Midi Is My Hobby

Maxi skirts long have had their heyday when floor-grazing patterned sheaths dominated the runway, from a Valentino macramé lace number to a Cavalli beaded ruffled dress with glamorous boho movement. And mini trends were just as prevalent during the fashion week extravaganza, turning the summer staple to a showgoer uniform worn with striped orange jumpers and coveted heels.

Then there’s the midi skirt trend that graced the street style playground in various shapes and form. Full, pleated, patterned, lace. A style so versatile that it’s evolved for the sole purpose of style and practice with a hint of Parisienne chic. Stumped on how to integrate a style favored by leggy models into your ensembles? Sky-high heels aside, here are two of my favorite midi styles for work and play (happy hour salute!)

1.) Patterned: whether floral, baroque or jacquard lace, a printed midi will flatter your silhouette. Teamed with crop tops and dainty heels, the outfit is great for a cocktail party or an evening soirée. A friendly reminder — to emphasize a feature, choose large prints; to downplay one, go for smaller prints.

2.) Pencil Cut: a great office staple, it’s a surefire way to take your 9-5 wardrobe up a notch. Choose a high-waisted version and tuck in your crop top (belts optional) and add on bold accessories like chic eyewear and bejeweled necklaces.

In my outfit today I played up the 2 iconic styles with this midi skirt from Milly by saturating my ensemble with bright colors. Because the effervescent floral number held the spotlight, I paired it with a black crop top and kitten heels. Sensory overload. Under tab. Want to add extra pep to your look?  Make sure your accessories pick up a color on your skirt, like the demure orange earrings that matched the coral hue on my dress.

Whether you want to pull off this season’s ladylike trends with a pleated midi, or add an offbeat edge with a leather skirt, there’s an option for everyone. What’s your favorite midi style of the moment?

Xo~ Lena

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Top: H&M// Skirt: Milly// Shoes: 14th Union// Bag: Zara// Shades: Prada// Choker: Forever 21

Photos: Jason J

The Fall Sartorialist

Now that Fall is in full swing, there are many seasonal bearings to embrace that were absent in the beach-frollicking season prior. Pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks for some, watching leaves falling on the wayside for others.

For most of us either in school or a 9-5 gig, we’d like to think of Fall as the bold resurgence of mix-match pairing. Sometimes all it takes is a new silhouette, layering technique, or a wardrobe staple to help you bring your oldies back into rotation. So don’t pack up your summer outfits yet, here are some tips on rekindling the old flame:

1.)  In-Vest: Cheesy as this sounds, you can up the fashion ante by investing in a solid vest. Whether it’s wool blend with satin lapels or faux fur with toggles, it gives your ensemble an edged up look.

2.) Mix prints: Sartorial street style can a visceral instinct for some (or a styling entourage to get it down pat), but it’s not rocket science to master the MOD look. Geometric prints look awesome with plaid flannel, and black and white stripes goes well with bright colors. To avoid being drafted by InStyle as a fashion faux paus, make sure neither prints are too boisterous.

3.) Accessories: Layered bracelets, chunky necklaces, or tribal earrings. On untamed mane days, give your confection a makeover with a wide-brimmed fedora.

So create an exciting new look with the layering effect without forking out the greenbacks for a new wardrobe. Mix and match your wardrobe staples, and have fun styling the model YOU!

Xo~ Lena

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Top: Urban Outfitters// Vest: H&M// Jeans: Hudson// Shoes: Vince Camuto// Fedora: H&M// Bag: TopShop// Bracelet: Forever 21 + J Crew// Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Photos: Jason J

 

A Hint of Potpourri

Fashion at the rim of each season is like a trendsetting neophyte. Reborn and relived in a vast array of nubby textures, hanky hems and high octane prints. The dawn of spring came sweet quilted pastel numbers and floral prints. The cusp of summer? Soon followed suit with jacquard patterns and elastomeric neoprene sheaths.

Now that Summer has finally come to a close, we can take a cue from sartorial street style in New York and the bemused editors at Fashion Week to experiment with novel silhouettes and materials. With new season comes new trend-setting confections. What can we anticipate as the “IT” trends for Fall?

Would it err towards edgy asymmetrical leather wraps Olivia Palermo wore during New York Fashion Week, or more curated selection of Parisienne neutral ensembles à la française (with an ample dose of cat eye + red lips). 

In my outfit today I steered clear from the normcore trend chaperoned down catwalk shows towards a more whimsical look. One that plays up the color-blocking trend much like the Dries Van Noten collection at Paris Fashion Week filled with lavish fabrics and incongruous prints. The key to keeping a mishmash array of colors under tab in a 2-piece outfit? Make sure one color is present in both top and bottom, and that single hue is varied in pattern and texture.

Here I have my acid wash Rag and Bone button down shirt, which serves as the neutral piece, paired with my silky leaf print shorts de Marc Jacobs. Blue was the collective color that kept the look in-line. Accessories were minimal in gold, and shoes were a simple shade of nude.

Play up the wildcard with a hodgepodge of colors? Why not dear, it’s Friday! Care to be a fashion daredevil today? 🙂

Xo~ Lena

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     Top: Rag and Bone// Shorts: Marc Jacobs// Sandals: Aldo// Clutch: Urban Expression// Jewelry: Forever 21 + J Crew// Shades: Prada

Photos: Jason J

Ciao Bella

If New York Fashion Week brought us s a myriad of avant-garde designs like cut-out fringe pullovers and jacquard sheaths, and London Fashion Week bequeathed us a selection of grunge 90’s spirit and neutral palettes, what trendsetting coils and fans would Milan Fashion Week bring to the voguish playground?

Nothing less than phenomenal I suppose. With bouts of whimsical prints for sure.

Italian couture has long been known for its devout dedication to the sobriety, simplicity and quality of fabric. Known for its substantial role in the prêt-à-porter category of fashion, Italian designers are keen on delivering ready-to-wear outfits that are fashion-forward and chic with a speck of playfulness.

 

After an 800 mile crossover from London to the Lombard City, Milan Fashion Week offers us a high octane array of street styles that are as spiffy and dynamic as the runway shows themselves. Ladies in Italian sprezzatura with whimsical styles like primary-colored brights, sheer paneled skirts, and pastel + print combos strutted down the cobblestoned streets, turning the concrete payment into veritable catwalks for the current trend-setters.

In my outfit today I wanted to emulate a Milanese street style look that’s not only vibrant and fun but also takes canny heed on fabric and cut.  One that’s rendered off the Piazza Duomo-runway shows and easily put together with wardrobe staples. To keep the cool weather under tab, I paired a neon green cashmere sweater with a flared knee-length skirt to play up a dainty ensemble. Easy on the eyes. Office nod of approval.

To add a classic court with a literal twist, I paired my outfit with strappy duo-colored kitten heels. Steering clear from the Mary Poppins look, I completed the outfit with this showgoer mohair poncho that adds a smidgen of edge to an otherwise uber feminine ensemble. Accessories are simple gold-toned necklaces. Want to add a pop of color without going down that off-kilter road? Then pair two necklaces together (same hue, different embellishments) to jazz up your outfit du jour!

A bit ladylike, a flash of neon brights. Give it to the bella donna di milano to foray you into that cool, nonchalant vibe with the right dose of girly hype 🙂

Xo~ Lena

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Top: J Crew// Skirt: Express// Poncho: Club Monaco// Heels: 14th Union// Bag: Louis Vuitton// Necklace: Forever 21

Photos: Jason J

Hit Rock Bottom. Bounce Back Up

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together” – Marilyn Monroe

Life can be a tumultuous ride; oftentimes we get caught up in the whirlwind where we are at our highest highs at one moment only to be dropped down next to our lowest lows. At that moment we experience an instant adrenaline rush that puts us in the fight or flight mode where we ask ourselves “should I pursue this or should I just let it go?”

The feeling of perseverance resonated with me as I came by River North, which is a scintillating and upbeat neighborhood north of Chicago’s Loop. Despite its livelihood and crowd, this is one of the places where I encountered many fond memories and where down the road had to turn a “blind eye” to a few. This is the foreground to where friendships were born and nourished, and where the last goodbyes were bid adieu.

Yes despite all these perpetual changes in sentiment, I know one thing stays constant, and that is my character. I became Better. I moved Faster. I endured Stronger. And hopefully became more fun 🙂

In my outfit today I paired tribal-print cropped pants with a fitted black blazer because I wanted to resonate with the idea of BALANCE. The colors are multi-toned and if looked closely can have a dizzying effect–this is like the dilemmas in life that catch us off guard.

In order to maintain equilibrium, we have to counter it with stable matters (much like the neutrality of this classic blazer) — a hobby that hones our creativity, a mentor that gives us sound advice, a blog to muse about frivolous yet enlightening thoughts without pause. These are the little trinkets of life that help us endure difficult times and build our character to counter new ones in a more resilient manner than before.

So when you hit bottom next time, bounce back up. You know it’s in you to be a fighter and a survivor. And if you’re in River North, make sure to stop by Rock Bottom Brewery on Grand Avenue. A beer or two might help too 🙂

Xoxo ~ Lena

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Phots: Jason J 

Tank Top: Banana Republic// Blazer: H&M// Pants: H&M// Pouch: Zara// Shoes: 14th Union// Watch: Marc Jacobs// Necklace: Forever 21

Coralating Effects

“I see the turning of a leaf, dancing in an autumn sun, and brilliant shades of crimson, glowing when a day is done…” – Hazelmarie Elliott, “A Breath of Heaven”

Autumn. The season of pumpkin harvest and fallen leaves. When days gradually become shorter, whilst the hours of evening stretch a lengthy course.

Much like Mother Nature’s telltale signs of Fall, fashion trends and styles nevertheless gravitate towards a darker palette. What used to be a wardrobe amassed with neon prints and floral sheaths quickly transition to bordeaux-colored sweaters and moto jackets. Of course given how versatile add-on pieces are for Fall, choose wisely and you’ll be thinking twice before putting those dainty dresses in the trunk (like HERE).

Then there’s Fashion Week Spring ’15, where designers present their Spring/Summer collections in a weeklong fest of glamour and style. For fashion aficionados, that would be hightailing our mindset to the days of emerging buds and blossoming flowers. Side note – some killer street styles motioned more paparazzi clamor than the catwalks themselves! Ultra-glam in menswear? Have yourself a satin lapel tuxedo blazer over a layered dress. Or take a cue from a ’70s trend when flamboyant dressing was de rigueur and wear a petal-plastered jumpsuit.

   

Nonetheless vibrant hues took the front row seat at many runway shows, gladly reminding us that summer’s prismatic colors are not bygone remnants of the past. I love the selection of coral sheaths modeled down the catwalk à la Tracy Reese and Donna Karan, where the textured floral patterns and wavy folds add a youthful touch to ultra-feminine ensembles.

    

In my outfit today I played up this light-hearted palette with a pink spaghetti strap top with lace detailing. Though the color is reminiscent of a vibrant season before us, the black flared skirt, with its subdued hue and classic cut, grounds the outfit to an Autumn halt. Paired with a waist-length sweater and red pumps, you’ll have yourself an office-friendly attire to curb those weekday blues!

Who said those frilly tops and cropped pants have to go? Take a cue from the fashion connoisseurs parading down the streets of NYC, where fashion is forward-looking, imagination is key, and personal style is a costume party for one, you’ll be using simple styling tricks to take your favorite warm-weather basics into Fall 🙂

Xo~ Lena

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Top: Banana Republic// Dress: J Crew// Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo// Pouch: Zara// Accessories: Forever 21

Plant. Grow. Prosper.

“If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for a moment.” – Georgia O’Keeffe

What is perspective? Is it an idea…an illusion…a philosophy product of our inherent nature or adopted via multiple facets of our day to day lives? Sometimes I wonder why it’s so easy for us to wallow in an idea so grandiose or so miniscule that we eventually lose track of time and forget the noise around us, only to bask in proliferating its existence. I can without a doubt say that I resonate with the notion of nurturing an idea the size of a mustard seed to see its evolvement in full bloom. As a child I’ve always enjoyed reading high-content articles distributed via print media, from the wall street savvy Economist giving props to a bullish market to perusing spellbinding editorial shoots of powerhouse models in Vogue.

Fast-forward a decade or two later, I realize that my interest still holds true, that I enjoy opening up a magazine (yes I’m a traditional breed; iPad just won’t cut it for me) and flipping through the pages to decipher the inspiring, thought-provoking, thriving, and entertaining (Hollywood in all its glitz and glamour) thoughts and perspective relayed by the writer. It’s the voice, the murmur, the whisper that captivates me, inevitably adding itself on to my own perception of the topic at hand. What effect does the stagnation of the Euro currency have on export-driven China? How has the monetary policy been aiding the US economy post Janet Yellen? Are those tribal harem prints worn by Jessica Alba really suitable for all body types (which in my opinion is flattering IF and ONLY IF worn with heels)–these are some thoughts that rummage through my mind when I delve into the ink and paper in front of me. The thought then came into full bloom — what if I were to gather ideas and point-of-views construed from various media outlets and relay my stance on them in hopes of impacting my readers in a positive way?

Thus was the goal in mind when I created Feline Creatures, which was to relay my take on fashion trends, beauty upkeeps, and health provisions with the genuine intention of contributing positively to my readers’ wellbeing. From a little seed lingering in the back of my head to the day I planted and nourished its growth, this desire to ultimately see it blossom into full bloom has never slipped my mind. In my outfit today, I wanted to carry forth the idea of a journey — from the day a mustard seed was planted to the moments taken to nurture its growth and proliferation.

From the whittling leaves of Fall to a fresh new breath of Spring, it is never too late to pursue an interest or goal that would ultimately make your life more wholesome and fulfilled. Very much like my attire, the monotonous colors of black, beige and navy are reminiscent of our daily lives that we strive to make ends meet. With an avant-garde idea to pursue (similar to putting on a fresh new pair of fuchsia pumps), it would motivate us to walk down paths that we’ve only envisioned but never had the time, energy, or courage to tread through before.

So take a shovel and lay down that seed. Water its growth and satiate it with fertilizers. When the moment comes that the bud blossoms into a full-fledged flower, look into the product of your persistence and hard work and tell yourself…this is the beginning of the land where your flowers bloom. Take the moment to smell the roses, then set your feet firmly on the ground and move forward. My friend, your journey has just begun! 🙂

Xoxo~ Lena 

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Top: Forever 21// Knit Sweater: Zara// Jeans: J Brand// Shoes: Ivanka Trump// Bag: Louis Vuitton

 

Mix. Match. Repeat.

Flashing back to the fashion trends of 2014 can be like running the gamut from A to Z. Though various interjected scenes have taken us from pretty pastels to avant-garde neoprene and right back to distressed denims of the ’90s, there are certain trailblazing designs that despite taking the fashion world by storm never forge ahead to the next season. Fashion trend this summer, fashion faux paus this fall (cutout leggings you’re on my radar). Yet with all the “one hit wonder” styles that fashion enthusiasts are so gung-ho about these days, is there any hope of breaking out of a wardrobe rut without jumping on the seasonal trend bandwagon?

The answer is YES, and look no further it may already be sitting in your closet! To transform a monotonous outfit from oomph to ooh-la-la, try mixing prints of different designs and palettes!  Though risky it may be to start, it’s an instant style remake that (once mastered) would add a chic and sophisticated edge to your ensemble. Scared to take the infinite leap? Well follow these 3 simple guidelines to mixing patterns and you’ll be on your way to becoming a “mix ‘n match” design buff in no time!

1. Same color. Different patterns – make sure one color repeats itself from top to bottom. Take floral crop top with striped midi skirt for instance. Say the dominant design on your top is red roses, then choose maroon stripes for your bottom. The deep red will complement each other rather than clash like the clan of titans.

2. Big pattern. Small pattern – there should always be a standout piece. Take the above outfit. Your top is lavished with big petals, then your skirt should resonate with thin, small stripes. You don’t want your outfit to scream BUSY from head-to-toe, so choose your battles and pick one pattern to fight for.

3. Black and White – a foolproof way to mix prints without playing the wild card? Mix two different black and white prints. Black and white polka dots bode well with with black and white stripes or gingham. Given the dual color scheme exudes a neutral flair, it can be a great backdrop for other loud patterns, or yet simply its own kind.

In my outfit today I gave it a taste of my own medicate by integrating all 3 guidelines and pairing a black and white baroque print top with a striped skirt. The color base was black, so I made sure it was omnipresent from top to bottom. I also gave the tri-colored skirt the limelight by ensuring the ornate patterns of my top was minimal and subdued. Lastly the black and white color combo was the focal point of my outfit (with a smidge of navy to keep it à la mode).

Ready to master the art of mixing prints and take your outfit on a bold, adventurous ride? Open the doors of your closet and start digging! Mix ‘n match ‘n have fun pairing!

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Xoxo~ Lena

Top: Forever 21// Skirt: Zara// Boots: Vince Camuto// Bag: Louis Vuitton// Glasses: Prada// Accessory: Urban Outfitters

Credits: Jason J Photography http://jasonjphotography.zenfolio.com

Child’s Play (Lincoln Park)

“Recall the fondest token, by early childhood earned, the spell of years is broken, the sweets of knowledge learned. Bring back the golden beaming, of childhood’s hopes and fears, bring back the silver gleaming, of early gleeful years.” – Louis N. Crill

Lately I’ve been very reminiscent of my childhood years in Thailand. Those early mornings waking up to reverberating chimes at the Buddhist temple amidst car horns blaring through the alleyways. Those summery nights spent at the bustling night markets along Sukhumivit Road with a vast array of little trinkets for any girl to shop at her heart’s delight. Weekends were filled with fun activities like strolling through the Chatuchak Sunday Market, where antique collectors gather to talk about their recent finds, or enjoying a relishing picnic at the King Rama IX Royal Park with a beautiful view of botanical gardens.

Those were the moments full of wonders, happiness and good cheer; no care in the world was given to worrying about tomorrow because the present was our state of mind. No concerns about the repetitious daily grind as life was surrounded by loved ones willing to share the burdened weight on those shoulders. Come to think about it, as an adult we oftentimes get carried away with running this so-called “life’s marathon” that we forget to slow down to take a breather. Life’s like a 5-course meal…you don’t go through the motion of gorging down your meal from hors d’oeuvre to dessert without relishing the fine ingredients. It takes a snippet of thyme and a smidge of saffron to spark up your entrées. So make those tiny moments count…grab a drink with some childhood friends to reflect on those golden days. Go to a park and watch the little ones run through the playground (and join them in their merriment).

In my photoshoot I wanted to re-visit those childhood days by joining the happy campers at the Lincoln Park playground full of colorful slides and swings. My ensemble was garnished by this prismatic crop top that brought out my jovial side, and the colorful Forever 21 necklace in nude pink helped reinforce the concept of “youthfulness”. And to finish this look I brought out my favorite Tory Burch coral clutch to keep all my essentials in place. Given its effervescent glow, coral can be a great add-on to a neutral ensemble, or if you feel bold and mighty for the day, don a head-to-toe sheath! Check out Coralating Matters on how to dress in this summer’s hottest hue!

In a nutshell “all the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust”. So let’s give Peter Pan a run for his money and cast out those sprinkles that’ll take us back to those childhood days. Do something beautiful and magical…there’s got to be more to life than Tinker Bell’s pots and kettles right?

Xoxo~ Lena

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Top: Nordstrom// Pants: Hudson// Shoes: Aldo// Bag: Tory Burch// Necklace: Forever 21

Credits: Jason J Photography http://jasonjphotography.zenfolio.com

Pretty Little Laces

From one season to another, the cusp of summer to the dawn of fall, fashion trends quickly come into the scene as they quickly go. From sleeveless, sport-inspired dresses with closet high-necks in 2013 to peekaboo cutouts with strategic slits in 2014, styles introduced by designers and their runway muses are irrefutably avant-garde and trailblazing enough to compel fashion protégés to follow suit. Though a novel trend can be hot-off-the-press fun for inquisitive minds to try, to experiment, and to remodel, it lacks the “fashion staple” element that makes it classic, timeless, and infinitely pairable with other items in your wardrobe. What’s a positive bearing of a timeless piece you may ask? Granted it’s been tried and tested over past seasons and yet still defies being donned a “one hit wonder”, it’s bound to be fashion faux paus-proof!

With the likes of fashion staples we gravitate to all year-round, certain fabrics we use to thread and weave garments also transcend space and time. One material that many of my fashion staples use is lace, which is an embroidered cutout design known for its classic and exquisite look. To add a “blossoming” spin to my lacy couture apparel, I chose a crocheted dress in my photo shoot today to showcase another signature trend that never goes out of style — floral prints. Florals, much like lace and other classic designs, have a timeless element in its framework, as the petal-infused design was introduced as early as the beginning of Japanese kimonos in year 794 to the spawn of Genoese velvets in the 1400s.

Though sheer petals and lime green hue may be reminiscent of a season before us, the lacy floral sheath can also be a transitional piece from summer to fall. Pairing it with a bold accented scarf in a muted shade of black and grey would prep your outfit ready for those breezy nights at the brink of fall. Don’t pack away your summer pieces just yet! Call it a warm cover-up or an embellished accessory, a light-weight scarf like this skull print one can be a great addition to a feminine pastel dress that you’re not quite ready to toss into the back of your trunk 🙂

Xoxo~ Lena

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Credits: Jason J Photography http://www.jason-j-photography.com/