Deceptively Sweet

All clinical and cuffed.

Youngin'

Shirt: Illest (via Trilogy Boutique) / Jeans: Zara / Cardigan: F21 / Bag: Balenciaga (available HERE)/ Shoes: Stella McCartney / 'Kookie' Necklace: oNecklace

Back in grade school, I went through a bit of a "tomboy" phase. I lived in a formulaic mix of baggy shorts, t-shirts, a cap and velcro-strap rubber shoes complemented with a juvenile fringe and ponytail hair (oh, the horror!). At that time, I really didn't give a rat's ass about how I looked. I was quite the insouciant dork who preferred academics and playing "Tag" with friends under the sun (and moon). Obviously, fashion took a backseat (or was even nonexistent). How I evolved into this fashion-obsessed of a stylephile that I am now, even I could not explain...but I'm tremendously thankful for the divine fashion intervention. Lol. Lately, that tomboy side of me has been on relapse though. You've seen me sporting these simple t-shirts (such as the Illest shirt I'm wearing in this post) and other casual menswear-inspired streetwear looks (HERE and HERE) in the past few look posts...but I ain't complaining. I do like channeling my inner 'boy' from time to time.

I guess you really can't shy away from who you really are or what you were accustomed to.

Stole 'Em From The Boyfriend

Jeans & Heels: Zara / Blazer: Thrifted / Bag: Alexander Wang / Bracelet & Ring: Arm Party Manila / Earrings: Accessorize / Watch: Casio

From time to time, I like to dress like a man (but in a womanly way, of course). And to dial up the androgyny in a menswear-inspired look, I refer to oversized pieces of clothing (a.k.a. "boyfriend" anything). I've mentioned in a couple of posts ago that I'm rekindling my love for blazers -- in the large, boyfriend's type versions. And for me, the best place to find this type of garment without blowing up the wallet is the thrift store. I've unearthed a lot of unique diamonds-in-the-rough in my past visits to thrift stores... which reminds me, I haven't been to an ukay-ukay in a long time so I think I need to hit one up soon.

What cherished pieces have you dug up from thrift stores?

Busy Bee

Top: H&M / Pants: Zara / Shoes: Alexander Wang / Eyewear: Karen Walker / Earrings: ASOS / Clutch: SM Accessories

It's always a great feeling to find something you thought you've lost, ain't I right? That's why I was so glad when this perforated top decided to resurrect itself before it almost suffocated from the chaos that is my closet. There's nothing really mind-blowing about this look (it's just really a top + jeans combo) save for the golden bee perched on my ears. Insect baubles are always welcome in my imaginary armoire.

Cool Blues & Greens

Jacket, Jeans, Shoes: Zara / Top: Daley Tee / Bag: F21 / Watch: Parfois / Earrings: Diva / Silver Cuff: Ruckus

This lovely tweed jacket was one of my great finds from the latest Zara end-of-season sale. There's something about the color and the print which is very reminiscent of Proenza Schouler's scuba suit-inspired SS '09 collection (I'm a sucker for green-blue-yellow color combos). The jacket has a simple leather detail beside the zipper which takes away the "granny factor" usually associated with tweed jackets. The pair of leopard-print sandals was also one of my Zara sale purchases (I went crazy during the sale, I'm telling you!). Even with the studded heels, the sandals look indubitably feminine so I had to offset it with masculine-looking jeans and a plain snapback.

Hope y'all having a great week so far! Can't wait for the weekend to arrive! I'm so ready for my well-deserved beach break! Woot!

Not Your Average Joe

 Sweater: Gold Dot / Jeans: Zara / Bag: Alexander Wang / Heels: Mango / Cap: Romwe / Earrings: F21

You've got to love this Joe sweater from Gold Dot. It's clean and simple but very interesting -- credit goes to its cut-out shoulder design. I initially pictured wearing this sweater with tall laced-up boots and a frayed, low-waist, white denim shorts...but I realized that I don't have the latter so I settled for a pair of boyfriends jeans instead. I'm pretty obsessed with boyfriend jeans right now. I've been searching for the perfect pair for months until I finally stumbled upon this worn-out looking pair from Zara (one of the items I purchased from the latest sale). They just look so damn ruggedly sexy when paired with high heeled sandals or pumps.

P.S. Say 'hello' to the new addition to my A. Wang bag family - the Iodine Rocco!

P.P.S. I now have an Instagram account! Woot! Follow me at http://instagram.com/kookiebuhain!