BAKING BATCHES

(Forever 21 top (similar one from Urban Outfitters), Como jacket (similar one from JCrew), Uniqlo pants, flats from Japan (similar ones here), Celine bag)

 Things have been slowly easing their way out as my 2013 exams are officially over and all that is left is 3 weeks of being a junior left. Don't get me wrong, high school is great but there is only so much the mind can obtain in a school year. My mind is ready to take it's two months off cruising in the middle of nowhere, only caring about the sun, sand, sea water and - food. 

*Squeak* *Little excitement shivers*

To celebrate and in encouragement of the much anticipated sunny weather to stay long enough for me to get a tan (for once, please), I am leaving it all to the power of bright pants. I found this perfectly burnt orange pair from Uniqlo and paired it with the only stripped top I seem to have. Whilst I already thought this look is pretty set on it's color palette, I decided to go for leopard loafers and, why not my go-with-anything denim jacket too. Summer seems to be kicking me some fearless dress codes! 

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AUTOTOLL

(Maple shirt (similar one from Topshop), Ripcurl jacket (similar one from Scotch & Soda), Uniqlo jeans, necklace from boutique (similar one from Dannijo), Zara shoes (similar one from Rosienne))

When life gives you limited bus rounds and consistent awkward halt waving while watching full buses zoom past you, you got to work with the environment and take photos in the car park. There are some interesting architectural lines, warning bans and hanging stripped coverup going on in the background. It's cool. 

Sadly, I don't have a lot of pretty settings to shoot at most of the time but maybe this can give a change to the norm. 

On the topic of this unexpected but grey background, similarly to what I am wearing, it is quite achromatic. 

Wondering why I got to the fact (more like obvious observation) short and simple? Grab a snack, further explanation and thinking here.

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WELCOME

(Lee flannel (similar one from Gramicci Cuzco), Cotton On skirt (similar one from TopShop), mom's trench coat (similar ones from Burberry))

If you scroll back to when Style & Shades first begun, you can see an assortment of colors in every look. Whilst watching this blog grow and, well, as I grow, I see the pattern of neutrals starting to shine. The little me thought that neutrals were boring, typical and.. what's so special about an 'all black outfit'?! Though I noted how staples such as white Ts and basic black jeans made it's way to the hierarchy of closet must-haves, I was rarely ever seen wearing an all staple outfit. These elementary components were simply staples, something nice to have, and is usually worn as a support piece. 

Now, I am not sure if it's due to the maturity in my style or plainly the lack of time I have to spare staring at my closet, easy pieces are my go-to. 

From firstly not knowing how to style my mom's oversized trench coat, I must say, it works perfectly during in-between weathers. I am especially attracted to wearing longer outerwear with short bottoms, therefore explains this denim skirt that I literally have worn with everything. Spicing up with some tartan print peeping out and a perfect brown satchel to dump my life in, you might now notice how much brown is going on here. 

But hey, they go well together. That's the beauty of staple pieces right?

Botkier Satchels Pour La Victoire Convertible Satchels DVF Harper Bags 

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NAMING NAMES

(shirt from boutique (similar ones from Shopbop here & here), Maple shorts (similar ones from Forever 21), sandals from boutique (similar one from Alexander McQueen & Sergio Rossi))

The art of mixing prints is always new and unexpected. There is no systematic way of mixing as it ranges from the very minimal to the most untamed sequences. It is always fun to throw pieces together and see what you come out with. Somewhat like making a smoothie. 

Challenge: 

Walk into your kitchen with your mind blank. Take 3-4 types of fruits out and chuck them into your mixer. It might come out with a non-appetizing color (how bad can it be, the worst color will just be green) but oh my, will it taste good. 

So here goes me, flipping through and noticing that I once again have neglected this beautifully Mona Lisa painted button down shirt. How could I have not worn one of my button down shirts. Yes, quite surprising but this is true. Then, I stalled after opening my bottoms drawer... who knew stripped shorts would have gone and have might even elevate the design on top? 

Now we know!

The lesson taken from here is that I should do more blindfolded cooking from now on, maybe my fellow bloggies should too? Just a suggestion. 

Free People Denim Shorts Alice + Olivia Cuff Shorts Current/Elliott Boyfriend Shorts 

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NUMBER TWO

(Zara top (similar one from Nordstorm), Lee jeans (similar ones here), sandals from boutique (similar ones here))

You know those times when people talk up about a certain place, event, person or time that you believe and look up to that moment but then to realize it is not as perfect for you as it was to other people?

For a concert, ice cream flavor, or that new makeup collection that came out, yeah, I can get over that. However it is much more nerve recking if it is a university. 

Is it my problem, the university's or the people who are talking? How can it be so great but not right for me? When a university basically defines your dream and provides the complete roadmap to your possible future, it must or at least should give you jitters when just thinking about being in the campus. But no, not this one, and not to me. It is quite disappointing and is causing so much mumbling and jumbling in my head. 

On the bright side, that confirmation now put me into an even more positive position of where I truly want to graduate to. So, that's not so bad eh?

Has anyone been through this rut? Or is someone going through it with me? There are plenty of seats in this train!

Joe's Printed Skinny Jeans Joe's Relaxed Boyfriend Jeans Joe's Denim Cutoffs 

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A SPECTRUM OF MAGIC

(SP Ray top (similar one from The Outnet & Nordstorm), shorts from boutique (similar ones from Bloomingdales), Celine bag)

Hong Kong is not usually known for it's flashy fashion but more so in bold colors, prints and heel size. Cropped bra-lets, mid-riffs and incredibly sheer shirts never made it. Not sure if it is the business side of this city that holds people back or the fact that our Asian parents will never let us out the door with any part of our bodies except for our arms and legs to show skin. However with the slow transition into our sweltering weather, I don't see why anyone would neglect this trend. 

Sadly here is the perfect example of how far I'd go with showing skin. Mid-section wise. In photos, this sweater looks like a reflected illusion with all the colors fused together into a big swirl. Yet it is not. It is constructed with hundreds of little holes and possibly knots if I am not wrong. It would make a perfect pool side coverup as I was actually chilling up choosing to wear it out for dinner. 

Okay, maybe I shouldn't have complained about needing mid-riffs yet.

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