Spot On: Colour

For summer, colour is in big time. The flashier, the better. The world is already a depressing place, so let's liven it up with a healthy splash of kaleidoscopic hues. If you're like me, the notion of donning technicolour outfits can make me cringe a little. But considering how flattering the following pictures are, I'm ready to champion the look.

If you're just starting to embrace the hues, start slow by wearing one item of a striking colour at a time along with your daily outfits. And if you've got the bravado to take it up a notch, then layer it up and consider everything from complimentary colours to striking contrasts. The key is to throw it all together and make it seem not too calculated. Then add a healthy dose of confidence and walk out that door.

*images of Cam Gigandet from GQ.com

One

anchor-patterned jumper | Topman
knitted cardigan | Zara
cotton chinos | Uniqlo

Zero

denim jacket | Uniqlo
pants | WE
brogues | All Saints

Inspiration | Bottega Veneta Fall/Winter 2011

Now, this is how layering should be done. Impeccable complimentary monochrome hues with the occasional punch of a singular colour in some of the looks. And although monochromatic outfits tend to border on being boring, the added textural qualities through prints and material give it that much depth to the look. So, go on, layer it up!

Spot On: Tote Bags

Why guys should also carry bags. Tote bags. Nice tote bags. I would say appropriately sized, streamlined, minimally decorated ones. Because sometimes stuffing too many things into your pockets just makes things bulge in the most unflattering way.

The build of the bag is pretty much up to your preference and styling. Leather, canvas, waxed-canvas, felt, brown, navy, black, grey, etc. etc. There are so many choices out there. And not all are that pricey.

*photos from various sources

Let there be shorts!

Hugo Boss | Spring/Summer 2010


Louis Vuitton | Spring/Summer 2010


Michael Bastian | Spring/Summer 2010

It's getting hotter these days in Malaysia, more so in the city where trees and greenery are leveled in favour of soaring concrete and glass buildings. We've all heard of the urban heat island effect where temperatures in cities (like KL, and what I like to call greater KL which includes PJ) are a few degrees higher than the outskirts. So, when I set foot in the new Taylor's Lakeside campus only to discover little signs on the doors of classrooms prohibiting shorts, frankly, I was a little outraged.

In this day and age, I find it quite pathetic to impose a ruling against the wearing of shorts especially when we're living in a tropical climate. Shouldn't the rule be made that one has to dress to a level to which is credible and respectable? Why must we be made to conform to formality and sartorial rigidity when it's thirty-over degrees Celsius out there on the street. Wouldn't one be better off looking and feeling comfortable in shorts instead of feeling extremely agitated and sweating uncontrollably in pants?

I do understand that there is some level of decorum which must be met in educational institutions but there should be a middle ground where shorts are an acceptable piece of attire and I think that middle ground is dress shorts. Those sleek smarter looking shorts like those pictured (above).

Just like how vernacular architecture produces buildings and structures which address local issues, why can't fashion rules be made to adapt to the locality in which climate would be a huge consideration. We live in a tropical climate where it's hot and humid year round. Let them wear shorts for god sakes!

If you're not convinced, read this.


Stay tuned for more.

Dad's Tie

Sometime during Chinese New Year when I was back home in Penang, I ravaged through my sister's stash of old stuff that we salvaged, and managed to get hold of a striped tie.

I like things which have a story to it. This tie belonged to my dad and he probably wore it back sometime in the 70s or 80s or something. I'm not completely certain. But what I'm most surprised about is its proportion. It's narrow without being too skinny and the length is just right as the point of the tie is supposed to hit right at your belt line.

I guess you can call it a vintage tie but it still looks as good in this modern context while giving off a tinge of retro feel. With that tie, I decided to let the rest of my clothes take a back seat and played them down to basics.

I also got another tie which I hope to wear in the future. Definitely not soon since the weather here is fucking insane. It's so hot I can feel the sun burning my skin. It's so hot that I'm bathed in sweat everytime I get home from class. It's. So. Hot. That my flesh is about to melt off my bones when I step outside during mid-day.


Stay tuned for more.

At Gurney

Out on a sunny day with Mei Zhi during Chinese New Year. I think it was the sixth day into CNY and we were just randomly walking around, from the mall to the seafront.

I found a pair of shorts from Steven Alan during my Chicago trip last year to replace another pair of old, stained khaki shorts. I had totally forgotten about them and since they were still new, found them perfect for the scorching hot days of the new year. And yes, MZ found my socks hilarious. But that's what I liked about them ;)

Stay tuned for more.

Inspiration | Prints

Prints are awesome and all over the place in the men's 2010 spring/summer collections. And they are more than appropriate in our insanely hot weather. By the way, KL temperatures spiked at 35 degrees Celcius last week.

Moschino | Spring/Summer 2010

Patrick Ervell | Spring/Summer 2010

Bottega Veneta | Spring/Summer 2010

Bottega Veneta | Spring/Summer 2010

Dolce & Gabbana | Spring/Summer 2010

Dolce & Gabbana | Spring/Summer 2010

Dries Van Noten | Spring/Summer 2010

Dries Van Noten | Spring/Summer 2010

Stay tuned for more.

Spot On: Black

Lanvin, Spring/Summer 2010

Black on black on black never fails to look good.


Stay tuned for more.

Casual wonderment.

One week into my internship and I'm finding myself questioning the idea of how casual can I go without ending up looking like I'm the hired help who clean offices. How can I not ask myself this when some of the really talented workers look more 'morning-jogger-by-the-beach' than 'educated-professional-worker.'

I do know that in the creative field, most people tend to dress down a little compared to people working in say, management and finance. Dressing down to me probably means a basic shirt, slacks, belt and leather shoes combo, sans tie unless there are meetings. But I didn't expect that they would dress way WAAAAAY down. I mean t-shirts, cargo pants and sweats?! Is that even possible? I didn't even considered polo tees to be office appropriate let alone t-shirts. Might as well wear beach attire. Oh wait, I think I did spot some flip flops around.

- Dress up?


- Or Dress down?

So my question is what should I wear to work? Should I conform to the rules of comfort over impression and risk looking like a tantric yoga student, or should I step it up and do the full on crease-less ironed shirt, impeccable slacks and spotless leather shoes?

poll by twiigs.com

Stay tuned for more.

Inspiration | Albert Hammond Jr. X Confederacy

Albert Hammond Jr. of The Strokes has recently collaborated with L.A. retailer Confederacy launching an awesome limited suit collection. The colours range from greys and creams to gorgeous burgandy. It has a slight rock style feel to it with a fitted look and even the trousers are slim and narrow.

If I am ever looking for a suit, I'm definitely taking this type of fit into consideration. And no way in hell can I afford any of these suits which cost upwards of USD$2000.

Stay tuned for more.

Flashy or Fugly: Flash Some Ankle

Cuffing is one of those things people do just because their pants are too long. But it can also be a way to show off some ankle.

I find a lot of editorials doing the cuffing thing where they fold up the pant leg up just enough to let you see their ankle. I think it's a good look. Makes you look a little nonchalant. They do this especially when spring and summer approaches, which is perfect for us because if you want to show-off some of that ankle, where else better to do it than right here in the tropics where it's freakin hot and humid all year round. Instead of having your pants skim your shoes, cuffing your pants may also be a way to ventilate your feet...kinda. And if you want to flash your shoes, all the better!

But be warned, do NOT cuff your pants until it hits mid-calf. Just an inch or so above the ankle will do. You want to look casual, not like you're going off to work in the paddy fields.

A great way to cuff your pants is to fold them up two to three times (nothing more or else it'll be too thick) and them scrunching them up a little so that it doesn't look so neat.





Or if your pants are already perfectly cropped to the desired length, you can rock them as it is.




But more importantly, what do you think?

poll by twiigs.com

Stay tuned for more.

Shoe Lust

There are these pair of shoes I wanted that you would have probably heard of. The Laceless Converse. I thought they looked good and above all else, convienient as they are easy to slip-on and you don't have to bother about the laces because there are none. The only reason I didn't get them is probably because I already own two good pair of sneakers.

But then I spotted these:


From this angle, they seem similar to the Laceless Converse. But take a closer look and you'll notice that they have these wide elastic bands which cover the other half of the shoe giving it an asymetrical look which is so AWESOME it's crazy!



They're called 'Skymra Canvas' sneakers by Tretorn. I don't even know if they sell Tretorn sneakers in Malaysia.! I WANT these sneakers!




They come in an array of colours and can either be canvas or leather (pictured above). Someone please buy these!!! If not for me, for yourself!


Stay tuned for more.

Flashy or Fugly: Wayfarers & Traditionals.

Big sunglasses have been in vogue for a couple of years now. The big, huge ones which almost always obscure your face. And because of this enthusiasm in gigantic sunnies, it's only natural that the Ray-Ban Wayfarers are in fashion again. That, and also the company's constant attempt to position them in pop culture.

The Wayfarers were very popular back in the 1950s and 60s and because of their strategic marketing and 'showcasing' them on celebrities, lately, they are enjoying a revival. Yes this revival has been going on for a while now. So much so that other fashion brands have jumped in on the wagon and created Wayfarer-inspired sunglasses, but who's really complaining?

The Wayfarers are fashonable plastic shades which have an atheletic twist and can come is a variety of colours. Although I usually consider sunglasses as a form of eye protection, I do have to admit that they are a fashion statement in itself. Shades can make of break your style. But the thing about Wayfarers is that because of their unique frames, they almost seem to fit and flatter faces of all shapes. Same goes to the Ray-Ban Traditionals which are quite similar to the Wayfarers. They, too have a collection of shapes which can complement a broad range of faces.

- Ray-Ban Traditionals pay a close resemblance to Wayfarers (maybe it's part of the family) and flatter a range of faces.

Personally, I think they're great for their flexibility. Being able to accomodate different faces and they can even be worn with formal wear! And, Oh yeah, they protect your eyes!

So, what do you think?

poll by twiigs.com

Stay tuned for more.