Florals for Spring isn't that groundbreaking anymore, but every year, the thought of a change of scenery from dead trees and snowy streets just makes florals as exciting as ever. This year I'm especially drawn to neutral florals, something that definitely works amazing for this transitional period before the weather *really* feels like Spring. If you've been watching my style over the years, you'll know that I've always been a big fan of juxtaposition whenever it comes to styling any of my outfits. If I'm wearing something baggy or oversized on top, my bottoms has to be a little more streamlined and tailored, and vice versa. If I'm wearing a more feminine piece on top, I love to balance it out with something tougher on the bottom. Hence why I called this outfit- florals, with a touch of utility.

This Nanushka floral turtleneck has been on my wishlist for a long time, I was hoping to grab it up sooner because I thought it would have actually made a great layering piece for the rest of winter. But now that I've gotten my hands on it, I'm sure that you've seen me where it two other different ways on my Instagram already. I've worn it casually with a chunky knit thrown over my shoulders, and another time layered under an asymmetric slip dress. But what I really had in mind when I made the purchase was this particular look where it's styled with some sturdy utility trousers. These photos were taken at a conservatory at The Maker Hotel, a lovely hotel upstate that I'll share more with you in the coming weeks. For now, I hope that this outfit inspires you to add some floral prints to your Spring wardrobe, as cliché as it might sound.

Top: Nanushka Floral Turtleneck
Pants: Ulla Johnson Dune Trousers
Shoes: Common Projects Sneakers
Bag: Chanel WOC
Jewelry: Gold Pearl Anklet

Photo by Christina L.

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Jacket Layering: Shearling Moto and Cropped Plaid

The extra cold weather in New York City as of late made me think of this outfit that I wore a few weeks ago when I was in Fukuoka, Japan. Layering jackets is one of my favorite style hacks when trying to create new looks from old pieces during the winter months. It's also a good way to stay warm and cozy while giving your outfit a little more oomph.

When pairing jackets together, I always think about textures and materials. For this look, I went for a combination of shearling and plaid. The proportion in details is important as well because I love the moto accents on the shearling jacket paired with the elastic drawstrings from the cropped Baum und Pferdgarten jacket in this outfit.

To keep it less bulky and more streamlined, I kept the core of the outfit quite simple with a long sleeve heat-tech from Uniqlo and my usual white pair of straight-legged denim. Unintentionally, my beige boots complimented the hounds check on the blue plaid jacket perfectly (along with the traffic cone and blue background). I don't generally care much about matching my blue Loewe bag to my outfits because it's usually a statement piece for me anyway, but I just loved how it tied everything together here.

For more jacket layering ideas aside from shearling and plaid, I also love pairing faux fur with structured blazers, beige leather moto and shearling, as well as denim and puffer jackets.

Shearling Coat: J.O.A (similar shearling moto)
Jacket: Baum und Pferdgarten Cropped Check Jacket
Top: Uniqlo
Pants: Trave Denim
Boots: By Far Sofia Boots
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag (in Stone Blue)

Necklace: Justine Clenquet

Photo by Shun S.

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Linen Love / Fall Refresh 03

Linen is one of my favorite fabrics. Did you know that linen is also really sustainable? If you own anything in linen in cream/beige or natural grey, then chances are it hasm't been dyed and is 100% biodegradable. Not only is it amazing and breathable in the summer, but it also moves so elegantly whether it's in a form of a dress, skirt, or even trousers. Although linen clothing is generally thought of as summer essentials, they're actually perfect for all year round, making them the best for fall transition outfits.

If you've been following me since last April, I picked up this linen skirt to pair with a Zimmermann top and several other travel outfits from there on. Asides from all the photo ops, I generally love just wearing this linen skirt with a simple tee.

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Actually, I'm cheating a little with this outfit as I've already worn something similar to this before, but a sweater and bag swap, and this skirt becomes brand new.

Sweater: Acne Studios
Skirt: Black Crane
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag

Photo by Shun S.

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5 Fall Outfits I'd Repeat

I'm one of those people who will probably want to own my favorite sweater in every color and wear everything I find the comfiest over and over again. By now, you'll probably realize that I'm shameless about outfit repeating and wearing things that are four seasons old. Habits asides, I'm a strong advocate for slow fashion, mainly because it's not just logical, but it also represents a little piece of me that grows deeply attached to certain things (aka clothes). I guess you can see it as the 'personal', in personal style.

Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly, fashion trends like the infamous history quote goes... doesn't repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme (I'm paraphrasing here). One year suede will be in, the next it'll be out. We used to diss grandma cardigans, but they're on every major retailer's top trend lists this year. And as for plaid, the last time I recall them being cool was 2015.

With all that said, it's my motto to always just wear what I really like, and invest in pieces that have some longevity. With everyone craving for those vintage vibes again, you'll never know what sort of fun you'll have by digging through last years' winter clothes that you sloppily put away. Below are 5 of my past fall outfits that I'd definitely repeat again and some trends from those look that I think are still relevant this season to give you some inspirations.

Burnt Yellow/Orange

From "Keep Out"

I've always been obsessed with earthy tones, not just during fall, but throughout the year. Lately, I've been more and more drawn to the brighter shades of those warmer tones. Think rusty oranges, bright browns, and even deep mustard yellows. And now it's obvious as to why I'd wear this outfit again in a heartbeat.

Cardigan Comeback

From "Another Navy"

For the longest time, cardigans have gotten that reputation of being a grandma piece, but I actually love oversized and chunky ones. Something like this one becomes a dress (wear a slip under it though) or can be a great substitute for a trench/jacket.

Major Blazer

From "A Radiant Day In Tokyo with Clé De Peau Beauté"

I've only started wearing blazers recently, but I'm obsessed at how they look when not so dressed up. Mixing one with ripped jeans is quite rebel-ish and makes me want to have an office job just to walk in like that one day. Despite their structural feats, they are quite versatile and can be paired effortlessly with skirts of all kinds. Invest in a good blazer and you'll probably have a bunch of outfit options for the fall.

Two-tone

From "In The Process of Processing"

As someone who loves neutrals and simple colors, two-tones add an extra oomph to some classic pieces. From two-tone boots to sweaters, blazers, and even pants-- these are the special pieces that you'll be able to rotate seasons after seasons.

Check It

From "092018 / Like A Typhoon"

Checks/plaids are all the rage right now. Careful though since if you're looking for just a flannel, I suggest you go your local thrift and pick one out instead of paying the same for an unethical purchase through Forever21 or something. BUT, if you're looking to invest in a good check/plaid blazer or even trousers - then I've got you covered.

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In A Tokyo Salaryman's Suit Jacket

By now, I've gotten used to openly admitting that I'm definitely not the hardest worker in any room. My work ethic is like a roller coaster, mostly since my attention span's tendencies mimic that of a squirrel.

The first time I came to Tokyo, one of the imagery that stuck out the most to me was a school of businessmen stuffing one another into packed train carts early in the morning. Of course, people go to work every day, but Tokyo's is quite unique. From the outside, Tokyo is pretty much a magical land of perfectionism and uniformness that once you witness it, it will only exceed all your expectations.

From varying shades of black and blues (and sometimes grey) the only thing that I can spot within my range of vision that differentiates these men from one another was probably how full their head of hair was.

Coming from a place like New York, such affinity sparked my interest in people's identity here and possibly everywhere else in the world...

In all realness, what I really wanted to get to was how much studies have been done on the way of life of the Japanese people here. How "hard" everyone seems to work is a point of idolization and criticizing at the same time, for the rest of us. Yet, in some way, the standard validation of how we should be living.

Some people work to have a purpose, while some people's purpose is fulfilled by the work that they do. Some also work for money, while others are privileged with working for fun. As I'm taking a step back from the reality of life these past few weeks - I'm starting to realize that maybe I just need to redefine the word 'work' completely.

In that sense, I'm trying to put myself more in other people's shoes and channeling the typical salarymen look in Japan which I obviously took way too literally with my boyfriend's suit jacket. I did consider using an oversized slashed boyfriend blazer as it's something that's been trending for the past 6 months or so - but most of them seemed quite overpriced for something that you can easily grab from your grandpa, your dad, brother, and/or boyfriend's closet.

Suit Jacket: Boyfriend's
Belt: Madewell
Shirt: Uniqlo
Denim: GRLFRND
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood
Bag: Staud Clothing

Photo by Van Le

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