Mercibeaucoup Fall/Winter 2009

Mercibeaucoup is a Japanese brand by designer Eri Utsugi. It is under the same parent company as the more well known Tsumori Chisato, which I love as well. Style-wise, Mercibeaucoup is boyish and a little grungey, reminiscent of early Marc Jacobs.

While copying full ensembles from Mercibeaucoup's fashion shows is too much for most people, I think we can learn a lot from their styling. I love the way they mix and match prints and colours, and throw in interesting accessories.

The first outfit features masterful styling. The mixture of plaid is very Marc Jacobs, while the polka dotted belt makes it even cuter. The printed top in the second outfit goes perfectly with the polka-dotted scarf.

I've always loved plaid and polka dots, and these examples feature them in unexpected ways.

I'm loving these scarves worn in this way--wound all around the neck. Wearing scarves in this manner helps baggy, layered outfits look more put together. And the loose tshirt on the right reflects the increasing trendiness of Russian dolls and other Russian-inspired imagery.

Image source: A-net

Screen Style: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg) is a French musical film directed by Jacques Demy. The special thing about this film is that every single line is sung, unlike normal musicals where there is spoken dialogue in between musical numbers.

Doesn't sound very exciting, you say? Think again. The film has the most adorable set and wardrobe ever! Catherine Deneuve, in the star-making role of Geneviève, has a wardrobe that's so sweet it hurts, yet she manages to come off looking poised instead of cutesy.

The undoubtedly exquisite quality of the piny cardigan and pleated skirt make a classic outfit even more chic.

She is wearing a peach sundress under this chic peach coat. One of many nice coats in the film.

 

The cutting of this white flared coat is so pretty.

Classic Burberry trench coat worn over a baby blue gingham dress, baby blue cardigan and paired with black maryjanes.

A more complete view of the baby blue gingham dress. These bright pastels suit Catherine Deneuve's colouring really well.

A sweet little dress that somehow looks so French. Reminds me of French brand A.P.C.

Watching this film inspired me to buck up with my French studies!

School satchels inspired by the Proenza Schouler PS1

The Proenza Schouler PS1 that was so popular late last year and early this year has made everyone rethink school bag-like satchels or messenger bags. Not just any mid-sized sling bag counts as one. Usually there must be one or two buckles and a flap, like the school bags our parents may have used.

They're not as formal or fussy as other big structured bags, and then there's that vintage schoolgirl appeal. I've been carrying small satchels for a while but now I feel inspired to upgrade to a roomy one! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to drop thousands on a bag right now! But luckily there are cheaper alternatives.

Mary-Kate Olsen, Kirsten Dunst and Leighton Meister, all cuties in their own right, with the Proenza Schouler PS1.

Two satchels from Topshop. The beige bag is quite a close copy of the PS1, while the second has a worn, vintage look.

This one is from Australian brand Sportsgirl. It's actually called Textbook Satchel. While I think this shade of purple is quite delightful, I'm not sure if the material look very nice. It looks like it might be a bit soft.

Better yet, hit your local vintage or second-hand store. School satchels are in abundance at such stores because I suppose there was a time when people really did use bags like that just because they were functional. And they didn't cost over a thousand dollars either!

Image source: Topshop, Urban Outfitters

Related post:

Drawstring bags

Eley Kishimoto Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear

As half the world prepares for a cold winter ahead, designers have already shown their Spring/Summer 2010 collections. As I am currently in the Southern hemisphere, I am indeed moving into spring. But I don't deny that thoughts of summer helped me to get through a long winter. I'd listen to songs about summer on my headphones while walking around in four layers and a long coat.

If you're gearing up for winter, Eley Kishimoto's Spring/Summer 2010 collection should give you the strength to stay strong till spring. The cheery floral fabrics and airy sundresses make you feel a little warmer just looking at them.

These dresses make me feel like throwing a garden party!

The dress with the printed on collar is sweetly bold! And the subtle use of stripes adds a spunky touch to the floral dress.

These dresses are too cute! The blue dress reminds me of the sailor tops from one of A.P.C.'s old collections. Both dresses are perfect for casual summer days. The neon green works surprisingly well.

Cute and airy tent dresses, great for picnics and a good alternative to denim cut-offs.

Drawstring bags

I've been seeing a lot of drawstring bags around lately. Unlike the smaller drawstring cloth bags everyone probably has lying around somewhere in their homes, these bags are made of leather, suede or stiffer fabrics and are slung across the body or on the shoulder. They're just right for casual outfits, or to dress down a pretty dress and top combo.

These bags from Topshop are edgy, but I'm not sure how I feel about the big round studs at the base.

This bag is cute too and could be worn slung on the arm.

This one will look cuter when the drawstrings are pulled tight, and it's in a rich jewel tone perfect for fall.

 

This is from Urban Outfitters and I think it's cute! It's got a nice shape and the light blue is quite unusual.

Another one from Urban Outfitters, this time quite sporty-looking. It reminds me a bit of those parachute bags that were popular in the 90s.

This cute purple drawstring bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Image source: Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Shopbop

Related post:

School satchels inspired by the Proenza Schouler PS1

Erin Fetherston Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear

The first word that springs to mind when I think of Erin Fetherston is: feminine. Her clothes are girlish in a rather innocent yet refined way. My impression of the brand is that it usually features lots of nudes and pink--and this collection is no different. Everything is just so pretty.

Just look at the feminine cuts, cinched ever so slightly at the waist. Isn't the belt with the heart-shaped buckle in the first picture cute?

These clothes are all so pretty, yet they're so understated that I never feel like they're cloying or demanding or 'princessy'.

Somehow, these all-pink outfits are gentle enough that they're not in the least bit annoying the way some pink outfits can be. Yet they're youthful enough to be cute and not boring or serious.

Image source: Style

Top knot hairstyle

The top knot hairstyle (basically just a super high bun) has been popping up everywhere of late, from the runways to the streets. It's cute because it's not necessarily feminine--it looks super casual when messy, and alien-like when slick. It's quirky and fun.

The top knot hairstyle was a feature Marc Jacobs, Jenny Kayne and 3.1 Phillip Lim collections.

In fact, the top knot hairstyle has been seen on celebrities and girls on the street for a very long time.

As seen at varying heights on Sienna Miller and Rachel Bilson.This hairstyle is very popular in East Asia, as seen on Korean actress Shin Min-a and Japanese actress Yu Aoi.

I've been wearing the top knot hairstyle for quite a while myself, as I'm sure many girls have. It is perfect for casual dates, and makes otherwise stuffy or formal outfits cuter and more youthful. I wear them when I'm lounging about at home in my pyjamas, and I've worn one to a formal wedding dinner. Best of all, it takes less than 2 minutes to create.

Image source: Style

Melissa Shoes

For a few years now, my favourite shoes have come from Brazilian brand Melissa. Their shoes and sandals are made entirely of rubber--but they look nothing like that other infamous brand of rubber footwear, Crocs.

I loved their collaboration with Vivienne Westwood, which first came out last year if I recall correctly. Vivienne Westwood has always been a little kitsch, and the playful rubber material of Melissa shoes brings that out perfectly.

In fact, I have that exact pair of beige t-strap heels. I'll be the first to admit that they aren't cheap for rubber shoes, but I loved them so much I decided to splurge... just that one time.... I actually seldom wear heels because I like to walk around a lot, but these are as comfy as flip flops!

There are other cute Melissa shoes besides those in the Vivienne Westwood collection.

To be honest, these Melissa shoes look like they could have been designed by Vivienne Westwood as well. The blue pair in the middle looks very similar to the platforms she used to make.

They make very comfy flat shoes too. I actually have that last sandal in black; it was my first pair of Melissa shoes ever. It looks much better in black but I couldn't find a picture.

I love how Melissa shoes never seem to be apologetic about wanting to have fun!

Image source: Melissa