading out that door. I swear, looking better is really not that hard!

Sneakers

2013-04-08T21:32:00.001-07:00

I hate to admit it, but I'm easily persuaded by the Sartorialist. Ever since his beautiful shots of these ladies, I couldn't stop thinking about finding my perfect sneakers.
You would think that as a busy mom, I wear runners a lot as I do lots of running around. But in reality, I avoid sneakers whenever I can. Truth be told, I hated sneakers. My nightmare with sneakers might have gone back as early as my awkward puberty because that was the only shoes we were allowed to wear. (Yes, the same pair wore with both pleated skirt and gym uniforms… "Yuck" might be a strong understatement here.)

Luckily, I grew out of that awkward puberty phase, except for my awkward taste in sneakers. I still seem to have a knack in selecting the ugliest sneakers, or maybe I just have a knack in making even the trendiest/ most classic sneakers into a dorky exhibition. The closest I'd come was this pair of vintage black suede Puma sneakers. Even the cool girls at high school started talking to me when they saw me wearing the cool shoes. "But you are doing the shoelace wrong" the cool girl nicely pointed out. "You don't criss-cross the shoelace, and you don't tie a ribbon. You tie a simple double knot, or better yet, you hide the end of the shoelace, ... like that!" I believed for a day that I've found my sole mate for life.

But then I screwed it up again in college. I had this huge style crush on this guy. And I thought I was gonna faint when he told me he had the same pair of sneakers I wore. It took me many, many years to realize that sometimes, wearing the coolest pair of men's shoes doesn't necessarily make a girl cool. Duh!

So you see why I hated sneakers. I owned my last pair for 10 years until my husband told me the shoes were literally falling apart. I don't even pack it when I travel. "Well, isn't it impractical to travel without sneakers?" as he often challenged me. Nothing is less practical if it kills every outfit I wear. Trust me.

But these ladies and many others through the blogosphere is completely blowing me away. So this is how to wear the sneakers so stylishly!!!!! Oh, AND comfortable too! Dang!!!

So for the first time in years, I packed a pair of sneakers on my trip this time. Coincidentally, I'm back to the place where I learned to hide my shoelace (and thought I was cool to wear a guy's sneakers). But this time, I will get it right. Thanks to the Sartorialist, I can follow the textbook and pair it with black or white skimmers.

But guys, have you noticed? The key of their coolness is to go without socks. Can someone kindly explain to me, I just don't understand how they'd deal with stinky feet? Or maybe chic girls' feet don't stink like mine!? (Oh, and I absolutely can't wear those hidden socks thing, they just won't stay on my feet.) So sadly, I've been copying this look except that I always wear them with socks. Which of course absolutely kills the look. So as approachable as it may seem, maybe this look is just not for me?!

I end up getting this grey suede New Balance, not the crazy neon colors as I'm treading the water carefully. Plus, remember? I tend to own my sneakers for 10 years. But honestly, I wish I'd got a red or blue one instead. What about you? What kind of sneakers are you wearing now?

Random Observations from Fashion Week Fall 2013: Multiple Outerwear

2013-03-15T17:17:00.005-07:00

For the Adventurous Souls at Trussardi, Carven, Chloe, and Proenza Schouler

As we wrapped up with Fashion Week, let's wrap ourselves with the single most obvious trend for Fall 2013: Multiple Outerwear. Ladies (and gentlemen), pull (in some cases, such as mine, dig) out all of your outerwear and be prepared to get piled on and buried in them.

Unless you're a fashion pioneer who likely started this trend in the first place somewhere on the street corner of New York or Paris, this whole idea of donning more than one outerwear at once may seem overwhelming. Fear not, I've done a little bit of homework as your cheat sheet come next fall. Or, you can really skip this post and just study every look from the 3.1 Phillip Lim & Haider Ackermann runway.

Looks from 3.1 Phillip Lim

Looks from Haider Ackermann

1. Beginner Level
The concept of outerwear layering existed since there were business suit (a.k.a. lounge suit back in the old days) and winter, so at the beginner level, there's really nothing new. To master the look at this level, don't go crazy, go expensive, if you want to be taken seriously.

Get your feet wet at Helmut Lang, Trussardi, Theysken's Theory, Tommy Hilfiger

2. Advanced Level
… but for the rest of the year, the sky's the limit. You can wear long over short, short over long, short over short, and long over long…. You can also make the skirt looks like the tail of a long coat, wear a coat that looks like two coats (Zara already had a few beautiful rendition this past winter collection). Did I cover every possible combination? Of course not! That's the beauty of this new look. Throw something on. You can make every look fresh & new without buying anything new. You can make a statement without investing in a statement coat.

3. Over The Top Level
Leave it to the outerwear mecca Max Mara to show us how it's done. And then leave it to Giambattista Valli at Moncler Gamme Rouge to beat Max Mara at their own game. This is obviously not for the faint of heart, but even if you have the heart to do it, I'm yet to figure out where on earth warrant such outerwear overload. Or, maybe at the blow-out sale at Max Mara next year maybe?

OTT at Max Mara and Moncler Gamme Rouge…or Game of Thrones?

One problem for me (and those of us who luckily live in warmer climate zones)? I'm already the weird one wearing one outerwear here in Southern California, let alone donning everything I got all at once?
For those of you who live in the freezers, this is your big come back. Next time when I unintentionally, unconsiciously yet annoyingly brag about the weather again, I guess y'all can shut me up by peeling yourselves like an onion. Now if you'd excuse me, I think I'm gonna go cry now. And it's only because you're an onion.

Totally! Not! Jealous!

My very belated Style Resolution for 2013

2013-02-07T02:12:00.000-08:00

Happy ~~New Year …~~ ~~February~~ ... Fashion Week Everyone!
Wow, can anyone be tardier than me? I promised myself I would break the silence before ~~New Year~~ , (no) ~~February~~ (no) Fashion Week is here because as a fashion blogger, I can enjoy my holidays around Christmas and forgot to greet everybody around New Year but it's like committing a virtual suicide if I didn't make an appearance by Fashion Week. (OK, as if someone's keeping a tab)

For a fashion blogger, surely Fall Fashion Week is the best time of the year. Looking at all these beautiful warm coats injects life back into these deadly winter months. It's the silver lining of this brutal weather--we get to wear, or at least imagine wearing these beautiful possibilities.

But I thought I'd do a bit of a cleansing before I get carried away with all that excitement. To achieve that, why not do it the old-fashioned way and talk about my "style" resolution for the new year.

1. Streamline My Style

I'd be lying if I say I don't know my style by now. But here the thing, knowing one's style doesn't necessarily mean knowing what works or don't work for oneself. I am most comfortable in my skinny jeans and beat up boots. But at the end of last year, I finally chopped off my boring long hair (oh, the dilemma I faced with my new hairdo deserves a whole nother post at another time) but suddenly it threw off my balance, my so-called "equation". You see, my skinny + beat-up boots look Kate Moss-y with my disheveled long mane. But with the new short do, I suddenly look like Justin Bieber. I put on some feminine clothes and suddenly I'm Kris Jenner. Surely all I need is a bit of a tweaking to look like Anne Hathaway--I just somehow have to figure out that secret ingredient (like, good genes maybe?)

2. Streamline My Spending

First with my new life and then my new hair, you can understand I underwent a bit of style overhaul last year. Only with one problem. I don't have a steady income to support that anymore. To be honest, I'm so used to living in the comfort of double-income-no-kid lifestyle, it's been an adjustment. Income can be easily cut off, but old habits are hard to break.

And with online shopping proliferating, it is so easy to get lured away with new sales, limited time offer, and the like, without even having to drag my screaming son to the mall. And that perfect jacket/pumps/jeans/whatever is just a finger click away, and I'd better get it before some face-less anonymous shopper 3,000 miles away click that "Buy" button before I do.

And it also doesn't help as we get older. I'm a firm believer in mixing high & low. But after a certain age, a lot of Forever 21 with a designer bag is just not gonna cut it. And no, for us real people with real budget to live with, J Crew is not "low" (unless it goes on sale).

But when I told my girlfriend I have more than a dozen skinny jeans, I realized I have a bit of a problem. And you all know I'm not into shoes (for the last time, REALLY!!), but that didn't stop from there, either.

This is going to be a big deal for me. If I will get to keep one resolution and fail at all others, this is the one. Our resources are naturally limited in life--money, real estate, time, brain cells. But with the unemployment still high and economy still shaky, plus I want to eventually be able to send my kid through college, pay off my mortgage and be able to retire, THIS, is the one I need to work on, here in 2013.

3. Streamline My Wardrobe

Here's the thing, those style icons make it look like they are born with style, not clothes, and when they feature their home in a magazine, it all looked so tailored, neat, and put together. Their closet looks like it's all lean meat with 0% fat, only that it tastes like bacon.

One other thing that made me realize I had a bit of a problem besides my dozen skinny jeans? I can no longer keep track with what's in my closet anymore. Well, that may be me getting older too, but perhaps it's time I streamline my wardrobe with less stuff. In other words, I'm going to have a "0% fat bacon" closet.

I'm pretty good at donating but I certainly didn't keep up at the same pace as my acquisition goes. My BFF Ashley donates one piece for every new piece she acquires. Don't you think it sounds so beautiful and streamlined? But has it ever happened to you that the moment you get rid of something, it comes back in style? I held on to my favorite faux fur jacket for 15 years and 7 moves, when I decided I shouldn't wear faux fur anymore, the entire fashion industry was covered in it.

Alas, sometimes, the best strategy is to never look back. You know why I love fashion? We're always looking forward, not backward. Even when we're going down the memory lane, it serves as an inspiration, not meant for us to dwell in the past. In fashion, you just got to move on.

4. Streamline My Life

Ideally, this is how I envision my relationship with fashion--Invest just enough time, money and energy, find the perfect equation, update it every fall and spring to stay relevant, and I get to move on to other, more important, things in life. I mean, isn't that the goal for everybody?

But here's the paradox, we either spend too much resources on this superficiality and get consumed by it, or we raise a white flag and stop chasing this non-sense, and gradually become a thing of the past ourselves. I wish I know a third way out. In fact, I want to find that third way out. I want to look as interesting as Miroslava Duma, and talk as interesting as Einstein or Dalai Lama.

But how come I get a feeling that this one is bound for failure?

The forever changing but ever so stylish Miroslava Duma:

…and the forever brilliant Einstein

Alexander Wang takes over at Balenciaga

2012-12-11T01:15:00.002-08:00

So it is official! Alexander Wang will be the new designer of Balenciaga. And some industry's opinion leaders obviously hates it.

To sum up the various reasons:

Balenciaga/Nicolas Ghesquière is high-end fashion; Alexander Wang is street fashion. To be precise about each of their success, Nicolas Ghesquière created mass appeal for the avant-garde high-end fashion house, meanwhile Alexander Wang's street wear draw strong followings among the avant-garde trendsetters. While it may appear hairsplitting for amateurs like me, there's a fundamental difference in principles.
Nicolas Ghesquière revived the century old Balenciaga brand and brought wide commercial success; Alexander Wang is too commercial for the revered house.
Nicolas Ghesquière is gutsy and not afraid to experiment new fabrics and shapes; Alexander Wang sometimes tries too hard.
Nicolas Ghesquière had very loyal followings from style icons, so much so that he was joined at the hip with ~~Charlotte Gainsbourg~~ Kirsten Stewart; Alexander Wang only managed to have everyone else hanging his bags around their hips.
Balenciaga/Nicolas Ghesquière is avant-garde/futuristic;Alexander Wang is now. In other words, Balenciaga sells you things you'd want to wear 20 years from now; Alexander Wang sells you things you'd want to wear tomorrow.

Are the reasons getting a bit blurry to you? I'm sorry, let me try to explain it better with pictures. See the difference? Models always strut in greasy hair at Alexander Wang's show.

Alexander Wang Spring 2013; Balenciaga Spring 2013

Alexander Wang Resort 2012; Balenciaga Spring 2012

Alexander Wang Spring 2012; Balenciaga Fall 2012

Alexander Wang Fall 2011; Balenciaga Spring 2013

But of course, not everyone is so negative about this move. For one, Karl Lagerfeld seems to approve.

"Considering how hard it is to replace a man such Nicolas Ghesquière, the best solution is to choose something completely different," Lagerfeld told style website ModMods.His fashion is easier, his personality is more open to the world and he has very good contacts. People adore Alexander, I too like him very much and I think he is a good choice in light of the fashion house's future projects," he said. "Furthermore, his origins will prove to be very helpful in parts of the world where fashion is most important as well as the luxury industry. "

Wait…. does he or does he not approve?

To sum it up, it is generally agreed upon that Alexander Wang would have no doubt run a very successful brand from a business/commercial standpoint. But from a trend setting/artistic point of view, he still has something to prove. In my view, the two may have more in common than not. Both are trend setters. Both are good at bringing commercial success with their vision. In the business of fashion, sometimes the safest route is to be a trail blazer--have your own brand, revive a forgotten name, and the riskiest move is to follow an act of a legendary designer, like Raf Simons after John Galliano, and Alexander Wang after Nicolas Ghesquière. I sincerely wish him lots of success with many beautiful visions (and bags!!) to come.

"It used to be that you were either experimental, and setting the trends, or you had a hugely successful business. And somehow it was thought that you couldn’t be both. I want to bring the two together."--Nicolas Ghesquière

I ♥ Uniqlo

2012-12-06T01:16:00.000-08:00

I ♥ UNIQLO

IT'S LIKELY PERMANENT

SO LONG J CREW

--Haiku*, by Superficial Mama, circa 2012

OK, maybe I'm not "kiru" (cut) to be a Haiku poet, and I'm certainly not serious about breaking up with J Crew, but the launch of Uniqlo's e-commerce site is the best gift from Santa this year.

Some of you might question why I compare Uniqlo to J Crew. From price point to marketing positioning, they are definitely not the same calibre, Uniqlo is more like H&M or Gap of Japan. But this is where traditional marketing fail to explain the irrationality of a female mind.

For me, I buy J Crew for their quality basics with a kick. Uniqlo offers that same basics at a much lower price point. Besides, I'm getting tired of the crazy palette at J Crew lately. Uniqlo couldn't have arrived at a better time for my "palette" cleaning (by doing more shopping--how very logical of me).

As to the quality, I haven't abused my Uniqlo enough to say. But my husband never gets out of his Uniqlo down jacket of two years during winter. He wears it with shirt and slacks to work, with polo and jeans on the weekend, and with his PJ lounging at home. And I find him super cuddly in winter thanks to these super soft feather like jacket.

At their price point, there's really something for everyone this holiday season. Here are my personal favs**:

Clockwise from left: +J cashmere wool coat $79.90, +J cashmere cardigan $59.90, UU zip up blouson $39.90

Clockwise from top left: Premium down vest $99.90; UU long cardigan $39.90; UU premium down jacket $99.90; UU heavy flannel check shirt $29.90

Clockwise from top left: UU turtleneck sleeveless sweater $14.90; UU Napolean jacket $19.90; UU turtleneck sweater $14.90; UU rib stripe turtleneck $9.90

*For their original Haiku, see Uniqlo's Error Page.
** Although they do sell like hotcakes, so as I'm posting this, a lot of them are sold out.

Spike Necklace

2012-11-30T01:25:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for the perfect spike necklace for the longest time.

And guess where I've found it.

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Sometimes, the best things are not for sale. Oh well.

Recognize Our Inner Shopaholic

2012-11-27T01:45:00.000-08:00

A little reminder that there's more to life than the things we possess.

After the maniac Black Friday & Cyber Monday, I think it's timely for us to get some therapy after an overdose of retail therapy. I say it's time for us to recognize our inner shopaholic.

Don't think you are a shopaholic? Me neither. Until I read this article on Psychology Today. Accordingly there are three types of shopaholic: Emotional, Bipolar, and Obsessive.

I've always associated shopaholics with some kind of emotional ups and downs. I've seen those who go shopping when they have a bad day. Shopping seems to bring them to a paradise (a.k.a. the mall) to help them forget whatever that is bothering them. And I've seen those who act crazy at a mall. You know the type, those who scream and gush at every single thing they see. You hear their dramatic voice all across the fitting room "OH MY GOD, YOU HAAAAAVE!!! TO GET THIS!!!"
From now on, I'll be more empathic. They're not annoying, they are just maniac.

Oh but not me. You see, I'm neither Emotional nor Bipolar. I have it under control. I always keep my cool head and composure. I know what I like, I know what works on me, and most importantly, I set a shopping budget and keep to it. (Well…. Sort of, but that is a minute detail neither my husband nor this blog needs to get into.)

For some reason, I was never told about the third kind. The obsessive kind.

If you're like me, then you:

Own same T-shirt in multiple colors. (What if they discontinue it, you know?)
Are on an eternal search for the archetype of bag/ peacoat/ biker boots/ cashmere V-neck sweater, even though you already own one too many.
Are always on the look out for a better deal because it's just a few mouse clicks (turned into several hours) away.

As you know, I completely abandoned the brick & mortar and surrendered myself to the cyber world this year. And the Obsessive Shopaholic X Cyber World creates a black hole that sucks everything in with its gravitational force. After a week-long of constant checking at deals, I am just sick of seeing anything with a $ sign right now. I'm just really glad Cyber Monday is all over.

But of course, this is just fasting. Sooner or later, a girl's got to eat!!
Until then, Happy (Cyber or not) Monday!!

Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday?

2012-11-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

After last year's total failure, I decided to never again participate in the Black Friday madness. I mean Hello!!? Why do you need Black Friday when you have Cyber Monday??!

But I must be the only one in the world to think Black Friday is way overrated. Even the Dow Jones Industrial Average toppled 13,000 as many retailers claimed this year to be the best Black Friday ever.

For me, it's just not worth it. Earlier in the evening, we were still being thankful and graciously devouring that turkey. The next thing you know, people are cutting each other and fighting for the only parking space left, getting fluent at that universal sign language, sending your beloved husband (or wife) to line in the cold winter night, I'm telling you, Black Friday is crueler than Thanksgiving's turkey massacre.

And technically, it is no longer Black "Friday", is it? Although some states ban stores from opening for business on Thanksgiving, for many of us, we have to finish up our Thanksgiving dinner in a rush in order to get any meaningful deals. Similarly, is it no longer Cyber "Monday", is it? Although I'm still waiting to go crazy on Monday, there are already plenty of online stores that lured away my hard earned money. Like these:

Zara Studded Cowboy Boots, $49.99 from $129

Elizabeth & James Sterling Silver Ring from Saks Fifth Avenue, $45 from $150

Here are my favorite sites before Cyber Monday, although I have a feeling things are going to get even more exciting on Monday, so stay alert:
Yoox*
Zara **
Saks Fashion Fix***
Uniqlo****
The Outnet*****

What's your Black Friday survival strategy?

* Although as always be prepared to be sucked into a black hole for hours leafing through a gazillion of stuff to find your own jewel, which means while you're doing this, all the other good deals are gone.
** With such HUGE following, it's no surprise Zara's Black Friday Sale online sold out fast.
*** It's kind of a secret deal when you sign up to their newsletter. Kind of worth it for a year full of junk mail.
**** Deals like Uniqlo +J by Jil Sander wool pants for $9.90 sold out right before my eyes. That is the cruel reality of cyber shopping.
***** Although they are more suitable for early bird. The big sale with extra 20% off ended 7am on Friday. Seriously, as a cyber store, what's the rush?

ELECTRIC HOLIDAY Barneys X Disney

2012-11-18T14:41:00.002-08:00

Saw this on Garance Dore's blog and Barneys and I just HAVE.TO.SHARE!!
Not only my husband learned the names of all current & past Editors in Chiefs at Vogue (although the first question from him was "Where is Anna Wintour?")
This is also my two-year-old's first ever exposure to Micky Mouse.

Yup, the husband & son of a true fashion geek. (Sad!)

Target Neiman Marcus Designers Collaboration Extravaganza

2012-11-16T23:55:00.000-08:00

This post will officially throw me into the obsessed shopper for designers-mass retailers collaboration.
A couple years back, it seemed like such a once-of-a-lifetime opportunity. When Karl Lagerfeld had his collaboration with H&M back in 2004, I thought he was the greatest philanthropist of all time.

Nowadays, who isn't collaborating with somebody else? And I think this Target/ Neiman Marcus collaboration has officially made any designer who hasn't joined the band wagon an uncooperative exception. (yes, that would be you! Phoebe Philo and Miuccia Prada!!)

While I'm a big sucker for the design, quality is key. In recent years, I've seen enough designer collaborations made in cheesy material. The designers are walking a tightrope here, because the cheap material could turn their pieces into something ordinary. Skeptics may even begin to question their ingenuity.

To be specific, Target was going that direction and I was turning into a skeptic. But Neiman Marcus and pleather simply don't belong in the same sentence (except for this one). Judging from the compositions of most items, you'd better watch out and be nice and get them on Santa's list.

And Dear Santa, these are on my wish list.

For the home (clockwise from top left):
Philip Crangi Trinket Box $69.99;
Proenza Schouler iPad Sleeve $39.99; Eddie Borgo Letter Opener $34.99
Altuzarra Tray $79.99

For myself (clockwise from top left):

Proenza Schouler Sweatshirt $29.99;

Rag & Bone Boys' Sweater $49.99;

Marc Jacobs Pouch $69.99 and Scarf $69.99

Nicolas Ghesguiere Left Balenciaga Out of the Blue

2012-11-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

Now that Nicolas Ghesquière has left Balenciaga, it's got everyone speculating: where he's going (LVMH?), in what fashion (will he finally have his own brand?), who's his successor and what's gonna happen to the Balenciaga empire he single handedly (re)built? What would Balenciaga be without Nicolas Ghesquière?

But here's what I really want to know, what will Charlotte Gainsbourg wear now!!!??

Maybe Nicolas Ghesquière tried to give us some hint in his "OUT OF THE BLUE" retro-futuristic jersey two seasons ago, that he was going to stun the world by leaving Balenciaga.
Nobody got the hint, obviously, as every 'It' girl was too occupied with getting those space jerseys and the rest of the fashion world was too occupied going crazy with it.

His departure maybe "OUT OF THE BLUE", to the rest of us. But for Mr. Ghesquière himself, this must have been a long time coming. Nobody leaves a company he's been working for 15 years since he was 25 just "OUT OF THE BLUE". And nobody leaves a job when he is red hot like Ghesquière. Not to mention Balenciaga to Nicolas Ghesquière was more than a job. He single handedly resurrected the brand. (I mean, did most of us even know who Cristobal Balenciaga was before 1997?) The guy must be really really fed up with whatever that was bothering him.

I think it showed in his recent designs too. For too many seasons now, I wasn't all that sure where this WEIRD TRIP was going, and quite honestly, I had a hard time joining it. It just got weirder and weirder each season, but everybody stayed aboard with him, or maybe too frightened to get off.

But of course, it's easy to be wise looking back. (And that's kind of my specialty.)

Or maybe he's trying to send us some message about where he's going next with his "JOIN A WEIRD TRIP" invitation. So buckle up everyone, I think Captain Ghesguiere is going to warp and bend our imagination like never before.

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M

2012-11-02T00:39:00.000-07:00

I am so shopping up a storm at Maison Martin Margiela for H&M on November 15, 2012.

This is probably a collection I'll go crazy during the process of acquisition, and never have the occasion to actually wear them.

Beyond a certain population who wants to, needs to, or couldn't care less to wear unconventional clothes to draw attention, the rest of us will look really out of this world wearing anything from this collection. I just adore the Fusion of Two Dresses*, but I honestly don't know how I can pull it off without looking like Two-Face. All these upside down bags look so provocative, but I'm already doing that while running errands with my son on a bad day.

But I believe there are certain clothes that deserve a spot in one's wardrobe, even though they will never again see the light of day. It's a collectable. And now, it's available for a fraction of the price you would normally have to pay.

Here are just a few of my favorite looks from the collection:

From a commercial standpoint, there's just something conflicting about this collaboration. Both the design and the price point seem to reinforce Maison Martin Margiela's cult status and exclusivity, rather than H&M's approachability & affordability. I'm not sure if enough crowd is crazy about Maison Martin Margiela outside the fashion inner circle (at least in the US). On top of it, I am not sure if everyone is ready to spend $299 for a piece of clothing at H&M. It is H&M, after all.

That said, I have no doubt this will be another sold-out event. The key to success is all about logistics. You wouldn't want every Joe and Jane to have access to it (especially on the clearance rack at a suburbia mall in Southern California). Make it "seem" exclusive. But then again, why would they do that? It is H&M, after all.

From a consumer's standpoint, buying limited edition is tricky. First, you may not even be lucky enough to have it in your city at all**. Even if it does, you'll probably end up getting the weirdest piece, in the wrong size.

Here I have developed a "game plan". Identify four to six items as my wish list, rank them in order of preference. Go early (Duh!) and search specifically for these items, find the size, get in the line, pay, and poof, I'm done! Don't even worry about lining in front of the fitting room. Just keep the receipt.

Clockwise from top left in order of my preference are:

Clockwise from top left: Darted Sweater $129; Suede Jacket $299; Trouser Skirt $99; Fusion of Two Dresses $199

(all photos via www.styleite.com)

***************

Maison Martin Margiela, the name behind the ingenious design that test the boundaries of imagination, was probably the first brand I've encountered, circa 1995. To be honest, for the longest time, I didn't really "know" the brand. That deliberately discrete label--a canvas badge with sequential number strings and a (seemingly random) circle on it had successfully kept me outside the loop. Why didn't I just ask the shop keeper, you might wonder. I just felt like if they kept it so discreet, it would be an intrusion to ask the question.

For those of us who truly loves fashion, there is one brand where it all begins. I've always thought it was Marc Jacobs for me. I just realized it might have been Maison Martin Margiela. Even though I didn't know the name of the brand, it planted a seed in me. It opened my eyes with its wild imagination, and taught me to appreciate clothes that are beyond mere practicality.

So who cares if they're wearable or not.

* Wait... that Fusion of Two Dresses, is it called a dress or two dresses? I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this one.

** In that case, try eBay, but knowing the price already went through the roof.

Random Observations from Fashion Week Spring 2013: Prison Stripes

2012-10-27T23:05:00.001-07:00

Marc Jacobs Spring 2013

Marc Jacobs isn't the only designer getting his inspiration from the darker side of our civilization--the bold stripes traditionally reserved for a certain group of population, were seen everywhere on the Spring 2013 runway collection.

And I am already captured and ready to do the time.

I mean, how brilliant is this? In a way, I am almost surprised no one thought about it until now amid the attention seeking mania of the recent trends. You've got to give it to Marc. A concept as simple as this, presented in its original strength, undiluted.

Acne Spring 2013

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2013

Michael Kors Spring 2013

Balmain Spring 2013

Prisoners' Dilemma

Here's a classic Prisoners' Dilemma for all of us Fashionistas out there. The stripes are so beautiful, simple yet bold, classic yet daring. If I'm the first to wear it before everyone does, I'm tres chic! And of course everyone is thinking the same thing. But what if we all ended up wearing stripes? That would seriously be a crime.

But just as the game theory has predicted, we would all choose to be the bad guy. If you wear stripes and I don't--I'm lame. If I wear stripes and none of you do--you'll all adore me (and it's not even hard to pull it off, like peek-a-boo). But if we're all wearing stripes like in the prison? Oh, sure, that'll make us all super lame we would wish we had worn nothing instead (yes, and I mean that Akris dress). But human nature says it that we would all end up wearing stripes. Because the safe forth alternative, that nobody would commit this fashion crime, is just too boring!

So hmmm... let me guess, will you be wearing stripes next?

(All photos via www.style.com)

The Olsen Twins 2.0

2012-10-22T14:04:00.001-07:00

There are a couple of fashion designers who can do no wrong with their work. In my short list, they are Raf Simons, Marc Jacobs, Phoebe Philo and Miuccia Prada. Not necessarily because I love every single one of their collections, but because of their directive visions and the courage to break the mold--the mold very often created by themselves.

One pair of designers is quickly rising to that list: the Olsen twins.

I started off as a skeptic, probably just like everybody else. Just because they were Hollywood moguls before they got their driver licenses doesn't mean they would run a successful business in fashion. Just because they know how to throw everything they own on their petit figures doesn't mean they would know how to design. But they have proven me wrong, season after season. At THE ROW, the design is simple, elegant, and bold. Not a lot of designers can achieve all three at the same time. Their designs seem to ignore trends, yet capture the intangibles that make them so chic, so desirable, and so now.

The Row Spring 2013

They were equally bold with their pricing strategy with THE ROW, especially their accessories. I thought they were out of their mind when THE ROW first came out with their handbag collection. They seemed to bypass Louis Vuitton and Chanel and view Hermes as their direct competitor. Now that takes a lot of ego and some guts to do. But over the years, the simple elegance seems to grow its roots in me. Maybe it will truly become a timeless masterpiece like the Birkin or the Kelly? Only time will tell.

Leather Goods Resort 2013

Even their mass market brand Elizabeth & James are showing that same courage recently. As shown in Spring 2013, it seems to ignore the trends as well and played with proportions and combinations that are fresh and ahead of its peers.

Elizabeth & James Spring 2013

Most of us can barely manage to be successful in one profession. They have proven to excel at both. Perhaps two really is better than one.

(All photos via www.style.com and www.therow.com)

Celine's Birkenstock

2012-10-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

I always think I'm a pioneer, even though nobody believes me. But I think Phoebe Philo raided my wardrobe for her Celine Spring 2013 show. Well, she only managed to get to my shoe collection and I think the rest of the industry is going to follow her footstep to copy my Birkenstock uniform.

OK, enough silly hallucination already. Let's talk about the shoes. Her choice of footwear isn't all that shocking if you think about it. She just gave birth to her third child, there's nothing more reliable than the good ol' faithful Birkenstock. Heels (of any height) is out of the question. Sneakers or boots require some squatting and tying the shoelace, and that is a luxury a mother can't have. Other sandals typically require you to wiggle your feet into the strap--not an easy balancing task when you are trying to grab the third kid with your other foot.

I guess there's nothing in this world that pleases everybody. My husband always complaints how Birkenstock's footbed is killing him (I even got him the soft footbed version knowing how delicate his ~~soul~~ sole is). I think Phoebe must be his solemate or something (maybe she just has an equally delicate husband?) and her solution was to add a fur footbed to cushion those baby feet. Here, I may have found the perfect Xmas present this season for my honey. If only the shoes come in his size and the price tag comes in my size.

Before we get too caught up with our love/hate debate with these Birkenstock I'm not sure if you all had a chance to talk about these eye candies. No, and I don't mean these ugly ducklings.

These!!!

Freshly plucked out of an Old Navy mannequin!
I'm only curious, do they come in different polish? Or do they need to get pedicured each week?

(All photos via www.style.com)

Random Observations from Fashion Week Spring 2013: Peek-A-Boo

2012-10-08T02:30:00.002-07:00

You know the highlight of my New York trip was bumping into Sarah Jessica Parker. My husband's highlight was more of a fashionable one: We were having a tea break at Harney & Sons, in walk this super chic woman with her black bra and flat abs under a top as sheer as the emperor's new clothes. He got his refreshment before our tea was served. Since then, he kept asking me if see through is "in". It was certainly the first time that he's showing more interests in fashion than I am.

Akris Spring 2013

If you think you will be immune from these peek-a-boo looks, think again. I was aghast when I saw Akris opened its Spring 2013 collection with a total see-through dress. For the first time, Akris made Christopher Kane and Alexander Wang look conservative. But I'm not sure if Akris has gone too far from its core customers though. I just can't imagine Condoleezza Rice, a big fan of Akris, will be wearing these any time soon. But rest assured the empresses and royalties, with the exception of our beloved Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, will be wearing them soon.

Christopher Kane Spring 2013

Alexander Wang Spring 2013

So the question is not whether you will have your own peek-a-boo show, but which part will you be showing & hiding:

One can always bypass a trend. But you might not be able to avoid this one entirely. Like I said, the demand is loud and clear. And you know what's more embarrassing than my husband staring at the emperor's new clothes? My two-year-old who loves to say "Naked!!"

Balmain Spring 2013

Proenza Schouler Spring 2013

Derek Lam Spring 2013

Take a toned down version as shown by designers like Balmain, Proenza Schouler, Derek Lam, and the likes. Key to success? The devil is in the details, and intricate details don't come cheap. To make a statement as strong as your daring peers come spring, be prepared to fork out a large pile of money. Remember that in fashion, no pain, no gain.
I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking about this--try wearing something underneath. Voilà! But it's proven to be harder than it seemed. A flimsy cotton one is just too sloppy to be paired with the body-con S&M outer layers. But I'm just not sure if I'm ready for fork out $195 for a Wolford slip dress (and guys, hooray, it was just marked down from $195 to $190, you simply don't want to pass on this sale of a lifetime, folks!!). So that leaves us with Spanx. But they will have to add so much spandex to tone my flabby abs and hide my cellulites, it will certainly make them shine.

Celine Spring 2013

Alternatively, and I must say quite geniusly show cased by Celine, you can wear something outside the fishnet. (Even though in this case, you can still see everything.)

Alexander Wang Spring 2013

Altuzarra Spring 2013

Proenza Schouler Spring 2013

Show the trend in accessories like shoes a la Alexander Wang, Altuzarra or Proenza Schouler.
Of course, I can always go to my pilate + yoga classes more diligently. I just hope that it shows results fast enough before the trends become passe. Fashion is serious sports!!!

So tell me, how will you approach this trend? And please let me know if you have any better ways to wear them.
Oh, and one more question, do you think I should mention it to my husband that he can play peek-a-boo all he wants on Style.com, and bras are optional too?

(All photos via www.style.com)

Fashion is Serious Sports

2012-10-06T00:28:00.001-07:00

For those of you who are thinking about starting your fashion blog, here's a little humbling lesson from me. And for those of you who think fashion is breeding ground for greed for brainless girls, I got some news for you. Fashion is hard core sports let me tell you.

All my guy friends who follow sports only need to keep up with one season per year. The sport that has the closest resemblance to fashion would be tennis. They have the Grand Slam--Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. In fashion, we have the major fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Except, in fashion, you do this 8 times over the course of a year, 6 if men don't count (look up WPFL before you call me a sexist, better yet, try LFL or Lingerie Football League).

When I started my blog roughly a year ago, I thought I would develop my inner Robin Givhan through the course of the year. Pre-Fall, Spring Couture, Fall Ready-to-Wear, Resort, Fall Couture, and now, Spring Ready-to-Wear is coming to an end. I got my fingers exercised just by typing them out.

In the name of sports, lets review my favorite looks over this past year from T by Alexander Wang, one of my favorite sportswear line. Although I didn't realize until now how similar they are from one season to another (and looks like these photos have been taken from the same room). Alexander Wang is one of those designers who have such decisive singular vision. And I admire him for that. He created this mass following with a 90s casually cool downtown style. Five years since his first collection, he's still at the top of his game, the reigning king of cool.

To be clear, he's not as "repetitive" in his main line and you can certainly see his evolution. But the unmistakable signature is always there. It got me wonder, will the market get bored of this sporty look before he does, or will he be able to stay one step ahead of the rest of us to tell us what's cool next?

And I also wonder, as a fashion designer, is it riskier to stay on course like A. Wang, or constantly breaking the rules like Marc Jacobs or Miuccia Prada?

T by Alexander Wang Spring 2013

T by Alexander Wang Spring 2013 Menswear

T by Alexander Wang 2013 Resort

T by Alexander Wang Fall 2012

T by Alexander Wang Fall 2012 Menswear

T by Alexander Wang Pre-Fall 2012

(All photos via www.style.com)