pinktrebleclef on Xanga

my fashion(able) rants.

Thursday, 07 February 2013

Back to Blogspot

Hey Xanga,

I have decided to move back to Blogspot for good. http://glamorously-grey.blogspot.co.uk/

I will still keep this account for commenting on other blogs though.

Thanks for all the support.

Wednesday, 06 February 2013

Overdue Style Diary Snaps

I can't stress this enough: I am so bored with my clothes. It's becoming harder to come up with outfits that look different or innovative, given my limited closet (yes, my closet is very limited contrast to what people think). Also, Glasgow has had a few days of rain and wind, so I was nowhere near motivated to look cute and put-together because I was likely to get drenched anyway.

Nevertheless, I did take pictures of my not-so-great outfits, so here they are. (Also, all I seem to be doing this past week is going to class, what a life.)

Going to class #1:

(Trusty but boring) Enza Costa Ribbed Henley
AllSaints Xanthi Top
Citizens of Humanity Avedon Slick Skinny Jeans in Grey
Brandless ankle boots from TK Maxx

I have to admit it that this AllSaints top is one of my favorites. I love the high-lo hemline of this 100%-silk top. I am not usually a fan of ruffles because they are not always flattering on a garment; in this case though, I think they are as flattering as they can be.

Going to class #2

H&M Cropped Sweater
AllSaints Basso Tank
H&M Grey Ribbed Long-sleeve Henley (worn as tunic)
(My new) Marks and Spencer Leggings
Chinese Laundry Black Knee-high Suede boots (not shown here)

Another outfit playing with different layers and texture - cropped knit + flowy jersey with high-low hem + tight ribbed tunic.

Going to class #3

Free People top worn as tunic
Theyskens' Theory
Marks & Spencer leggings
AllSaints Rixey leather tote
Chinese Laundry Black Knee-high Suede boots (not shown here)

Today, I am wearing the most pricey piece in my entire closet, which was actually a present from my mom: Theyskens' Theory beaded vest. I never took a picture of the back but it's actually backless.

This is a picture of its black version that I found online. As you can see, the back is bare so you can wear a dress or a top with a dramatic back to show it off. I love all the intricate beading details in this vest and the cutting is very flattering as well. It adds a pop to a boring outfit (like mine). Oh, a side note, it was worn by Blake Lively on the set of Gossip Girl! (LOVE HER!)

Thursday, 31 January 2013

Confession of a Stingy Shopper
I am one of those people who is constantly online window shopping, so much that people will probably think I'm a shopaholic. Especially during sales season, all the available sizes and colors are listed online - I never have to dig through piles of clothes or fight the crowds. Whenever I am taking a break from studying, I love browsing ebay or online retailer like ASOS, to see if I can snatch up any bargains. That being said, I probably only shop once or twice a month and for maybe one item per transaction. No, I don't have great self-control; yes, I do often find clothes that I love, but I'm VERY stingy.

I go out of my way to look for bargain. If I see a dress that I love from AllSaints, I will go try it on in the shop and then look for it on ebay. If it is from the latest season, I will literally wait until it shows up on ebay. Even then, I am never of those people who "bid at first sight" - I bid at the very last second, so that I will make sure I get a good deal. If I see something that I like from an average high street shop e.g. H&M, Aldo, Topshop, etc., I almost NEVER get it when it's full-priced. Let's put it this way, high street items always go on sale one way or another, and since each item's quantity is hardly limited (unless we are talking about a designer X H&M creations), they are never sold-out. Forking out £20 for an okay top made with below-average material is not wise, when it is likely to go on sale two months later for £10.

If it is a designer or a mid-range label item (e.g. Free People, LNA, etc), then I will hunt all over the internet for the lowest price, even if it means shopping on a U.S. website and paying extra for shipping - sometimes it's STILL cheaper than buying the item in the U.K. or on U.K. websites.

However, there are exceptions to what I will wait for to go on sale:
- AllSaints items that I happen to love at first sight: AllSaints only holds semi-annual sales and it rarely does special discount like 10% or 20% off.
- Basic items such as leggings, tights, ribbed tanks, socks, etc: When you need them, you need them right at this second.
- Items that are discounted already (whether it's a special offer or a student discount): This is the best chance to snatch them up before your size or preferred color get sold out, EVEN IF they may be further reduced.
- Classic Designer items: e.g. A Chanel Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag will only go up (never down) in price. They are investment pieces (if you can afford them, that is)!
All things considered, I guess I am too guarded with my money to be an actual shopaholic - I suppose that's a good thing.

Monday, 28 January 2013

my very lazy and sloppy outfit

The weather is horrible today in Glasgow: rainy and windy. It's one of those days when I cannot be bothered to make an effort in my appearance. Also, before my class today, I had to drag ten parcels to the post office to send out (success from my ebay clear-out), and it's hardly a fashionable thing to do.

Lord have mercy on me:

Enza Costa long sleeve ribbed henley
Lebron James all-black jersey
Citizens of Humanity Avedon Slick Skinny jeans
Victoria's Secret Cape
AllSaints Rixey tote

Honestly, this is no better than me throwing on sweats and going to class.

That being said, I learned something very basic yet true today - a great coat covers all unfashionable clothes. See, it doesn't matter what top you are wearing, the coat is going to hide everything anyways. And I am so glad that I invested in this Victoria's Secret cape a year ago, it's so warm and flattering (unlike most capes) and it really makes a boring outfit okay all of a sudden.

Of course, my trusty AllSaints tote is my official school bag:

I think it helps lift my overall appearance a bit. I hope.

PS I've still got a few items on ebay up for auction, if anybody is interested! Click here.

Thursday, 24 January 2013

I wear my summer clothes in the winter.

I'm going to show you how in the examples below.

Look 1:

AllSaints Branded Wing T-shirt
H&M Ribbed Henley
AllSaints Raffi Skirted Leggings
Brandless knited snood

This is one of my favorite tops from AllSaints ever. I love the batwing sleeves and although my picture doesn't show it - the graphic has some sort of foil shine to it. In the winter (now), I layer a ribbed thermal underneath it, so that the long sleeves peek out from the t-shirt. I also wear my trusty skirted leggings to give an extra layer. To finish the outfit off, I wear long black boots with it.

Oh, and also my favorite faux-fur cape and AllSaints Rixey tote.

Look 2:

AllSaints Basso Tank
AllSaints Oxblood V-Slip
AllSaints Laurentia Cardigan
Anthropolgies Tights

My boyfriend bought me this swing-y and very summer-y tank top for my birthday, but I see no reason why I should only wear it in the summer. My first layer is a slip, then I wear the swingy tank top on top of it, finishing off the look with a thick cardigan and tights.

Call me weird, but I love the combination of the twisted braid details, swingy black top and form-fitted oxblood slip together.

See, you CAN wear your summer tops in the winter. The key is simply smart layering. I personally think it is worth it to invest in good-quality slips and long-sleeve thermals, so that you can create new outfits with your summer clothes in the winter. It also adds towards a sustainable wardrobe that is never out of style.