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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
September started on a good note. Felt like everything was picking up its pace and I was really looking forward to fall, and cozier days. Regarding everything that came crashing down after the first week this month, I thought I would have more to write for this post, but I guess I don't. Grieve is a funny feeling, ironically-- and it's one I have yet to master how to deal with. Penning down my thoughts on paper would be much more ideal right now; so maybe I'll transcribe that over at some other point when I'm no longer this low.
Outfit
September 05, 2018
Anyhow, while browsing some online sites and stores for fall pieces, I came across a bunch of overpriced cropped flannels that caught my eyes. Between the high-street version versus the ones that can be found at Asos or Forever21, I figure I just go buy myself an 8$ one from a thrift store in Harajuku and chopping it in half instead.
My aunts and uncles wanted me to snap some photos to share with the rest of the family during my grandpa's burial, but between bawling my eyes out and trying to be useful throughout all of the ceremonial procedures-- I mostly just didn't have the heart to photograph everyone while they mourn. This one was a quick snap of a cage of birds we bought to set free as an act of kindness to send my grandpa off at his grave.
Thought it was one of the lighter moments through that week.
Outfit
September 25, 2018
After spending that solemn week in Vietnam, I came back to Tokyo quite worn out and tired. The weather got chillier, and life goes on. It was weird to be sad, and not really feeling the need to cry even though I wanted to, randomly throughout the days. Shun took me shopping and kept me distracted. It was great that he had a three-day weekend. We ran errands and mentally cheered ourselves up for a quick trip in Taiwan that we planned before knowing what would happen earlier this month.
The kind people at ATP sent over a pair of snakeskin booties to cheer me up. I'm always impressed by the quality of their shoes. Here's another pair I loved last year.
To be quite honest, I wasn't expecting much with this trip to Taiwan. It's probably why I've avoided it for so long everytime Shun brought it up. But since Shun was really eager to visit Jiufen, I convinced myself to just go along with it.
Surprisingly, it was a lot of fun. Taipei was kind of easier to get around than I thought it would be. Having been to HK before, I'm pretty jaded at how cold the people can be in some Chinese cities-- but Taiwan wasn't like that at all. Mostly, I just really enjoyed eating all the food.
If you follow me on Insta, you would probably gotten annoyed at all the food stories I was sharing during that week. We also got to capture a bunch of photos since both Shun and I was behind the camera, so I can't wait to share the photo-diary with you guys!
That's pretty much it for this month, hoping that October will be a bit brighter. A few friends are coming to visit me in Tokyo, so I'm looking forward to another fall with company in this city.
Allow me to pick up where I left off for August. It’s been quite a long September but I wanted to keep myself and my mind busy by doing things that keep me mindlessly occupied, even if that means editing old photos. See, I can’t even compose a straight sentence.
This time of the year is usually a time when I’m the happiest. Fall never fails to lift my spirit as I can finally stop worrying about if my legs are spotlessly shaved for skirts and shorts. This year, in particular, I’m really drawn to rusty shades of browns and oranges. I can’t wait to wear this fall-of-a-floral skirt through the next few weeks of cooler temps or so with cropped knits and even oversized jackets (maybe corduroy or something since it seems to be trending at the moment).
Anyway, this is the first of maybe not many more full outfit posts in a while. Hope this makes you rethink fall florals, or midi skirts of some sort because I spent about 2 hours running back and forth self-timer-ing for these six photos.
