LooksOfFour Suspended In Time. A few years back, when someone mentions ‘suspenders’, most people automatically think of three types of people. One, the gun-totting police officer with a beer belly and a graying ‘stache, whose hands are perpetually poised on his hips. Two, the frail thin boy with big glasses and too-high jeans. And three, a mime. But nowadays, it’s become some sort of – dare I say it? – fashion statement amongst not only the youths, but also more fashion-conscious working adults. Or at least, this is what I notice after daily commuter living as of late. The suspenders have made a comeback, and in more ways than its original form – though that declaration has undoubtedly lost its shock-factor. Lots of odd things have been making a comeback recently. Including waist lines that are almost touching your nose. Yet you can’t help but be sucked in to the suspender suspension. Aw, man, bad play on words, that sounded better in my head. My very succinct initial point is that no matter how aggravating it is to feel ensnared between stretchable fabric across your torso, it does have its appeal when worn right. I shouldn’t say this for everyone, of course. So here I bring you the four possible ways to wear those lovely rubbers, in four completely different social settings. Well, not completely different, it really depends on the subjects’ circle of friends…okay, will not digress. Four looks for the suspies. In any case, concoct your own version of a fab outfit and send us a picture – we’d love to see what you thought of. | My Pseudonym Dilemma | 
WorldlyWardrobes Rome And Spain. TREND #1 GLADIATOR SANDALS AND HEELS Face it, these shoes are no longer property of the Roman warriors. Fashion has yet again taken something which I once considered ridiculous and impractical, and made it into something so desirable. Yes, the gladiators are back with a vengance. From high fashion to street fashion, shops just cannot stop selling them! Take a nice long stroll along Orchard Road and chances are you'll spot someone wearing them gladiator heels. Browse through a boutique at the trendy Far East Plaza and you're greeted with gladiators galore. So much for being different and unique. It seems like the shop owners at Far East Plaza have inked some sort of silent secret agreement that they will stock in gladiator sandals overnight, albeit the prices aren't too pocket friendly (for better luck, try online websites like http://www.gojane.com/ or http://www.urbanog.com/, cheap and chic!) Of course, for all those fashionistas out there, it seems Singapore is always slow on trends and big on copying but hey, better late than never! But bear in mind that gladiator sandals and heels, especially those that cut high above the ankle can be unforgiving towards your lean and mean legs, making them look sometimes stubby. Fret not, find a pair that hits you just below your thinnest part of the leg. But of course, if you have the confidence, work it and you'll still look hotter than that size 0 model, all photoshopped and plastered on the billboard. Now, run along and find your favourite pair. You know you want to.
YOUR SAY One thing that I don't understand is how people are so quick to condemn trends when it becomes too popular. Does the resurgence of gladiator sandals and heels make them any less beautiful? You tell me! TREND #2 RUFFLES Lanvin first caught my eye with their dazzling array of wonderful ruffled dresses and tops. Then later, everyone's favourite high street label Topshop started having their very own marvellous ruffled tops, skirts and dresses. As it seems, the street fashion boutiques started sourcing for similar knockoffs. Isn't it laughable that the run-off-the-mill clothing stores are knocking off high street labels who are knocking off high fashion labels? Nonetheless, those ruffles are yummilicious! Oh, and they come in a variety of awesome colours. Oooooh... Tea party, anyone? TREND #3 FRINGE! And no, it's not the one that rests atop of your forehead.
It's been around for quite some time. You either love it, or hate it. For me, it was a "HATE IT! pukes/chokes/vomit" at first sight. I thought it was an extension of cowboy fashion, or worse still farm-girl chic coupled with checkered plaid shirts, denim cut-off sorts and damn, those daisy dukes! Trashy much? But alas! Something changed when I envisioned Kate Moss and the Olsen twins (yeaps, call me un-innovative but I actually think that these 3 women are the epitome of coolness because they embody the "I don't give a fuck about what you think I wear" attitude) donning those fringes. I think they might have already done this a few years ago because my hazy memory seems to have kept a picture of them, but anyway...it suddenly dawned on me, "Hey! This was boho-chic at it's peak of coolness!" Sad to say, I am now in desperate search of the perfect fringe bag. Aren't they super cute?! So, what do you think of fringes? Love it or Hate it? | Pretty. Odd. |
| TheDressRack Much Ado About Sheers. The stockings have taken over. Oh, dearie me. Just when you thought you were rid of racoon hairdos and Kikki Kannibal, you dutifully question yourself: Were We Ever? After all, if you walk around the streets of… - well, anywhere - you’ll be hard put to find yourself not catching someone passing off leggings as a substitute for proper pants. Or finding yourself staring at a painfully stuffed crotch. And then some. So we’ve come to the rescue with our simple suggestions on how to not be a walking fashion disaster – tip #1: leggings are not the new pants. You still need those things. In the words of a passing Goblet of Fire character, “I like a little breeze round my privates, thanks.”
These are mere ideas on what to wear our stretchy sheer friends with. Don’t take this as a biblical announcement to what you should be dressing like. And please, don’t say, “O-EM-GEE, I’m so punk because I dress like how the manual says I should.” After all, we totally support being original – so inject your own personality in the outfits! Or, heck, change it up completely: we’d love to see what you come up with. (: We paid Kill Jill to help model our urban outfits, after much wheedling (ahh, no, she jumped at the chance).
For a more casual, alternative look, throw on a chequered top with a plain pair of dark-washed shorts. And then, just for the sake of contrast, slip on bright-coloured stockings and a pair of high-cut sneakers to complete the look. Messenger bags look good with this. HOW TO GET LOOK #2: The Office Worker
You don’t have to be an old and greying lady to wear stockings to the office: with the typical cuffed top and a formal skirt, give the monotonous look a something-else with dark sheer stockings. And then, of course, for those who can handle it, a pair of shiny pumps to cap it off. Professional, yet not so deadened. (Because we all know those two are synonyms, har-har).
HOW TO GET LOOK #3: The Party Girl
If you’re heading off to a party, slip into a simple yet not so boring dress – and then add a little funk to it with coloured stretchies. You can wear this with strappy little heels, chunky boots or knee length ones – if you can pull of the height factor. Knee-length boots with a long-hemmed dress tend to make short people look shorter, so be careful with this.
HOW TO GET LOOK #4: The Funky Student
Young people can get away with too much clashing colors because, hell, we make it look like a trend. Hoodies go well with patterned stockings and a flared skirt. Put on simple pumps or bright Converses if you feel like you can pull it off.
So, there you go, TSC's very own take on how to wear the essential staple in every girl's wardrobe. Talk about a revival. Whoever said that stockings, leggings and tights are "so passe" should be proven wrong. So come on, get them out and start wearing them! (No pressure).
| Pretty. Odd. & |
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