Mixing Patterns and Getting Ready In A Flash

Last weekend the boyfriend and I were lounging in the pool when we decided to jump up and go check out a new cafe. The caveat was that I had to get ready quickly. Ugggggggh, I'm not always the best at that especially with wet hair and no outfit planned. But I lived up to my promise with this fun but simple outfit! I hid my pool hair with a lime green bow and only needed minimal make-up with my orange-red lipstick. I grabbed these two cotton pieces to match my scarf & vintage vibe. I absolutely love how they are two different prints but they compliment each other so well. I think it goes so well nicely together because the top is only blue & white and the skirt is only green & white. See how that works? Two colors and there's a common color shared between the two items. Easy-peasy! 

It was a good thing we ended up leaving the pool too because we almost got caught in a sudden downpour after we left. 

What's your quick tips for getting ready in a snap?

Not a weird texture on the bag - just rain! :)

Skirt: Thrifted | Shirt: Cotton On (old) | Purse: Coach | Sandals: Rack Room
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How to Wear a Boyfriend Shirt

The other day I just couldn't handle my closet. I was just so bored, bored, bored with it. Lord knows why; it's not like I'm not lacking in clothing. But the idea dawned on me to take a gander into someone else's closet. What's the perk of living with someone if you can't peek through their wear-ables every once in a while? 

My eyes alighted on my boyfriend's button-up. I knew it was tight on him so there was a chance it might not swallow me up. And bonus! It had the cool hooks on the sleeves to keep them rolled up. 

When I think of the boyfriend shirt, I automatically go to Song of Style and Sincerely Jules. So I knew I wanted to embody their cool, effortless boyfriend shirt + shorts look. Here's how I think they pull it off and how you can, too! 

1. Wear lots of several pieces of basic but detailed jewelry. Jewelry pulls any look together. Wear simplistic silver jewelry you could get away with saying, "Oh, this ol' thing? Had it forever. Live in it." Jewelry you could have been born in.

2. Sunglasses & a killer bag. First of all, do I even need to explain the worthiness of sunglasses? Everyone - from age 2 to 87 - looks badass in a pair of shades. And a great leather purse keeps the outfit polished unlike a traditional backpack or canvas tote bag. 

3. Casual & comfortable footwear. Not that you couldn't wear heels with any of these outfits but what's the fun of wearing a comfy, baggy boyfriend top and chill jean shorts if you weren't at ease walking around? 

4. Own the shit out of your outfit. In my boyfriend's own words, "You cheated. That's not fair. You just put a belt on everything and then, poof! You have an outfit?" I feel most comfortable accenting my waist. That's what's works for me. So naw, I didn't cheat. I just beat the system. ;-)

There are only a bizillion other ways to style a button-up or your favorite fella's finery. How would you  wear it? 

Sincerely, Jules

Song of Style

Shorts: H&M | Shirt: Plato's Closet | Shoes: Rack Room | Earrings: Lovisa | Bag: Korean Thrift Store | Belt: Goodwill

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Top 10 Past Favorite Looks for Festival Season

Little Shoulders on the Prairie

Now that Coachella's first weekend has wrapped up, I am gobbling up all the festival-themed blog posts. I almost forget that it's actually about the music until someone mentions Kid Cudi or Jenny Lewis and then I think, aw man! Now I'm doubly jealous. 
In lieu of being in the desert, here are some of my favorite festival-worthy outfits. Although if I had my way, I'd wear my cowboy boots with all of them!
While I can't be jamming out in Cali, y'all keep the palm tree & ferris wheel photos a'comin'!

In Them Cutoff Jeans

 New Romantics

Summer Basics

Belly Dancing

Bike Island

MIxing Prints

Deck 4

At the Lake

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Red, White and Tokyo

These shorts were another find in Perth's Salvation Army. They're actually a romper but the top part tucks so neatly in, you would never know! Versatility at it's best. 

I've always had a hate/love relationship with shorts. It's one of those things I think are darling on 10 million other people, but I hate on me. It's hard to find shorts that fit my round rump, thick thighs and smaller waist. And that's even before worrying about length and coverage! 

If I had a choice, I'd pick a dress or skirt over shorts any day of the week. But y'all. I live on the Equator. It's FRIGGIN' HOT. Sometimes I just get so bored wearing the same things. So I'm trying to wear more shorts - cellulite and my neighbor's Asian sensibilities be damned. 

Of course, it helps that I found a pair that are too perfect - hello, polka dots! - and fit me spectacularly. Combine with a crop top and retro accessories and I'm in love. 

How do y'all feel about shorts? Necessity or not?

 Shirt: Cotton On | Shorts/romper: Salvation Army (Forever 21) 

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Festival Ready

In my heart, I have been preparing for festivals. I was all over everyone's blogs for SXSW and every link that mentions Coachella and festival fashion, I gotta click it. Sadly, in reality there will be no music festivals for me here in Singapore. But that doesn't mean I can't dress up for the one that's in my head! 

I went to Australia last week and had a blast! Caught up with a good friend, ate deliciiious food, swam with dolphins, lazed around at extraordinary beaches and of course, saw kangaroos! Photos to come soon. I can't help but admit though, one of the highlights of my trip was going to the Salvation Army (Salvo as they call it; Aussies always have to shorten words!) The shopping was cheap but best of all - all the beautiful things FIT me! I wasn't in tiny-size Asia anymore. Australian style is what I call "beach aware". The citizens of Perth always looked put together, stylish and trendy without trying to hard - but as if I spontaneously yelled out, "We're going to the beach!", they would without question throw off their professional heels and dive in the water. Who doesn't want to be that girl? 

I got this skirt at Salvo and fell in love. As you know, white is the trend du jour that's not going anywhere. It has that granny bohemian feel with the tiered-lace detail and tiny peach flower print. If I was back home, I would rock this with cowboy boots hard, flower crown on my head and a beer in my hand.

My talented friend Sara of Sara in Singapore took these beautiful photos.  Being in Singapore and having Sara as a friend has made me realize how important it is to surround yourself with like-minded people, especially if you are creative. I start feeling myself get grumpy and restless, fed up with my blog and too many ideas just bouncing around in my head. Then I have one conversation with Sara and I feel re-energized and inspired. Make sure you check out her darling and clever calligraphy Instagram also!

What are you/would you wear to upcoming music festivals? 

What's inspiring you lately? 

Skirt: Salvation Army | Tank Top: Cotton On | Sandals: Rack Room Shoes
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