OTLO for the perfect plaid shirt

I've been on the lookout for a nice plaid shirt for awhile, but it's hard to find one that doesn't make me look like a man, a lumberjack, a preppy boater, a cowgirl, or grungy.  Which is difficult, since those are all genres from which plaid takes its inspiration from.  I wouldn't mind looking a bit Scottish though.

It also turns out that it's rather difficult finding a feminine-appealing plaid shirt in the men's section of the thrift store... so I haven't had any success thus far.

This season I've found two that come pretty close (from LOFT and YesStyle), but I don't have a chance to see their true colors in person and am not sure if I should take the risk and buy them online.

LOFT Plaid Henley Blouse

This top is a lovely plum color and the Peter Pan-like collar and henley buttons tone down the masculinity.

Dalkong Cross-Patterned Check Wrapped Blouse

This top incorporates the wrap/drape style that I've been interested in trying for quite some time now.  The plaid itself is more of a window-pane pattern, which isn't as harsh on the eyes either.

Read More

OTLO - Long vests

Here in Seattle we didn't really get much of a Polar Freeze.  It's much warmer and drier than usual for January, to be sure.  Because of this in-between weather, I'm beginning to see the beauty of long vests, which are a mix between a comfy sweater and a sleek coat, and offer enough warmth without much bulk.  These long ones are particularly flattering.  They streamline any knitwear underneath and elongate the body, plus they seem really comfy.  I'm particularly in love with the fuzzy variety, but I've yet to try one in case I look like a big sheep.  

Will this be feeding my outerwear obsession?

OTLO - Long vests 

Fashion Diva long vest
yesstyle.com

Sherpa vest
nastygal.com

3 1 Phillip Lim tartan waistcoat
shopbop.com

McGinn vest
nordstrom.com

Wool vest
$81 - welikefashion.com

Modström black vest
$120 - welikefashion.com

H M waistcoat vest
$13 - hm.com

Waistcoat vest
amazon.co.uk

Read More

Falling for Victoria's Secret Fall 2013 Lineup

My mom has been ordering clothing from the Victoria's Secret catalogue for as long as I can remember, and I myself can attest to their customer service, trusty shipping, and quality fit and fabrics.  

This Fall, they seem to be stepping up their game even further.  I want almost everything from the new collection.  There are a lot of leather pieces and luxe materials, and tomboy elements with a feminine silhouette.  It's making me look forward to the change of season!  I love sweaters and the layering options that cool weather allows.

 

I love how this leather detail is still rendered soft and drapey.

 

Subtle hardware and a sturdy heel.  Perfect with skinny pants.  And that eggplant/oxblood color is gorgeous.

 

I've been looking for t-strap flats for awhile now.

 

Perhaps I'll start embracing black more.  When it's a mix of textures, it becomes less austere and more visually interesting.

Shop the latest here!

Read More

OTLO (in my dreams) - Frēda Salvador Shoes

Lately, my mind has been wandering out-of-season towards ankle boots.  Being in Seattle, a pair of leather ankle boots would be perfect for our light rain and yet not too heavy for our mild temperatures.  I had hoped to find some awesome French ones in Montreal, but of course the boutiques wouldn't be selling any in the middle of June.  Then today, I discovered the leather shoe brand Frēda Salvador through Refinery29's feature of co-founder Cristina Palomo Nelson in San Francisco's 30 under 30 up and comers.

Frēda Salvador has everything from sandals to boots in very interesting takes on leather.  The textures vary from matte to polished, and even crocodile and snake.  I really like that the shoes retain a feminine shape and lightness in their edginess (without being literally "hardcore.")  They would be a great contrast to my generally softer-styled clothes.

"Magic" loafer in black and mauve

They are also coming out with a new Oxford shoe in August.  Love the slightly metallic toes, the nail outlining, and the sneaker-like laces.

Of course, there's a small catch for quality material and design - the price. 

These ankle boots - originally $525 - are on sale... for $315.  T___T  One day, one day.

"Dream" ankle boot in black and green

Read More

OTLO - The Classics

As the time is coming where I'll be needing more professional clothes, I realized that I'm missing a lot of the basics.  Some investment pieces I want to look into:


1.  A leather watch.  I've been eyeing this Georgia Three Hand one from Fossil.

2.  A white silk blouse - one that's loose but still hangs well.  It's hard to find them without breast pockets.  I think the Everlane silk blouse with a rounded collar.

3.  Black cigarette pants, preferably a little cropped.

Image credit

4.  A perfectly tailored sheath dress, such as the cap-sleeve tonal tweed dress from JCrew

5.  Wayfarers by Rayban

Read More

OTLO - Miscellaneous

At the moment, there are so many different, random pieces on my radar that I need to keep track of them here.

 1.  A jersey slit skirt, preferably on the longer side.

 

credit: Harper & Harley

2.  Cigarette slippers.  Some people say that they look like grandma shoes, but they can look cute and modern in new colors and patterns.

3.  These Duro Olowu for JCPenney patterned t-strap wedges (or t-strap anything, really)

4.  Leggings with a built in skirt...  Comes in handy for lazy but streamlined days, and when I don't want to wear a tunic.

 

GLAM12 Inset Skirt Leggings at YesStyle

5.  Knee high socks.  Think past grunge or elementary school - these can be layered over tights, peek over boots, or be worn with shorter dresses for interesting proportions and a pop of color or texture.

Read More

OTLO - Peplums

credit: M Loves M

Peplums are a really cute trend, but I don't feel like I've been able to pull off the ones I've tried on so far.  They make me look really hip-y... but these ones might work because they're less pronounced:

A|Wear Peplum Top

This top would be great for a nice dinner, but could work for regular days if paired with a denim jacket.

 

 ASOS Peplum Shirt with Color Blocking

I really like the whimsy of this top.  I would feel like Pierrot in it.  Must wear dark skinny pants with it to balance it out.

Warehouse Lace Front Peplum Top

This doesn't have the problem of hitting and making a wrong waistline, because it's supposed to be loose.

Aimée by People Tree Organic Jersey Peplum Dress

Picture credit: ASOS

EDIT:

 My orders from ASOS arrived the other day :)  Surprisingly, they're flattering!  Will post full outfit pictures in the future.  (The one on the right is the ASOS Peplum Shirt with Color Blocking).

Read More

OTLO - Summer Swing

(OTLO = on the look-out, a new category I will post about now and then)

I definitely have to dress according to my mood and schedule, and that can sometimes fluctuate.  Sometimes, I have sweet/skipping-through-the-fields sort of mornings...

The Peter Pan collar (this one below is a bit of a modified version):

 Though, I'm not sure if I could pull it off in real life?  I might look like a child or a nun.

Image credit: brand Lulus at YesStyle.com

Image credit here

The romper:  Though I have yet to find a flattering one!

Image credit: brand CLICK at YesStyle.com

Other days, dressing calls for an edgy/take-on-the-city feeling.  Sometimes I forget that I'm turning 21 soon.  Embracing the 20's my way looks kind of like this:

Cut-out shoulder detailing:

Now technically speaking, this shirt covers up a lot.  But there's something about deliberately showing a shoulder that's very... mature, I guess.  It requires confidence.

Image credit: brand Redopin at YesStyle.com

 A tough vest:

I always like mixing masculine with feminine.  Vests add a little coverage without too much extra warmth, and if you're lucky they will even come with pockets.

Image credit: brand Jcstyle at YesStyle.com

I will be on the look-out this summer!  :)

Read More