MACARONS & CUPCAKES

Image sources: here and here.

If people were to ask me who my style icon is or whose style is my strong penchant, I would immediately answer: Alexa Chung! In fact, I might not be the only one who adores her style. Yes, she’s everybody’s muse, the hippest, chicest and most blogged-about style icon of this era. She excels in throwing the epitome-of-chic ensembles, almost effortlessly. It’s as if the ensembles conceive an idea that simplicity is actually the ultimate of chic. No wonder if she attracts a lot of fashion labels to work with or to just simply put her name into their products. Mulberry launched “Alexa” bag just a year ago and it has been going through a remarkable success in sales. Her collaboration with fashion label Madewell is just as successful. And of course, they are only a few of many works she has made in fashion-related industries. Not to mention each pieces in the whole outfit is considered staple – often ends up being ooh-ed and ahh-ed by people and tops the latest trend radar! She radiates real sexiness without having the urge to wear sexy clothes, and for me, that’s awesome, like no other! A source said that she even rather be known as funny than sexy. I sense a girl-next-door vibe in her. Well, of course, there are many chic celebrities out there we can pick as a style icon but Alexa Chung.. she’s like nobody. Her style can’t simply go wrong, a true trend-maker.

source: British Vogue, June 2011, page 148-153.

We all know that fashion trend constantly changes every year bringing out either: fresh, recycled, or revisited trend – blast from the past – ideas.  Let’s take it now, it’s the year of colour-blocking where the pops of bright colours and colour-blocking clothes/accessories are packing the market. Is it not right to follow latest trend, you ask? Well, if it’s me you’re asking to, my answer is, “of course, it’s right”. I am a trend-follower myself and I love bright colours, too – making this year is my year. However, I do agree that having a personal style is more important than merely following the latest trend – otherwise, we might end up turning to a fashion victim. So, personal style, that’s the heart of the matter.

Speaking of a personal style, I virtually know a person with one thereof: Carrie Harwood. She is a fashion blogger, owner of blog WishWishWish – my all-time favourite blog, very inspiring. It dates back 3 years ago when I accidentally found the blog and I still confirm that I’m a loyal reader to date. Dive into the posts and you’ll agree that she embraces and commits to classic/vintage style by establishing her own signature touch – beehive, red lipstick, classic dresses, vintage-toned pictures, etc.

I barely find someone like her in fashion world of this era. Whilst the fashionistas are busy pulling off the latest trend, she remains still and preserves her personal style. Her blog, anyway, is contagious. Vintage wasn’t my strong penchant before – at least not until I found her blog and saw her pretty outfit pictures, I’m smitten. There must be a special knack that she has in putting things together to create a staple and pretty outfit that shouts “vintage/classic style isn’t always boring”. I second that. Also some time round she shares some tutorials (i.e: how she makes a beehive, how she edits pictures, etc) and her encounters during charity-shopping – that makes me secretly wish I live in her town, to venture out the charity shops and go back home bringing a handful of beautiful stuff with me. Ah, I believe it isn’t about beautiful stuff only – but special eyes to dart and pick the stuff, and creativity to put them together into a good-looking outfit. Carrie has both as I believe.

People with own personal style are always more alluring than those of none. Despite still being versatile to any style at the moment, I hope I’m on my way to define and establish mine after experimenting with many. Quote from Coco Chanel, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same”, I will keep that in mind.

All pictures are taken from WishWishWish.