boy/girl- still addicted

Perhaps due to the imminent event in my life, I am still hung up on the sex-specific dressing code. I was brought up with complete disrespect for it thanks to my parents' polar opposite preferences. Now a grownup I often find myself doing the yin/yang - a flowy blouse with a structured blazer cut long, tailcoat with heels, etc. My mother used to warn me against the balancing act as I might be mistaken for playing for the other team, or a different game all together. But men's clothes are tailored better, cut more precisely, and in general better quality. Adding one thing distinctly womanly usually more than does the trick to reassure any passerby of my gender. 

Recently I am noticing general enthusiasm from younger and main stream for this game. Here are some mighty contenders.

boy… girl...

Tomboys are no news. Street style shots constantly feature la garconne, who despite the short hair and sneakers still manage to exude feminine charm. I confess the first reason I fell in love with Rei Kawakubo is the name of her brand - comme des garçon! Quelle chic! JCrew is not know for their fashion forward style, but Jenna Lyons is the perfect embodiment of la garconne. Under her style guidance, JCrew is getting the boy girl look down pat. Here are what I would like to rock come summer.

fat stacks

Despite my recent liking of stacking delicate jewelry, I am not much of bangle, bracelet, cuff layering gal. But all these candies from MBMJ are making me want to give it a go. So before doing damage on my wallet, here's a visual, of course in keeping with my black and white preference.

pattern play

So quintessentially French, the understated pattern variations, the all black, and the cool shades!

when it's done right

Logo flaunting was a thing of the 90s, when conspicuous consumption was met with less judgment. Thankfully time has worn away that tiresome visual pollution. Recently, however, it's on a mission for a comeback, cue Kenzo sweatshirts. The emergent trend is a little more subtle, however, and often without a specific logo. They nonetheless showoff an insider status - think yummy spongy Balenciaga Starwars sweatshirts editors and eager bloggers wore during fashion week and all the knockoffs from high street shops.

The most abused logo has got to be LV, Burberry used to be a worthy contender. I constantly associate it with tacky fakes and Chinatown shops, such misfortune and irony, since the logo was specifically designed to prevent counterfeits. Occasionally one spots an oldie but a goodie, and breaths a sigh of relief - it is still classy. Sofia Coppola has been featured on multiple campaigns and I must say her not so generic features do bring a certain sophistication back to the label.

When it's done right…

obsession of late

I am obsessed with teeny tiny jewelry lately. Somehow a honking piece of statement jewelry is just not packing the punch I want, so layering has become an almost daily activity. Accessorizing with tiny jewelry is probably the only time I could accept the "more is more" philosophy.

I am enamored with this look - the variations in texture, shape, and lustre offer a subtle yet intense visual presentation. I can stare at the décolletage forever.

bun in the oven

I am obsessed with this kickass maternity style! Comfort - check, style - check, ease - check!!! Staying true to one's style through pregnancy is much easier than the heyday, when pastel cupcake shapes dominate the closet of anyone baking a bun in the oven. I worried about being doomed to the same saccharine mode of dressing at first but with so many stylish inspirations I am embracing my style and new status whole heartedly.