I don’t know about you but this year has started on a really rough patch. Spring is just around the corner but it doesn’t feel like it at all. The weather is still pretty chilly in Tokyo despite the cherry blossom forecast predicting an even earlier blooming season than all of the years before.

Trust me, underneath this light pleated skirt, was some layering of heat-tech pieces for necessary insulation. And then some extra accessories, like wool socks and this cashmere scarf on top because I’m always finding that my ankles and neck get really cold these days (might be my age but I’m starting to understand why my mom always told me to cover up when I was in my teens leaving the house with a deep v-neck on in below freezing temps).

For me, scarves are just one of those things that can be costly, yet can add a lot of simple outfits to refresh them. The best time to grab scarves deals is probably when the end of winter sales are happening. Below is a quick round-up of some scarves that I'd definitely take advantage to buy during this amazing Shopbop Sale taking place this week.

Shopbop's The Spring Event
Up to 25% off full-price styles with code SPRING
15% off orders of $200+
20% off orders of $500+
25% off orders of $800+

Scarf Picks

Coat: ASTR via Shopbop
Top: UNIQLO
Pleated Skirt: Aritzia
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag (in brown)

Photo by Shun S.

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Color-Blocking

When it comes to color-blocking, these pants are still considered on the safe side. But black, white, and beige are just a trifecta combination that makes these pants the perfect piece for my kind of wardrobe. They bring a little edge, but keep it quite low-key and casual. You've seen me wear these in the summertime, but here's how they look in the winter.

Coat: Aritzia
Black Square-neck Top: Aritzia
Pants: Petar Petrov Color-block Linen Pants
Shoes: By Far Sofia Boots
Bag: Celine Belt Bag

Self-timered

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Summer Dresses for Fall / Fall Refresh 04

I'm sure most of you guys are probably sick of seeing this dress and sweater over and over again. But guess what? Nothing much has changed since I started documenting my personal style in this space. As fall is finally here again (a little late because I’m currently in Tokyo) I’m excited to add another example to my 'Fall Refresh' series.

Fall as you all know is my favorite season of the year. It’s not only when the weather is nice and comfortable, but it’s also the time when it feels like my closet really gets a refresh. Year after year, I find that it is the pieces that I add to my wardrobe during this time that are the ones that end up circulating the longest in my everyday outfits. Especially sweaters, because they work in changing up your summer dresses or skirts, adding layers for warmth through winter, and making statements for Spring when it’s time to lose the coats and jackets.

I picked up this alpaca wool sweater last year and it’s been one of my favorite sweaters despite it being bright red. I didn’t think that I would wear it too often, but it turned out to be so soft and comfortable that I think I’ve worn some of the rips on the shoulders out a bit. Pairing it with this dress that I wore on my birthday this past August and recently on my trip to Portugal, all it needed was a little knot in the front and some gold accessories to feel brand new. If it’s not too cold where you are already then I highly suggest giving your summer dresses a bit more life before you pack them away and probably forget about next summer.

Sweater: LNA Alpaca Wool Knit (similar burgundy option here)
Dress: Preen Line via Net-A-Porter (in navy)
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Chanel WOC
Accessories: Monica Vinader bracelet and rings, clustered pearl earrings (similar here)

Photo by Shun S.

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Jumpsuited

I've been out of thoughts and in a rut. It's as plain as this beige jumpsuit so I figured instead of holding back images on my dust-collecting hard drive, I'll at least share them on this space. Happy end of October.

Jumpsuit: The Frankie Shop via Net-a-porter
Shoes: ATP (similar here)
Bag: MANGO Wood Net Tote

Self-portraits

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Trifecta

When it comes to clothing, I'm pretty much either in all black or all white. But beige is a color that is just as important in my wardrobe. Making this color-block pair of pants from Petar Petrov a trifecta of those three essentials.

Asides from my usuals of black, white, or blue denim, I rarely add pants to my rotating wardrobe. I've been on the hunt for a fitted pair of pants, and honestly, I just couldn't decide on a color. That said, I also wanted a statement pair- and it couldn't have come at a better timing to the Net-A-Porter sale a few weeks ago. I've been eyeing this whole color-block set from Petar Petrov earlier this season but of course, couldn't justify its full retail price (sorry to all the designers that I love for always only being able to buy your pieces on clearance).

Although this linen pair seems like it's only suitable for summer, I can definitely see it taking part in outfit pairings of ribbed knit and turtlenecks come fall. I'm excited to style and restyle it for seasons to come. At the very least, it totally goes with all my everyday pieces such as a white tee and Common Project sneakers. It's been quite a while since I had such an affinity for a piece like this.

Top: Ninety-percent Tee via Netaporter
Pants: Petar Petrov Color-block Linen-blend Pants
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: Chanel WOC

Photo by Shun S.

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Flower Girl Summer

I just want to put this out there: I suck at dressing for the summer. Or rather, I just can't seem to master wearing as little as possible over layering everything I own to make an outfit that weighs just as much as me. Don't get me wrong, I hate the cold, and I'm a natural-born summer baby, but dressing for anything above 90 degrees Fahrenheit aside from a straight-up swimsuit just doesn't even make sense to me.

As you know by now, I'm in Tokyo for another sweltering summer (not that NYC's summer is any less extreme) but being here definitely makes me feel a bit more aware of what I'm wearing and how modest I have to dress. That said, somehow I still find myself in full-length high-waisted denim to cover my midriff from showing thanks to this floral crop top. To further prove my point of how much 'idgaf' about summer dressing, I didn't even bother to shop for summer sandals this year, hence the usual pair of sneakers and my baby blue Loewe.

Fashion talks aside, I'm turning 26 in a day or two and this year more so than ever, I feel more at peace with myself than any other year. As a Leo, one just can't help but approach their birthdays with lots of celebrations and festivities. But for as long as I've been away from New York, some of those mandatory social activities to cue being another year older have been so relieving to not fulfill. I'm looking forward to a quiet dinner with the boyfriend, and a 3 hour long Facetime call with my mom who, (knowing that I'm not home), will still be excited to show me the flower arrangement she has out for me to wish me another happy birthday.

Top: Verge Girl
Pants: Agolde
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag

Photo by Shun S.

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Chanel's Favorite Camellia

I'm not sure how long it's been since I last had a full style post on the blog but I hope that this one caught you pleasantly surprised. I recently had the chance of coming back to NYC for a quick two weeks for some industry/work related things. Being away from NYC, meant being away from my core closet so it was nice to have a chance to review clothing I haven't touched in over a year and make some adjustments to it.

For the most part, I've always considered my NYC uniform as being more monochromatic and this white on white look couldn't have been more of testimony for that. Transparently, I have been working with &OtherStories for the past couple of years and was stoked when I saw their latest sustainable capsule that included these linen blends and eco-conscious pieces. By now you're probably already familiar with my efforts in pushing towards a more ethical/sustainable approach to fashion and my latest interview with Dialogue really made me want to solidify that from here on out. Hence, another reason why I was eager to share this look and talk about it.

Along with this look is also a pre-owned Chanel bag that I got a chance to borrow from Rebag while I'm stateside. I've always been hesitant towards buying pre-owned designer things knowing well that it's also another great way of practicing sustainability because I honestly didn't feel that it would be as great of a purchase as having something brand new, and prettily wrapped up.

Maybe being in Tokyo for the past year has really had a great effect on me, but I'm now such a sucker for more novelty pieces and things that are one of a kind. How I thought I would feel, versus how I really felt when I received this velvet camellia Chanel in the mail was such a juxtaposing feeling. Despite being so bold and colorful, I actually feel like it's such a character piece to add to any of my outfits that I've been wearing for the past week or so since having it. This bag is going right back to the team when I leave for Tokyo so feel free to snatch it up!

Top: &Otherstories
Pants: &Otherstories
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Chanel Camellia Compartment Flap Bag Velvet/Leather via Rebag
Accessories: Monica Vinader Diamond Signature Bangle

Photo by Ying C.

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