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

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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

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear

To me, Marc Jacobs can do no wrong, so this post may be biased. I always faithfully check out Marc by Marc Jacobs because the pieces never fail to be cheerful and childlike; the styling is fantastic as well and always provides lots of cute and casual style ideas.

The Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection this year comes in eye-popping colours. I'm in the Southern hemisphere right now and we're just moving from winter into spring, so these clothes are making me anticipate warm weather even more.

These sundresses come in bright contrasting shades. I love the contrast of the red shoes against the blue dress. And the colour combination on the ethnic-looking dress is fantastic! Striped casual belts cinching at the waist give an outfit more structured silhouette without making them look too formal.

Marc Jacobs always employs such brilliant styling. Here he mixes stripes with checks and plaid with more plaid.

We probably already own things we can use to recreate these looks. The tshirt tucked into the high-waist flared skirt is feminine but still cute and casual. I love dressing up my tshirts like that! It's the perfect way to get away with wearing old tshirts while escaping looking sloppy.

I usually adore everything Marc by Marc Jacobs comes up with anyway, but right now I'm really loving how the high-waisted, A-line silhouette can look so casual.

Image source: Style

Cute is the new sexy.

Every girl loves fashion, but not everyone has the same style. I'm starting this blog because I haven't been able to find another that features fashion and style just the way I like it--cute. I'm not talking about the excessive use of pink, frills and lace. The kind of cute I'm referring to is a style that's sometimes chic, sometimes androgynous, sometimes a bit rough around the edges, often quirky and whimsical, and always interesting. It's the kind of style that draws your attention to the clothes before the body, and reflects a fun-loving, curious, even childlike approach to life. That's the way I like it, and perhaps there are other ladies who feel the same way. Hope you enjoy this blog!