For someone as clumsy as me, I don't know why I'm even allowed to wear white - yet somehow, I gravitate towards white pieces no matter the time of year, occasion, or clothing article. What can I say? A girl just gotta have her whites.

Living in New York for so many years, there was a point where I avoided wearing whites on weekdays because I was afraid the messes I collected on my clothes would be too visible in public meetings, office spaces, and pretty much any other forms of social exchange. And plus, there was this other unwritten rule of not being able to wear white after Labor day that I loathed so badly.

Being able to wear white was the pinnacle point of pretty much all of my weekends. A white midi skirt, cropped top, trouser, pointed flats or even a bag- anything that could easily break the mundane spirit of dressing that typical city-chic-uniform that always called for something black.

I'll be the first to admit, although I have always had a thing for whites, never in my dreams could I imagine having a white bag- mostly for its' sake rather than mine. I was always super close to getting one because I feel like it would go with absolutely all of my clothes, and especially breakup the boring dark looks when I can't wear a white blouse or trouser. And now that I have finally found one, I regret not getting it any sooner.

Bag: Meli Melo 'Santina' in White

I received this Meli Melo 'Santina' bucket bag on a Thursday last week and immediately wished that the weekend would come already. I don't know about you but I'm one of those people that can't wait a second before wearing something new (I really can't understand those who has to wait for the right occasion to wear certain things)- so while it was still a weekday, I took this bag out for a spin in my most casual outfit. Judging from the look on my face while going through all of the pictures, I was stoked to finally have a white bag of my own.

Excitements aside, having a white bag was everything that I imagined and more. The bucket bag shape really helps to make the bag modern, yet still sleek and classic- perfect for dressing up, or down. I love that even while I'm wearing a majority of whites in this look, the bag is still able to stand out, making me look forward to pairing it with some upcoming neutral fall looks.

Sweater: COS (similar here)
Pants: Uniqlo
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Meli Melo 'Santina' in White (c/o)

Photo by Shun S.
This post was sponsored by Meli Melo, all opinions are my own.

VIEW POST

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Van (@forevervanny) on Jun 24, 2017 at 4:57pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Van (@forevervanny) on Mar 31, 2018 at 5:03am PDT

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.

VIEW POST

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.

VIEW POST

Taipei, Taiwan

We booked tickets for Taiwan a month before we actually headed there. Prices were low, and it was a rare weekend where Shun was able to take an extra day off to add on to the weekend. The trip was 3 days and 2 nights and we both had little to no expectation of what was to come (except for all the food we would be eating, this part we were fully aware).

Splitting the trip up by doing the first 2 nights in Taipei and the last night in Jiufen - we pretty much reserved all our time to eating instead of sight seeing. I think we took a cab passed the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and found ourselves in an alley with a view of the Taipei 101 -- but that was mostly it. The rest of our time was spent obnoxiously eating as you can still catch on my Instagram stories under the highlight 'Taipei/Jiufen'. I pretty much only really remember devouring everything at Shilin Night Market the first night and Raohe Night Market on the second night.

Wearing: MINKPINK top from Shopbop, GRLFRND Denim jeans, and Proenza Schouler PS11 bag

Wearing: Free People Rib Knit tank, old leather shorts (similar here), Common Projects sneakers and Proenza Schouler PS11 bag.

Wearing: Free People Rib Knit tank, Acne Studios sweater, cotton black joggers (similar here), Common Projects sneakers and Proenza Schouler PS11 bag.

Due to us both not knowing a word of Chinese and playing everything by ears in terms of places to eat/drink, we weren't able to jot down most of the things we love to share on this trip. However, Taipei was so fun that I think we're on high alert for deals back soon. Maybe we'll be able to get to know the place better and share some recommendations next time!

These photos are a compilation of Shun and my own photos since we had our own cam for this trip. It was nice to not have all the photos featuring me for once.

—
Camera Gear Used: Nikon D600 (body only) with 50mm F1/4 and 24-70mm F3.5 lens.

VIEW POST