TRIO

(Forever 21 top, skirt from boutique (similar one from Net-A-Porter), belt from boutique (similar one here), backpack from boutique (similar ones here & here), sandals from boutique (similar one from Forward, Nordstorm & ASOS )

The problem with maxi skirts are that they are so fun to play around with but need a lot of care at the same time. Nobody likes the bottom of their skirt dragging on the floor and laid on the carpet when they are having a two hour long lunch break. With me, I end up bundling my skirt up and holding it up in a knot between my ankles when I sit. Not so glamourous anymore.

But don't let that flaw blind the wind blowing, airy skirt that just makes you feel like a million bucks when you float past. Here, I paired my floating cloud with a pop of green on top and went a little preppy with a backpack. 

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NEBULOUS LOOP

(Forever 21 top (similar one from Revolve Clothing), Uniqlo jeans, knockoff YSL ring)

My hair is something I don't fuss much about because luckily, it is quite easy to handle. I was born with the straightest, pitch black hair that grew all the way down to my mid back. My brother would joke and say that my hair should be used in shampoo, hair flipping commercials. It was a joke that I took as a compliment. Just like any other girl, when we have one thing, we always want the contrary. Meaning, I always wanted curly hair. It wasn't easy for me though since my hair was pin straight, hot rollers and curling irons don't work on my head of hair. I would sit patiently and mind every move I make when my mom help me set the hot rollers in so I don't mess up the temporary wish of having black locks. After an hour of waiting, I let my hair down from the heat and, *drum roll* - hello straight hair! 

After that time, my mom took me to the hair salon and I got my first 6 hour sit in front of a big lit up mirror with people dressed in hip black clothes walking around pushing their handy equipment charts around which stored their own mini suitcase of scissors. From then on, I was attached to my curly hair. 

I check into the hair salon every half a year. I would get a cut with layers and then ask for a set perm for my whole head. My hair through the first week after the perm will be extra curled but that will be the confirmation that your money spent didn't go to waste because the curls will last for at least 6 months. 

This is the 6 month mark for me and I am feeling ready for a fresh length and perm! 

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BAKING BATCHES

(Forever 21 top (similar one from Urban Outfitters), Como jacket (similar one from JCrew), Uniqlo pants, flats from Japan (similar ones here), Celine bag)

 Things have been slowly easing their way out as my 2013 exams are officially over and all that is left is 3 weeks of being a junior left. Don't get me wrong, high school is great but there is only so much the mind can obtain in a school year. My mind is ready to take it's two months off cruising in the middle of nowhere, only caring about the sun, sand, sea water and - food. 

*Squeak* *Little excitement shivers*

To celebrate and in encouragement of the much anticipated sunny weather to stay long enough for me to get a tan (for once, please), I am leaving it all to the power of bright pants. I found this perfectly burnt orange pair from Uniqlo and paired it with the only stripped top I seem to have. Whilst I already thought this look is pretty set on it's color palette, I decided to go for leopard loafers and, why not my go-with-anything denim jacket too. Summer seems to be kicking me some fearless dress codes! 

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AUTOTOLL

(Maple shirt (similar one from Topshop), Ripcurl jacket (similar one from Scotch & Soda), Uniqlo jeans, necklace from boutique (similar one from Dannijo), Zara shoes (similar one from Rosienne))

When life gives you limited bus rounds and consistent awkward halt waving while watching full buses zoom past you, you got to work with the environment and take photos in the car park. There are some interesting architectural lines, warning bans and hanging stripped coverup going on in the background. It's cool. 

Sadly, I don't have a lot of pretty settings to shoot at most of the time but maybe this can give a change to the norm. 

On the topic of this unexpected but grey background, similarly to what I am wearing, it is quite achromatic. 

Wondering why I got to the fact (more like obvious observation) short and simple? Grab a snack, further explanation and thinking here.

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WELCOME

(Lee flannel (similar one from Gramicci Cuzco), Cotton On skirt (similar one from TopShop), mom's trench coat (similar ones from Burberry))

If you scroll back to when Style & Shades first begun, you can see an assortment of colors in every look. Whilst watching this blog grow and, well, as I grow, I see the pattern of neutrals starting to shine. The little me thought that neutrals were boring, typical and.. what's so special about an 'all black outfit'?! Though I noted how staples such as white Ts and basic black jeans made it's way to the hierarchy of closet must-haves, I was rarely ever seen wearing an all staple outfit. These elementary components were simply staples, something nice to have, and is usually worn as a support piece. 

Now, I am not sure if it's due to the maturity in my style or plainly the lack of time I have to spare staring at my closet, easy pieces are my go-to. 

From firstly not knowing how to style my mom's oversized trench coat, I must say, it works perfectly during in-between weathers. I am especially attracted to wearing longer outerwear with short bottoms, therefore explains this denim skirt that I literally have worn with everything. Spicing up with some tartan print peeping out and a perfect brown satchel to dump my life in, you might now notice how much brown is going on here. 

But hey, they go well together. That's the beauty of staple pieces right?

Botkier Satchels Pour La Victoire Convertible Satchels DVF Harper Bags 

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NAMING NAMES

(shirt from boutique (similar ones from Shopbop here & here), Maple shorts (similar ones from Forever 21), sandals from boutique (similar one from Alexander McQueen & Sergio Rossi))

The art of mixing prints is always new and unexpected. There is no systematic way of mixing as it ranges from the very minimal to the most untamed sequences. It is always fun to throw pieces together and see what you come out with. Somewhat like making a smoothie. 

Challenge: 

Walk into your kitchen with your mind blank. Take 3-4 types of fruits out and chuck them into your mixer. It might come out with a non-appetizing color (how bad can it be, the worst color will just be green) but oh my, will it taste good. 

So here goes me, flipping through and noticing that I once again have neglected this beautifully Mona Lisa painted button down shirt. How could I have not worn one of my button down shirts. Yes, quite surprising but this is true. Then, I stalled after opening my bottoms drawer... who knew stripped shorts would have gone and have might even elevate the design on top? 

Now we know!

The lesson taken from here is that I should do more blindfolded cooking from now on, maybe my fellow bloggies should too? Just a suggestion. 

Free People Denim Shorts Alice + Olivia Cuff Shorts Current/Elliott Boyfriend Shorts 

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